My Penguin Travels The places and people the penguin visits

Penguin hanging with the guys

There’s seems to be plenty more men at Affiliate Summit than women, maybe someone needs to start a girls group, I don’t know. The girls do pretty good on their own.

Here are more of the men I met…

Scott, the founder of Hawkee.com - this quite is quite the cool geek network. I just joined.. you might like my icon. It’s nice to know there is someone I can speak geek with now.

Then there’s the guys from Schaaf Consulting… everywhere I turned, one of them was nearby. Way to go guys, I love the involvement!

Forrest Schaaf

Brook Schaaf

Kevin Paine

Christopher Johnson with PortalLanguageServices.com We met briefly while sharing a cab ride to one of the event parties. Lots of fun.

Mr. Aleks (Mark or James.. eeek, I don’t know!) with Fountain of Youth - He’s a near neighbor of mine and Jarl Moe with CPUnion.com - I could listen to the Norwegian accent all day.

This guy - now get this, I met tons of people, all a festive moment to talk with… this guy I grabbed spur of the moment and he even gave me a thumbs up and thats all I have. Antley, I think his last name is Antley. If you can name this name AND get me an email address he replies to, I’ll send you a t-shirt.. featuring.. um… me

and last but definitely not least is Adam Riemer. Adam is so fun to hang out with. He’s fun to watch and fun to listen to.. he cracks me up. This is a picture of the two of us holding his new prized posession.. a sparkly cup with an even more sparkly “pimp” along the middle. Ha! He’s so funny. Good to see you again Adam!

Technorati Tags: networking, affiliatemarketing, penguin

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Penguins Love Happy Hour

I met a pile of great folks during my evening day in Las Vegas during a fun happy hour mingling. Very few people were actually there by this time in the event. Many were busy taking care of their own presentations and booths and packing to go home. But there was a small group of us still hanging around ready to have more fun.Here are some of those people…

Carsten Cumbrowski

He even took a moment to scratch my head.. ahhh, I needed that!

Jack Kotowski

Graeme Eastman (AffiliateGuide.com) and Rich Ruggiero (AffiliateClassroom.com) - Both I met because I was walking past to grab a new beverage and overheard Graeme speaking. I had to stop in awe for a moment…

Oh how I adore the Australian accent!

Scott Jangro (MechMedia.com) - I didn’t talk to Scott for very long, but I have since been following him on twitter… he’s a an entertaining guy, I think I need to catch up with him next time for more than 2.37 minutes!

Gary Vaynerchuk (WineLibrary.com) - Gary was trying to prove penguins can really fly… Yeah, he makes me laugh… but it might only be out of nervous fear. The free falling was fun!

I can’t forget the bartender. What’s happy hour without him? So careful not to squish me… beer and squishing can do some embarrassing things ya know.

I had a lot of fun talking with each of these people. I hope to see them again.

Technorati Tags: networking, socializing, penguin

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The Penguin meets Zazzle

I had the chance to meet up with some of the crew from Zazzle.com. Zazzle is a print on demand company offering t-shirts and novelty gift items. They not only offer galleries for designers to sell products featuring their own designs, they also offer two affiliate marketing opportunities.

We had a nice chat with some yummy appetizers and drinks (amaretto sour WITH a real cherry).

Patrick and Josh

Kelly

and Sean - who wasn’t really with Zazzle but there to learn what they are all about. I heard a rumor that he may be with Zazzle soon.

Great group of people I enjoyed talking with them. Lots of helpful information and neat ideas.

I’m currently testing out their personalized product api with a new site called Penguinality - you can find lots of pictures of me and add your own text to the designs .. then order a t-shirt. Try it out, it’s a pretty neat idea.

The api gives the tools needed to allow on the fly product personalizing, but it isn’t affiliate friendly just yet… hopefully they’ll get that working and affiliates can work with gallery owners to share in the wealth. nudge nudge - wink wink

Technorati Tags: zazzle, t-shirts, affiliate marketing, penguin

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Penguin interrupting Legends

As I was walking down the hall one day I happened to spot couple of legends strolling along.
Todd Crawford and Wayne Porter - Both of these men have, among other things, earned the respect of many in the world of Affiliate Marketing.

I had the pleasure of meeting Wayne a few years ago at Affiliate Summit Orlando 2006. He’s a man with an amazing insight and ability to think beyond “outside the box”.

