When I started this journey into affiliate marketing, I spent a lot of time watching other affiliate marketers on social media. This was my initial exposure to the industry and my first impression of affiliate marketing went something like this: it’s easy to learn, easy to start, and you will be making money in no time.
I’m now a little over seven months into this journey and the biggest thing I have come to learn about this industry is that there are many ways it can be done. Some methods are quick and enable you to promote products within a short time (weeks, maybe days even). And then I discovered other methods, where the training is more intricate and takes a bit more time.
I ended up not following the path of those affiliate marketers that I was initially introduced to (we’ll call it “the quick path.”) Instead, I was introduced to Dean Holland and his company Internet Profits, and I was pulled to follow his approach. I decided the best thing for me was to invest in myself through his training and coaching. Now, seven months into this process, I still feel like that was the best decision I have made regarding my business.
I expected within seven months I would be earning an income. In full transparency, I am not at that stage yet. What I didn’t expect in this process is that Dean would launch his own CRM platform (Affiliate System) to accompany his new coaching program during that time. Because the stars just so happened to align at the right time, I had the fortunate and Divine opportunity to receive private access to the “beta testing” for his new coaching program. This new training did set back the time table quite a bit; however, what I’ve received during that time has been absolutely unbelievable and life-changing.
Through this “beta testing” of Dean’s new training and new platform Affiliate System, what stands out most amongst other methods of affiliate marketing: the time it actually takes to set up a solid online affiliate marketing business.
From everything I had researched about affiliate marketing initially, I expected to be up and running and profitable very early. Knowing what I know now, I don’t think that’s entirely accurate. At least, not from my current vantage point. I’m not saying those other affiliate marketers are dishonest, but my process has been different.
The difference comes down to: are you trying to make money, or are you launching a solid business?
I don’t believe those affiliate marketers who tout getting up and running within weeks, maybe days, are really creating a solid online business. My opinion is that they’re likely regurgitating someone else’s methods, tactics, and/or templates. Maybe I’m wrong, but I just don’t see how it happens that quickly, not if you are looking to understand all of the skills and tools necessary to run the many facets of an online business.
What I have learned in these last few months are the skills I have acquired will be exceptionally valuable to take my online business, any online business, in any direction I want. Not only am I learning how to create my own products (when the time comes) I’m also mastering how to market them and acquire and nurture a following. The topic doesn’t matter, I am confident I will be able to monetize anything I feel passionate enough to promote.
In other words, I am learning skills that I can apply to a multitude of other online businesses. Affiliate marketing is only my first online venture, I assure there will be more to come as I perfect this process.
Since I have a solid professional health background, I have the knowledge and experience to not only teach the masses online, but to monetize on that knowledge and experience. The difference now compared to before Dean Holland’s training is that I now am able to take that knowledge and go in many different directions with it, entrepreneurially speaking.
For example, I have always had plans to launch an online course for chiropractors and help them with marketing in our modern world. Prior to Dean’s training, I had course content but I didn’t know what to do with it. I was at the point where I was going to have to partner with someone else that would help me market it. Now, I not only have the resources and technology to launch that online course, I also have the marketing knowledge to capture an audience for this course. I am perfecting all of the skills needed to create that entire course and monetize from it, without seeking additional resources from other people. And this is just one example.
What I have learned from Dean’s training is the proverbial, “give a man a fish, feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, feed him for a lifetime.”
So instead of rushing through a simple training course to learn how to make quick money from affiliate marketing, I’m learning skills that will be invaluable forever.
I’m not just learning how to get rich quick, I’m learning how to get rich forever.
Great points! What we learn with Dean can be applied to any other business we choose! It also can be applied to any other part of life! Get rich quick is a red flag, for me. Now when I see those promises, I move on with confidence, knowing my choices are more in alignment with my true self!
I couldn’t agree more, Kate!
