Fourteen months ago, I shared the idea in an informal way that everyone would eventually be a sales/marketing rep for products they believed in.
Well, we are one step closer to that judging by this story from TechCrunch about how Facebook and Twitter will turn everyone into an affiliate marketer.
In the short term, you will see some of your friends/network pimping out products they don’t believe in, trying to make a quick buck.
It’ll work…for a bit.
Then, it’ll come back and bite them in the proverbial ass…and hard.
Their Global MicroBrand will take a big hit. Not only will you never buy from them again once you’ve been burned, but you won’t trust them.
On the other hand, if you are a Raving Fan, this won’t be a problem.
Your friends won’t mind if you make some money as long as you provide good recommendations (and heck, maybe even the occasional support, depending on the product.)
You’ve got to be in the reputation game for the long haul. Don’t sacrifice it for a few bucks this quarter.
It’s just not worth it.
