I want to build a side income: affiliate vs partner?

45% of Americans have a side business. ALMOST HALF! The average side hustle brings in $897.04 a month and 15% of people with a side business make more than $1,500 a month. (Stats by self.inc) So there’s no wonder you want to start a side business! What would an extra $500, $900, $1500+ a month do for you and your family? Now, where do you start? Let’s look at two different options in starting a side business: affiliate vs partner, how we can work together and what the commitments/work looks like.

But first… some questions

Before we get into the details. I want you to think about your why. WHY do you want to create this side income? Why are you looking into building a business of your own?

For me, my business is my outlet where I get to be just Danielle. It’s my thing outside of motherhood, outside of my 9-5, outside of all the other hats we wear as a mom and wife. My business is my time to be creative, connect with other like-minded women and make an impact.

Now that you’ve reflected on your why, I have one more question. How much time do you have a week to devote to your business? Depending on your time available (and your goals with this), you may have to make some sacrifices. Maybe you’ll need to wake up an hour earlier or work in the evenings before you go to bed. Maybe you’ll sacrifice TV time while you’re building or you’ll put a chunk of time in over the weekends. Realize, starting a business IS going to take work. It’s fun work (because you’re building something YOU’RE passionate about) but it is still work.

Two Options in Starting a Side Business: Affiliate vs Partner

There’s two options in starting your side business. You can become an affiliate/ambassador or a partner. Note: these descriptions are in regards to starting a side business on MY team, in the health and wellness space. Let’s dive into each option.

Affiliate or Ambassador Program

As an affiliate or ambassador, you are sharing products you love with your friends, family and online (usually using social media). You’re showing up on social media here and there to build trust with your audience. You share how you use the products, how they make you feel, why you love them, etc.

As an affiliate or ambassador, you get your own affiliate link. This link is what attaches you to the purchase. Let’s break it down. Have you ever recommended your favorite restaurant to someone? Did they go, have the best meal and thank you for recommending it? That’s awesome! But did the restaurant pay you a commission for recommending it? No. That’s what’s different about being an affiliate/ambassador. When you share your affiliate link that recommends a product or a service and someone purchases using your link, you make money!

When you join as an ambassador on my team, you’ll get set up in our ambassador Facebook page. This is where we share any promos, ready made slides you can grab and use on your social media and any tips/tools for sharing. I also help you create your personalized links to be sure you’re getting the credit and commission when you recommend a product or program.

As an affiliate (or ambassador) you can put as much or as little time into it as you want. Obviously, the more you share, the more opportunity you have for someone to use your link, however, it’s really what you want to make out of it. There’s no real commitment when you go this route. You might be working an hour a week up to like 3 hours.

Again, mostly everything is done and created for you, you just get the credit and commission when you share your links.

Partner Program

As a partner, you’re interested in building a business and a consistent side income. You’re showing up pretty regularly on social media, sharing what you’re doing, how others can do it too and inviting people following along to join! As a partner, you take more ownership of your business and because you’re the CEO building it.

When you become a partner on my team, I mentor you one on one and in a group. You go through a two week mentorship program to launch your business and learn the basics (all through text so I can answer any questions.) You get added to our team Facebook page with weekly trainings, team calls, community, collaboration and celebrations!

You get to decide how much time commitment you want to make in your side business as a partner. Usually, I recommend setting aside at least an hour a day, however depending on your goals, you may want to allocate a little more time than that. Personally, I work between 10 and 15 hours a week as a busy mama with another job. I work about an hour – an hour and a half during the week and have some longer chunks of time over the weekend.

Affiliate vs Partner: which is right for you?

SO.. after reading through the two options, what option is best for you? If you have questions, I’d love to chat! You can email me danielle@daniellemgodfrey.com or message me on Instagram @daniellemgodfrey.

Want to learn even more? Check out the recording to our info webinar!