Whenever I get back from an Affiliate Summit trip, I take some time to reflect on trends I see, methods and the conversations I hear.

Of course, a huge question people always ask is “Where is internet marketing headed?” This trip, before you could think, the answer was Mobile. While I do believe that point to quite valid – I see mobile marketing as an extension of our traffic pool, not the replacement of.

This doesn’t answer the question, where is the industry headed.

I think we need to calm the hell down and realize that traffic is still there and always will be. I think we will see rise of other social sites come into play. Perhaps born off of games from facebook and so on. Consider first there was MySpace. Then Facebook took over the social scene. There will be more to come.

Most of the new traffic and opportunities will come from people in this industry now. They are either in the works or haven’t acted on it yet.

The most amazing thing about this industry is the support roles. Such as, the coders who come up with the software to allow for more automated campaign building. Those who offer more detailed tracking capabilities. Don’t forget the people who host the learning forums, courses and webinars. Consider the people who put on the industry events.

These are all people who are in “affiliate marketing” without being in the actual field. Affiliates see a need, act on it and create a whole new level of income for themselves.

It’s what drives this industry, creating a way to monetize online traffic. Even if that way is monetizing the industry itself.

I think what this industry is waiting for is the traffic sources to be created and the processes that will allow many to benefit which in turn makes money for the creator.

You could be the next answer. What ideas do you need to act on that will create not only income for others, but unlimited income for yourself as well?