The Making Money Online Diaries

8: Amazon vs TikTok? Stop the Tribalism

In this unedited, unscripted solo episode, I’m back on the school run sharing a full, unfiltered 30-minute rant (yes, rant!) about the toxic tribalism between business models. Amazon vs TikTok, free vs paid, introvert vs extrovert. I break it all down, speak my truth, and update you on my brand new 10k/10kg/10k challenge and why Leeds might just be the most important live event we’ve ever done. Key Highlights: * The truth about Amazon vs TikTok shop – and why it’s NOT either/or * Resilience, imposter syndrome, and the mindset shifts that actually matter * How I’m planning to lose 10kg, gain 10,000 followers, and make £10,000 by December * A full behind-the-scenes breakdown of the Leeds Live Event – speakers, brands, creators & more! * Why your next level in business depends on community, not competition Whether you’re selling on Amazon, smashing it on TikTok, or figuring out your first step, this episode is your reminder that the real win is in staying in the game. Forget the camps, ditch the shade, and double down on your vision. And if you haven’t got your ticket for Leeds yet, get your finger out of your bum. What are you waiting for? Des’s Links AffiliNation – The Fastest Growing Agency in TikTok Shop. We will train you and give you the tools to change your life. For Free. No catches. 👉 www.affilination.co.uk [http://www.affilination.co.uk?utm_source=chatgpt.com] Social Commerce LIVE – See Des and many many others in action at his live event on 3rd October in Leeds. More details and tickets available at 👉 https://des-hamilton.co.uk/live-events/ [http://www.deshamilton.co.uk?utm_source=chatgpt.com] Sign up to be an affiliate for the Live event 👉 https://des-hamilton.co.uk/affiliate-registration/ [https://des-hamilton.co.uk/affiliate-registration/] Facebook Group: Des’s group on Online Money Making 👉 https://www.facebook.com/groups/3815342875359610 [https://www.facebook.com/groups/3815342875359610?utm_source=chatgpt.com]

7: Networking Matters More Than You Think

Join me, Des Hamilton, back in the car and deep into the summer holidays (send help), as I reflect on the power of real networking—not the cringe LinkedIn version, but the kind that actually helps you grow. From sprint seasons to the value of face-to-face meetups, this episode dives into how relationships built over time can move your business forward. Key Highlights: * Why Q4 prep needs to start now * The sprint vs. marathon reality of running an online business * What networking really means (spoiler: it’s not just DMs and coffee chats) * How live events have impacted my journey and others in the community * Real-world stories of connections that turned into collaborations, clients, and support systems If you’re serious about making money online, your network needs nurturing - and there’s no better place to do that than in person. Come meet us in Leeds and start building the relationships that will grow your business. Don’t forget to subscribe, share this episode with your crew, and keep showing up. Des’s Links AffiliNation – The Fastest Growing Agency in TikTok Shop. We will train you and give you the tools to change your life. For Free. No catches. 👉 www.affilination.co.uk [http://www.affilination.co.uk] Social Commerce LIVE – See Des and many others in action at his live event on 3rd October in Leeds 🎟️ More details and tickets: www.des-hamilton.co.uk [https://www.des-hamilton.co.uk] Facebook Group: Des’s group on Online Money Making 👉 Join here [https://www.facebook.com/groups/3815342875359610]

6: Friends, Family & Funnels: Balancing Real Life with Online Graft

This week, I drive you through one of the rawest episodes yet - an honest look at the chaos, clarity, and community behind the scenes of running an agency and an online business. Plus, a drive home with Claire - my wife, business partner, and all-round legend - as she shares how her role has evolved inside AffiliNation and what it really takes to grow in this space. Whether you're juggling business with family life, or wondering if you need to ditch your old mates to grow - this one’s for you. 🔑 Key Highlights: * Why I refuse to cut off friends who "don’t get the business" – and why you shouldn’t either * The mental battle of separating business from personal – and how Luke helps keep me grounded * Claire's evolution from Amazon FBA seller to a vital pillar in the agency – coaching, admin, campaign strategy, TikTok liaison and more * What it really looks like behind-the-scenes in a top-performing TikTok Shop agency * The truth about consistency, algorithm changes, and why authenticity now matters more than ever Guest Spotlight: Claire Hamilton – Online seller turned agency powerhouse. From live campaigns and global brand liaisons to running VAs and shaping affiliate strategies, Claire is the engine behind much of what keeps AffiliNation moving.   If you’ve ever doubted yourself, your journey, or thought about giving up because it got “too hard” - listen to this. You’re not alone. And if you’re chasing a better life, it starts with surrounding yourself with the right people. Don't trade real connections for fake hustle. Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs a reminder to keep going! Des’s Links AffiliNation – The Fastest Growing Agency in TikTok Shop. We will train you and give you the tools to change your life. For Free. No catches. 👉 www.affilination.co.uk [http://www.affilination.co.uk] Social Commerce LIVE – See Des and many many others in action at his live event on 3rd October in London. More details and tickets available at: 👉 www.des-hamilton.co.uk [http://www.deshamilton.co.uk] Facebook Group – Des's group on Online Money Making 👉 https://www.facebook.com/groups/3815342875359610 [https://www.facebook.com/groups/3815342875359610]

