26 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}
26 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}

Any tricks to finding a quality partner?

by mrdeflation
23 replies
Let's say you have an new online business that was doing well, proven to convert, happy customers who want more to buy, 1% refund rate, know all your KPI's...



$300k in gross sales last 8 months...


Its just you... and you alone doing everything...


- You have all the creatives, assets, content, lead magnets, tripwires, front and back end products, website, CRM, full funnels, emails, copy, lists, and its all already in place.



- However your 15 years of experience lies in the niche itself, the day to day customer facing operations, back-end sales, content creation, with emphasis on delivering massive value running the online digital business.


- Despite your best efforts you need help in all aspects of marketing, specifically social media marketing, growing the new customer base, recruiting affiliates, scaling, PPC, SEO, SEM, getting targeted traffic, promotions, contests, giveaways, etc.. and assistance implementing, what to do with new content, etc..



- You don't have nearly enough cash reserves to hire specific employees but are looking to take on a revshare partner whose knowledge lies in the areas that your doesn't and vice versa. To take an already existing proven business and help scale in exchange for some sort of Rev-share arrangement.



- You want to partner with someone who isn't going to waste your time and as you have no intention of wasting theirs. Step in to an already existing operation and work together to take it to the next level. Everyone makes ever increasing money while customers remain satisfied and want to consume more and more.



- You have a vision for taking the current 6 figure sales to multiple 7 or 8 figures and know its going to take a TEAM to get there.


- You want that partner in the USA where you are located.







QUESTION:



How & Where do you find a solid LONG term partner who you can trust that actually has a proven track record, knows what they are doing, not out to scam/lie/cheat/steal and make a quick buck?




Must be some preferred more reliable way to seek out a partner that I'm missing other than taking out ads on various forums and hoping to get lucky?






Any suggestions or direction is greatly appreciated.




Thanks and blessings!
#finding #partner #quality #tricks
Avatar of Unregistered
  • Profile picture of the author YourGoToWriter
    There are lots of providers, big or small, who have the credibility to do the job for you. You just need to know who to trust, which is the most difficult part.

    Other than ads, do the dirty work. Join Facebook groups, you will be surprised. Just be engaged in it (which needs a lot of patience but it pays off). Establish your presence. It takes a while, I've been in the business for almost 2 decades and I still introduce myself.
    Signature
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[11358330].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author laurencewins
    I'm curious...why do you "need" to have the person in the US?
    I know you have a huge country so somebody could be a great distance from you.
    I'm in Australia, for example, and am wondering why (even if I did qualify) that would put me out of the running?
    Signature

    Cheers, Laurence.
    Writer/Editor/Proofreader.

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[11358385].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author mrdeflation
      Originally Posted by laurencewins View Post

      I'm curious...why do you "need" to have the person in the US?
      I know you have a huge country so somebody could be a great distance from you.
      I'm in Australia, for example, and am wondering why (even if I did qualify) that would put me out of the running?
      Just makes it easier with time zones but our market is US and Australia actually....

      Just meant that any time in the past we've reached out we got bombarded with non-native English speaking people wanting to "help"
      Signature

      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[11358736].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author NetMan
        Originally Posted by mrdeflation View Post

        ...
        Just meant that any time in the past we've reached out we got bombarded with non-native English speaking people wanting to "help"
        Wow, and I would reiterate as being curious as well, what would be the 'problem'-because this is how you sound it would be- to have "non-native English speaking people" on board with you in any way?
        Signature

        <!---
        IGNORANCE is not an excuse anymore, all you need is Automate Kit!
        ---/>

        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[11359944].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Jason Kanigan
    Tricks?

    No. No Tricks.

    Be genuine.

    Look for someone who has the qualities and interests you do not.

    The business partner I have and I existed in the same space for years. We knew of each other, but we didn't know each other.

    About a year and a half ago he had an idea. Figured I had the right combination of skills and experience and approached me with it.

    We spent A LOT of time talking. Many, many talks. We got to know the other's views and values on just about every important topic.

    That time and energy investment has paid off big time. We know what the other will do. We trust the other person--something in dreadfully short supply in other partnerships I see people complaining about. And it's FUN.

    Approach it like a marriage. It's that important.
    Signature
    >> About Jason, Podcast Interviews, Books and More

    >> For Agency Founders: How To Regain Control When You're Overwhelmed and Don't Know What To Do Next
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[11358560].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Joey Babbs
    I've been in that boat a few times and I'll be honest it's very hard to find a partner that has the same desire to make things work. A great way I've met people as I have attended many of the affiliate conferences like affiliate World Europe and affiliate Summit east and west where I can meet some people and discuss my business. I also have a large list of people on my Skype list now that I communicate with on a regular basis. Over time I have built relationships with these people and would trust them with being partners. I wish you the best of luck in finding a partner but by searching forums like these and posting ads for a partner it's very hard to find someone that you can trust and work with.
    Signature


    I MADE OVER $3,000,000 ON CPA LAST YEAR

    CLICK HERE & SEE MY EXACT CAMPAIGNS!
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[11358589].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author OptedIn
    Originally Posted by mrdeflation View Post

    Must be some preferred more reliable way to seek out a partner that I'm missing other than taking out ads on various forums and hoping to get lucky?
    Find reliable providers to outsource to. Start by giving very small tasks to see how they perform. If things go well, increase their workload until you recognize a point of diminishing return. DO NOT put all of your eggs in one basket, regardless of the quality of work. One bad move or turn of events and you are left high and dry and starting from scratch.

