I've been blogging for almost two years now and somehow managed to stumble across affiliate marketing and use the extra money for gas, coffee, more shoes, etc. I love it! Affiliate marketing works for me because for as long as I can remember I've wanted to start a business. I can remember in middle school wanting to open a floral shop. Entrepreneurship has always caught my interest. As a business major with a background in Nonprofit Administration and Retail Management my 10 years of experience has taught be that starting a business and running it successfully takes dedication, good timing, lots of money and passion. Starting a business was one of the most difficult choices to make and actually following through has been even more difficult but rewarding. It also helps to have a supportive network of family and friends. A mentor is extremely beneficial. I started blogging first, at the same time I was working towards owning a shoe store. Before this I was in Retail Management working 50+ hours a week, living comfortably but wanting more. I realized working for someone else would not give me the satisfaction and freedom I was craving. Then affiliate marketing came into the picture. I started working with a company called LinkShare Referral Program. The blog is the same -Her Shoe Addiction. I don't remember how I came up with the name. But I applied to a few companies through LinkShare.com and was impressed. I could sell products from Wilsonsleather.com, Foot Locker, and Onlineshoes.com use their logos on my blog site to advertise and not have to worry about normal expenses. Owning a 'traditional' business requires a storefront. In addition there is rent, utilites, start up costs and don't forget advertising. Simply money. Operating Her Shoe Addiction as a blog(which is no cost of course) and using LinkShare Referral Program(which is also no cost to users) I was able to create a stream of income. Creatively free to do whatever I want to do gave me a real sense of satisfaction and it still does over two years later. The next best thing is owning a company that is accessible worldwide Owning an actually storefront you are limited to have customers only within a certain mile radius maybe visitors from out of town occasionally. My virtual boutique allows me to gain customers all over the world, literally. Google is helpful also. It has a program called Google Analytics. I get to see where my shoppers are coming from. It is so complex, I haven't begun to use 25% of its services. To date my sales grow larger each month and I am going after 25% of online shopper. I'm so dedicated to the success of this company, I purchased the web address www.HerShoeAddiction.com and registered as a Limited Liability Corporation within the state of South Carolina. For those of you looking for an additional source of income use LinkShare Referral Program you won't regret it. Your power here is limitless and you don't have to spend a dime to get started.