Let's face it. You know instinctively that most affiliates don't make money. And you know from the size of your checks that you're a member of this unfortunate group.

But, there's a little voice in the back of your brain. It insists you're destined for affiliate glory. You get excited just thinking about it.

Simmer down, partner.

If you want to claim your place as the top affiliate gunfighter, you need to take a look at your technique. What are you doing wrong?

Being an affiliate is hazardous work. What you don't know *can* hurt you.

Don't be lazy. Don't be apathetic. Learn what you're doing wrong and correct it.

Otherwise, you'll find yourself lying face down in the dirt, riddled with the wounds of your ambivalence.

[For the rest of this article, let's suppose you are an affiliate who sells marketing manuals.]

DEATH WISH #1: You Haven't Even Read The Thing!

First rule of affiliate success... If you're going to sell it, try it. Or in this case, read it.

Before trying to make a buck off of someone's manual or marketing course, read the darn thing. That's the only way you'll know if you're selling quality or a bucket of tripe.

Look at it from my perspective...

I visit your site. I notice that you're selling a brand new marketing manual. I'm going to assume you've read it. I'm going to hope that you care enough about me to filter the trash. If you do, that makes you a valuable resource. Someone I can trust.

Otherwise, you're just a carnival barker.

No credibility. No believability. Just loud.

Guess what that means... no sale.

DEATH WISH #2: Is There Any Manual You're NOT Selling?!

I'll make this point quickly. And bluntly.

Do *not* sell every manual you can get your hands on. It looks cheap. And it dilutes the perceived value of your sincere recommendation.

Let me translate that into English...

In our example, you sell manuals. If you sell 4 or 5 different ones, I'll be impressed. I'll think that you've focused your efforts on ferreting out the best of the litter.

You're saving me valuable time and potential heartache.

On the other hand, if you sell 35 different manuals, I'll think you're focused on money. You're a hired gun that just wants to be paid.

Now, there's nothing inherently wrong with that. After all, that's why you're an affiliate: You want to make some money...

... but not at the cost of sending me to bad product.

In short, the perceived value of your sincerity has begun to lose its luster. And I have begun to doubt you.

DEATH WISH #3: Don't Sell. RECOMMEND.

Hired guns sell. Friends recommend.

People are savvy these days. Especially online. If they perceive you as a hired gun who is simply trying to unload product for a piece of the action, you're finished.

You might as well pack it up and ride to another town, cowboy.

On the other hand, if folks perceive you as a friend who is trying to add value to their lives, they'll be more receptive to your pitch.

Let me give you a great example...

Many of you know Paul Myers. He oozes credibility.

Every once in a while, Paul will find a product that he believes in. A product that truly adds value.

He'll buy it. He'll review it. Then, he'll *objectively* report his findings.

He'll tell you what he likes. And more importantly, he'll tell you what he doesn't like. He'll explain what irks him about the product.

...even though Paul is an affiliate who stand to gain on every sale.

For instance, consider Cory Rudl's marketing course. Paul wrote an astounding review of it. Better than any I've come across since.

[ You can receive it by email at mailto:review@talkbiz.com ]

At the time of Paul's review, Cory's course implied that spamming was an acceptable method of marketing. Paul quickly stated otherwise. He considered Cory's advice regarding spam inappropriate.

---- A Side Note ----

Paul has confirmed that Cory has since removed the material about spam from his course.

--- End Side Note ---

Paul's objectivity added value. His recommendation of Cory's course was tempered by his conviction for providing his audience with the best possible advice.

He wasn't interested in simply getting the sale.

As an affiliate, your job is to sell. But, if you want me to buy, you'll have to add value.

That means giving me your *objective* recommendation. Tell it like it is. Give me the good news and the bad news. No product is perfect. You know it and I know it.

Implying that a product IS perfect makes me think you're going for the dollar.

And that just hurts your credibility.

Damon G. Zahariades

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