MGECOM’s newest Account Manager joins us from the Lone Star State. In our interview, Alison shares with us her deeply seeded feelings against the funky chicken dance, her love of pugs and Tesla..

How and when did you start affiliate marketing?
I started my internet marketing career in 1999 at a company that is now known as Shopzilla.com. My affiliate marketing niche didn’t happen until 2004. I was working for a company based in China that had a sales team there that didn’t understand American advertising, so I created a web site that used all ads from the affiliate networks. I have worked at very large companies to small start-up companies helping them start a program from the ground up or increase the revenue of their current programs.

What do you like most about the industry?
What I really enjoy about this vertical is the relationships you build with the different publishers, advertisers and the networks. Each day is different from the next and you never know what is going to happen. I also like helping people make money and optimizing their offers and site.

What improvements would you like to see in the industry?
I would like to see more companies understand how having an affiliate vertical in their marketing programs can be beneficial. Most companies think they understand the vertical but really don’t know it’s about the relationships you build with your publishers and treating them well. We need to educate companies that our publishers can be your silent salesforce promoting your products.

Do you see affiliates embracing social and mobile?
Yes! Advertiser and publishers tend to be early adopters in social and mobile which is so exciting. They tend to try out the new ways to drive traffic to their sites and convert sales. I think we’ll start seeing more advertisers using more video links to convert sales for their publishers.

What other jobs have you had outside of affiliate marketing?
My very first job that I was paid for was being an elf and taking the pictures for Santa Claus! For the most part I worked as a food/cocktail server putting myself through college. I then worked in Hollywood at a major studio in the casting department, so I got to meet movie and television stars. Once I tried out this internet thing which my friends and family told me it wouldn’t last, I was hooked.

What are a few of your hobbies?
I used to run a lot and completed two marathons but blowing out my knee doing the Funky Chicken ended that. I like to knit scarves for my friends. I have knitted many scarves, baby blankets and a couple of sweaters. I volunteer for my local pug rescue when I can.

What sports did you play in high school/college?
My freshman year in high school, I was on the Frosh/Soph basketball team. At a very tall 5 ft. 2in., I played mainly on the bench but there is a picture in my yearbook to verify it. Then I was a cheerleader for the rest of the time. I tend to be the cheerleader wherever I work. Annoying I know.

What is your favorite vacation location?
Anywhere there is a beach. My favorite beach so far is Turks and Caicos. The sand is white and the water is clear blue.

If you won a big lottery, what is the first thing you would buy?
I would pay off all my bills and then get a Tesla car. They are so sweet.

What is my favorite band to see live?
I have never seen them but would like to see KISS in concert.

What’s your “must see” TV?
Real Housewives of Orange County and Beverly Hills. I am from Los Angeles and love seeing my old haunts. Then of course, Downton Abbey.

Coke or Pepsi?
Diet Coke for sure.