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Four Thoughts from Affiliate Summit West 2008
I’ve been to most Affiliate Summit conferences and was glad to have attended Affiliate Summit West 2008 earlier this week. It appeared to me that it was the largest one to date and was truly an impressive event.
After having several hours of travel time to focus deeply on the conference as a whole, I have a few “big picture” takeaways to share. While nothing new, it was good to be reminded of these basic truths.
1. Don’t just work for money.
We may have entered affiliate marketing for the money or for the flexibility or a combination of the two. Whatever the case, if we’re just in it for the money we’re missing the main benefits of this powerful tool. We’re also selling ourselves short since simply chasing money is a lonely and short-sighted goal.
Chasing money instead of following our passion into work leads to many of the “dark-side” temptations that pollute the pond we all swim in — as noted by keynote speaker Jason Calacanis (more on that later). So, with this in mind, I challenge each of us to rethink our goals and passion and see if we can better align them in constructive ways. Passion produces great ideas and the endurance to build them out. Money tends to follow those who are successful in so doing.
2. Think Big.
As challenged by Calacanis, I agree that we should think big. Calacanis pointed out that we are the smartest in the industry and should live up to that potential and build on that greatness.
When we simply chase dollars we do not think from our heart. We do not work on what we are passionate about. We fail to enjoy life, and settle for less than we could have.
3. Help people succeed (and in the process you help yourself).
One of the best ways to help yourself is to help others get where you are going. Basically live the Golden Rule — do unto others as you would have them do to you — and help others succeed. That doesn’t mean you give away your trade secrets but it means playing fair, networking, and sharing ideas and advice.
It always amazes me how much I learn informally at industry conferences — usually talking in the halls and at social functions. The interchange of ideas produces a real synergy that is hard to quantify. And to think it starts when somebody gives an idea away. . . amazing!
4. Keep the pond clean.
Some people were offended by Jason Calacanis’ statement that many affiliates are polluting the pond we all swim in. While his brush was wide and his words harsh at times, I have no fear in them personally because I am transparent about what I do.
He is right about some in our industry, though, who are pumping toxins into our pond. Those who do such things know exactly what they are doing and that it is unacceptable. However, under the cover of ambiguity and anonymity they persist for selfish reasons. This poisoning simply must stop. I was glad to hear calls for an industry oversight body to be developed before the government steps in to regulate our pond.
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Well put. Here is my rub. Jason can help people succeed- he can directly impact theprobem, but his signal doesn’t appear genuine or too confident. If the pond is dirty and he hopes it continues- his contribution will be making a place where he can profit.