If you’re like me, you’ve either been at this Affiliate Marketing thingy for quite a while or are a “newbie” as they call it. But whether you’re new at this or not, one thing is for sure, you’ve either learnt a lot or you are willing to broaden your horizon and learn a completely new field! You’ve also learnt that it’s not easy and that, contrary to what many are peddling online these days, it does take time.
Therein lies the biggest hindrance we face as online marketers: time. We live in times that essentially require everything to be done NOW! Order from Amazon and boom, it’s delivered the following day if not the same day. Need something on your phone? There has to be an app for that!
So talking about starting an online business and that it will take considerable time to find traction and be financially productive is definitely something that may not only scare you but also hinder any chance that you might start it in the first place.
What Helps Then?
Just like a new job, with your online business, you not only need to find your way around all of the components of Affiliate Marketing such as Social Media platforms, (think Tik Tok, YouTube, X and the like), email management software, website updates and management, etc… but you will definitely also need support.
Support like a mentor or at minimum, a place where you can discuss and find solutions to the every day problems you will run into while running your online business.
I’ve said this in a previous post but I’m not trying to scare you but at minimum give you a fair understanding that the project you’re starting by going online with your business, won’t be an easy one. So many times I’ve sat down and thought to myself: “is this really worth it?“.
And that is where the Affiliate System community in Skool and more specifically someone like Dean Holland and his team at Internet Profits come in. When I ordered his book “The Iceberg Effect” and only had to pay for shipping, that action pretty much saved me from quitting. Now you might ask yourself: “how can one book do all of that?“.
For one thing, he brings everything in perspective. Now yes, he started off close to 20 years ago (if not more?) and any online business running at that time has had to go through so many changes that only the ones that truly help others actually survived. Dean is one of those mentors that you wish you had when you first had that idea of running an online business. He’s seen the good, the bad and the truly ugly.
Having a mentor who truly believes that your success brings him his success is really a game-changer. I’ve been around long enough to have known people who’s success only depended on them stomping on others or taking credit from others where none was due. Dean isn’t like that. Any success, however small, you may have is considered a win!
Going Back To Basics
Now you’re probably asking yourself why I’m going back to the basics; heck, I’ve even written a post about this last year. Well, the reason is quite simple: after having been away for close to 5 months, there’s a lot that has changed and a lot that I need to get reacquainted with. Business hasn’t stopped while I was away.
The great thing about getting back to my online business at this time its that – although there aren’t any bad times by the way – Dean has decided to provide anyone who wants to any and all means to become successful online. Now you’re probably saying; “wait a minute Marc, wasn’t he doing that before?”
Yes but now what he’s opening up is a whole new aspect of his business that will help all of us create opportunities for success. He’s also going to be offering (unsure if it will be open to everyone?) the opportunity to tag along and work with him and his team during a 30 day sprint – with that, I know I can take my business to the next level.
Being able to watch over his shoulder and mimic what he’s doing – all the while learning how the online business environment works these days – is an invaluable opportunity and I can’t wait to jump on that bandwagon!
To The Next Level
Anyone that has been online has seen how it has evolved – for the good and the bad – over these last few years. One big advantage we can attest to is the advent of AI to help us. It’s a bit like how before you had to know HTML coding to set-up your website to now using WordPress, picking the theme you prefer and bingo, you’ve got a website in 5-10 minutes. Weather you like it or not or even agree with it, AI is changing the business platforms we currently live in and work with.
I have to be honest, one of the things that was holding me back was being so afraid of using Social Media. Glenn at IP (thank you again for this) had mentioned to me during one of our Partner Events that I was a “nobody” and that anyone who thought less of me would either delete themselves as a friend or wouldn’t say a word. That has changed me. I’m looking forward to continuing to use my voice-over experience with my Social Media accounts but to also include videos of my online business journey.
At this point, I’ve got nothing to lose and everything to gain. Time to take off the gloves and “become a person capable of success“…. (now I wonder where I heard that before? LOL!)
Like what you’re reading or have questions or even have a comment to add? Write it up in the comments section for me to reply and don’t forget to subscribe to my blog for continuous insights and tips. Together, let’s leverage the proven methods from Dean Holland’s Affiliate System to create a sustainable income stream.
To your success…to our success!
Hi Marc, you “came back” at a good time, as Dean changes things up a bit. Tomorrow’s call is a good example of that. I wonder what’s up his magical sleeve?
Most likely will do like everything he’s done in the past…. over-deliver! LOL!
Hi Marc – This is a wonderful and extremely honest post. We do live in a society where we want everything now and we want it on our terms. Like you, I am not a newbie to this but oftentimes feel like I am new because I haven’t achieved the success that I want. I know it takes time and I’m glad to have mentors, like you, who will guide me to success and have the courage to call me out when needed. Thank you for your persistence as it is motivating for those of us in the same situation as you. Cheers to your, and all of our, success!
Hi Ernie,
Appreciate the comment and the support. I think we all become mentors to one another at one point! We definitely want all of us to succeed; that is one point I totally love from Dean and his team: we’re all in it for everyone’s success!
Hey Marc,
This is such a good reminder that we’re not in this alone. It’s not just about hitting our own goals, it’s about cheering each other on and growing together. Honestly, having people around who get it makes all the difference.
Meredith
Hi Meredith,
So true! Appreciate your comment and definitely agree that together, we can all succeed. Thanks!
I absolutely loved reading this – it felt like you were talking directly to me! 👏 You’re spot on about how time is the biggest challenge in this whole online world. I’m definitely one of those “newbies,” and it’s so reassuring to hear that even the pros (like Dean and you!) started with doubts and setbacks. 🙌
I’ve also struggled with getting my head around all the moving parts – TikTok, emails, websites – it’s a lot! But you’re right: having that kind of mentor and supportive community makes such a huge difference.
Thanks for sharing this, it’s exactly the pep talk I needed today. Keep up the great work !
Hi Sarah,
Thank you for your comment and yes, we definitely need some form of reassurance – at any point during this crazy time! I always think back at what my grandfather told me: “how do you eat an elephant? … one bite at a time!” – so for anything that is big, you need to tackle it one step at a time and you’ll get there! Cheers!
Marc, It’s so true that it is easy to underestimate how long real growth takes, especially with all the noise online. Your honesty about the setbacks, the time away, and getting back to basics really resonated and I think it is important for people to know that it takes intention and consistency. Grateful you shared this. It reminds us that this journey isn’t linear, and that’s okay. Stay motivated and keep showing up – that’s how dreams become reality!
Hi Alison,
thank you for your comment and yes, this online thing is definitely not linear! It takes time, commitment and a whole lot of patience. Thanks for taking the time to remind me of that as well as your support!
Marc, this post really reflects what so many of us in affiliate marketing are going through. I’ve been at it for over two years, and I’ve definitely hit that wall of wondering if it’s all worth it, especially when juggling work, family, and trying to stay consistent online. What kept me going was also reading The Iceberg Effect and finally feeling like someone understood the real journey, not just the shiny sales pitches. The support in Dean’s community has been huge, and like you, I’m excited for this next phase with the 30-day sprint. Watching over the shoulder of someone who’s built it the right way is exactly what I need to push things forward.
Hi Atif, thank you for your comment and yes, I’m definitely in that same boat; going through those motions of doubt. Like you said, support in the community and during our call-ins was a big game changer & absolutely looking forward to that 30 day sprint!