In business, any business, creating multiple streams of income is a way of securing a business for the future. In a large corporation an example of multiple streams of income would be a varied product line, different products that appeal to different consumer groups. It would be like a breakfast food company selling cereal, waffles, and muffins. Each type of breakfast food appeals to different consumers. In affiliate marketing multiple streams of income could come from promoting various types of products, such as software for tracking investments, an ebook on budgeting and an ecourse on debt management.

A strength of having multiple income streams is that if one portion of your business slows or disappears, you can rely on the other products to sustain your business. If you depend on just one stream of income and it fails, so does your entire business, requiring you to start-over to rebuild your business. Having multiple streams of income is your insurance for a sustainable business.

Affiliate marketing is likely one of the most desirable ways to have multiple sources of income. This is because affiliate programs can come in very different formats. Many affiliate programs allow you to register for them and begin making money immediately. As an affiliate marketer you make money by selling and promoting products and by recruiting other affiliates. An added bonus to this scenario is that the product owners usually provide incredibly valuable materials to teach the affiliate how to market their specific product. They provide you with resources, tested materials and insight on selling their product.

An example of this would be an affiliate storefront style web site; where you have the abilitity to promote a variety of products in addition to several other affiliate programs all through one affiliate link. With your one affiliate link would have your multiple streams of income all in one location. When you are researching a storefront web site opportunity, be sure to look for one that provides promotional tools and information for affiliates.

To build the most solid business online you must have multiple streams of income. To be successful with affiliate marketing or any other type of business you need to have patience, persistence and an interest to learn as much as possible.