    Business partnerships are worse than marriages as they are strictly about money - an exchange of services for payment, regardless of the payment arrangement. Of course there are exceptions, but most business partnerships, especially those that are Internet based either fizzle out or explode in your face like an atomic bomb.

    If you're smart enough to have built your business to this point, on your own, you should be able to integrate service providers/outsourcers into your business model, with patience and careful consideration, without any oppressive entanglement.

    Are you happy? If so, avoid taking on a partner as you will probably wind up with nothing more than memories of what happiness felt like.

    I'm sure that part of why you do what it is you do is because of the freedom that it affords you. Never surrender that based on the fantasy of how things could be better. That's a very large gamble. I'd rather make half of what I could make and maintain my freedom and eliminate the possibility of daily aggravation being a part of my life in the quest for more money.

    Sometimes, less really is more.

    Cheers.
    Signature

    "He not busy being born, is busy dying." - Bob Dylan • "I vibe with the light-dark point. Heavy." - Words that Bob Dylan wishes he had written.

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[11358607].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author yukon
    Banned
    So you have $300K in sales and zero profit margin?

    Why would a partner want a percentage of nothing?

    Doesn't make sense.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[11358670].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author mrdeflation
      Originally Posted by yukon View Post

      So you have $300K in sales and zero profit margin?

      Why would a partner want a percentage of nothing?

      Doesn't make sense.
      150k net prft
      Signature

      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[11358738].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author yukon
        Banned
        Originally Posted by mrdeflation View Post

        150k net prft
        So take a pay cut and hire someone to do the repetitive work.
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[11358742].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author bobmcalister
        [DELETED]
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[11358755].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author yukon
          Banned
          Originally Posted by bobmcalister View Post

          so we should talk.
          Lolz, mention money and people line up.
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[11358782].message }}
          • Profile picture of the author OptedIn
            Originally Posted by yukon View Post

            Lolz, mention money and people line up.
            You sound surprised. I was surprised, too. Surprised that it took so long.

            Originally Posted by yukon View Post

            This way you're slowly expanding and staying focused on small projects at a time instead of taking someone and throwing a hundred random jobs at them and end up with a bunch of nothing.

            Keep in mind, you risk your entire business with a partner If they get pissed off.
            Yes - precisely as I said. :-)
            Signature

            "He not busy being born, is busy dying." - Bob Dylan • "I vibe with the light-dark point. Heavy." - Words that Bob Dylan wishes he had written.

            {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[11358801].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author agmccall
          Originally Posted by bobmcalister View Post

          so we should talk.
          Why should you talk?

          al
          Signature

          "Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work." Thomas Edison

          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[11359004].message }}
          • Profile picture of the author bobmcalister
            [DELETED]
            {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[11359091].message }}
            • Profile picture of the author OptedIn
              Originally Posted by bobmcalister View Post

              so you are making 150 k a year? lets talk
              If nothing else, you're persistent, but I think your avatar pic says all the OP needs to know. :-)
              Signature

              "He not busy being born, is busy dying." - Bob Dylan • "I vibe with the light-dark point. Heavy." - Words that Bob Dylan wishes he had written.

              {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[11359109].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author JohnMcCabe
    Besides the basic trust building, which Jason described, find someone with whom you'd be comfortable doing a handshake deal. Then write that deal down and both of you sign it.

    Has less to do with trust or enforceable contracts, and more to do with differing memories over time.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[11358764].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author yukon
    Banned
    Despite your best efforts you need help in all aspects of marketing, specifically social media marketing, growing the new customer base, recruiting affiliates, scaling, PPC, SEO, SEM, getting targeted traffic, promotions, contests, giveaways, etc.. and assistance implementing, what to do with new content, etc..


    No offense but this looks like a Craigslist ad where they want one person that can walk on water.

    You need specialized people to do specialized work. Some of the items on that list are each full time jobs when taken seriously (SEO, PPC, Social, etc...).

    My advice, you have $150K to work with, pick the sure win out of your list, the one item that you know will perform well If you had extra help, take some of that money and hire someone to do that job. Next, take that extra money and put it right back into another employee with the 2nd item on the list. Repeat.

    This way you're slowly expanding and staying focused on small projects at a time instead of taking someone and throwing a hundred random jobs at them and end up with a bunch of nothing.

    Keep in mind, you risk your entire business with a partner If they get pissed off.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[11358797].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Sid Hale
    Some of your responders seem to be somewhat jaded, but maybe they just never learned to properly vet potential partners.

    Outsourcing individual tasks may/may not be a partial solution, but every task would require a new contract and management of that resource.

