Once again, we are only weeks away from another UK Affiliate Marketing event, however this is one is a little different mainly due to its main sponsor, DFDS Seaways. It was only 4 years ago when I attended my first Affiliate Marketing event in London when I went along all suited up, polished shoes and business cards in pocket. I also took a handful of fliers I’d prepared days before detailing what my websites had to offer, the type of visitors it attracted and what value I could offer Merchants and Networks alike. All very formal and organised :)
The morning of the event I, like many, turned up quite apprehensive not really knowing what to expect. The day that unfolded was the complete opposite of what I expected! Recently the formality of these functions has slowly faded away and the focus is now on enjoying yourself, the surroundings yet still providing you the opportunity to freely chat to merchants, networks and like minded affiliates.
The main sponsor of the Affiliate Marketing event, being held on 27 March, really have come up trumps with their proposed networking function. It is due to take place onboard one of their Holidayliners, The Queen of Scandinavia with the added option, to cruise across to Amsterdam, turning it into a mini break. The bonus of this is that it will allow those who opt to stay aboard, more time to mingle and carry on any discussions rather than feeling rushed, and missing some people you planned to meet.
DFDS have even lined up an evening of entertainment including a Shirley Bassey look-a-like (Maxine Barry – Stars in their Eyes Winner). Attendees will also have the chance to walk away with prize money from the onboard Poker tournament, although going by my Vegas effort, I doubt I will even be in the top 100! With the James Bond evening theme there will be a number of choices available to all including general networking, a poker tournament, evening meal or you could party the night away in the onboard nightclub. When you wake up all refreshed (excluding the nigh clubbers) you can enjoy 5 hours in Amsterdam before setting sale back to Newcastle.
So what about those affiliates that are ‘thinking’ of going?
Well in my opinion they should stop thinking and get over to the A4U Events website and get yourself a place quickly as a third of the places have already been snapped up!
These events are simply invaluable no matter whether you have been involved in Affiliate Marketing for years or only a matter of weeks. You will get to meet and chat with a wide variety of Merchants and Networks who are all out there to help you succeed with your internet ideas, and often deals can be brokered with certain Merchants in return for additional exposure or guaranteed business leads.
If I was to give pointers to newbies…
If necessary drop them a quick email to those you’d like to meet face to face so you’re both on the look out for each other.
You will want to meet a few different merchants, and they’ll want to meet a number of affiliates so you won’t have the time to go into too much detail.
Merchants want to talk to you about your websites. You are NOT going for an interview so go in something that you’d wear daily (that’ll be jeans & t-shirt for me, maybe even ironed!). HOWEVER, if you are planning on attending the James Bond themed evening, then if you have a Tux… ;)
Affiliate Marketing is a strange world, in that you will find yourself drinking and having a laugh with your direct opposition.
What were you thoughts and experiences the first time you attended a networking event?
What hints / tips would you offer a first timer?
Hi