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How do you approach a J/V without sounding like a salesman?

by Rachel Embry
14 replies
Can anyone either give me some ideas or lead me to a thread that talks about building relationships with potential J/V partners?

Specifically, what the heck do you say in that first email or phone call to a total stranger? I'm getting ready to launch my first product and have started emailing other people in my niche. I'm specifically staying away from the "gurus" and am contacting only those people who I have their direct email address.

I've written a few emails...made some phone calls...but I know I'm doing it wrong.

I know you're not supossed to email people & say "Hey! I have this great thing! Will you promote it to your list?!" So, instead I'm trying to establish a relationship by just saying hello...which seems pretty stupid, lol.

I could offer them something of value...but what? This is my first launch, so even the folks with small businesses are way ahead of me.

Is there a happy medium? Or will it sound like an instant sales pitch if I mention my product anywhere in the email?

Thanks in advance,
Rachel
#approach #j or v #salesman #sounding
  • Profile picture of the author Chipt
    Hey, Rachel -

    If you'll go to my site at www.FirstContactSecrets.com and [allow popups] and opt in to my list, I have a bunch of email messages, some of which address your question.

    It's also covered in all my first messages of my 'buyer's' email list when people buy though my site...

    You can also check out my WSO of my $497 JV course that is just $47 for Warriors as a PDF version if you wish [see my sig file below.]

    Everyone has an opinion about this question, and you can hear it from 43 international Top Guns speaking from experience at my FCS site and through the course if you wish.

    But we all know that we get one chance to make a first impression... and if we blow that we're in real trouble frankly...

    All the best -

    Chip Tarver
    Signature

    Improve your online success permanently right now. Joint Venture Masters tell you the real insider info. Save $450 right now by checking out my *limited time* FCS WSO and change your JV success in a radical way permanently at http://www.warriorforum.com/forum/to...OPIC_ID=264511... and for less than $20 you can really save up to half your gasoline costs at www.CutYourGasCostsNow.com.

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    • Profile picture of the author Corwinnx
      Hi Rachel,

      I just made a post about some stuff that worked out well for me earlier.

      1.) Search out YT videos and contact the producers. Complement them on their video and ask permission to use it on your site. I did this and they requested the JV with me, not the other way around.

      2.) Give them a free report or ebook that they can give away to their lists and offer to rebrand it for them with their affiliate links.

      3.) Send them a box of Dunkin Donuts.

      -Marcus
      Signature
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      • Profile picture of the author Sean A McAlister
        Hey Rachel,

        It all comes down to building deep rooted relationships.

        You need to be yourself as you are doing right now.

        Good Sales people know the basics about selling,
        they know how to close, they know psychological selling.

        Great Sales people are never really called sales people.
        They are called friends.

        The key to success is how you interact and organically grow your
        business. And your business grows through relationship building.
        When people trust you they come back to you...and you
        gain repeat business. The word spreads and things come your
        way.

        You need to build a network first and the JV will come.
        Be careful not to put the cart before the horse.

        There is a lot more to it...but you have some great information
        above from fellow Warriors that I am sure will help
        clarify the details.

        Best Wishes
        Sean
        Signature
        New Product Launches, Affiliate Marketplace

         Need More Sales? More Affiliates? LaunchBoards.com
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      • Profile picture of the author mbrown
        Originally Posted by Corwinnx View Post

        3.) Send them a box of Dunkin Donuts.
        Marcus,

        I'll buy anything if I get a box on Dunkin's included
        Well maybe not anything but it's be hard to pass up..
        Signature
        Free - Create a Site That Will Make You Money - Today - Click Here.

        Michael S Brown
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        • Profile picture of the author Jason Fladlien
          Go to internet marketing seminars. That's how you meet people and make friends. Then, from those friendships, JVs can occur.

          Another way to do it is send a bunch of traffic to their site, so when they check their stats, they see it's coming from you. Then, when you contact them, they already know who you are.

          -Jason
          Signature

          Co-creator of WP Twin. Perhaps the most expensive yet most reliable wordress cloning tool on the market. We've definitely been used more successfully than all other options :)

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      • Profile picture of the author Kim Standerline
        Originally Posted by Corwinnx View Post

        Hi Rachel,

        I just made a post about some stuff that worked out well for me earlier.

        1.) Search out YT videos and contact the producers. Complement them on their video and ask permission to use it on your site. I did this and they requested the JV with me, not the other way around.

        2.) Give them a free report or ebook that they can give away to their lists and offer to rebrand it for them with their affiliate links.

        3.) Send them a box of Dunkin Donuts.

        -Marcus
        Send me a box of dunkin donuts, and I'm yours utterly

        Kymi
        Signature
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  • Profile picture of the author sparrow
    As one big IM says it starts with the purchase of their product for the price of admission.

    Next since you are one of their customers, you see how you can help them and hope for the best from there.

    I myself get approached this way and it gets my attention, otherwise if someone ask directly , they get ignored.