    It sounds to me like you are looking for someone who can take on a portion of the workload and work independently (or with minimum ongoing input) on various tasks with minimum direction/guidance.

    Offering a formal equity position to one or more partners requires much less in the way of day to day management. You give up a percentage of ownership in return for (minimally) a percentage of profit. You might also provide other incentives such as a bonus or an increase in equity (based on first year's revenue growth, for example).

    There are a lot of ways to set up a partnership agreement, and that agreement can include any contractual terms that are agreed by all parties. Be flexible when negotiating acceptable terms, but then formalize those terms so that there is no room for misunderstanding.

    Oh - and if you find someone who can do everything BUT walk on water, he/she may be a good candidate. It is very much like a marriage, so be sure to have a "pre-nupt" written as a part of your partnership agreement.
    Signature

    Sid Hale
    Coming Soon... Rapid Action Profits (Pro)

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[11358825].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author OptedIn
      Originally Posted by Sid Hale View Post

      It is very much like a marriage,
      Which, according to the most recent records, 50% of which end in divorce and those people are at least getting laid.

      Here's what you do with this idea - think about it, laugh about it and forget about it.

      Color me jaded! lol
      Signature

      "He not busy being born, is busy dying." - Bob Dylan • "I vibe with the light-dark point. Heavy." - Words that Bob Dylan wishes he had written.

      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[11358846].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author Sid Hale
        Originally Posted by OptedIn View Post

        Which, according to the most recent records, 50% of which end in divorce and those people are at least getting laid.
        Yes, "divorce" is a very real potential in business, as well.

        In my very first venture into entrepreneurship, I was one of 5 equal partners and after the first 2 years we had to grant 2 of the partners a "divorce". The up side is that we were fiscally able to buy out those 2 partners and after 5 more years we were able to sell our 30 person company to an overseas firm.
        Signature

        Sid Hale
        Coming Soon... Rapid Action Profits (Pro)

        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[11358855].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author OptedIn
          Originally Posted by Sid Hale View Post

          Yes, "divorce" is a very real potential in business, as well.

          In my very first venture into entrepreneurship, I was one of 5 equal partners and after the first 2 years we had to grant 2 of the partners a "divorce". The up side is that we were fiscally able to buy out those 2 partners and after 5 more years we were able to sell our 30 person company to an overseas firm.
          "There are a million stories in the Naked City. This has been one of them."
          Signature

          "He not busy being born, is busy dying." - Bob Dylan • "I vibe with the light-dark point. Heavy." - Words that Bob Dylan wishes he had written.

          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[11359048].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author cearionmarie
    Look for someone who has the same mindset and interests as you do.
    Signature

    Cearion Uy - Marketing Advisor
    www.influencerauditor.com

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[11359980].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author affmarketer101
    If you are mentioning to "tricks", haha, you won't find any quality ones to collaborate in long-term.
    My own experience, treat people like the way you want to be treated. Don't use "trick".
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[11360430].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author ChrisBa
    Originally Posted by mrdeflation View Post

    Let's say you have an new online business that was doing well, proven to convert, happy customers who want more to buy, 1% refund rate, know all your KPI's...



    $300k in gross sales last 8 months...


    Its just you... and you alone doing everything...


    - You have all the creatives, assets, content, lead magnets, tripwires, front and back end products, website, CRM, full funnels, emails, copy, lists, and its all already in place.



    - However your 15 years of experience lies in the niche itself, the day to day customer facing operations, back-end sales, content creation, with emphasis on delivering massive value running the online digital business.


    - Despite your best efforts you need help in all aspects of marketing, specifically social media marketing, growing the new customer base, recruiting affiliates, scaling, PPC, SEO, SEM, getting targeted traffic, promotions, contests, giveaways, etc.. and assistance implementing, what to do with new content, etc..



    - You don't have nearly enough cash reserves to hire specific employees but are looking to take on a revshare partner whose knowledge lies in the areas that your doesn't and vice versa. To take an already existing proven business and help scale in exchange for some sort of Rev-share arrangement.



    - You want to partner with someone who isn't going to waste your time and as you have no intention of wasting theirs. Step in to an already existing operation and work together to take it to the next level. Everyone makes ever increasing money while customers remain satisfied and want to consume more and more.



    - You have a vision for taking the current 6 figure sales to multiple 7 or 8 figures and know its going to take a TEAM to get there.


    - You want that partner in the USA where you are located.







    QUESTION:



    How & Where do you find a solid LONG term partner who you can trust that actually has a proven track record, knows what they are doing, not out to scam/lie/cheat/steal and make a quick buck?




    Must be some preferred more reliable way to seek out a partner that I'm missing other than taking out ads on various forums and hoping to get lucky?






    Any suggestions or direction is greatly appreciated.




    Thanks and blessings!
    I think the answer is really networking and getting to know others in the industry.. when you do this you can meet people and have connections which you never really thought you'd have or need.
    Signature
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[11360633].message }}
Avatar of Unregistered

Trending Topics