As many of you know, I earn my living as an affiliate marketer. Just in case you don't know what that is, let me sum up it up in one word, Referrals. I basically get paid to connect people that have expressed a need to the companies that meet that need. The company in turn pays & provides me with a free website & marketing material so that I can facilitate the introduction. Affiliates can get paid a number of ways. The one that everyone knows about is getting paid per sale. But I bet you didn't know you can make money if someone just fills out an information form or clicks an ad on your site. This is known as pay per lead (aka CPA) and pay per click (Google Adsense). The best thing about this is it doesn't involve the need of your referrals to spend a dime for you to get paid! Sweet, I know. Incidentally that's how I've earned a 6 figure income and why my wife can stay at home raising the kids (Me & My Princess). So don't believe the hype that in order to make decent affiliate income you should only focus on pay per sale. Unfortunately most people aren't even aware of these other areas of affiliate marketing. So they end up missing out on this career because they think they need to sell to make money. Now you know better!
So Why Did I Change My Stance?
I haven't. I'm still a huge proponent of this career because ultimately it's the only one I know of where you can actually earn what you're worth. I'm happy to say that I've introduced many of my loyal subscribers to this career. Some of you have already embarked on your training or have had some success with this opportunity. So why in the world would I write an article about why you shouldn't get into affiliate marketing? Truth be told, it's because it's not for everyone. Sure I can make tons of money lying to you and convincing every one of you to become an affiliate. But my momma raised me better than that and it wouldn't be right. Because ultimately many of you would be destined to fail because you were mislead by me. That's not what I'm about. I wish could say the same about all those rebate processing, data entry, typing and Google money system scams. But I digress. My ultimate goal is to give you all various work at home options that you've never considered but are aligned with your own comfort level, needs and skill set. So with that said, I've been able to identify certain personal characteristics that aren't conducive to affiliate marketing. It doesn't mean that folks who exhibit them are bad or stupid. In fact I think it's just the opposite. It takes a tremendous sense of character when one can look at themselves in the mirror and acknowledge their weaknesses and strengths. God has different paths for all of us. So we need to be honest with ourselves and go with the correct one. Now with that in mind, here are the Top 10 Reasons To Avoid Affiliate Marketing.
The List:
1. You're afraid of failure & see obstacles as a road block instead of a challenge.
2. You rather scan through information than read it. (Are you doing it now?)
3. You're terrified of learning new things. (How did you learn your current job?)
4. You can't follow directions. (When an employer says not to call in a job description, you're the wild boy and calls anyway.)
5. You have a fear of computers or technology. (How did you get online today?)
6. You're desperate for quick money and aren't able to pay your bills at the moment.
7. Working to make a company rich for the next 20 years & getting a pat on the back and/or a gold watch at the end sounds like a good way to spend the rest of your life.
8. You have the utmost confidence that a company will always pay you what your worth & don't mind that they dictate when you can actually spend time with your family.
9. You're fixated on a date or time frame for success.
10. You have a negative mindset and use the words "can't", "maybe" or "try" a lot.
So there you have it, my Top 10 list of why you shouldn't become an affiliate marketer. Now with that said, even if you possess a few of these qualities, a career in affiliate marketing may still be an option for you. After all I had a few of them as well (Fear of failure, negative mindset & looking for quick money). However with some time and effort I was able to shake them all off. But if you possess more than half of the items on this list, it's best to focus on traditional work at home jobs. There's nothing wrong with this.
Judgement Day…
Please understand I'm not judging you. This is merely an exercise to help you make the right decision. Ever since I've written my personal story with affiliate marketing a few months ago, people have been open like a token (NYC Subway reference). I've seen people go and venture off on their own trying to master this career. Quite frankly that's like trying to become a brain surgeon after reading an article. It might work, but chances are it won't and you'll end up killing someone. We all have our strengths and weaknesses. Recognizing what those are will ultimately lead to your happiness because you'll end up doing what's best for your particular situation.
What Should You Do?
Well depending on where you stand with that list above, you should do one of the following:
1. Continue to search & apply for traditional work at home jobs.
2. Get training & start on your affiliate marketing career with a company like Wealthy Affiliate.
3. Or do a little of both to cover all your bases.
What Did I Do?
Well the path I chose was a bit different than the options above. One, I wasn't as smart as many of you and I went this alone. It was a dumb move that cost me unnecessary additional years of my life working for "THE MAN" and lost potential affiliate income. However a smart thing that I did do was having a stable source of income. Because I had money coming in with a traditional offline job, it allowed me to pursue my affiliate marketing career without the worry of having to pay my bills. Having a job also helped me invest in more learning material. In my opinion, you can't really effectively learn affiliate marketing if you're worrying about putting food on the table. You'll end up rushing through your training and forcing deadlines to make money with this career. This can be disastrous because you could be one step away from success. But because your mind is so consumed with trying to keep a roof over your head, you'll be more inclined to give up at the first sign of an obstacle. Whereas someone that already has a job (at home or not) will plug away because their bills are being covered. The learning experience is more enjoyable and can happen at the right pace.
