African Violets and Affiliate Marketing

African Violets

Several years ago I became fascinated by African Violets. This little plant, if provided by the right conditions such as soil, light, temperature, water and food, can potentially flower all year around. It all began when I was grocery shopping in a local store and have decided to “rescue” a plant, one that you see in the picture, while passing by the florist section in the store. The plant did not look well and if it was left in the store, it would most certainly withered. Unfortunately my rescue mission initially was not that successful either. Turns out that the violets can not take too much watering, and can not much tolerate the water on their leafs. They like plenty of light, but not direct sunlight. So by the time I have learned all these details I almost killed the plant. Fortunately this plant was quiet tolerant to my abuse and it survived, as you can tell from the picture, while letting me learn a thing or two about African Violets.

One of the most amazing things is the way in which you can propagate African Violets. There are several methods in propagating this beautiful plant. From the seed- one of the most difficult way to propagate African Violets and probably the longest. By splitting a healthy plant at root- with this method you literally split (cut) the plant in two so that each part of the plant has equal amount of leafs and roots. This method is the quickest and if you propagate in such a way you may see both of your plants flower withing months. There is also another way to propagate an African Violet, which I personally prefer. It consists by simply cutting off one leaf and placing it into the water. The leaf will eventually develop roots and other smaller leaves begin to grow at the roots. It takes about one year from the time you cut the leave placing it in the water until the time you see the first flower. I am sure other people may have done it in a shorter amount of time, but it takes me a year to see the first flowers on a new plant.

Affiliate Marketing

So what does my African Violet story has to do with affiliate marketing? Well it has been slightly over a year since my first step into affiliate marketing. Coincidently I am just beginning to see some substantial results of my work. Yes it took me a long time, but it didn’t have to if I had the right attitude taking my first step. When I was countered with the idea of affiliate marketing, I understood it right a way. In fact it seemed almost to easy to believe that you can really make money in affiliate marketing. Just think about it. You need no product to sell, no customers to take care of, no inventory to track and manage. Just make a website, place few banners and links and then sit and relax watching your money rolling into your bank account.

After a year in affiliate marketing I tend to look on my websites and projects as African Violets. All in need of right conditions to blossom. But unlike African Violets, the conditions for your website to blossom can change from one day to another, therefore requiring more vigilance and care.

I often think back to my African Violets, especially when I receive e-mails be it from Commission Junction, LinkShare or any other network inviting to join this or that merchant’s affiliate program. I know that when you work hard you can achieve great results, but I also know that you can not make money overnight and some times you need time to begin appreciate the fruits of your efforts.

Just a little something for you to think over the weekend, since I may not be back to my blog until earlier next week.