When you work through a network, you typically won’t know the merchant ahead of time and usually won’t build a relationship with them (your business relationship is with the network).
Once you have your list (keep it to a few products) you can apply to those programs and get your unique links.

In affiliate marketing, you can promote any product or service. Experienced affiliate marketers say that they have achieved the best results by selling products they are already familiar with. If you choose to promote a product or service that you have already used and it has helped you solve a problem or achieve something, there is a higher chance that you will succeed in promoting it.
Since there is no pre-decided agenda, routine, or guidance in this business strategy as you are the only boss, this becomes the reason of determination and focus. This job requires full concentration and dedication of the person no matter if you are the marketing merchant or an affiliate. The affiliate needs to set goals and routines in order to achieve them efficiently. However, if a person is self-disciplined and focused on long term goals, they can survive and thrive throughout.