Shouldbeworking – I don’t think you *have* to meet face-to-face with network staff to be taken seriously, particularly if you’re a self-motivated person that is happy to build a website and make some money (which at the end of the day is all Affiliate Marketing is about!), but if you do want to get a fair bit of help from networks, agencies, and other affiliates, asking them a few questions over a beer will get you much further than sending an email saying “How do I earn money?” which you can imagine they get hundreds of every week. Here’s one that I received just yesterday:

“I wish to know the source which could guide me properly for becoming a successful Affiliate.

Thanks”

That was the entire email – No introduction, a totally vague question asking for the “secret” to AM (Answer: There is no secret!). This person would be much better chatting to me (or any affiliate, network, merchant or agency) at a get2gether and getting a bit of specific advice to help them get started.

I have a member of over 10 different affiliate networks, and yet I have only spoken to them in total about 2 times over the last year. Does that mean im not serious? Not really.

The knowlege you gain is worth it’s weight in gold, meet some good new contacts and it’s invaluable.

But it’s the confidence I gained that you can’t put a price on, everyone who knows me knows I ‘m an enthusiastic (but non-technical) affilaite. I came away from the Expo last year with renewed confidence to work hard and carry on what I was doing and put some new ideas in place. It’s really paid off and my business has gone from strength to strength.

No one should miss this year’s Expo if they are serious about Affilate Marketing. Just hope I can catch up with you this time John and chew the fat over a beer or two.

All the best

Nick

Duncan

Nigel – Glad to help.. Maybe see you around the hotel bar.. Again Beer is always welcomed.. there’s a theme developing here…

Joe – Aye, will be great to catch up again over a few beers.. mmm… beer…

Thanks for this post, I was undecided about staying overnight during the conference due to the cost, however your hotel info was excellent and so I have now booked in for a couple of nights.

Cheers,
Nigel

I am not that well established an affiliate but already been to a few buy.at events as well as a few A4U events including the forum last year. CAC Amsterdam and Affiliate Summit in Vegas this year brought the tally up nicely!

What I get out of these is the networking. We live in a digital world but there is a lot to be said about meeting people face to face. I have met many fellow affiliates (including yourself) as well as key staff from agencies and networks. I have found this approach shows them that you are serious, as they must get inundated with time wasters looking for get rich schemes after reading a few blog posts.

Looking forward to the A4U and I will buy you a free beer at one of the nertworking events :p