I recently read Zac Johnson’s blog entry “The Rise and Fall of public internet advertising companies” and an article by Jim Hightower and Susan DeMarco “A Better Way to Do Business”. It got me thinking, why do companies stumble and more specifically affiliate programs and affiliate networks? I have seen so many come and go over the years. Programs started up and months later closed down. Networks or directories that never quite evolve into what they were intended to be.
Why?
Attitude/Approach
The public internet advertising “corporate company mantra” is “make as much money as possible” and do it right now. They are all about themselves and give no real thought to the internet community at large, not exactly the best way to make friends in the community.
Companies are succeeding that have a different attitude; one of stewardship, common good and making the world or at least their little snippet of it a better place one byte at a time. Building a partnership with the community- making a difference.
Affiliate programs are partnerships between the merchant and affiliates ( the internet community).Networks or at least the ideal network fosters the partnerships, giving affiliates and merchants the tools they need to succeed for the common good.
The selfish corporate mantra has no place in affiliate marketing. The attitude and approach that will produce real success is one of working to make a difference for the common good.
Steady growth and a loyal customer base are the building blocks to even higher long term pay outs. When you think of your next affiliate program/network to join/website to build out try taking the approach how can I make a difference and contribute to the internet community instead of how can I make a quick buck. I can assure you the long term pay-outs are well worth the efforts.