So Why Bother?
This begs the question, then why pursue an affiliate career at all? Well ultimately people that pursue an affiliate marketing career want to be able to do more for their families than what a job will allow. People that pursue an affiliate marketing career want true personal & financial freedom so they have more time with their families. They also want to earn the money that they actually feel their worth. A job will never allow for this. So I hope this gives you a clearer perspective about this career. Yes, it's great and can make you a lot of money. But you need to be real with yourself and determine if you're cut out for it. Hopefully this article has helped with this process. We all have to find our paths. For some of you it will be affiliate marketing, for others it will be a job. At the end of the day if you're happy then that's all that counts. Either way, I'll be here to help you along either path. What did you guys think of this article, Is there some truth to what I'm saying or am I totally off base? Has it moved you towards or away from affiliate marketing? Are there things on the list that resonate with you? Let me know below…
Hi Eddy – you’ve got me with your honesty and humor. I feel like I might actually be onto something here (with your website). Since I’m not having any luck winning the lottery (my dream ‘job’ is having NO job!) and enjoy being my own boss I’m interested in affiliate marketing. I’m not sure if I have what it takes but only one way to find out. I turned my hobby (gardening) into a job but it’s getting way too hard on this old body. I’m hoping to find work I can do from home so that I have strength to play in my own garden til God brings me home (God willing!). I’m glad you made helping others your business and are doing well. I really enjoy reading and learning from your articles!
Thanks Becky! I’m glad you can appreciate my style and what I’m trying to bring to the table. I’m confident being here and reading the articles will lead you down the right path eventually.
I think the fact you have experience in gardening can easily be transitioned online into a blog or website. With the right training you can carve out a niche for yourself. So anything is possible.
Hi Eddy. I came across your site as I was searching “wealthy affiliate reviews” in google. I discoved WA through another website and I’ve been researching it for the past couple days. I am very interested in earning a income online and have been for a while but I’ve been a little aprehensive. My type of job allows me to work 25 hours a week and earn a good income to support myself (however I like my job, but I do not love my job) and I am also studying a university course (distance learning) online which I enjoy very much. I am wondering if I sign up with WA will I be able to fit it in to my schedule, or does it sound like I will be taking on too much? I have a very active social life as well. I was thinking about waiting to sign up when this particular course is over which will be the end of July. Do you know anyone who has a job, plus stydying, who has signed up for the course and was able to fit it all in? I enjoy your writing and value your opinion, thanks for listening!
Loretta
Hi Loretta,
Thanks for the kind words. It sounds like you have your plate full. So I don’t think you should really sign up until you have the time to dedicate to building your business. Because building a business will take time. Having a job is definitely a plus because you won’t rush through the learning process.
But I say wait until you finish your other online studies because this will be a lot of studying and reading as well. I hope this helps.
Hi Eddy, yes there is always some fear when doing something new and and different than others. I’ve been involved in Technology for over a decade and I like learning and being coach-able and teachable. I believe we have all a part to play in God’s Master plan. “The List” tells me a lot about you and your integrity; it is totally right on. I have not been detoured from wanting and becoming an Affiliate Marketer. Thank you for sharing this with me.
Hey Ron,
I’m glad you read the articles I sent you and you still want to pursue this. It means you understand the challenge at hand and are ready to take it on.
So I applaud you. Follow the advice I gave in the article and get the training you need to succeed.
You’re welcome Isabel! That’s how we all grow. We identify our weaknesses, admit to them and work on them. So I applaud you for taking the same steps. You will eventually see success because of it. Just remember the road to success is long and has many failures along the way. But eventually you get to your destination if you’re persistent and never give up on your dream.
Hi Eddy,
I have read your articles on affiliate marketing for at least 2 years and tried at various times to take advantage of this oppty, but seem to always fail. Thank you for this article, yes you have identified some weaknesses I have and that is good. Now I can work on getting them out of the way. Thank you isabel
You’re welcome Katie. Glad I could be of assistance. Be sure to read our recent article about affiliate marketing too, there is some good information there that should help you avoid a lot of common mistakes I see:
https://www.workathomenoscams.com/2011/11/28/top-5-reasons-folks-fail-at-affiliate-marketing-how-to-avoid-it/
Hi Eddy
I found your site today and am very interested in some of the ideas you present for affiliate marketing. I have been researching this idea for a while and you have given me some valuable information thanks heaps.
