As many of you know, I just came back from Affiliate Summit West and am now jam-packed with new information that will help me develop my business. This time I added something different that I had not done in previous conferences. I decided I wanted to give back and mentor a newcomer to the Affiliate Summit.
I applied and connected with a young man from Long Island,NY
Minutes later, my phone rings and the young man is on the phone. I took the time to talk to him, even though I was quite busy at the time. He wanted to tell me how he was already skilled, made plenty of money and didn’t really need to make connections at the show as he knew what he was doing already. So I asked him what he wanted from me…
That’s when the truth came out, he had a friend who was coming with him but did not have a pass to the event and wanted to know how to get into the parties. I told him that I didn’t think that was a great idea, but wished him luck on accomplishing his goal. I thought the conversation would end, but it didn’t.
He proceeded to tell me his life story with me breaking in regularly again asking him what he would like me to help him with and then informing him I needed to go. I listened to him for 45 minutes and then finally said I had to go and good-bye, finally hanging up on him as he continued to talk.
The next day, I got an email from him thanking me for my time and saying he wouldn’t need to connect with me. I never responded. I don’t think he had the right intentions coming into the show.
I informed the person putting the newcomer program together, letting them know it didn't work out and would gladly be available for someone else who did not manage to get a mentor assigned.
That worked out wonderfully, as sure enough there were two gentlemen that are newcomers, both merchants and needed help understanding what was going on. I made two new friendships that are likely to turn into business relationships as well. They both were able to get a lot out of the show and I felt good because I am able to help them get up to speed.
I will be volunteering for the newcomer program again at the next event in New York City,NY
I’m not sure what happened with the young man I was originally assigned, I hope that he spent more time learning and less time partying, but I’m not confident that is the case.
The Affiliate Summit has great parties, more importantly; it has great content and great people. If you attend, come for the great content and the great people and leave the great parties as an added benefit but not the primary reason you come.
I hope to see you at the next Affiliate Summit Conference either in Austin, Austin,TX