Lauren! Your post and comments are so true! It is not get rich quick and I’ll add, it is getting fulfillment at the right time (including money, attitude, mindset, perspective, the “whys”, etc.). You and I have been in this system for roughly the same amount of time. Yet, it will happen for those of us who are diligent when it is supposed to happen. I am confident in that hope and I have a lot of faith that this is the right path. The skills we are learning while we are waiting for sustained results are so incredibly valuable. I have been in the world of Human Resources for so many years and I’d like to eventually help others who are getting started in that field. I am so very passionate about supporting those who can find a cure for cancer, primarily pediatric cancer, that I hope to use these skills to support this cause. I plan to use these skills for so many things I can think of now and for so many things I have not even considered. So, I will be patient and learn and absorb and hope and be ready for the day it all clicks! I am a big baseball fan so for those that know the reference, “if you build it, he will come…” will understand. Well, replace the He with They in that quote. We are building an online business and They will come. We can then use what is built to help others and add value. I ramble, but your post resonated with me! Have a great week!
Ernie, thank you for sharing the personal touch of your “why.” I don’t have to tell you that your passion is what’s going to make you great at this. To your point, luckily I AM a big baseball fan… and in particular a Field of Dreams fan, so I totally get your reference (and I love it, BTW). I couldn’t agree more: what we are creating will be a soft place for people to “land,” and be comfortable to invest their time in learning from us… because ultimately WE took the time to invest in OURSELVES.
Hey, Lauren!
I’m so excited to hear of your future plans! I’m also excited about what the future holds. Not only are we learning how to promote Dean’s products, but we’re also learning the skills to market our own if we so choose.
You’re right. So many of those get-rich-quick programs don’t do that.
Here’s to getting rich forever!
Nakina
A big ‘cheers’ to that, Nakina! Absolutely!
Lauren, Go TeamBABA! Your journey into affiliate marketing sounds like a rollercoaster of learning and growth. It’s refreshing to hear your honest perspective on the industry, especially regarding the time it takes to build a solid online business. Investing in yourself through Dean Holland’s training seems like a wise choice, despite the setbacks. Your commitment to mastering valuable skills for the long term is commendable. Keep embracing the journey and your dedication will surely pay off in the end. Thanks, Atif
Yes and YES! GO TEAMBABA! As always, thank you for the vote of confidence and your unwavering support. Not only do I continue to look forward to sharing my journey with followers like you… I enjoy more hearing your response to my process. As always, thank you for sharing!
It is so true. When I first started my affiliate journey, I thought I would only learn how to monetize a link, but joining Dean’s program and learning how to build an online business from the ground up, learn all the skills involved in making it successful regardless of niche. Whether you are selling a digital, physical product or services that is yours or someone else’s, learning the skills of generating traffic, capturing traffic, email follow-up, and how to build out a sales system will take your leads and turn them into superfans, giving them an incredible journey helping them solve their problems, sharing your expertise, making friends and building relationships, and you can make a living off this! I never thought I would be learning all of this and doing it, but I am so excited I am on this journey with you! I cannot wait for Affiliate Systems to be open to all, it is a truly unique CRM that offers to help lay the foundation for any business! Filled with so much gratitude to be on this path.
I’m right there with you, Alison! I’m SO EXCITED when Affiliate System goes live and we get to promote that specifically. I know it’s going to be a game changer for so many, as it was for me.
I can’t think of any of those quick methods that could really generate a significant job-replacing income.
When I started this I was looking for a way to learn online marketing, and thought it could supplement my income. It hasn’t done anything to supplement my income, but I’m learning a lot. And I’m learning I really like affiliate marketing. A substantial income is going to take most people a while because you really have to build an audience that knows, likes, and trusts you and for most people that won’t be quick.
Nathan, I couldn’t agree more. To do this right means you’re in it for the long haul. However, even though it may take some time to have your business really take off, that doesn’t mean you don’t get to enjoy the process along the way!