Todd, however, not only had I not had the chance to meet previously… I’m embarrassed to say I didn’t even know who he was. He chuckled when I asked for a card asking “how will I remember who you are”. Little did I know.. eek, tisk tisk, shame on me. I know I get around, but I guess I can’t expect myself to know every human walking the face of the planet. I’m working on it!

Not knowing a big name in business world one lives in… is what happened when one gets into an industry without learning it’s history. I jumped in headfirst and just started swimming.

Sorry Todd - I’ll absolutely know you next time

I didn’t get to chat with these brilliant minds this time around. The event was so busy and so loaded with new faces we were all crazy busy, but I’m glad I ran into them. It was nice to see such accomplished men enjoying a stroll and taking a quick break to breath.

Thanks for the photo, guys!

(see me, I’m tiny on a shoulder… it’s like where’s Waldo again)

Technorati Tags: affiliate marketing, penguin

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Penguins love all you can eat buffets

It’s true! I went to the MGM Casino in Vegas with some friends and oh YUM.. shrimp and California rolls and more shrimp… and salmon oh joy!

sushi rolls are heaven

 Some of the folks I stuffed my face with were:

Pat

Jon Nunez with Suluta

Mike Nunez with channelintelligence.com

No, I’m not feeding him my pre-chewed crab wontons.. he loves me.

I can’t tell you who this next guy is.. not because I forgot.. it’s a secret decoder ring kind of thing He’s pretty cool to hang with though… hope you run into him sometime.

Joanne “squeak” was also at dinner. She’s a smiler. I actually asked why she was named squeak, thinking it was some squeaky voice thing or something. No she doesn’t squeak… it’s a childhood name that’s just stuck. How cute is that?

Dinner was soooo tasty. Then, come to find out we missed a super fabulously great buffet over at the Wynn. Go figure.

Technorati Tags: dinner, friends, penguin

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Socializing Penguin Style

I had the opportunity to socialize and chat with a few people about a bunch of different things… it’s always fun to catch up, share ideas and brainstorm new ways tell people about what we do… or improve the niche we’re in.

Scott Campbell with egazing.com with Billy Kay mailordershoppe.com - Scott is a happy face I haven’t seen in a few years and was delighted to chat with a bit.

Billy and I chat from time to time online, usually it’s me bugging him because I know how much he loves penguins - every now and again he will get me back.

I had the chance to sit and chat during lunch on day three with a few people including Millie Rodriguez with MiroProductions.tv. She’s a smart woman I’m always happy to see and hope get the chance to talk with a bit more.

Jeff with Paws Up Pet Supply is a super guy with a great story behind the development of his business.

Durk Price with eAccountable.com works with Jeff to manage his affiliate program, fantastic guy with a wealth of idea sharing.

Technorati Tags: networking, penguin

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Penguins and Skateboards

Everyone knows skateboards are cool… little did I expect any to show up at a professional affair in Vegas - never under estimate the power of play time!
Trey with Advertising King Media Group - they gave away some really cool skateboarding decks. I, however didn’t make it in time (both days) to bring one home.

But I did manage to get a picture on one of the fabu decks, thanks to Don Hoffman with EveryOnlineShoeStore.com

And finally, the Motive Interactive Crew. I first met James. A friend and I were trying to hunt down the skateboards (see first person in this post) and just at Jame’s feet was a cool snowboard.. not to mention their booth backdrop was pretty hip… so we stopped and talked. Because he was so cool I had to get a photo.

Then, I went back the next day because I realized I had not gotten a card for James - James had left but Monika

and Joseph…

..both were nice enough to give me a new card AND take photos. They are also mac people… I love them and I don’t even know anything else about them.

The skateboard talk has inspired me… now I think I need to get one for myself.. stay tuned!

Technorati Tags: skateboards, marketing, networking, penguin

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The Penguin at the ASW08 Pinacle Awards

I was fortunate to be able to attend the Affililiate Summit Pinacle Awards. I even had the opportunity to speak with all but one. Being surround by so many smart successful people just taught me, this bird has a lot to learn. I’m so excited!

The winners were (in order of appearance):

Affiliate of the Year - Connie Berg _ Connie is very active in the affiliate community, beyond growing her business. Although the Affiliate world says she’s earn a spectacular honor, you’d never see an attitude change, Connie is one cool, down to earth chick.

