ThinkTank Remix 2011: Quinn’s Tax Law & FTC Compliance
You might be asking yourself “Wasn’t ThinkTank, like, 6 months ago?” Well, yes, almost… ThinkTank did take place at the end of May. I’d taken these notes, but never got around to posting them. So, now that I’m rededicating myself to the blog, here they are for your enjoyment!
- We’re pissing off Walmart as they’ve made it their goal to “take down Amazon”.
- Sacramento bill sponsors had a press conference Wednesday as a direct result of our meetings on Tuesday. They’re scared.
- The PMA blog is all facts, no opinion or speculation because we’re being watched.
- It definitely helps to make a relationship with your state reps. It will help us win the war.
- There’s a waiver if an affiliate signs an affidavit that they only advertise online. NY affiliates can give ShareASale their docs to assist getting into programs.
- In other states there’s no compromise, but that’s okay for Rhode Island & North Carolina as we’re aiming for repeal.
- There are stories from North Carolina about the state going after people under the laws.
- ShareASale is attempting to keep their merchants in the loop but there’s always the chance they may be late to the game.
- In Arkansas they included language to apply the law to the previous 12 months.
- In some states you can trip nexus just by sending staff to conferences for a specific number of hours or exhibiting with a booth at a trade show.
- You’re not going to give them an idea… They already know, so go take them on.
- Some states are in support of a federal streamline tax but that’s been in the works for 10 years & isn’t necessarily close to anything.
- It’s different in certain verticals, but generally it’s supported when a merchant decides to just charge tax.
- Merchants doing local deal stuff create nexus under existing laws as they accept money & act as a sales agent.
- As an affiliate, you need to state that you’re getting paid.
Live from CJU 2011
So far, CJU 2011: THE Network Effect is great. Their new CJUniverse, powered by Pathable.com.com, was a fantastic new way to connect with partners and schedule meetings. I wish every trade show had this. It’s been incredibly productive for me and, of course, good to see familiar faces.
Huge thanks to RingRevenue, who Invited me to their 3rd Annual Golf Tourney & Wine Tour on Monday. It was fabulous, and I’ll definitely blog more about it in detail later, with some great pictures.
Yesterday my schedule was busy with meetings and session, and more of the same today (except I actually remembered to eat lunch)! THE Beach Party yesterday was incredibly well done, though i wasn’t prepared enough and left early due to being barefoot in the sand hurt my already aching back. If they do this next year I’ll be sure to pack flip flops and shorts! Tonight are THE CJYou Awards – For Me To Coupon’s sister company Schaaf-PartnerCentric is nominated for Agency of the Year, so everyone cross your fingers for them!
Well right mow I’m missing THE Cocktail Hour and 1/2, so I better run. I hope to get more great pictures and live tweet the winners, so be sure to follow me at @TrishaLyn
Read MoreWhat You Should Know About Industry Conferences
Guest Post by James Martell
Do you ever hear about conferences for your particular industry and wonder if you should go?
Do you worry about whether a trade show is worth the time and expense involved?
I was struggling with those issues when I went to my first affiliate marketing conference in 2002. I had been an affiliate marketer for about three years, and I wanted more information on growing my business. Yes, I enjoyed the travel opportunity. Yes, the weather in Santa Barbara was gorgeous and the hotel was nice as well.
Seriously, though, if I were only looking for a short vacation, Seattle is closer and Portland is much more affordable.
Specific to my situation, I would have had a hard time convincing my wife Arlene to cut me loose for three days if all I could promise her on my return was a suitcase full of dirty laundry.
Fortunately, I was able to attend the conference because both Arlene and I knew why I was going. Better yet, our expectations for the trip were met and then exceeded.
Reasons to Attend Online Marketing Conferences
When I returned from my first Commission Junction University, Arlene and I were more than satisfied with the benefits I brought home. That’s why, when I returned to CJU the next year, I was accompanied by Arlene and 40 other people.
These days I attend several marketing events every year, and I advise all of my affiliates and colleagues to attend at least two per year. The primary reasons include;
- The time spent at these conferences is actually an investment. When you get back to the office, you’ll be working better, working smarter, and you’ll be far more motivated.
- The money you spend attending these conferences, to include travel and meals, is normally tax deductible. If you happen to own the business, I don’t have to tell you how important that is!
- You’ll have the opportunity to speak with and listen to leaders in your industry, and will probably come away with a few new ideas.
- You’ll be able to tap into a knowledge and experience base far larger than anything you would be able to accumulate on your own.
- The most important reason to attend an industry event, however, is the same reason I kept going back to the Commission Junction Universities; We need to grow.
Over the last decade, I have attended many trade shows and industry conferences, and I have listed a few of my favorites below. I have personally attended each of these events, and I have been invited to speak at several of them as well.