Kate
You’re welcome Lance. Look there’s nothing wrong with looking for a job. Keep in mind that I had a full time job that paid my bills while I built up my business on the side. It made it much easier to focus and succeed this way. Because i didn’t have the pressure that I had to succeed otherwise the lights would be shut off. lol So keep that in mind. Starting and succeeding in a new business takes a lot of time, patience, hard work and delayed gratification.
Eddy,
I just subscribed to your blog today. If I had spent the time and effort learning what you’ve been teaching instead of sending resumes and scrounging for another job I’d be way ahead. I like your site your style and your honesty. Thank you for launching me in a new direction.
Lance
Hi, Eddy –
Thanks much! I like your style of writing, even though you have a few typos! Good mix of information, personal stories and humor.
Nana : )
You’re welcome. Glad you like the information and can look past the imperfect spelling and grammar. There will be plenty more of that all over the site. lol But most people like you are just happy to find a resource that can help them make money and avoid scams.
Hey Mike,
Thanks for the kind words man. I’m glad we’re both on the same page when it comes to the mindset and work ethic aspect.
I’m glad you appreciate my honesty about one can expect with this business. I know there are people out there that want to make it seem like all this stuff is “sweet” and easy. But it sets people up for unrealistic expectations which not surprisingly leads people to being jaded about this business. So I try to set the bar high so it disuades the wrong people from getting into this because it’s definitely not meant for everyone and that’s fine.
You’re right building a business is very difficult but you’re absolutely correct about that old saying. That’s why most people aren’t business owners and are employees. Although in my mind it’s always been harder for me to be an employee and have another person dictate how much money I’ll make the rest of my life. But I’m a weird one. lol
In any event, thanks again for the kind words. It’s always great to hear when my efforts are appreciated. Good luck to you!
Hi, Eddy,
Just came across your site today and what you’ve talked about struck very deeply (in a good way). I’ve searched the net for a very long time looking for reputable and honest sites regarding internet business; affiliate marketing had never occurred to me, until now. After reading your very helpful pages regarding WA and the proper mindset for affiliate marketing, I’d say it fits the bill. Mostly, it’s because certain key words are included, such as “work,” “dedication,” with no “get rich quick” nonsense attached.
I appreciate your candor in leveling with your readers, this one included, regarding the realities involved with affiliate marketing. As a newcomer to this business, I’ll admit the task seems daunting. However, I’m no stranger to challenge…or failure for that matter and have always appreciated the old saying, “If it were easy, everyone would do it.”
In closing, and above all else, thank you, Eddy, for the open and honest information you are providing; all those scams out there make me sick. Keep up the good work and best wishes to you and your family.
Eddy, your comments here are right on the money! I just signed up with Wealthy Affiliate (7-day trial for $1) because I wanted to finally find out how to market effectively on the Internet. Before WA I’ve tried marketing techniques that failed miserably. But now I think I’m in a better place thanks to your blog. I am an aspiring affiliate marketer who thinks she deserves more than a regular 9 to 5 job. Let’s face it- 9 to 5 is not for everyone just like affiliate marketing is not for everyone.
I will put forth the effort necessary to be successful in Wealthy Affiliate because I just feel like I was never cut for a 9 to 5 job.
I so enjoy reading your blog and very much inspired by you and hope to one match your success!
God bless.
Hey Samantha,
Thanks for chiming in and the kind words. You’ve followed the path many aspiring business owners have followed. We’ve all failed miserably once, twice or even many times. But without the failures we would have never learned to be successful and it wouldn’t taste as good when you do finally achieve it. So I applaud you for pushing forward with your dreams and taking the right course of action by getting the additional help you need to succeed. Most people give up after failure but the ones that ultimately succeed are like and dust their shoulders off and keep coming back until they achieve their goals.
I totally agree with you not everyone is cut out for a 9-5 or running a business. Different strokes for different folks. It’s whatever makes you happy. I feel fortunate to be in a place to give folks the various legitimate options out there so they can determine what’s the best place for them. At the end of the day it’s all about finding the right path and it looks like you’re on the one that suits you.
Congrats! God bles you as well!
I hear what you’re saying. But the point still holds true. I could work real hard at trying to do brain surgery on my own but it doesn’t mean I’ll master it on my own and If I do I’m going to make a lot of deadly mistakes along the way that could have been avoided if I went to medical school. Obviously with affiliate marketing the consequences aren’t as great. The point is why go trying this on your own and making unnecessary mistakes when there is a resource that can help you avoid them and learn faster.