Affiliate Marketing and The TV Show 'Lost'

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.