Affiliate Manager of the Year - Melissa Salas - I’ll have to catch Melissa at the next Summit.. sorry girl!

Exceptional Merchant - CSN Stores -

This is Brent Elias - His personality and attitude are exceptional as well. He’s extremely easy to talk with, open to ideas and always willing to help. That smile, isn’t just his camera face! I only wish I was a fabulous seller and could do my part increase his stats even more.

Affiliate Marketing Advocate Award - Haiko de Poel, Jr. - Haiko is the creator of ABestWeb.com, a community for affililiates and program managers to share ideas and learn from each other. The ABW family is just darn lovely… thanks to the man in charge.

Best Blogger - Sam Harrelson

I had never met Sam until this day nor had I read his blog. immediately after saying hello I realized this is a man with a fabulous personality, a great wit and quite fun to talk with. I can see why he makes for a fantastic blogger.. entertainment and enlightenment are natural in his space. I caught a glimpse of his road rally skills too.. that’s all I have to say.

Wayne Porter Affiliate Marketing Legend - Brian Littleton - Brian is one of the founders of ShareASale.com, a fantastic affiliate marketing network. One of the coolest things about Brian and his company is the sincere desire to not only hear about things that need improvement… but he is actively trying to make the improvements happen both with his business and the way people interact in the industry.

I don’t know how I survived the day being surround by so many bright lights… no sunburn at all and no sunscreen… did you notice those smiles? I’m telling you, I really think there is a connection between happiness and success - not just success and happiness. I don’t know the actual formula, I’m working on that too. I do know, however, next time I will definitely need to remember to wear my shades

Technorati Tags: affiliate marketing, awards, penguin

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Penguins Passing By

Todd Bassett with OfferWeb.com was much more excited about this picture than he looks.. he just thought the camera girl was a bit odd.

Then we have Michael Jones with PepperJam.com He was just begging for a photo with me.. can’t you see it in his eyes?

Shelly Karnis with ShareResults.com was talking with a friend of mine.. so I ever so politely requested a quick photo while she was there (sorry to interupt).

Steve with Steve’s Apparel - he’s a fun guy I met just in passing after the sessions with Wil Reynolds. We’ll get to Wil later.

As I was leaving the event hall, Jamie from Converseon stopped to hand me a card, so I took the opportunity to get a photo.

Then, not even 5 minutes later, Stephen, also from Converseon stopped to give me a card,

I grabbed a photo AND THEN he handed me all kinds of fun stuffs to bring home… the favorite in the house is the extra super strong mongo magnets. I’d show you a groovey little video, but I tried to lift them.. and they’re bigger than my head. so the video will have to wait until after Popeye visits with his spinach serum. - Penguins are ment to be beefy strong - thats for the cows.

Finally I was able to hunt down Chase Woods with eComlead

I had seen him few days and loved the t-shirt he was wearing. (no idea now what it was, I just remember eally liking it). So when I finally saw Chase again I had to take the photo opp. Lucky me, Jeremy Botter (http://jbotter.wordpress.com) was also there and agreed to a happy photo to. Is that him looking sour, serious or blowing a kiss to the camera girl? You decide.

Technorati Tags: networking, penguin

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Penguin’s favorite smilers

Check out the grins on these guys and gals… I love it when people walk around with something to grin about… it makes my day all flippery.

This is Andy Rodriguez with AndyRodriguez.com, this man is smiling every time I see him, It’s amazing the happiness that pours from his pores.

Ana-maria with SouthBeachAnnie.com

and Bob with RainmakerInteractive.com

I’ve never had the pleasure of talking extensively with either Ana-maria nor Bob, but with smiles like this, they’re on my list to chat with more.

Then there is Todd Farrow with PriceWheelsllc.com.

We met a few years ago - he always makes me smile. Such a sweetheart and always ready with something nice to say. I didn’t have the chance to hang out with Todd this year… caught this shot on a quick hall stop - next time buddy, next time

Shelby Farrari is the director of marketing at Vendio.com - she is a sweetie.

Shelby and I met through Cafepress last year and touch base every now and again. She’s always got a little bit of sunhine hanging around her.

Technorati Tags: affiliates, networking, happiness, penguin

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