Let's get into Affiliate Marketing vs. Network Marketing
The first thing to discuss is whether or not they are different in the first place. I do not want to confuse anyone here, the two are actually part of the same business model. That business model is known as multi-level-marketing. Network Marketing and Affiliate Marketing are actually cousins.
When approached right, these are two very powerful ways to earn income. The key to approaching these right really comes down to using a system for leverage. All successful people use systems, to avoid the burn out that comes from having to do it all by yourself. In Affiliate Marketing, often times an affiliate will need to develop their own system.
Generally speaking most affiliate programs are set up by companies that want help increasing sales, but do not want to train a sales force. They're hoping to entice people who've already got experience promoting, and marketing products, or services.
This is perhaps the only real difference that you'll find.
When it comes to most networking companies; the entire company usually is created around a system. Having a system allows each one, to teach one. Duplication is really the key to success, in any business where as many people think the key is to reinvent the wheel. With Network (MLM) Marketing (companies) you are given a turnkey business in a box, and all you literally need to do is follow the directions.
By doing this, it becomes simple for other people to follow the example. When networkers fail to do this, they end up having to build their organizations over, and over again. That requires a lot of energy, faith and belief which frankly, most just do not have. If you're lucky enough to find an affiliate program with a system that makes it easy for other affiliates to duplicate; that program will be much easier to earn income in - than the one that doesn't.
This was one of the motivating reasons that drove us, at TopNetworkersGroup, to build the One MLM System to Rule them all - realizing that there are some very good Affiliate Marketing programs in our industry that just do not have the support in place - or a good mlm system that can be duplicated.
We've already made training videos that explain the small differences between Affiliate Marketing and Network marketing, as well as additional training that we're now making available for the public - (Free MLM Business Training from TNG here) - and yet several people in our industry still do not understand these suttle differences, and how each can be used to create true, financial freedom.
We hope to help spread the awareness.
And, if you'd like to, you can help.
Affiliate Marketing generally aims their products or services at Marketers. It's the same model as any MLM Company, where you'll earn money from the sales you and each 'level' of your organization generate. However the focus is usually more on sales to others who will use the product. With most networking programs, being effective at sharing the information is always the biggest key.
Most affiliate marketing products are very Niche Specific. They often do not have mass appeal, although you'll always find a few exceptions to Every single rule. Using a good mlm system will help you attract other affiliates, who have an interest in making money - while using the product or service offered by the affiliate marketing program.
If you show it to enough people, the right ones will see it.
So the goal of our system is to teach you how to find the right ones to show a business to.