GEtting started with ppc (5)
so theres a guy who runs an affiliate network not far from where i live. He seems to do really well for him self and i want to approach him and try to get a gig as an intern or assistant with them. What the the basics and fundamentals i should learn so i can provide at least SOME value to him?
what would you look for in a potential intern?
what would be the best way to ask him to be my mentor?
ive come to the conclusion that i really need a mentor or a teacher to ask questions and really teach me this business, i love STM forum but i just get lost with all the different angles, companies, tools, strategies, old posts.... just information overload and a lack of taking action. I DONT KNOW WHERE TO BEGIN but i do know that i want to learn this industry.
rambling vent over. 
Running some affiliate campaigns first may be a good start! Feel free to start a follow-along to get feedback - that's the closest to getting guidance from a mentor, but for a small fraction of the price.
That way you can tell him you're an affiliate that already has some experience in this industry.
If you're looking to be an affiliate manager, you'd need to demonstrate that you are a people-person, can keep in touch with lots of people. Being very organized is also key (due to having to handle lots of tasks that come with liasoning with a ton of affiliates).
And being a member of STM can also help make your resume look more attractive.
Other than that, I would just approach the guy and ask him what it is he's looking for, and tell him I'd be willing to learn on the job.
Because I talk to so many people in this industry, I do get asked from time to time by networks to recommend people for job positions, so I know the basic requirements most are looking for. But don't overthink things - if you talk to enough people you should be able to find something. One of the recruiters was the CEO of a new network and the only criterion he told me when asking me to keep an eye out for suitable candidates, was "anyone who'd be willing to work hard and is a fast-learner". So no matter your level of experience, there will always be hope!
Also - if you have the funds, I would highly recommend going to an affiliate conference such as affiliateworldconferences.com. That way you can talk to large numbers of people at the same time and start building your network of contacts in this industry, which is important no matter what it is you end up doing.
Last but not least - check out Affjobs.com. It's still in its infancy, but already has some great jobs there you may want to check out.
Best of luck!
Amy
thanks vortex! i didnt realize that you had gotten back to me. id love to get started. mayve i will start a follow along today, any tips on being well prepared for a follow along post to make it as efficient as possible?
THank you so much!!!! I was so excited to see that you had replied to my post!
Originally Posted by connor142
Some affiliates try to keep too many things secret, fearing other members would copy their campaign. Truth is, long-term success depends on the ability to make campaigns profitable consistently, and exposing one campaign isn't going to have major effects on anything. Avoid this pitfall and you can't go far wrong
Amy
Nothing beats seeing a campaign in action, you need to experience it first hand. Spend some $ on traffic, learn how to track and do basic optimization, then try to approach the guy. Make sure you understand the basic terminology too.
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