Finally! Someone writes about this. I have always been wondering why my affiliates don’t get me the sales I want even though my health products sell really well in my company’s online store. Thanks so much for the tips!

Interesting. We have a large list that we’re trying to figure out how to leverage/​monetize without “breaking” it. I like this idea.

@michelfortin —

Robert:

You pose a number of great points that should lead to success for both the affiliate and the product owner.

But to assure the best success, the final question shouldn’t be “What’s the best time to call you up?” Rather, the affiliate should ask, “When can we talk about planning and scripting our interview so we each can get maximum mileage from the event?”

The interview should not be a casual, unplanned conversation. Both parties have specific points they want to make to their listeners and potential customers on the call. Those topics need to be addressed and planned out in advance, just as you would a sales letter. Going in cold to the interview will reduce your effectiveness to achieve maximum sales. After you hang up, It also will have you thinking that you wish you would have said one or two other points that just didn’t come to mind.

One other thing. When I speak of scripted, I mean talking points. DO NOT read your script. Everytime I listen to a teleseminar where someone is reading their notes, I start being sold on the fact that they don’t know their product or sales points very well. Be confident, be strong, be conversational.

Michael C. Sheward
President
Management Communications Strategies
Fairfax, VA
shewardmcs@aol.com

The idea is great, but the email template is the clincher. Good stuff!

Slick suggestion. Thanks for this, will try on my list.

The two posts have great content. One thing is wrong: calling 99% of affiliates worthless. Fact is most of that 99% are trying to learn what to do — it’s not that they are not trying or are ‘worthless.’ They probably don’t have a list and their traffic level is not where it needs to be yet. I’m sure they would love to make money — everyone starts somewhere.

I don’t disagree with 1% of affilitates delivering 99% of the sales but to class the other 99% as worthless is a disservice.

Perhaps an opportunity for you Robert to make an affiliates course.

This gives me a boost, because, although I don’t even have my site up yet, this was an idea I had for selling affiliate products — and your post has laid it all out for me. Your post also made it apparent that I’d better have some decent traffic stats and be able to show success in selling SOMETHING, before I give it a go. Thanks for sharing.