As you prepare for the change from your traditional workplace to the home-based affiliate marketing career, what you need to keep in mind is that this job is no different that any other in the respect that you can’t go into a workplace cold.

For instance, you wouldn’t walk into a restaurant expecting to be hired as a chef just because you come in dressed like one and say you need the extra money. And, you wouldn’t walk onto a construction site and expect to be put in charge without any relevant training.

Likewise, it is essential that you get professional training to become a successful affiliate marketing professional.

The first step to learning the trade is finding a successful professional affiliate marketer to see what he or she can do to help you get the ball rolling. Fortunately, there is a handful of great affiliate marketers who supplement their own incomes by helping you earn one the same way that have. For them, teaching their trade to other eager affiliate marketers is yet another dream come true. They are happy to make teaching a part of their careers.

In fact, all you have to do is type “Affiliate Marketing Training into a search engine like www.yahoo.com to find dozens upon dozens of sites listing great affiliate marketing conferences you can attend. All the Right Ingredients for a Great Home Office

One of the biggest success stories in affiliate marketing is James Martell. In fact, if you’ve been searching the web for information, you’ve probably seen his name pop up several times.

Martell offers a downloadable home-study course (written in layman’s terms) and an informative audio newsletter that goes out twice a month. Martell’s knowledge of the inner workings of affiliate marketing makes him a great resource from which to begin.

In short, you’re best bet for success is to become a student of the affiliate marketing business and rely on a successful marketer like James Martell.

Like Any Other Cake, This One Rises Gradually

Now, its time for you to set some realistic goals and start working to accomplish them. One obstacle some affiliate marketers face is that many of them overestimate their skills and plans. They set unrealistic goals and become discouraged when they are unable to fulfill these lofty aspirations.

A goal of $5,000 a month, for instance, is reasonable. However, a first-time affiliate marketer is not likely to make that kind of money in the beginning. Remember, $5,000 a month is definitely attainable with affiliate marketing, but you should look for more modest earnings at first.

Start by thinking, “I’m going to make an extra $50 - $100 per day by learning how to create my own dynamite websites that get free traffic from search engines. And, I’m going to take the time to learn from someone who has already found success doing the very same thing.”

This is an achievable income goal. Plus, you are better served when you set aside time to educate yourself on how to do things right the first time around. After all, it takes experience to get really good at anything you are doing.

Also, it’s a good idea to get used to setting goals often. For the little tasks, set daily goals. Then, think bigger and set up weekly and monthly goals.



Of course, putting your wants and needs on paper can help you stay focused on actively working toward the things you would like to accomplish. Before you decide you are too busy, give it a try. You’ll be glad you did and you’ll be amazed at how putting your goals to the pen can truly help you channel your energy effectively.

A terrific book to look for is “Goals: Setting and Achieving Them on Schedule” by Zig Ziglar. If you think you might need some guidance in goal setting, take a look at this helpful book. In fact, one of your first goals might be to buy and read the book!

Also, if you are really serious about making extra money in the affiliate marketing business and/or becoming full time in this industry, networking is very important.

Continued on Next Page