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Difficulty In Finding JV Partners..

by Vadym
18 replies
I can't put my finger on it, but I seem to be missing SOMETHING.

The one little element that's going to put this near-complete puzzle together.

My problem is simple. Finding JV partners.

But not just any JV partners. LARGER JV partners. Now, I understand that initially I'm supposed to move up through the ranks, start with small-time JV partners and move on up, but here's my difficult situation.

A new tool I'll be launching will be priced at $247/month. It'll be only open to a SPECIFIC amount of spots.

Therefore... an affiliate with a 1500 list.. well, unless it's a specific list of high-ticket buyers, won't exactly convert all that well.

Therefore, I need those JV partners with the 5-figure lists in order to minimize the hassle of handling 40-50 affiliates constantly.

The problem?

Those 5-figure list owners don't know that I exist. Which is not unusual, since after all, they're not telekinetic.

But they don't know I exist even AFTER I send them an email for a JV opp. And this is the difficult barrier I can't seem to get past.

I've got a solid software product that's not like any other. I've got a hell of a RECURRING commission on it. So... is there some other element that I'm missing? A reason why "the partners" don't seem to notice any of my attempts to reach 'em?

If someone could decode this mystery, I'd appreciate it greatly!

Thanks,
Vadym

PS - Oh and what inspired this thread? Someone just approached me claiming to have 30K IM subscribers and then ask me to promote their CB product with a 1.37 gravity. I understand that this could just be a private CB launch, but call me a skeptic.
#difficulty #finding #partners
  • Profile picture of the author Hesaidblissfully
    The well known marketers have people emailing them with JV proposals all the time. Some of them do still respond, even if you're a no-name, but many won't respond if they don't already know who you are. From what I've heard, if you're after big names, you should either attend an event where you can meet them in person and build a relationship from that, or do something that makes you stand out from all the other affiliates.

    Think about what's in it for them to give you their time, attention and to promote you to their list. Just saying "Hey, I'll pay you x-amount of commissions" may not work, because they have lots of other marketers sending them the same types of offers. Not only that, but if they're a big name, they're probably financially comfortable enough that the commission amount isn't even the biggest consideration. They might be more interested in how genuinely cool your product is, or what their subscribers will think of it (ie: will it build credibility and goodwill for them).

    You might be better off thinking of ways you could help THEM with an upcoming launch or in some other capacity and then, once you've established a relationship with them based on that you can build on it.
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  • Profile picture of the author CurtisN
    Wow...for $247/month, that thing must be one helluva tool.

    Have you tried talking to a JV broker yet? Sorry I couldn't post anything more insightful...maybe in the morning when I've had my coffee. Btw, does your software have a feature for that? Haha...j/k.

    Curtis
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    Curtis Ng (blog) - Product Launch Manager
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    • Profile picture of the author Hesaidblissfully
      Also, if you haven't done so already, just do a search on the forum for joint ventures. I know there's been a lot of threads on the topic with lots of good information from people who've done them successfully. You'd be sure to get some ideas from there. I know Sean McAlister (I think his forum name is The IM Reporter) has some good info on the topic.
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      • Profile picture of the author Vadym
        Originally Posted by Hesaidblissfully View Post

        The well known marketers have people emailing them with JV proposals all the time. Some of them do still respond, even if you're a no-name, but many won't respond if they don't already know who you are. From what I've heard, if you're after big names, you should either attend an event where you can meet them in person and build a relationship from that, or do something that makes you stand out from all the other affiliates.

        Think about what's in it for them to give you their time, attention and to promote you to their list. Just saying "Hey, I'll pay you x-amount of commissions" may not work, because they have lots of other marketers sending them the same types of offers. Not only that, but if they're a big name, they're probably financially comfortable enough that the commission amount isn't even the biggest consideration. They might be more interested in how genuinely cool your product is, or what their subscribers will think of it (ie: will it build credibility and goodwill for them).

        You might be better off thinking of ways you could help THEM with an upcoming launch or in some other capacity and then, once you've established a relationship with them based on that you can build on it.
        Hey,

        I'm an affiliate manager for Instant Traffic Generators [Brian McElroy], and he basically told me that ALL I really need is an offer that converts, and that that's enough to get a lot of attention [from the people he mentioned].

        So even though I'm sure that events are a hell of a place to network, it can't be the ONLY way to go. There's got to be other ways.

        Originally Posted by redicelander View Post

        I know this is a simple answer but just to make sure you did not overlook it, have you been trying to use the JV forum here?

