GPWA Times Magazine - Issue 25 - June 2013

losing interest in working with us. If you are a hard-working affiliate, honest and ethical, there will always be money to be made, but it will require setting yourself apart from the masses. I think it’s more important than ever to build strong con- nections and relationships and make a name for yourself. How long did it take for you to start earning money as an affiliate? I think I literally earned money on the first day, but it took about six months before it be- came regular income. I went full-time in 2010, leaving another business behind to pursue this one. The road has been bumpy at times; losing well-established affiliate accounts due to seizures and bankruptcies has had an effect, but I’m thankful to have a big enough player base to have weath- ered most of the storms so far. What traits do you look for in an affili- ate manager? How about in an affiliate program? Mostly I just want to be paid on time. It’s such a huge challenge and I waste a lot of time chasing payments around, so that is first for me. Equally important is how well we communicate. I also like to keep my listings objective, which means I don’t like being pushed for better placements. The best manag- ers will work with me to find ways to highlight the things their brand is do- ing better than anyone else, because it’s a win for everyone involved. Picking my partners wisely helps with that. I would also recommend that affiliates research brands from a player’s point of view to make sure they aren’t pro- moting operators that aren’t friendly to winners. If you had to pick five keys to success as an affiliate, what would they be, and why? 1. Hard work. 2. Discipline. 3. Develop strong writing skills. 4. Have great communication skills. 5. Have the ability to see the future! What prompted you to join the GPWA? How has it helped you? The GPWA is the best resource for learning about the industry. I really do need to spend more time there. I first joined at the recom- mendation of another affiliate, and it has helped me connect with programs I didn’t know existed. I’ve avoided some bad apples and made some deals with other GPWA members as well. If and when I have a serious issue with an operator, or a question I need a reliable answer to, the GPWA boards will be my first stop. What do you like about the industry? Profit margins can be huge, and I appreci- ate the freedom I have to work from home and see my young children grow up these early years. I’m grateful for it. I like set- ting my own hours. I also love the gambler lifestyle; it suits me well. 59 GPWA Affiliate Interview Series