I recently just got back from the Bahamas. It was an amazing experience to be on the islands, especially it being a just a bit cold in Atlanta. Last year I was at the NDemand Affiliate Meetup in Puerto Rico and it was a great experience to hang out privately with affiliates, especially big boss affiliates. This year was no different, Mike from NDemand did round 2 this year and held his event at the Atlantis resort in the Bahamas.
Just like last year Mike had a full day of events for the affiliates. Saturday was the actual meetup and we did a catamaran offshore and went snorkeling at the coral reefs. The current was hella strong that I got a good workout from it but the current did hold me back from trying to swim where I wanted to. After the snorkeling, we went on the beach had lunch and played a game of volleyball with teams and just enjoyed watching affiliates trying to play a game of volleyball.
Affiliates that attended the Ndemand meetup made are top notch guys. It is amazing to see how affiliates are outside their 'business'. We get to talk about their campaigns openly, tactics, strategies, traffic sources, etc. These things are strictly prohibited from the world, but at these private meetups where the class of affiliates are more 'top notch bosses' these conversations are more open. There is a trust factor I want to assume when it comes to talking with other high class affiliates or marketers.
Even though I see some of these guys at conferences, a private meetup like this becomes more of a personalized interaction. You are stuck with a set amount of users and you get to hangout and know them as a person instead of a person that attends shows. For example Phoenix Morgan, I have known for a very long time and talking and seeing him just chill and not always talk about business puts in perspective how funny and fun the guy really is.
Another is Seth. I have seen Seth at multiple shows and this past weekend, I got to know him as a person, strong goals, and how he is outside his own business. Ben from POF brought his fiance and it was interesting to talk and chill on a boat and talk about women (knowingly enough). These private meetups which filters out noobs helps affiliates grow their own business and at the same time enjoy life.
Though we do talk about business, the day and events all turn us back as human beings and we get to talk about life in general and not always about business. You always want to surround yourself with people who are smarter than you and who make more money than you. It is the only way to grow your business to a higher level.
Mike has also planned a dinner with everyone which turned out to be a great event with raffles and again conversing with affiliates over dinner and wine. The next day, we went deep sea fishing and that was an amazing day of catching fish, which we then later ate, and full of heavy rocking. Below are the fish that were caught:
Other than the meetup, I was able to hangout with Mike's amazing family and just enjoy everyones company. Outside the Ndemand meetup I have hung out with all the affiliates either at bars or most of the night at the clubs. It def was an entertaining meetup with great people that I have never met before, meaning these guys were underground affiliates doing big volume. It was great to collaborate and just have fun with each other company. Next year Mike will be hosting another one and I can promise it will be a fun filled event once more.
... and everyone have a great Thanksgiving weekend and hope you are taking advantage of Black Friday and Cyber Monday!