        You know, some of the guys with big lists that are more accessible are guys who are active here on the Warrior Forum. Find one and try to send a PM to them.

        A lot of the so-called gurus who just get rich off of each other doing JV projects with each other about the next and latest great IM marketing product will not necessarily be paying attention to someone they don't know.
        Yes, I've made an attempt or two on the JV forum. I'm going to give it a shot once more a little later in the future, but most of these so-called gurus probably don't sit there starting at the JV forum too often. Hence, I have to go after them.

        Maybe I'm going to have to start finding personal numbers

        Originally Posted by Ralf Skirr View Post

        Find a JV Broker with the right contacts.

        Mike Merz and Willie Crawford come to mind.
        If they will help you out will depend on how professional your offer is.

        Check Mike's jv related forum here:
        JV Notify Pro Joint Venture Community - Index

        Ralf
        Thanks for reminding me!

        I just remembered that I'm a part of the forum, and this is the exact kind of opportunity that should go over well there.


        Originally Posted by Hesaidblissfully View Post

        Also, if you haven't done so already, just do a search on the forum for joint ventures. I know there's been a lot of threads on the topic with lots of good information from people who've done them successfully. You'd be sure to get some ideas from there. I know Sean McAlister (I think his forum name is The IM Reporter) has some good info on the topic.
        Cheers to that. I'll take a look at what wisdom is offered.
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  • Profile picture of the author J Bold
    I know this is a simple answer but just to make sure you did not overlook it, have you been trying to use the JV forum here?

    You know, some of the guys with big lists that are more accessible are guys who are active here on the Warrior Forum. Find one and try to send a PM to them.

    A lot of the so-called gurus who just get rich off of each other doing JV projects with each other about the next and latest great IM marketing product will not necessarily be paying attention to someone they don't know.
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  • Profile picture of the author Jill Carpenter
    Originally Posted by Vadym View Post

    Now, I understand that initially I'm supposed to move up through the ranks, start with small-time JV partners and move on up, but here's my difficult situation.
    Who told you that?

    And, are you offering a free copy of this software to the JV partners? Are you "selling it" to them?

    I was recently approached about something, and I was taken by surprise, and it was not by any means a part of my over all goals and plans.

    Was never a thought, and at first I was looking to just do some work for this company.

    Had a meeting with one of the owners, and I was not looking specifically for anything, just thought I might be an "ok" person to help them find a better way to do something.

    The end of the evening, I had been offered a partnership with shares in the company.

    Again, this is something that was not part of the initial plan.But I agreed to go forward and work with him - because I had been sold on it.

    I was sold on the company, I was sold on his idea as a profitable one, I was sold on the positive impact the product would have. I could clearly see what was in it for me.

    I really did not want a partnership at this point in time. I did not want to deal with an additional business beyond my own. Those thoughts had never crossed my mind.

    There is some additional information in the War Room on JV's.

    If you can get into someones inbox, you are half way there. Catchy email subject, nice letter with what is in it for them, and just sell the idea and sell yourself.

    Also, if you are not prepared to give out copies, then I would suggest you do have some video of how it works or something similar.
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    "May I have ten thousand marbles, please?"

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    • Profile picture of the author Vadym
      Originally Posted by avenuegirl View Post

      Who told you that?

      And, are you offering a free copy of this software to the JV partners? Are you "selling it" to them?

      I was recently approached about something, and I was taken by surprise, and it was not by any means a part of my over all goals and plans.

      Was never a thought, and at first I was looking to just do some work for this company.

      Had a meeting with one of the owners, and I was not looking specifically for anything, just thought I might be an "ok" person to help them find a better way to do something.

      The end of the evening, I had been offered a partnership with shares in the company.

      Again, this is something that was not part of the initial plan.But I agreed to go forward and work with him - because I had been sold on it.

      I was sold on the company, I was sold on his idea as a profitable one, I was sold on the positive impact the product would have. I could clearly see what was in it for me.

      I really did not want a partnership at this point in time. I did not want to deal with an additional business beyond my own. Those thoughts had never crossed my mind.

      There is some additional information in the War Room on JV's.

      If you can get into someones inbox, you are half way there. Catchy email subject, nice letter with what is in it for them, and just sell the idea and sell yourself.

      Also, if you are not prepared to give out copies, then I would suggest you do have some video of how it works or something similar.
      Thanks for the reply.

      Of course, I do sell the idea to them. I mean, it's not a difficult concept. The RESULTS the software shows are high quality. The idea behind the software is very attractive. The commission on it is solid. Everything that I can possibly offer to make this a deal that their customers will THANK THEM for, I do.

