As we approach back-to-school, every Director of Sales is gearing up to kick off the dreaded "back-to-basics" sales season and discuss "new" ways to bring in more revenue. ABCs of sales—insert eye-roll emoji 🙄!

While it is nice to receive a sweet treat, your clients are tired of receiving a cookie. What real value does that bring to potential clients? Let's not talk about the awkward cold call call-a-thon. When there's a proven way to give your sales team an extra edge in your market, enter affiliate marketing - an easy and fun way to increase revenue by enhancing what you already offer.

WAIT! Before you click away, don't assume this will not work in a corporate setting like a hotel, convention center, or event venue. I have over a decade of experience in Event Sales in a corporate hotel setting. I've always been passionate about finding creative ways to enhance the guests' experience while adding revenue. You can earn a minimum of $35,000.00 within the first few months of implementing this strategy.

First things first, What is affiliate marketing?

Essentially, it's upselling, just reimagined. It's an innovative, collaborative strategy in which businesses reward affiliates for driving traffic or generating sales.

How does this work?

Event Sales Managers will earn a commission by enhancing each client touch point by providing them with resources you already share without any incentive. Your clients will receive a discount, making you their go-to resource and adding revenue without reinventing the wheel. It's a win-win! There is no need to be a gatekeeper with this. If a potential client decides not to proceed with booking, you can still share your resources and earn a commission.

How to get started?

It's easy to get started! You don't need to be a social media influencer or create an extensive social media campaign. All you need to do is add the discount codes to your wedding and catering packages, include a flyer in your sales folders, and email your current clients the fantastic offers. Please remember to include a disclaimer that the offers are affiliate programs.

Why is affiliate marketing the perfect sales enhancement?

You're offering an elevated experience to your clients, becoming their go-to resource, and adding revenue, which is the beauty of affiliate marketing!

It's not just about earning quick commissions—it's about enhancing your service offerings, building trust, and staying ahead of the curve in a competitive market. It's not just a trend; it's a game-changer.

Okay, I am biased, and each of these affiliate marketing programs is geared toward social event sales. There are also affiliate marketing programs geared toward the corporate market. Use this to excite you about a new way to exceed your sales quota without doing extra work and reinventing the wheel. Here are my 5 favorite affiliate marketing programs that are easy to implement.

1. Minted Wedding Planner Program or Venue Program

2. Generation Tux

3. Stitch & Tie

4. BHLDN (Anthropologie)

5. Unbox the Dress

As your sales team revisits the fundamentals of selling this season, be a pioneer in the hotel/venue sales industry. Set your team apart from your comp set.

I get it; this is an unconventional way to increase revenue, and it can take time to understand how to implement it at a hotel or event venue. A big question is how this will count towards my quota.

Trust me, it's easy to track and monitor for both the company and the Sales Manager. Email me, and I will answer your questions and share how affiliate marketing will enhance your business.

Cheers🥂 to a fabulous new revenue stream!