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Affiliate Manager Interview Series: Cedrik Caron - Hot Pepper Affiliates
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We interviewed you near the beginning of 2007 and wanted to catch up and learn about what has been going on at Hot Pepper since then, as well as learn more about you and some of the things we spoke about last time.
[Note: The original interview is available at https://www.gpwa.org/forum/affiliate-manager-interview-series-cedrik-hot-pepper-affiliates-170669.html.]
Please list -
Position title: Marketing Director
Age: 33
Current Hometown: Montreal, Canada
One book everyone must read: The End of Marketing as we know it.
Favorite animal: Tigers
You started work in the online gaming industry in 1999 and have done marketing for a number of casinos. Can you tell us how you got started in the industry?
Back in 1999, I was working as an interactive media strategist for TMP WorldWide (home of Monster.com). I was contacted by a headhunter looking for an online media buyer in the entertainment industry and, after several meetings, I accepted the position at Golden Palace.
How did you find the first position and what attracted you to it?
I’ve found my first position was quite entertaining. The online marketing business was booming and every dollar spent was turning into gold. Everyday, new ways of reaching customers were being developed… The “outside the box” thinking was and still remains the way to go.
What differentiates Hot Pepper Affiliates from other affiliate programs?
The affiliate managers at Hot Pepper Affiliates make the program unique. Our dedicated team always ensures our affiliates receive all the marketing tools they require and the respect they deserve. At the end of the day, they represent the affiliate’s interests.
You mentioned that one of your favorite places to travel has been Karlovy Vary in the Czech Republic. When did you travel there?
I went there in 1998 as part of an international hockey tournament played in Czech Republic.
Please describe your trip and the aspects of the experience that made it one of your favorite places.
The city of Karlovy Vary is located in the Western part of the country. It is known as the city of Spa as they have natural hot springs and a gorgeous landscape that were enjoyed by 14th Century Emperors. If you love history, this is the place to go.
Please describe your ideal day off.
My ideal day off is actually a day where I can accomplish several activities (sports, hiking, traveling) in less than 24 hours. I just cannot stay in bed all day!
What’s your next big purchase (personal)?
My next big purchase would be my first Plasma screen. I still enjoy my old 27” TV that I bought 10 years ago.
What are the most popular games among your player base? What most attracts players to the Hot Pepper brands?
Our players’ favorite games are definitely our Slots Tournament. I believe what makes Hot Pepper Casino unique is the special offers the players receive and our dedicated 24/7 customer support. Moreover, our Pepper Lounge VIP Club is definitely one of the best programs for highrollers ever made. I’m sure quite a few affiliates can confirm the added value they receive from their monthly commission statements.
What are your three keys to success for an affiliate?
The three basic rules to become a high performing affiliate are:
- Be innovative: Always find new ways to reach your players.
- Understand your players’ behavior: Analyze your players’ favorite games and promotions.
- Know what you promote: Play games, contact customer support and try the deposit methods. Basically, see what players have to go through before depositing.
Remember, your brand is attached to every casino you promote. Always ensure you advertise a casino with great reputation for players and affiliates.
What one thing (event, person, or program) has most influenced the way you conduct yourself and do business?
I have had the opportunity to work with great CEO’s in this industry. They all have exceptional management skills and ways of bringing the best out of everyone. I took some good notes…
In what areas is Hot Pepper expecting the biggest growth during 2008? How can affiliates best direct their efforts to share in these opportunities?
Hot Pepper Casino recently introduced new languages to reach a larger community of players. We added French, Italian, German and Russian languages and are looking to expand worldwide visibility in 2008. Affiliates will now have the marketing tools to expand their reach to European and Russian players. We always strive to offer more to our players and affiliates.
What was your favorite subject in school? And why was it your favorite subject?
Biology. I’ve always been fascinated by the human body and its complexity.