      Of course, as someone above said, many just don't open the emails. And that's pretty much like selling to a person in the house while you're in the yard, outside of the fence.

      And as for free copy of this software, no problem, but another reason why I do want to look for bigger partners. There's only 150 spots, and the 4-5 partners I have secured are taking on free copies. That's $1250 a month out of my pocket gone. Not to mention them taking 40% of that $250, recurring.

      Which adds up, as you can see. Can't exactly be throwing these out everywhere.


      In any case, I've decided to approach some of the larger contacts I DO know, and ask them for help with this. After all, everyone's been helped at one point in time. And with a software like this as my first higher-ticket launch, it's not hard to see that I'll be a valuable contact sooner than later.
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  • Profile picture of the author SolomonHuey
    There's MUCH more to getting bigger JV partners than a good product and commissions.

    Some of my concerns when looking at JV offers?

    - You want me to promote your product to my list? What have you ever done for me or what will you do for me?
    - Can this help my business long term?
    - Do I even know you? Will you actually pay me the money I'm owed?
    - What's your reputation and are you trustworthy? If I don't know you, I'm not going to take your word for it.
    - How do I know you'll be there to support your customers? If you look bad, you make me look bad when I push your products.

    Don't get me wrong, commissions and product quality are incredibly important. But it's not enough to make me say yes to an offer.

    The #1 thing you can do is cultivate relationships and prove your someone worth working with. I'm not a famous IM'er or anything, but I'm one of those 5 figure list owners you speak of, so hopefully that helps you out a bit.

    Solomon Huey
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    • Profile picture of the author Vadym
      Originally Posted by SolomonHuey View Post

      There's MUCH more to getting bigger JV partners than a good product and commissions.

      Some of my concerns when looking at JV offers?

      - You want me to promote your product to my list? What have you ever done for me or what will you do for me?
      - Can this help my business long term?
      - Do I even know you? Will you actually pay me the money I'm owed?
      - What's your reputation and are you trustworthy? If I don't know you, I'm not going to take your word for it.
      - How do I know you'll be there to support your customers? If you look bad, you make me look bad when I push your products.

      Don't get me wrong, commissions and product quality are incredibly important. But it's not enough to make me say yes to an offer.

      The #1 thing you can do is cultivate relationships and prove your someone worth working with. I'm not a famous IM'er or anything, but I'm one of those 5 figure list owners you speak of, so hopefully that helps you out a bit.

      Solomon Huey
      There we go. Thank you

      Those are some of the questions that I'll be answering in the JV opp email before they even get a chance.

      PS - Looks like some gurus do respond. 120K IM-list dude emailed me back, with enthusiastic interest.
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  • Profile picture of the author Steve Peters Benn
    120K? Guru? - Is this outside the IM niche? That is a good list size but it's not stunning - if you can set up the JV go for it.
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  • Profile picture of the author mywebwork
    Vadym is it possible you could give a brief description of what your product actually does? You've piqued my curiosity - at $247 per month it must be something fantastic.

    I understand that you want to keep somewhat closed-lipped about it to protect your concept, but a brief overview would be most enlightening (and my even attract some of the JV partners you're looking for).

    Bill
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    • Profile picture of the author Vadym
      Originally Posted by mywebwork View Post

      Vadym is it possible you could give a brief description of what your product actually does? You've piqued my curiosity - at $247 per month it must be something fantastic.

      I understand that you want to keep somewhat closed-lipped about it to protect your concept, but a brief overview would be most enlightening (and my even attract some of the JV partners you're looking for).

      Bill
      An automated link builder of epic proportions. The case studies and such are in my signature, in the blog, so there's no optin or anything required if you want to check them out [Yes, graphics are being finished for the launch as well as the copy. That was something I threw together in about 5 mins]

      It's based upon high PR profile links, .edu/.gov links, etc, etc. And it's 100% automated. Auto-captcha breaking. Auto everything. Stick the keyword in, stick the domain you want ranked in, and let 'er rip.

      There's a ton of features being added over the next 2-4 months, as well as hundreds of these backlinks being added for automation purposes, every single month, as well as major updates to make these un-spamike.

      I did some link building service research, and these links being done for $1.50 to $2.50 per, a single run of this software in the FIRST month of release will cover that investment. Not to mention the insane SERPs [the whole point of the software], and the unlimited possibilities [local SEO company, etc, etc].

      It's a must-have for anyone who's got a couple of money sites, and are into SEO. They know how expensive it is to outsource, and that there's not enough hours in a day to do it themselves.