5: From Setbacks to Success: Gemma’s TikTok Journey Pt.2

I’m back in the car-chair and diving into another week in the TikTok Shop trenches. In this episode, I share the whirlwind of our growing community, the challenges of running a free service, and the power of building the right culture. Then we catch up with Gemma - fresh from going viral, smashing her sales, and proving that consistency (and a sense of humour) can change everything. This is part two of her incredible journey, and trust me, you’ll want to hear how far she’s come.  Key Highlights:  * How one post from our team brought in 300 new members in just three days * The challenge of balancing free samples with maintaining quality and commitment * Why retention is just as important as recruitment in TikTok Shop communities * Gemma’s viral “bra” post story and how it shifted her TikTok journey * The personal transformations Gemma has experienced - from confidence to career ambitions Guest Spotlight: Gemma Sheridan – TikTok Shop creator and AffiliNation community member who turned consistency, creativity, and resilience into viral success. She’s proof that starting later in life is no barrier to making a splash online.     Call-to-Action: Subscribe to The Making Money Online Diaries to follow more inspiring journeys like Gemma’s. Share this episode with someone who needs a push to start - or keep going - on their own creator path. The opportunity is real, but it’s the people and persistence that make it worth it. Des’s Links AffiliNation – The Fastest Growing Agency in TikTok Shop. We will train you and give you the tools to change your life. For Free. No catches. www.affilination.co.uk [http://www.affilination.co.uk] Social Commerce LIVE – See me and many others in action at my live event on 3rd October in Leeds. Tickets: www.deshamilton.co.uk [http://www.deshamilton.co.uk] Facebook Group – My group on Online Money Making: https://www.facebook.com/groups/3815342875359610 [https://www.facebook.com/groups/3815342875359610]

4: From Struggle to Sales: Gemma’s TikTok Shop Breakthrough

In this first-ever interview episode of The Making Money Online Diaries, I sit down with Gemma – a full-time worker, busy family woman, and determined TikTok Shop affiliate who’s been grafting behind the scenes for months. Just one week before this recording, her content finally went viral – and it changed everything. We get into the ups, the downs, and the real-life resilience it takes to succeed online. Whether you're just starting out or you’ve hit a plateau, Gemma’s story will give you a proper dose of inspiration – no fluff, no hype, just the truth. Key Highlights: * What it’s really like starting from scratch on TikTok Shop * How Gemma stayed consistent for nine months before going viral * Why building community and friendships is key in the online space * The surprising power of sticking to what you know (hello, travel!) * The physical and mental challenges she overcame to keep going Gemma Sheridan – TikTok Shop affiliate, full-time worker, and proud member of the AffiliNation community. Gemma brings raw honesty, relatable energy, and a whole load of grit to her journey into online income. If this episode lit a fire under you, make sure you subscribe, rate and review The Making Money Online Diaries – and share this one with someone who needs to hear it. There’s no overnight success here, just real stories from real people who’ve made the leap. 🔗 Des’s Links AffiliNation – The Fastest Growing Agency in TikTok Shop. We will train you and give you the tools to change your life. For Free. No catches. 👉 www.affilination.co.uk [http://www.affilination.co.uk] Social Commerce LIVE – See Des and many many others in action at his live event on 3rd October in London. 🎟️ Tickets & info: www.deshamilton.co.uk [http://www.deshamilton.co.uk] Facebook Group – Join my online money-making community 👉 facebook.com/groups/3815342875359610 [https://www.facebook.com/groups/3815342875359610]