Affiliate Odyssey

Following on from my last post, I wonder whether much of the angst, fear and procrastination suffered by many affiliate newbies is simply a reaction to the enormity of the task ahead.

We’re always comparing ourselves to Shoemoney, Amit, John Reese, et al and yet, would you really compare your golf game to Tiger Woods, your driving to Lewis Hamilton or your songwriting to Morrissey?

I think we’re being naive.

In most cases, we’re no more likely to match the success of the affiliate greats as we are to play for England or sell out Wembley Stadium.

It’s too easy to get caught up in the hype.

Look at any municipal tennis courts during Wimbledon fortnight. A sorry display of unfit, overweight wannabes deluded by the elegance, fluidity and guile of Roger Federer.

I was reminded of this, watching Dave Naylor on SEOMoz’s Whiteboard Friday. Here’s a guy who just knows - he’s in the zone.

Listen to Seth Godin speak - he was born to communicate.

Look at the video productions of Elysium - pure artistry.

Sure you can be inspired by these people but it’s folly to think you can emulate them.

I hate mediocrity in others and fear mediocrity in myself. It’s so much easier not to try than to try and be found wanting.

It’s what I find so hard with affiliate marketing - finding the energy to get past The Dip  through what Kathy Sierra used to call the “suck threshold”.

And yet… I love it.

It’s all consuming - the game, the people, the potential rewards.

I know I’m destined to do this and somehow I know I’ll succeed.

Just don’t think that because I can do it, you can too.