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Affiliate programs are like Marathons
I got carried away watching the Comrades Marathon - a 89 km (56 mile) gruelling run. Being the affiliate geek I am I could not help muse how similar affiliate marketing is to a marathon - so i blogged it on my own blog first. http://blog.forgebusiness.com/131/affiliate-marketing-the-virtual-comrades-marathon/
So what are the similarities?
Unless you’ve got the endurance to make it you won’t be successful. So many companies start out at a full run (or a speedy sprint) but run out of steam halfway, because they did not plan effectively and pace themselves for the duration.
As with running you need to:
Plan your training schedule -plan your online affiliate program
Work with a coach - find an experienced manager or management company to develop your strategy.
Stretch and prepare using your training schedule - Practice your launch and management best practices,
Know the route - knowing the market,
Eat lost of carbs! - have enough funding to see the project through
Run your plan - stick to the plan don’t get distracted!
Any other metaphors you’d like to add?
Yes, I would like to add one. Affiliate Marketing is’nt a light switch. You just dont turn it on or off. As you mentioned, it takes time, but is well worth doing and has tremendous rewards for those who “finish the race”! In my business experience and opinion, it is one of the most cost effective ways of doing business on the web. Nice article!
Emilio,
That is the exact same thing I say to people - it’s not a light switch. Something else I’d add is that it’s not the only online channel and it’s not a substitute for having a great site with a strong conversion. It’s a channel most companies will want to be in but not one that’s effortless and not one that manages itself.
Nice to hear from your Jon, great post, Will we be seeing you in Miami in July?
Heather
Hiya Heather! Yes, I’ve been absent for a while
I’ll be in Miami - a last minute thing. We were going to exhibit but could not get flights for the team. 4th July booked solid. Luckily I got a flight at the last minute
Bloody expensive too - so who’s buying me dinner? lol I’m tapped out $3500 flight!