Just because affiliate marketing can be one of the easiest ways to make money online, doesn't automatically make it so. There are no quick push button solutions that instantly make you money without some type of effort, either by you or someone you hire. And with so many affiliate programs available to you online, make it all the more difficult, if not impossible to decide. Because of this and other factors, it has created what I refer to as affiliate madness.

Affiliate madness defined

In a nutshell, affiliate madness is when one jumps from one affiliate program to another. Or goes from one affiliate offer to the next in hope of making a quick bundle of money in the process. Instead their results are typically low to no sales and end in a lot of frustration, not to mention a huge waste of time.

Supposed shortcuts to online success

Even worse is buying programs or tools (training or software) that are supposed to be a shortcut to Internet success and the road to riches. But instead fail to deliver, making it look all the more like a joke. You even begin to wonder if it is at all possible to make money at all with affiliate marketing. Or if it is just some created grand scheme to lighten your wallet.

Having the right system

Well I am here to tell you that with the right system in place, a goal in mind, consistency at the root, dedication to it within the heart, and by taking action to do it... affiliate marketing works!

Can you earn millions doing it?

Most likely not, only a very very few do! That is the truth. However because of this perception, that is where one of the major problems start. That's believing you can become an instant millionaire with affiliate marketing overnight. The good news is once you finally come to realize and accept the fact that you will NOT become an instant millionaire overnight, you can start on your road to success. And that is simply understanding a real substantial living can be gained as an affiliate marketer over time. In fact, I'll bet that most likely any money you've made online wasn't enough to quit your job, let alone buy dinner. And whatever you did make most likely went to buy the next hotly promoted program to instant riches that took it instead.

Is there a solution?

So is there a solution to making money online using affiliate marketing? Again, the most accepted answer to that question is to find someone among those who have already proven they know how to make money online as an affiliate. One who is willing to help you do the same.

Types of "experts"

However that, too, presents a problem which adds to the affiliate madness! That's because there are at least two types of experts. The first is often referred to as a guru, who sells anyone a canned program. One that they have put together supposedly revealing their innermost secret success techniques. But in the end the only thing they really seem to be interested in is making even more money from you by stringing you along. The other type expert is a mentor who is willing to coach you through the steps necessary to achieve your goal often by showing you the techniques they use to get results. This is usually done through videos, webinars and other means to help you. But normally this doesn't come cheap and can present another set of issues including if they are really worth it.

Affiliate training programs

So what type of training program are you most likely drawn into buying? The gurus program of course! Why? Because their programs are offered for a dime a dozen, literally. You can get just about any eBook, video or “program” for pennies on the dollar. The cheaper – the better. But do you really think for one moment that you are really being handed the keys to the kingdom for a couple of bucks? Most likely you have now been added to their mailing list (the aim of the offer to start with), so that you can receive additional offers that promise more complete and detailed information to help you on your quest. And of course, at a much higher price! I call this being strung along for a ride. And sadly, this becomes a big waste of money and time.

So what is the real solution?

The second option of course, that is, getting a mentor or expert coach. This is often the better approach and will take a matter of time to achieve. Whenever you have a question or a problem, you should be able to go to them for an answer or solution. They also help you stay focused and on track. What stops most from joining a program like this is the price mentors charge for their help, because it isn't some seven dollar special. But really, do you for one minute believe that you can get a full blown, successful, money making business for just a few bucks? If so, that may explain why you haven't made a dime, yet.

Of course there's always the trial and error method

Another way is the trial and error method (also known as the school of hard knocks) can be a good teacher but usually takes your money over and over again along with taking too much time. That is if you ever get it, otherwise it still may be a giant hole that continues to drain both your money and time. This option seems to be popular as well, another reason for the low number of success rates.

Stop the affiliate madness!

When you finally come to the conclusion that the fastest and most assured way to become successful online is to make an investment into your future by getting a mentor who is here to help you, the money you invest into it won't be as big an issue. To me if you are scared about getting involved with a program because of the cost, just make sure that they have either a trial period before paying or have a reputable refund policy (at least 30 days) if things don't work out. That way at least you would get your money back and would only lose a minimal amount of time finding out if it is a good fit for you or not. If you are interested in learning more about finding a good mentor, then I invite you to find out more by clicking here!