I just finished watching the latest episode of 'Lost' on TV and noticed it
was a little different from most episodes. Instead of the usual mysterious,
cliffhanger type show, this one was more of a character-driven background
story. Then I visited a 'Lost' fan forum and was surprised that many people
were unhappy with the episode and thought it was too dull.
This got me thinking.
In the marketing world, we're often told to "sell the sizzle, not the steak",
meaning to excite your prospect's emotions. But if you focus on the
"sizzle" in your affiliate marketing business, or any business, you will
likely fail.
Why? Because, although it's human nature to focus on the exciting aspects
of your business, they may only play a small role in how much money you
make. Focusing on your brand new website, ebook, or other big project, is
satisfying, but it's the "dull" aspects of a business that can determine how
far you go.
Like in 'Lost', where the show creators use the slower episodes to tell you
about the characters so you care when the exciting bits happen, youe affiliate
marketing business has more mundane functions that drive the "story"
(your business) forward.
Things like keyword research, web page building, article writing and
submission, and getting links to your site are all dull and repetitive, but
are vital to your success.
Sure, software can automate many of these functions but not all of them,
and if you don't have a lot of money to buy the software, you will have to
do them manually.
So even though you may never completely enjoy these boring tasks, if you
want your business to prosper, keep on doing them, at least until your business
has grown to the point where you can afford to outsource them. If you
concentrate on these less-exciting aspects on a regular basis, you will lay a
solid foundation for your affiliate marketing business, and make the fun,
exciting parts even more enjoyable and successful.
Paul Harris is the
Affiliate Marketing Specialist and he wants to show you
how to succeed as an affiliate marketer. Visit his website now for the latest tips and strategies for building a successful, ongoing affiliate business.
