How/when did you first get involved with the gaming industry?
About two years ago. As with most other people in this industry I just kind of fell into it! I was a writer and I was originally hired just to do content; eventually my role grew and I was promoted to looking after affiliates.
What attracted you to this sector?
Like I said, originally it was just a paying writing job but as my responsibilities grew and I got to know more people in the industry I fell in love with the casual and tight-knit culture that exists in gaming. You make friends easily.
What were you doing prior to the gaming industry?
I was a Barista and a part time Writer – does it get any more cliché than that?
What are you responsible for in your current position?
My day-to-day activities involve just talking to my affiliates. I usually wake up to an inbox full of questions, banner requests, etc. I spend my days making sure everyone is happy and well looked after. I keep strange hours as so many of my affiliates are in different parts of the world but it’s a rewarding job when you know that people appreciate your efforts.
What have been the biggest industry changes you’ve seen in your time?
Probably the recent developments in Nevada and New Jersey surrounding Gaming Legalisation. I’m from Australia so was never very familiar with the whole situation until I started working in the industry – it’s an amazing development.
What are the biggest positive factors for your sector right now?
Our on-going site translations for sure. So right now our gaming brand GR88.com is translated into Russian, Portuguese and Spanish and soon enough we’ll have Farsi and Chinese. I find that incredibly exciting as my affiliate pool grows so too does the range of different cultures and nationalities of people that I am exposed to. It’s a great part of the job.
And what are the negative ones – the obstacles to growth?
Everyone has setbacks and for us I would probably say that growth is the obstacle. When you’re stacked up against the big brands it can be challenging to make a dent in the numbers, to prove that you have something to offer.
Looking at your entire career, what do you think was your smartest move?
My smartest move was learning to educate myself and stay on top of industry developments. I can’t stress this enough: by always being in the know and continuously gaining insight into how everything worked it gave me a leg up and a confidence when making deals or dealing with my affiliates. I don’t think you should ever stop learning.
What about the dumbest one?
Letting people get to me. I am sure every Affiliate Manager in the business has a story or two to tell about an abusive affiliate or an angry client who just wanted to sling some mud. My dumbest move was letting it stick; I would obsess and try and amend it. Eventually I learned that you don’t have to do business with everyone and not everyone is going to like you.
Where do you hope you’ll be, professionally, in ten years’ time?
That’s a tough question. I am actually almost about to complete my Undergraduate Degree in Criminology. I definitely have a few years left in me within Gaming but who knows where I will be in 10 years – hopefully catching serial killers 😉
If you’d never embarked on this career, what other line of work would you have liked to pursue?
Definitely a similar job, like an Account or Community Manager – I like dealing with people directly as I know I can make a difference that way.