Whether you are an affiliate marketer, or are just interested in what the Internet can do for your business, one of these events offers something you can use.
The Best Online Marketing Conferences 2011
Affiliate Summit
This event is described as the premier affiliate marketing conference, and with good reason. The Summit is held in New York and Las Vegas, and offers a variety of educational events in addition to top industry speakers and acres of merchants and vendors.
Blog World Expo
The Expo gathers bloggers from the four corners of the earth to Las Vegas for three days so they can take advantage of networking events, presentations, and of course, vendors and merchants galore. You don’t need to be a blogger to enjoy this conference, though. If you are just looking for a way to use social media to promote your business, you should plan to attend.
Webmaster World’s PubCon
Most people expect this to be a publishing convention, but the first one was actually held in a pub, so the name actually describes a group of colleagues around a pub table. Well, Webmaster’s World has outgrown the pub, but it still provides an informal, relaxed venue to share marketing strategies and advanced SEO methods.
Commission Junction University
I cut my teeth, so to speak, on this event, and if you actually need a reason to spend three days in Santa Barbara, this conference is a really good one. You’ll get a chance to meet with over 800 industry leaders and top Commission Junction affiliates, like me. You should attend just to find out what affiliate marketing can do for your business.
AffCon
The cool part about newer industry shows is that they’re usually inexpensive, and this one is free, for the moment. This may not last long, though, because AffCon is still packed with leading panelists, all the usual vendors and merchants, and lots of great information for beginners as well as experienced affiliate marketers.
ShareASale Think Tank
What is the difference between a Think Tank and a regular conference? Imagine the level of creativity inspired by great parties, a sports event or two, and one of the best assembled brain-trusts in the industry. Affiliates, managers and merchants would all benefit from this event.
Every business relies on marketing, so it’s likely that your business would benefit from any of these events. If you’ve never attended these or any other online marketing conferences, 2011 might be the year your business really takes off.
Of course, if you aren’t a full-time marketer, there are probably other gatherings which are more focused on your specific industry. You should also least check out the ones that sound interesting.
Shopping for Your Own Trade Show
Matt Papas is an associate of mine who has a weight loss website. Matt could benefit from nearly any Internet marketing conference, but he could also get some great information at fitness or medical conferences. For instance, he could learn more about how to market to clients who are looking for a Medifast coupon code, or looking for the right answer, complete with details, to the question, “Does the Nutrisystem diet work?”
Arlene, of course, attends some events with me, but occasionally she should take in other events as well. Arlene’s website, epliepsymoms.com, offers support and information for parents of epileptic children, so she could also benefit from medical conferences. She could also add conferences specific to epilepsy support organizations and other childhood diseases.
Regardless of your industry or interest, finding the right trade show could only take a minute or two on your favorite search engine. Search for a phrase like “Restaurant Trade Shows” and you’ll find a list of events and probably a Facebook page or Twitter account you can connect to as well. Someone out there is dying to show you how to attract more customers using Google Plus or how the right color of interior paint will keep customers in your store longer.
Will You Be Attending an Industry Conference This Year?
Well, why in the world not? If you have yet to attend one of this year’s online marketing conferences 2011 is not quite over yet . The amount of time and money you’d put into a conference will be more than justified by the ideas and motivation you’ll bring home. The only real question, then, is;
Which of these conferences will you attend?
—
Author and website developer James Martell is the President of Net Guides Publishing Inc. and is a popular speaker at many national events all over the country, including Commission Junction University and the Affiliate Convention. When James isn’t working or traveling, he enjoys the coastal life just south of Vancouver, BC with his wife, Arlene, and their four children.
Read MoreAffiliate Summit East 2011 Photo Recap
I’ve been back from New York since Thursday and I can easily say I’m still not fully recovered. I’m always surprised at how exhausted I am after one of these shows, but given the fact that I work at home in relative calm and sedation, 3-4 days of getting up early, talking all day, walking all day, and going to bed late can really take it’s toll.
I finally just got all 250+ photos I took from Affiliate Summit and the surrounding events I attended up onto Flickr today. So for now, instead of writing a long recap of words, I’ll share with you a recap in pictures. You can see all the pictures in my Affiliate Summit East 2011 Set on Flickr.
