Affiliate Networks You Can Trust
Ad Hustler did a great job posting his funny observations about affiliate summit.
I want to post a few observations of my own.
I had two very different experiences with networks and a thousand bucks.
One of them was quite fun. I went to talk business with Revenue Wire, after my friend Jim Banks suggested they might have a solution for something I was working with. They asked for my card, and I told them I don’t even have any. They wrote my name and email on one of their business cards. The next day I got a call that I had won a $1,000 in some drawing, I was unaware of. At first I thought it was a practical joke, but then I realized it wasn’t. I showed up with Jonathan Volk and Ryan Grey.
Now here is the important part of the story. Revenue Wire said they were going to give me $1,000. I showed up. They gave me $1,000.
Not only was it fantastic, fun to win, and made Revenue Wire look like rock stars, but they did what they told me they were going to do.
Revenue Wire is going to get lots of great press, respect, appreciation, and marketing from me etc. because of this simple action.
Let’s compare it now with another story, of Network X, whose name I will withhold.
I don’t want to slam on Network X, but instead tell the story as an example of the simplicity of good business ethics.
We had a transaction a few months back, for which they were to give me $2,000. They agreed the money was to be paid by a certain date. They paid $1,000 of it. They did not pay the other $1,000. They then said the money would be paid by a certain date. That date came and went and still they had not paid the $1,000.
Then I asked the person in charge of the network for the $1,000, and they said they could probably get it to me that day. The next day, I did not have the money. After the show when I asked for the $1,000 they said, that they needed to pay blank and blank to keep the business alive and I was a lower priority.
I told them this was not acceptable and they could just pay me $100 a month. The answer was, we will just pay you when we can pay you.
Oddly enough I also ran into some money guys during the show, who are offering money to affiliates who need financing. We had a great talk about the affiliate industry, the level of honesty industry wide, and ways they could help.
Right now big business money is trying to find its way into the affiliate industry. I keep hearing, but no first hand information, that the government is looking at the industry and making decisions about regulations.
The difference between the two stories is simply this.
Revenue Wire said they would pay me $1,000 and 15 minutes later, they paid me $1,000 in cash.
Network X said they would pay me $1,000, and then they didn’t, and don’t seem to be interested in doing so.
I have been in business for over 20 years.
Although the start was very bumpy, I have lived by my word. Yes I have made mistakes, and yes I do make mistakes, and yes I will in the future. But if I promise something, I will move heaven and earth to accomplish it, or if I fail I will work sunrise till after sundown to make up for it. That simple.
If you conduct business that way, people will trust you.
I remember once trust being defined as saying you would do something, and then doing that. If you do that enough times, people trust you. If you do something different than you say you will then trust is lost.
I am becoming more active in the affiliate industry, and there are organizations that have really gained my trust, simply by doing what they said they would.
The network who said they would pay me $1,000, and then didn’t lost my trust.
It is that simple.
Really great post. I still can’t believe how awesome that was – congrats on the $1k win! (Who said you can win in Vegas?!) Had a great time hanging out with you!
ReplyJon, we had soooo much fun. Thanks for introducing me to @AdHustler, the guy had me laughing so hard I could barely breathe!
Replygreat hanging out man! always fun times. amazing win at that 1k without even having business cards.
ReplyIan, it was way fun hanging with you too. I just can never see you without a big smile coming out across my face.
ReplyDK,
Great post. Over the course of affiliate summit I interviewed many of the CEO’s from the affiliate company’s about their business, their USP’s and how they can help affiliates. Over the next 12 months I am looking to do in depth and detailed reviews of each one including their reliability with payments, to see if what they claim is true.
Hopefully the outcome will mirror your findings above. What was obvious at affiliate summit was the networks that conduct themselves professionally in the manor which they talked to you.
Look forward to more great posts.
Darryl
ReplyAlso congratulations on the 1k win!
Reply@Darryl It is amazing how much trust some people can exude just looking them in the eye, with a good handshake.
Reply@purposeince totally agree. People make first impressions in 15 seconds or less with 90+% coming non-verbal data.
Replylove the post. You deserve honest and truthful people only!!
ReplyIt’s a shame there are so many shady jackhole’s out their running networks. I wonder if they start off as such, or if they get burned by the shady advertisers who don’t pay, forcing them to flake on their publishers? Do you know?
At any rate, I smell a boatload of opportunities for an affiliate network who can keep their nose clean and do a good job filtering their publishers and advertisers to make sure the money gets into the appropriate pockets.
Being an affiliate manager for several years, I have ALWAYS stuck to my promise of ensuring our affiliates get paid ON TIME ALL OF THE TIME. Straight up!
Congrats on the big win in Vegas.
p.s. I still think we need to get an affiliate conference/expo down here in Dago.
ReplyEric, that is funny, I never thought of you as an affiliate manager. Is that for the calling cards?
ReplyYeah for SpeedyPin. (: Like you DK, I have multiple hats on including, SEO, PPC, affiliate manager, communications, operations, wishful entrepreneur, etc. LOL!
ReplyDarryl pointed out his post about making a good first impression. Then obviously after that you need to deliver the goods! http://darryltott.com/7-seconds-to-business-success/
ReplyCongratulations on the win and congratulations also to RevenueWire for their honesty and integrity. As I was at the ASW11 event interviewing various individuals in all levels of the industry, the message I heard often was that although this is a great industry, it was encouraged that anyone entering the marketplace on any level need to do their due diligence. It’s an industry like any other, and unfortunately are some who operate with dishonesty and unaccountability to their word. On a personal note, it was a great conference and look forward to posting my own observations, my information and producing my radio show with a variety of interviews obtained at the event.