Lauren,
I agree that the marketers who say you can get up and running in days, or the quick path, that they do not guide you how to run a business which is more valuable than quick money (if that even is what happens as I have questions about that.) You made the right choice to chose the path you did and learn the skills needed to succeed for the long term.
Sherri.
I agree, Sherri! I think this is the best decision for the long term!
How exciting is this?? I love the journey we are on and feel so blessed that our paths have crossed. The skills we have learnt are life long and I couldn’t even imagine there is a better mentor than the one we have.
I can’t wait to see you succeed, and you will BIG time. I will be your biggest cheerleader.
Get rich quick is a huge red flag and I too was introduced that way. Thank goodness for affiliate system!
Sarah, You won’t be any bigger of a cheerleader than I am for YOU! I can’t wait to see you succeed as well… and I have zero doubt you will. I completely agree; I think we have been blessed beyond measure for having the mentor we have. It’s made all the difference!
Lauren, Everything you’ve said is spot-on. I couldn’t have said it any better than that. Unlike you, I wholeheartedly believe that many “marketers” online are lying about their earnings and how fast they are making money, and I’ve called them out on it because it angers me so much. These are people who follow someone who does unscrupulous tactics to lure you into their BS and then teach you to do the same saying “it’s just business and everybody does it”. No, they don’t. These people rent expensive houses to do video and image shoots, purchase likes, views, and comments for their social media pages, AND post hundreds of videos showcasing their lifestyle in their rented homes and cars without saying a word. They point to captions about how much they’ve made this week only after 8 months in business and how many have retired their spouse. It’s laughable and ridiculous, but people, including myself, fall for this time and time again. The time I have put into Dean and Internet Profits has been a game-changer. I get it now… it is crystal clear for my mission. We are all fortunate to have found a man who really does care about what he is doing and teaching to others because it is the best approach for success and will give others who know nothing about internet marketing a painting of what it truly is to succeed without any false promises. Well done again, Lauren, on another excellent blog post. It’s always a pleasure to read your content…
You’re so very right, Vanessa. I think there’s a lot of dishonesty going on out there. I *try* to give people the benefit of the doubt, I try to not make a blanket statement that they’re all liars… even though I think the majority truly are. It does anger me as well… especially knowing how much time I am putting into this, and doing it ethically, morally, and honestly, only to have others out there pull the rug out from under us with their terrible tactics. I guess at the end of the day, we can just be responsible for our actions and how we run our businesses. I know I can sleep at night.
And thank you for the blog comments. I am humbled and appreciative when I read that people enjoy my posts… ALWAYS!
Lauren,
Well said!
We are on a journey that has many obsticles but Dean’s mentorship has and continues to help shine a light on the path forward.
In addition to Dean’s help, the community and small mastermind groups are helping to keep pushing forward on the journey.
I am glad to see you are wanting to learn to fish not just given a fish for the day.
I believe in you and know you will go far.
CJ
Thank you for the words of encouragement CJ! I appreciate your feedback; they are proving to be very welcomed and appreciated each week!
Hi Lauren,
I think you’ve hit the nail on the head realising that this venture is not something to be taken quickly. Very wise words indeed.
Andy
Thank you, Andy! It’s a marathon not a race… but one well worth it.
The conclusion of your post says it all. Learning skills that will be invaluable forever is why a solid business takes time to establish. We should not worry about the time it takes, because we know that when success will come, it will come to stay. It’s a slow progression on a proven plan. Let’s be patient.
Good post!
Martin
Thank you Martin! While some days are better than others, I’m quite confident with continuing to be patient on this journey. I’m in it for the long haul.
Lauren, great post truth be told. Most of the Super Affiliates have a big list or they run very targeted lead traffic ads. In fact, most also have a team to keep the money incoming. It does not happen overnight. If you start out as a one-man band you have to deal with the learning curve long-term. That said, I think you’re headed in the right direction.
Thank you James! I appreciate the encouragement!