Affiliate Success Isn’t a Solo Game—It’s Built on Partnerships
Affiliate marketing is often seen as a performance channel, but behind every click and commission is something more powerful: connection.
At The Partnerships Collective, success has never been about dominating the competition. From day one, this agency was shaped by a mindset that’s all too rare in our industry—one of mutual support, generosity, and trust. That mindset hasn’t just made us better partners. It’s made us better people to work with.
This post isn’t a strategy playbook. It’s a thank-you note—and a case study in what happens when you build a business with your peers, not against them.
This Agency Was Built on a Collective Mindset
The Partnerships Collective was never meant to be a one-person show—or a race to beat anyone else to market. It was created with a belief that the affiliate industry is strongest when we collaborate, refer, share, and show up for each other.
Every milestone, from our first clients to our most complex migrations and content campaigns, has been touched by the guidance, encouragement, or example of people who’ve spent years shaping this space.
Let’s name names. Because these relationships matter.
The Industry Friends Who Made This Possible
Dustin Howes – DustinHowes.com
Dustin doesn’t just teach affiliate managers how to succeed—he cheers them on. His willingness to collaborate, cross-refer, and advocate for others sets a tone of generosity that this agency has tried to mirror in every client conversation.
Christen Evans – Spark Partnerships
Christen brings intentionality to every program she touches—and her early support, insight, and empathy made the “Collective” part of our name feel very real from the start.
Sarah Beeskow Blay – SarahBeeskowBlay.com
Sarah’s reputation speaks for itself, but her behind-the-scenes encouragement and thought leadership have been equally important. She’s a steady presence who reminds everyone that integrity matters just as much as innovation.
Carolyn Tang Kmet – LinkedIn
Carolyn has long been a source of perspective, professionalism, and historical knowledge. Her impact on the industry can’t be overstated—and her insights have helped shape how we approach both client work and team development. It’w worth adding that without her and Brian Littleton, we (TPC and the affiliate industry as a whole) wouldn’t be where we are today.
Karen & Joel Garcia – Lab6 Media
Karen and Joel have built one of the most respected agencies in the space—and still lead with humility, humor, and openness. They prove that you can run a successful business without falling into the trap of scarcity thinking.
Ann Hand – The Full Hand
Ann blends creativity with strategy in a way that makes you want to raise your game. Her work (and her warmth) continually remind us that great partnerships are both smart and human.
Brian Littleton – BL Foundation
The founder of ShareASale and a true pillar of this industry, Brian has consistently modeled what it means to build for the long-term via ethical business practices. His legacy isn’t just the tech he built—it’s the community he helped foster.
Why This Mindset Matters Now More Than Ever
The affiliate and partnership space is growing faster, with more players entering every year. But more volume doesn’t always mean better value. Clients aren’t just looking for service providers—they’re looking for people they can trust.
That trust is built, in part, on how agencies show up in the broader industry.
Do they share knowledge, or hoard it?
Do they make space for others, or gatekeep relationships?
Do they see peers as threats—or collaborators?
The Partnerships Collective was built with a clear answer to those questions. And that’s made all the difference.
Collaboration Isn’t Just Personal—It’s Strategic
A collaborative mindset isn’t just good ethics. It’s good business.
Referrals strengthen your network. When you send business to people you trust, it often comes back tenfold—and the client gets a better fit.
Shared insights accelerate growth. Peer conversations often spark ideas faster than Slack threads or strategy decks.
Community expands credibility. Being part of a trusted circle signals quality in a crowded market.
This industry is small. Your reputation is your brand. Building it collaboratively pays long-term dividends..