    Ed
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    • Profile picture of the author chris_surfrider
      You can be the greatest salesperson/closer in the world and you still won't land a single quality affiliate deal unless your offer is relevant and in line with what they're already doing with their business.

      If they're big on SEO tactics and that's what they've been harping on to their lists, then your offer would likely ONLY get considered if:

      a) It introduces something new or actually revolutionary

      b) It automates burdensome tasks better than any other solution currently available

      People approach me all the time with GREAT offers and JV proposals, but they just don't fit the direction I'm headed.

      And I'm a virtual nobody in the IM market.

      I can't imagine how many JV requests the big-shots receive on a daily basis.

      And that leads me to another thing - yes, buying someone's product may give you bit more "face time" so to speak, but it doesn't increase the odds that your offer will get accepted or taken seriously.

      Your product is truly what determines this.

      Now, as for the limelight marketers, most of them are so booked up with their own network of partners and people they owe favors to that even if you do have something that they genuinely want to push - they can't.

      Their hands are more "tied" than you might think.

      My suggestion is one that you'll hear often:
      -----------------------------------------

      Build your own network of friends who are around your own "level", and work together often to build up eachother's businesses with cross-promos, actual JV projects and co-hosted events, projects, products, etc.

      Be self-sufficient. Use JV's as ONE strategy of many.

      To be honest, my most "impressive" results from doing affiliate deals (people promoting products of mine) simply just landed in my lap from my own clients who liked my stuff, or other people who saw some of my products on the CB marketplace, WSO forum, etc.

      The key is to have something that's in-demand and awesome.

      If your customers genuinely rave about you, there's very little work involved.

      And the more visible you become in the market, the more deals will simply COME to you.

      You'll be asked for interviews, people will approach with with co-promo requests, you'll get exposure, and the cycle continues.

      This is a "one step at a time" process that starts to build on itself as you make a good impression with EACH client.

      Do this, and the internet's your oyster.

      Simply trying to market "yet another ____" with no punch or promise will keep you in a perpetual state of trying to spin the wheel continually to keep things going.

      And once you realize that it's actually just as easy to simply over-deliver with products that have an IMPACT as it is to just sell "whatever", then this will all click and wondering how to get JV partners on board will take a back seat to learning how to manage your affiliate force and maximize sales.

      Take a look at hot-selling products and ask yourself WHY they sell.

      WHY people promote it.

      It's not just because the developer is "famous". That's not always the case.

      It's because of what the product SAYS and DOES.

      Sales copy and in-demand function.

      Learn to gage, and deliver, on those, and it won't just be the internet that's your oyster.

      It'll be the bank as well...

      Take care,

      -Chris
      Signature

      Making 6 Figures From Affiliate Marketing is Easier Than You Think. Here's Proof:

      http://www.TheLazyMarketer.com

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  • Profile picture of the author Rufus Steele
    Hi Rachel,

    If you're looking for what I think you're looking for - an example of a successful email to send to potential JV partners - let me know and I'll PM you one I use which seems to work quite well.

    Regards

    Rufus
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  • Profile picture of the author VegasVince
    Originally Posted by Rachel Embry View Post

    Can anyone either give me some ideas or lead me to a thread that talks about building relationships with potential J/V partners?

    Specifically, what the heck do you say in that first email or phone call to a total stranger? I'm getting ready to launch my first product and have started emailing other people in my niche. I'm specifically staying away from the "gurus" and am contacting only those people who I have their direct email address.

    I've written a few emails...made some phone calls...but I know I'm doing it wrong.

    I know you're not supossed to email people & say "Hey! I have this great thing! Will you promote it to your list?!" So, instead I'm trying to establish a relationship by just saying hello...which seems pretty stupid, lol.

    I could offer them something of value...but what? This is my first launch, so even the folks with small businesses are way ahead of me.

    Is there a happy medium? Or will it sound like an instant sales pitch if I mention my product anywhere in the email?

    Thanks in advance,
    Rachel


    Hey Rachel,

    1. If this is your first product launch....you better make damn sure it kicks ass before approaching JV parnters...because unfortunately...you lack credibility in the market.

    A great product can often trump lack of credibility...but it's a tough sell for obvious reasons.

    JV's want to push products from proven, reputable marketers with big reputations----not some newbie whose rolling out her first offer. True. People arn't in the business of "rolling the dice on newbies and their products...unless it's something earth shattering.)

    Always negotiate from a position of strength.....rather then the "old victim/help me out" mentality which is the kiss of death---- because most successful folks can sniff out fear a mile away.

    It's hard to sell anything when you're scared....or unsure of yourself. Most people don't take chances on sales pitches that contain either....and they don't invest time and money into same.

    2. I'd advise you to market your product yourself in the beginning....and build up a reputation as an expert in whatever niche you're involved in.. Postion yourself first.....and the rest of it gets so much easier.

    If your offer and product is good.....you won't need to ask for cookie cutter ways to find JV's...they'll find you.

    Believe me...if you have something of quality...people will seek you out. And that switches the power back to you.....where it belongs.

    That's so much better then putting the cards and your destiny in someone else's hands, capiche?


