Time management: networking vs working (9)
I was hoping some experienced people could chime in on this question I have...
If I am just starting out, about how much of my time should I spend networking/talking with people, and how much should I spend actually doing work on the computer?
I feel like I'm naturally an extrovert but then I learned the hard way that doing too much talking with people can lead to no action being taken. So then I went to the other extreme and became a programmer and didn't talk to anybody, and that wasn't good either. I love to shoot the shit but I also love working on stuff, so does anyone have any advice as to how to effectively allocate my time in this industry?
Thanks!
I think networking with other newbies is useless - It's like the blind talking to the blind.
I recommend spending your time working on campaigns and building up your VALUE as an affiliate. Next, the best networking is done in person. Go to conferences such as ASW or STM London. Meet with affiliates who know their shit and grab their Skype. Buy them a beer or two.
I still network these days. I'll spend maybe 30 minutes a day skyping or calling other affiliates. The conversations are brief and to the point. I always make sure I GIVE value and never leech it.
Hah, I was actually thinking "I wonder how much Charles Ngo networks" when I typed this question, so thanks for the reply.
Mostly I have heard that eventually, a successful affiliate will want to go direct, and I figured you would have to have A) established yourself and B) have some sort of network, or at least an online presence, that knows you are legit in order to find partners to go direct with. I also figured you'd have access to more/better offers if you had a good-sized network than solely relying on aff networks.
I would first gain enough experience than focus on the networking with other affiliates.
You need to be able to give some valuable info in order for others to share back.
Maybe it's a good idea to start building a relationship with your AMs, that can help a lot when starting out.
Originally Posted by natedl98
Your 2nd paragraph isn't correct.
Going direct is all about how much traffic you're sending.
Lets say YOU send $10k a day to Ngo Web Assets, the affiliate network to a dating offer. All you gotta do is find the contact info for that offer (through friends, online websites, asking around) and email them. I am sending $10k a day to you, lets work together. You give em your aff network and Aff ID so they can check your quality.
Boom you're in business.
In general an online "presence" is not that needed. I've gotten some great opportunities bc of my brand, but jesus christ I've invested over a thousand hours into it.
Interesting, thanks to both of you for the advice!
hey natedl98 , I think networking is pretty damn important.
I always tell the story of how in my first few months of doing affiliate marketing all alone at my house with one affiliate messenger on AIM.
Finally, I decided to go to ASW and meet a few people. During that trip I met a few guys that opened up a whole new world of ideas to me and became 5+ year friends now.
Once you get up and running and making some cash, definitely hit a conference or meetup when you can.
Good luck,
Malan
Originally Posted by dr_ngo
gather some knowledge and put it to work
THEN network with others sharing what you learned and if you give enough value, you'll find some good connections that last YEARS to come
Cool, I think my gameplan then for now is to focus pretty much 95% on running actual campaigns, and the any "networking" I do will pretty much be on here, asking questions.
I'd like to give value back, since I've been asking a ton of questions, but I think right now most value I give will be worthless as yall have stated, unless someone needs programming advice or real estate tips.
I'm getting legal stuff squared away and then my plan is to do a couple follow alongs. That probably won't be valuable to any experienced members but it's a start
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