What are your long term plans? Do you see yourself being in affiliate marketing 10 or 20 years down the line?

That’s tricky, I’m passionate about this industry, always have been so I certainly see me having some involvement with the business. I’m very entrepreneurial, so I expect to spread my wings into other areas of business.  We have for example teamed up with Mark Russell and Bruce Clayton to form Existem Affiliate Management.

What do you like about affiliate marketing?

I love the camaraderie and friendship. People who are competitors help each on the forums. The industry is diverse and allows you flexibility to learn about different verticals. It’s always changing.

What don’t you like about affiliate marketing?

I don’t like the non-co-operation and rivalry between the networks. For example, sales teams will not flinch at poaching campaigns from each other; it’s unprofessional. 

I’m also still undecided on how closed group search campaigns will affect the industry. I’m all for relationships but how does a newbie become involved? Networks need to be careful and not greedy.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I love travelling: my fiance and I visited Amsterdam at the weekend, a very vibrant city! I like to play golf and am trying to improve my handicap so I can beat Paul (Qui Gon Jinn) next summer!

Claire and I got engaged in the Napa Valley this summer. It was a wonderful and unforgettable experience. She is a teacher and we are getting married in 2008.

Congratulations! Are affiliates invited to the wedding? [smiles]

Maybe I’ll invite some affiliates, some friends from the affiliate marketing world. [laughs]

How many posts do you have to make on your forums to be invited to the wedding?

Not answering that one!

With both of us smiling, I closed my notepad. We paid for our teas and, as he returned to Existem HQ, I made my way back towards Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s masterpiece.