    3. The Vegas Vince condensed definition of a JV is...... "show me the money...and show me why I'd be a damn fool not to work with you.."


    4. I loath ebooks that teach bullshit ,cookie cutter methods of obtaining JV's for Idiots etc. Templates, specific emails, and other "theory." most of which evaporates before my very eyes...and it's not credible information.

    Approach JV's like you approached that first guy you had a crush on in highschool.. Remember?

    The girl who plays hard to get often does better in terms of her overall reputation then the girl who is "desperate." The "desperate" get used and abused and dismissed. Because they didn't have enough faith in themselves to step up and accept better.

    Same holds true in business. Victims perish because they're exploitable.....cuz they don't have faith in their own product. The strong...survive...they can't be used.

    Create your reputation...along with genuine confidence in what you're selling...position your self as a true expert in your field....and I promise you the JV's will be knocking on Daddy's door....begging to do business with his little girl.


    xxx Vegas Vince
    Signature
    Buy High. Sell Low. Bank $ Top Selling Product Ever re: Exploiting the Secret Billion Dollar Barter/Trade Industry!

    Save Lives. Make Money. Henry Ford would endorse this!
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    • Profile picture of the author nooraza
      Thank you to all. I am already involved with IM since last year, but only make single sale on one of my site. Now I have 3 website at different niche by trying different approach and different mentor. All of them talk about JV, but I still blur and don't understand about this. Now, I am going to launch my first jewelry store online and my new mentor also talk about JV. He ask me to contact and ask for JV. But I still not clear about this. I have read all the answers and some have answered my previous question. But what I need to do now to create reputation?
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      • Profile picture of the author Rachel Embry
        Thank you, thank you, thank you!

        Very helpful info...and Vince, you're right on target with your reply. I agree completely & hearing you say it the way you did lifted a huge weight off my shoulders.

        If I already have a winning product, then it's a no brainer for someone to j/v with me. And I also come from a much stronger position.

        Thanks again everyone!

        Rachel
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    • Profile picture of the author Kim Standerline
      Originally Posted by VegasVince View Post

      Hey Rachel,

      1. If this is your first product launch....you better make damn sure it kicks ass before approaching JV parnters...because unfortunately...you lack credibility in the market.

      A great product can often trump lack of credibility...but it's a tough sell for obvious reasons.

      JV's want to push products from proven, reputable marketers with big reputations----not some newbie whose rolling out her first offer. True. People arn't in the business of "rolling the dice on newbies and their products...unless it's something earth shattering.)

      Always negotiate from a position of strength.....rather then the "old victim/help me out" mentality which is the kiss of death---- because most successful folks can sniff out fear a mile away.

      It's hard to sell anything when you're scared....or unsure of yourself. Most people don't take chances on sales pitches that contain either....and they don't invest time and money into same.

      2. I'd advise you to market your product yourself in the beginning....and build up a reputation as an expert in whatever niche you're involved in.. Postion yourself first.....and the rest of it gets so much easier.

      If your offer and product is good.....you won't need to ask for cookie cutter ways to find JV's...they'll find you.

      Believe me...if you have something of quality...people will seek you out. And that switches the power back to you.....where it belongs.

      That's so much better then putting the cards and your destiny in someone else's hands, capiche?


      3. The Vegas Vince condensed definition of a JV is...... "show me the money...and show me why I'd be a damn fool not to work with you.."


      4. I loath ebooks that teach bullshit ,cookie cutter methods of obtaining JV's for Idiots etc. Templates, specific emails, and other "theory." most of which evaporates before my very eyes...and it's not credible information.

      Approach JV's like you approached that first guy you had a crush on in highschool.. Remember?

      The girl who plays hard to get often does better in terms of her overall reputation then the girl who is "desperate." The "desperate" get used and abused and dismissed. Because they didn't have enough faith in themselves to step up and accept better.

      Same holds true in business. Victims perish because they're exploitable.....cuz they don't have faith in their own product. The strong...survive...they can't be used.

      Create your reputation...along with genuine confidence in what you're selling...position your self as a true expert in your field....and I promise you the JV's will be knocking on Daddy's door....begging to do business with his little girl.


      xxx Vegas Vince

      Vince

      Do you have a fan club cos I wanna join lol

      Nice post and very relevant

      Cheers
      Kymi
      Signature
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      • Profile picture of the author Chipt
        JVs are just not as fast, simple, and easy as those people selling 'JV-everything' would have you believe...

        All marketers who ever first attempt to do any JVs learn this, too...

        ... either the fast and painful rejection way...

        ... or the very slow, very expensive, and very frustrating way.

        Regardless, don't let people trick you into thinking it's a piece of cake to do.

        It isn't...

        Chip Tarver
        Signature

        Improve your online success permanently right now. Joint Venture Masters tell you the real insider info. Save $450 right now by checking out my *limited time* FCS WSO and change your JV success in a radical way permanently at http://www.warriorforum.com/forum/to...OPIC_ID=264511... and for less than $20 you can really save up to half your gasoline costs at www.CutYourGasCostsNow.com.

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