      And because I'm only opening it to 150 spots, I can ensure personal customer support within 24 hours at all times. The one thing that bugs me more than ANYTHING is the crappy support I've always gotten on any software I picked up. I won't let that happen here.

      All in all, this software isn't something that's really seen out here. And the ones that have come close have failed miserably in all aspects. So it's my turn to perfect it, with the power of a full-time 12-year-experience Russian programmer I have [Anyone who knows anything about programming knows the power of the Russian ]

      I'm pouring ALL of my heart and soul into it. Not to mention some serious funds. And it will astound, amaze and mesmerize marketers everywhere.

      PS - You picked a BAD season for Montreal Honolulu is very much where you want to be right about now.
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      • Profile picture of the author mywebwork
        Originally Posted by Vadym View Post

        PS - You picked a BAD season for Montreal Honolulu is very much where you want to be right about now.
        Boy if I had a dollar for everyone who has pointed that out to me I'd be rich! But Montreal is a beautiful city, even if it's freezing! And there is a VERY active Internet Marketing community here, something we don't have in Honolulu. Of course I probably won't be as optimistic once the first major winter storm hits - I'll probably be booking the first flight back to Hawaii!

        Sounds like a great service, I wish you the best with it. I'm also in a similar situation, I'm trying to find affiliates and JV partners for a product I'm developing. One piece of advice I was given was to first try and sell it on my own, using AdWords to attract buyers. That way I could (A) optimize my sales funnel and (B) have some conversion statistics that I could then show to my potential JV and affiliate partners. It makes sense to me.

        I worked with a couple of Russian programmers a few years ago, they wrote some excellent code. I'm currently working with some guys in China who also amaze me with their brilliance.

        Bill
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  • Profile picture of the author Vadym
    Thanks, Bill.

    Because I am opening this to a limited amount of spots [and not a big limit there], I'm not sure how well I could exemplify the conversions for it. There's got to be some real volume there to prove anything, after all.

    And yeah, Montreal snowstorms are nothing to sneeze at [no pun intended ]. They'll get you where you belong quick
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  • Profile picture of the author Saladin
    First you gotta answer these two questions :

    Whats in it for their list ?
    And whats in it for them ?

    Also most of gurus reject offers with low commisions unless they're lifetime , Thats why their commision should be the lionshare to attract them .

    Finally if you're gonna email them , Keep it very short and to the point , Most of them don't have the time to read a long email and they could easily ignore it .

    Also ,Instead of mailing them like all the people does , Mail them , And then call them if you can get hold of their phone no. , This would make a huge difference , And would get them most of the time to make a decision , And even if they reject you , The next time you call them for another offer , Their first rejection would make them look for ways to accept whatever you're offering , So it's win-win .

    These are my 2 cents , Hope they help ya .
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    • Profile picture of the author Sean A McAlister
      Without getting into a long winded response...there is a lot of great advice here.

      What it really comes down to is building relationships. This is critical. Even with JV Networks / Brokers, often times the existing relationships that they have in place come first. These are relationships that have been built over time.

      Persistence without over doing it is a good approach...so long as everything is together. Another thing to realize is that you need to be thinking AT LEAST 30 days out....more realistically 45-60 Days. Even then there are many things that need evaluated before a commitment is made

      I am willing to bet that my constituents such as Mike Merz, Willie Crawford etc are more than likely booked a couple of months in advance at this point like me.

      Many of us Brokers work together and try to get the most exposure we can for each other...and even then there are still too many great offers to promote.

      If you take the time to do everything right, have some stats and practice patients and cultivate relationships it can go a long way.

      Good Luck.....and all the best!

      Highest Regards,
      Sean
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  • Profile picture of the author soniia21
    I know it's not the only way to go but personally, attending events and meeting other marketers is a very effective and fun way to get yourself known. This way, other marketers know you as a person rather than just an email, which is what they will be used to seeing daily. Meeting them in person makes you stand out from every other marketer emailing them for JV's.

    Just attending one event can snowball - other marketers will be more aware of the fact that you exist and they all know each other - word of mouth spreads quickly!

    I've met some really great people from attending events - some I chat to everyday because they are my personal friends.

    Also make sure you don't hound them with your product and pitches when you meet them, keep it casual and fun, these guys usually do stay low-key - simply to avoid being hounded!

    I've also found that the more you give, the more you're rewarded for your efforts - give away review copies of your product, offer them something even more special ONLY for their subscribers like extra bonuses...also if you do have a skill that they can benefit from, be it software creation, design skills, copywriting etc. offer to do some work for them at no cost.

    Hope this helps you.
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