For months prior to attending the Niche Affiliate Marketing (NAMS) Workshop in Atlanta, Georgia; I was reading over the speakers list learning about the speakers, what they did and trying to get some insight into their personalities and all that. I’m a ‘people person’, and I love to watch and observe people and their behaviors. You can learn a lot about people in general, but more specifically about individuals.

Immediately I knew that I wanted to meet Willie Crawford. I so desperately wanted to attend his 50th birthday bash earlier this year, but could not make it. So this was my chance to finally meet Willie…. and I did!

First Impressions

Willie, surprisingly to me,  is quiet and reserved. I guess I’m used to most internet marketers who, online anyway, appear to be loud and full of themselves… and  honestly, I never got that impression with Willie. I heard him speak in one of the pre-NAMS webinars. I instantly sensed that he was different. I was right.

In person, he was friendly, helpful and generous to share his knowledge. I introduced myself to him the very first day; and say Hi to him daily after that – but did not really sit and talk with him any until Sunday afternoon. Why? In part, because I was nervous! Yes, the ‘Quiet One’ does get a little nervous sometimes, and how I am online, is exactly how I am in person – I’m not quiet at all.  I didn’t want to scare the man, so I waited until I felt the moment was right for us to chat.

The time came after he spoke in the workshop room I was in and he shared very good information about Joint Venture partners.  During one session he shared a tip about sending out cards; I shared a short testimonial of how someone online had sent such a card to my husband and I when my mother-in-law had a stroke.  We were moved to tears when we received that card, my in-laws were as well when we gave it to them.

Just sharing the story I was tearing up and I could see Willie getting emotional too.  At that moment, I knew Willie truly cared about people.  We also chatted briefly after the workshop – chit chat really about internet connections and I very briefly mentioned what it is that I do.  He was still kind and attentive, again – letting me know he is the ‘real deal’ and not just there for what he could get out of it. (BTW: none of the NAMS speakers are paid to be there, they volunteer their time.)

It’s reported that Willie makes mega bucks; but when I see someone who is without a doubt considered a ‘guru’ standing up there getting emotional and truly caring – I knew my impressions were right about him. He’s good people!

Willie Crawford – a Man of Integrity

I am very selective about who I align myself with – I just am. I want to align myself with people of integrity. That’s one reason why I chose to go to NAMS – every one of the speakers, I believe, has that integrity. Integrity to me means people are more important than money. It’s fine to earn money – don’t get me wrong; but if someone is willing to stomp all over the little guy in order to claw their way to the top of some ‘Guru Mountain’… I want nothing to do with them, or what they teach.

Willie Crawford is a man of integrity and a keen business sense. The fact that he wrote a cookbook just astounds and fascinates me! His wife is equally as lovely a person.

If you have not yet met Willie Crawford – or are not familiar with his work,  get on his mailing list at  WillieCrawford.com.  <- That is not an affiliate link – I’m just highly recommending you connect with Willie. What you learn from him will do great things for your business.

To YOUR Success,

Traci Knoppe

P.S. Here is a link to Willie’s Soul Food Recipes cooking site. I bought this cookbook myself – even though I don’t enjoy cooking, if Willie wrote it, I’m buying it. I’m sure he will have as much to teach me about cooking, as he does in Internet Marketing.

P.P.S. Why not plan to attend the next NAMS Workshop, January 29-31, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia. If you order your ticket before August 31, 2009, you get in at a really great price!