I’m sure you’ll all have noted that Affiliate Stuff has remained sponsor free up until now. However, I’ve decided it was high time this blog started paying its way as I figure all it’s helpful content needs to be monetised to help me feel that it is worthwhile.
So with that in mind, I have decided the blog needs a sponsor.
Introducing… YOU
The thing is, I don’t need any additional money and nor does the blog. I write this blog for pleasure and quite some time ago I decided that getting the blog sponsored was going to be the same as getting paid to do this, which would take the fun out of it! However, I do happen to know of a few people who are very similar to lots of my readers in that they would like help starting their own business. I like to think I’ve helped a few readers on here with similar aspirations, so in a pay it forward sorta way I’d like to ask you to help them, and have a bit of fun at the same time.
Kiva.org
Through this organisation I’ve been sponsoring entrepreneurs in some of the most deprived parts of the world to help alleviate poverty. The system is not one of donating but rather of loaning someone money to help them get their business off the ground or expand an existing enterprise. You can loan as little as $25US, and when the loan is repaid you can either take the money back or loan it to another entrepreneur.
If I Have Helped You or Entertained You Even A Little Bit Since This Blog Was Started…
Please join the Affiliate Lending Team on Kiva which was set up by Chris Frost. So far 32 affiliates have made 172 loans totalling $4850.00 to entrepreneurs in 3rd world countries. It’s great to be able to see our collective efforts doing a bit of good, so do please join our lending team and help us to redistrubute some of our good fortune to people who really need it. If just a few people join because of this post I’ll be thrilled.
Not Restricted To Affiliates…
I’d really like to see a network or two joining the lending team – come on guys, you sponsor enough of us affiliate idiots to chuck drink down our necks at various events. I think a network logo or two on there would be good PR, show that you’re not all just about the override and branding 
At a starting price of just $25 you’d be mad if you didn’t. Agencies & Merchants too…. come on, get involved – it’ll make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside!
If Nobody Joins The Lending Team…
I might just have to go on strike – you have been warned
(hope the above statement isn’t counter productive!)
Come On!! Join The Kiva Affiliate Lending Team >>
P.S. Anyone good at Photoshop want to do me an Affiliate Lending Team banner for my sponsors section?
February 12th, 2010 at 3:20 pm
Thanks for this post Kirsty I have been meaning to join Kiva for a while now and this post has prompted me to do so. I have also joined the affiliate lending team and will set up my first loan later today.
February 12th, 2010 at 7:23 pm
Wow, what a great idea and a great way to support entrepreneurs in the poorest countries. I’m joining! I’m not a big earner in AM yet but I can sure afford $25.
Have you an idea of the success rate with their businesses and how quick do they repay? I wonder how often you can recycle your money to help more and more people set up their businesses.
February 13th, 2010 at 12:52 am
Hi Kirsty,
I’ve been looking at Kiva for a while and through this post you have encouraged me to go ahead and invest. Although it was only $25, it is a start and it will hopefully help the borrower in a big way. My $25 also fulfilled this persons loan request of $350 so she has managed to get what she originally asked for
Hopefully this group will keep growing and many more people will be helped in the future.
Darren
February 13th, 2010 at 1:58 am
Nice one Kirsty. Your post reminded me to re-lend my Kiva balance from loans partially paid back. C’mon guys, join the affiliates team, it really is a good way to pay-it-forwards.
February 13th, 2010 at 8:00 am
Thanks guys… don’t forget to add yourself to the affiliate lending team if you do join up.
@Steven, sometimes you can have some or all of your money back in a few weeks. It’s surprisingly quick the time it takes for you to see money coming back to your account.
It really is a nice feeling helping other entrepreneurs, I hope I can encourage a few more people to join.
February 15th, 2010 at 1:55 pm
Thanks for the reminder about KIva Kirsty. Have just signed up and done my first loan to a group in the Dom Rep.
February 15th, 2010 at 10:25 pm
Thanks Rob, great to have you on board!!
February 17th, 2010 at 2:43 pm
Just joined as well!
March 17th, 2010 at 8:47 am
I have 3 loans currently on Kiva under Team Obama, but I’ve been looking for a new team lately as he’s disappointed me quite bit thus far. I just joined the Affiliates team and I’ll credit my future loans to it. Thanks for supporting this cause.
March 17th, 2010 at 9:53 am
Wonderful, thanks for joining Joe really good to have you on board!