The IGB Affiliate Award shortlist has been revealed, and among them is our very own Mehmet Malusakli. Mehmet is a valued member of the Affiverse team and we are proud to say that he is in the running for an IGB Affiliate Award. So, how did we get to this point? What is it that motivates Mehmet. We sat down for a little QnA to find out.
Tell us how you got into affiliate marketing.
“I have worked previously in marketing music and events and then discovered affiliate marketing as my previous manager thought I might like to try extending my marketing interests into the affiliate space. I guess I had a natural aptitude for networking as a result was quickly promoted to a senior position in a short space of time. Since then I’ve simply loved it and in fact, I think my motivation to keep learning reached the highest point when I joined this team as I’ve seen the results of the relationships I’ve built and the success we can deliver when we use data to drive incremental sales.”
How does it feel to be shortlisted for best Affiliate Manager by the IGB Affiliate Awards?
“The first thing I felt when I got the news of my nomination and shortlist announcement, was that I was now on the right track because I’ve been doing the right things and been supported by an experienced management team to grow. I know this is a very competitive category with many entries each year, so when I learned I was shortlisted for this year’s nomination I really felt proud. It’s like out of nowhere I’ve finally ‘qualified’ because I’ve focussed on learning and implemented what I’ve learned into my clients’ campaigns to help them run successful programs. Being nominated has also helped me set new goals for myself and broadened my vision to building my career even more in this space.”
When do you get most excited about working in Affiliate Marketing?
“The most important thing I get excited about working in this industry is discovering how strategy is implemented to meet success. Having a diverse portfolio of partners and publishers is incredibly important including understanding the client’s brand objectives and customer avatars. I help potential partners really understand our client’s vision and then work collaboratively to help them buy into the passion I have for the brands I work with. It takes discipline to negotiate successful deals. Taking a potential partner from a ‘No’ to a ‘Yes’ through active negotiation is one of the things that I enjoy the most about this role.”
What is it like to work for an award-winning agency?
“Firstly, I feel proud to be part of a winning team. Together we support our clients in a way that is unique to how we operate together as a team. Lee-Ann sets a high bar and Leanna who is my line manager is a great mentor and has always supported my desire to gain more knowledge. We have regular training and coaching calls which help! I enjoy working hard together with my colleagues to help build our reputation as industry leaders in this space.
“The current success we have achieved is probably one of the most important milestones I’ve experienced in my career and it feels good to know we’re delivering great service to our clients and even better being recognised for this by our industry peer groups. Receiving an award is a privilege but it also requires a lot of hard work.”
What is the best advice you have ever received and how has it helped you in your career?
“Every account manager who joins our agency goes on Lee-Ann’s AMPP program – it’s a12 week affiliate manager performance program and it has insights you cannot get out of a book but are gained from her real life experiences working in this industry for more than two decades and across multiple types of programs.
“I feel privileged to be working with a team of people who have so much knowledge and who are passionate and happy to share it! Both Leanna (Head of Agency) and Lee-Ann, the company founder make the time to encourage and support us as well as allow us time for self-led learning (we call this FLOW time). Lee-Ann is an incredible teacher and mentor and the best advice I’ve received from her is to always set clear objectives and make the right commercial choices to ensure partners and customers are always in a win-win situation.”
What is the biggest thing you have learned about Affiliate Marketing this year?
“The biggest benefit that the affiliate market has given me this year is that there is no goal that cannot be reached without effective communication and excellent customer service. The industry changes constantly and so we adapt to change and grow with it. A good account manager never sits idle, and there is a lot to keep learning! I’m happy to be part of a company that encourages that.”
