Just being a passenger on a ship doesn't really appeal to the people that really want to take matters in their own hands. These are the people that want to take the wheel, feel the waves and the sea under their palms and go in whatever direction they want to go. Being aboard a ship on its way to a great destination is one thing but steering your way to that destination is what creating a top affiliate marketing business is really all about.

What does a person need to have real success in an affiliate marketing business? What are the characteristics you must have to make it long term? There are five essentials you need to possess if you want to achieve greatness in this business. These five essentials you may never let go of if you are going to stand out in the crowd.

1. Initially you must possess a trait that allows you to be willing to learn and be trained in affiliate marketing. Going through uncharted territory can be hazardous without the proper preparation. Learning the vital tips of the trade is an extremely important aspect of the journey.

2. Secondly you must be willing to invest time and effort even when results aren't immediate. Several months may pass without any sales, now patience is important as you wait for the results you're after. This quality will keep you from giving less value to the countless hours you've already invested in your business.

3. The third essential is self-determination. For one to make it in the affiliate marketing business, you must push yourself ahead no matter what. A never die attitude is what every affiliate marketer needs to survive in this competitive game. The ability to motivate yourself will get you the end result you want.

4. The fourth quality you need is discipline. Once you know how to propel yourself to work everyday with all the energy you can muster, then you are very close to achieving what your goals are as an affiliate marketer.

5. The last quality you'll need is optimism. Negative thoughts will attempt to hinder you from reaching your goals. Don't let these thoughts or the views of others get you off your path to success. Once you commit to your business, stick to it with a firm optimism that it will work and it will.

The ingredients to building a successful affiliate marketing business are diverse, but the most important thing you need to make it big is within you. When you have the capacity and desire to do everything you need to realize your goals, then you'll have the jet fuel to keep going and make it big. Affiliate marketing is all about putting your fate into you own hands. The right attitude is the key to being able to steer your ship into calm waters where a certain peace and freedom can be found.