Day 1
How to Pitch Your Company Panel: Tricia Meyer, Kim Rowley, Ad Hustler, & Robert Adler
Dominic Fawver at the For Me To Coupon Meet Market Table
Mike Allen on the mechanical bull at the ShareASale Barn Dance
Brook Schaaf on the mechanical bull at the ShareASale Barn Dance
Day 2
Wil Reynolds’ Keynote
Dominic & I at the For Me To Coupon Booth
The Performance Marketing Association Networking Event
Tricia Meyer & Eric Nagel Singing “Summer Lovin'” at Affiliate Karaoke
Daniel Feinberg Singing an AC/DC Song at Affiliate Karaoke
Day 3
Yankee Stadium
The Luxury Suite Seats at Yankee Stadium
Oakland Athletics’ Brandon Allen at 1st Base helping to achieve the A’s 6-5 win over the Yankees!
And one more just because it’s pretty… the friendly skies, somewhere over Chicago
If you really are in the mood to read, here’s some other good recaps that came through my Google Reader these last few days:
- Affiliate Summit East 2011 Day 1 Recap – Shawn Collins
- Affiliate Summit East 2011 Day 2 Recap – Shawn Collins
- Affiliate Summit East 2011 Day 3 Recap – Shawn Collins
- Affiliate Summit East 2011 – Quick Recap and Pictures – Geno Prussakov
- Affiliate Summit East Raves and Regrets – Tricia Meyer
- Affiliate Summit East 2011 Recap – Joe Sousa
- Affiliate Summit East 2011 Recap – Adam Riemer
Affiliate Marketing Fanatics 56: Interviewing Greg Hoffman & Ian Fernando
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Affiliate Marketing Fanatics – A couple of hyper-caffeinated affiliate marketers (Mike Buechele) and (Trisha Lyn Fawver) talk about all things Affiliate Marketing. From blogging to branding, social media to search, video and more!
You’ve come to love it – our interviews! This is one last interview with speakers at upcoming Affiliate Summit East 2011 at the New York Hilton in New York City. Today we’re chatting with Greg Hoffman & Ian Fernando about their origins in affiliate marketing & their panel “Industry Clash: Balancing CPS & CPA Marketing”. They’ll give us a bit of insight into this peace-making panel. In in this episode we discuss:
- We chat a bit about Greg & Ian’s fellow panelists Jason Rubacky and Logan Thompson.
- The stereotypes CPS marketers have about CPA marketers.
- The vast differences between the way the “older” CPS marketers party and the way “younger” CPA marketers party.
- Bridging the gap and learning from the other side of the coin.
- Put Greg & Ian’s panel on your Affiliate Summit Schedule! Sunday, August 21st from 11:00 am – 12:00 pm in the Gramercy Suite.
- Eric guarantees he’ll have a front row seat. No heckling!
- Show some love to today’s co-host Eric Nagel! Blog: EricNagel.com & Twitter: @esnagel
Find us on Twitter: @AMF_Podcast, @MikeBuechele & @TrishaLyn. Like us on Facebook! Be old fashioned and just leave us a comment!
Special thanks to GeekCast.fm for hosting Affiliate Marketing Fanatics!
Read MoreContest: Win a Gold Pass for Affiliate Summit East 2011!
Just getting into Affiliate Marketing and unsure where to start? You should attend Affiliate Summit East 2011! I haven’t been around much lately, with work and having my wisdom teeth removed, but I’m back for awhile and I have a Gold Pass to give away ASAP! The gold pass will give the winner admission to the Meet Market, Exhibit Hall, Keynotes, Sunday educational sessions; access to all recorded session videos; and PowerPoint presentations. This pass does not include access to Monday and Tuesday sessions in person. However that means that you can still come to my session, The Future of Coupons in Affiliate Marketing, on Sunday from 3:30pm to 4:30 pm in the Grammercy Suite. There are a few ways you can enter this quick contest!
Ways to Enter
(Leave 1 SEPARATE Comment for EACH Entry).
- 1 Entry – Follow TrishaLyn on Twitter.
- (Leave a Comment here with your Twitter name)
- 1 Entry – Follow Affiliate Marketing Fanatics on Twitter & Give us a shout out
- (Leave a Comment here with your Twitter name & a link to your Tweet with @AMF_Podcast in it.)
- 1 Entry – Like Affiliate Marketing Fanatics on Facebook & post what your favorite part of our podcast is.
- (Leave a Comment here with a link to your post)
- 1 Entry – Post on Twitter something like “I’ve entered to win an #ASE11 Gold Pass on TrishaLyn.com & you can too! http://www.linq2.us/ase11pass @TrishaLyn”
- (Leave a Comment here with a link to your Tweet).
If you don’t know how to get the link to your tweet, you can check out BenSpark.com’s handy directions for getting a link to a tweet. I’m taking a page out of Drew’s book and using Random.org to select the winner. You have until midnight Pacific time on July 31, 2011 to enter and the winner will be selected on August 1, 2011. You’ll receive a code to use for registration for Affiliate Summit East 2011. Please spread the word if you don’t need a pass yourself as someone else out there does!
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