Life has always been full of "DOs" and "DON'Ts". Growing up was "DO your homework" and "DON'T talk to strangers". "DO the right thing" and "DON'T" eat yellow snow". "DO you really want to hurt me?" and "DON'T you forget about me" (come on, I'm a child of the 80s).
When being active in affiliate marketing, there are always going to be "DOs" and "DON'Ts" to pay attention to. Some may be incredibly obvious, but still have great importance.
Here are some DOs and DON'TS to take into consideration when talking to a client or an affiliate...
DO be attentive. Have you been on those calls when you just get that feeling like the person on the other end is not paying attention? All you hear in the background are the strokes of a keyboard or the pinging of an instant messenger? Nothing is more distracting than talking with someone who is not listening. Instead of giving feedback, your questions and comments are responded to with "uh-huh" and "right....." Give legitimate responses and provide actual answers to the situation at hand.
DON'T assume anything. Your idea of a conversion regarding an offer may differ from someone else. Thoroughly explain the offer, filters, details, payout etc so that everything is out on the table. You don't necessarily have to go into the history of affiliate marketing and how incredibly savvy and smart Ryan Zimmerman is in this industry, but just don't omit the mandatory details.
DO know personalities. There are so many types of people in this wonderful world of ours. Some are just like you....and some are really, really not like you at all. I'll use "casual" terms with certain publishers I deal with, like "buddy", "homeslice" and other random terms of endearment, but it is because I know their personality and can use that nomenclature to communicate effectively.
DON'T ignore personalities. You may like calling people "brah" or "bro" and it may work very well, but it isn't for everyone. When you are talking to someone who is strictly business (and if you listen to them, you should have no problem distinguishing between the two), you need to adapt and converse accordingly. Someone who is blunt and to the point probably doesn't want to spend time with chit chat and the joke of the day you read online. First listen and then adjust appropriately.
DO take notes. I don't mean just taking notes on the credit card offer you are discussing, or the payout you agreed to on a credit report. I mean take notes regarding that person you are talking to. If they mention they have the flu, remember it, and ask how they're feeling the next time you have them on the phone. If they just had a baby, remember to ask how the little one is doing on a future call. If they mention that they are a Missouri Tigers fan, remember to offer your condolences the next time you have them on the phone (Rock Chalk Jayhawk!)
DON'T avoid emails or voicemails. There are going to be times to when you can't get to the phone or respond to an email immediately. However, when you see an email and you really don't have interest or don't believe it is a good fit at the time, just reply back with that information. Not replying to requests is not only frustrating to the sender, but unprofessional as a whole. It takes just a few seconds to decline a request. It takes a lot longer for both sides when communication is omitted.
There will always be "DO's" and "DON'Ts" in life. Some are those to really abide by and some are not, but you'll face the choice each day, one way or another. So, I really hope that you DO share this post today with others and DON'T write any negative comments!:)
-Ryan Zimmerman
