For those of you who don’t know what the heck I’m talking about, at the last Affiliate Summit in Boston a great new tradition was started. The Affiliate Summit Mentor Program. This program, headed by the gracious Teresa Caldwell for Affiliate Summit East and now headed by awesome Jen Goode for Affiliate Summit West, is a way for first time conference attendees to learn the ropes.
I remember my first summit, not that long ago, in Miami in July 07. SO overwhelmed with information, especially considering that was my first trade show at ALL and I was relatively new to affiliate marketing and hadn’t been exposed to the industry at large. I’m not the only first time attendee to feel consumed by it all, hence why the mentor program was created. The program matches up volunteer mentors who have experience attending the shows and know generally what to expect and how to get the most out of your attendance, with newbie first timers who’ve asked for a bit of guidance.
At the last summit I agreed to be a mentor, having that be my 3rd show attending, and I felt the experience didn’t go all that well. I exchanged a few emails with my assigned newbie/”mentee” and after they didn’t respond to the last email, that was it – unfortunately I didn’t know if they even ended up attending the show or not.
Hence my reluctance to sign up this time around. I didn’t feel like I was that helpful, and I guess the person was less-than-impressed with who I was the first time, which made me think that perhaps I’m not the best person to be a mentor. But the ever wise Jen Goode convinced me to give it another shot, so I’m happy to say that once again I’m participating in the mentor program for Affiliate Summit West 09 in Las Vegas next month.
I just received the email with my newbie’s information, and I’m off to shot them a welcome – if you’re a veteran attendee of the Affiliate Summit, and haven’t signed up yet, DO IT! Go to http://blog.affiliatesummit.com/affiliate-summit-mentor-program and sign up today – the deadline is December 28th!
Also, watch this video that former mentee turned mentor Michael Buechele of 11|15 Media did if you need more convincing!
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The Mentor Program Rocks, it made a difference in so many people's experience in Boston, even the Mentors came away with great experiences, and new friends. I am going to miss getting to be a part of the Summit, but I am needed at home. Ya'll have fun.
Wish you were coming to Vegas Teresa. You did a great job starting the Mentor program last year and I'm really happy to be a part of it.
You did a great job Teresa! We'll definitely miss you in Vegas!