We're very excited to present our first interview with Ricky Ahuja of Affiliate Venture Group.
Ricky Ahuja, a serial entrepreneur, is a ten year veteran of the online marketing industry and currently serving as the CEO and partner in Affiliate Venture Group, a privately funded performance based network located in Richmond, VA.
Without further ado, here’s the interview that took place:
I think my biggest mistake was to always build a successful business for others and then worry about myself. I think this industry more so than others is all about the relationship, trust and the face and I think I was somewhat late in trying to establish my and the AVG brand. Live and learn.
7. What was your biggest success to date?
Without a doubt it has to be my wife and daughter. I would trade any of what I do in a heartbeat if it didn't enable me to spend as much time as I do with them. That’s the beauty of having your own business, after all why do we all work as hard as we do if not to enjoy each other and what life has to offer.
8. What advice would you give for a newbie affiliate?
Great question – I am reminded of a quote by Theodore Roosevelt: In any moment of decision the best thing you can do is the right thing, the next best thing is the wrong thing, and the worst thing you can do is nothing. New affiliates take in a lot from the over load of information out there (not all of it good mind you) – but many do nothing at all. There is this fear of failure that’s inherent to all of us – but I assure you, once you get started – it’s gets easier. Remember, a long journey starts with a single step.
9. What's the difference between a Super affiliate and an Average affiliate?
Ready, Aim, Fire. The average affiliate can often get ready and know what exactly what they want to do or market – but they never pull the trigger. If they do – lose money, they call it a wash and don't bother trying to make it work. They also do not know how to truly figure out if a campaign is backing out for them, what their costs are, what their returns are, etc. A Super Affiliate is not afraid. He is not afraid to try new offers, new media types, new ad copy, new targets. The difference is that the Super Affiliate learns from his testing and spends countless time optimizing his campaigns. My definition of a Super Affiliate goes one further – they truly WANT to help people without expecting anything in return. We see all these “gurus” who have systems and can make us a gazillion bucks – all for a little cost of $249. They are in it for their own well being (not that there is anything wrong with that) but let’s call a kettle what it is shall we.
10. What are the keys to building successful relationships between Affiliates and Affiliate Networks? What are some of the challenges of being an Affiliate Manager/Owner?
We all tend to over complicate things – in my mind the keys to building a successful relationship is all about Transparency and Trust and Relationships. Do you feel comfortable working with the network? Are they credible? Are they at the forefront of Industry trends? As a network manager/owner – do you truly know who your affiliate is? Do you know their tactics as to how they promote? Are they forthcoming in discussing potential issues? I am a people person – a minute or two of face to face meeting goes a long way for me. This way you can’t hide behind a proxy server. :)
11. If you could change one thing about the affiliate industry, what would it be?
Obviously we would all like to do away with the fraud aspect of it but as in life you take the good with the bad. It is this dynamic nature of our business that constantly enables us to move forward, develop new technologies, new ideas, new businesses and new success stories. Isn’t that what affiliate marketing all about – trying to outdo the next person and develop a better widget?
12. What do you think about where the industry is going? Where Affiliate Venture Group may be going? What advice would you give to affiliates to keep up the pace.
The industry is always evolving, what may be big today – may not be so hot tomorrow. It is the ones who are able to keep up with this trend that stand to profit. There are a lot of blogs out there, industry newsletters, forums that can help you stay abreast of these trends. As far as AVG – we try to take things one day at a time and focus on what is working for our affiliates today and what we can do to help them increase their earnings.
13. What are the criteria for a marketer to be accepted at Affiliate Venture Group?
There are several things that help to increase your chance of being accepted into this network – but the single most important factors for us are transparency and trust. Knowledge about the industry and referrals from other industry veterans always helps.
14. For those who are interested in working with you and your affiliate network - What's the best way/time to reach you?
The best way to reach me would be on Facebook (RickyAhuja), AIM – TheGoogleGuy or email gsahuja@gmail.com. I have heard smoke signals worked well in the past also. ;-)
15. What's your favorite movie and why?
This may sound a bit cheesy, but any move that puts a smile on my daughters face and makes her laugh. We all work real hard day and night and to reap the rewards by enlightening the lives of my family is first and foremost. Many thanks to Ricky Ahuja for allowing this interview! If you have any experience with Ricky's AVG affiliate network, please write a review for them on the Affiliate Venture Group review page. Ps. If you are an affiliate marketer, AM or Network owner and are interested in answering a few questions about you, your network and affiliate marketing, please drop us a message.
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