ReplyThanks Nancy, I have a policy of trusting people implicitly until they violate my trust. I even tell people that on the beginning of any business relationship.
Reply@Jennifer Just a good time to state it publicly. In the years I have known you, I have never seen you ever try to do anything dishonest, ever. In fact you always follow your word, even when it costs you. I am very proud of you for that.
ReplyTo answer the question, photo right to left are:
ReplyCraig Kelemen from Revenue Wire
Jonathan Volk super affiliate
dk
Ryan Gray super affiliate
Russell Gowitt from Revenue Wire
@dk appreciate that! same to you 🙂
ReplyI was glad I made that intro dk.
Awesome that you won their competition. I hope the business stuff you spoke with pans out well also. I spent a good amount of time with the entire Revenue Wire team, they are all just really nice people and fun to hang out with.
I only wish I didn’t have to take off so early, would have loved to have stayed some more with you and adhustler, Ian, Jonathan and to find out if Roxy ever came up with anything funny or if it continued to be interesting only.
Take care, until next time!
ReplyCongrats DK!
One of the worst things an affiliate company can do is not pay the people they owe. I have been screwed by companies before and it isn’t really the amount of money. I am sure you would be just as concerned if it was $100. If they owe you they need to pay. Not paying affiliates is one of the quickest ways a company can lose its affiliates.
ReplyGood post DK. For me, trust is definitely the most important part of doing business with someone. It’s sad that there are shady people who just don’t care about their reputation and don’t seem to care about building trust.
Was great seeing you at ASW. Congrats again on winning the cash 🙂
Reply@jim that was one funny evening. If you didn’t see it yet, read adhustlers write up we made that night. http://www.adhustler.com/affiliate-summit-west-2011-day-2-3-observations/
Reply@Brian Thanks! IT is always a great time to see you! Jenny says she misses you.
ReplyThat is too funny!@purposeinc:
ReplyOops! The link about making a good first impression! That’s funny.
ReplyExcellent Post DK. I have to admit, I have NEVER had a good experience with the bigger networks which is of no surprise to me as they are all down serious revenue and even some out of business. Good affiliates that understand the space can operate without a network. Now I will say that some of the smaller boutique-like networks I have worked with do a fine job so there definitely is a place for these newer networks but for me, I had many bad experiences. Its a shame. Without trust, it doesnt matter how big or small the network is or anything for that matter.
Trust is the most important thing in anything that I refer to as the the big three– Family, Life and Business.
Congrats on winning the G-Note. Viva Las VEGAS!
Great to see you — do you ever NOT smile? I am glad we hooked up again
Take Care
ReplyIn answer to your question. Yes, sometimes I don’t smile, LOL. I am just such a phony that I have to put my big Steve-O smile out there, when there is a photo. I know the networks must be taking a beating the last few years, but I have not come across one who will admit it.
And Amen to the big three 🙂
ReplyRight at ya DK. Congrats on the win! I must say. I have dealt with a few networks. I feel fortunate so far. Most of the traffic I have sent to places like Neverblue have been on the level. I try to do my best with compliance and I expect the same in return. I totally think that TRUST is the prime factor for the future of affiliate marketing on the internet and the virtual world. All the gov can do is create a buffer zone. Those that rise and those that continue to prosper will still have to weed through shady networks and people that just do not deliver the goods.
ReplyGreat post DK – hope all is well, bummed I missed you at Affiliate Summit.
ReplyKevin, Sorry we missed you. I know you can appreciate this post too!
ReplyHey DK,
Whether or not a network follows through on an event/bonus/promotional payment is just one aspect affiliates should be worried about.
I think a far stronger indicator of whether I want to work with a network is how strong their compliance team is (if they even have one since many do not). Why should you be worried about that as an affiliate? Because you want to be sure that sales you generate actually go to you rather than to someone who is playing dirty (or dirtier). When stolen commissions from large advertisers like eBay reach $25 million, knowing who is on the compliance team for every network you work with is important whether you are an advertiser or an affiliate.
Angel
Reply@Angel It is a fascinating moment when you see people hit your ad, clicked on it, and then mysteriously on the other end you have no idea what happened. A lot of exciting stuff happening right now with tracking.
ReplyThank you so much for sharing your experiences. I have a great deal to learn. Right now I’m headed over to RevenueWire!
ReplyYes naturally. Any business of any kind who does not honor a payment is going to get exactly what we’re looking at here – A bad review. Extremely bad for business.
But I must say… You look happy enough with all that CASH in your hands from the win! 🙂
ReplyWhat an awesome experience, with a cool learning twist– not only did Network X lose your respect directly, but they’ve probably lost the respect of everyone who hears your story, indirectly. Good businesses win in the long run!
ReplyIntegrity is one value that everyone should really live up to. And if practiced along with consistency, one would definite go a long way. Love this post. I am sure learning a lot. Congrats on the win! 😀
ReplyCongratulations on the win. ^_^
Great posts as usual. Trust is really essential in business.
ReplyCongratulations for winning.. Too bad for the company who did not pay you for what they promised for they will surely loose their customers or clients…
Reply