Contemplating Starting My Own Affiliate Program

Hey Everybody,

I have just recently launched a new product (non-IM niche) and I have had some really good success with it. I'm at the point where I am thinking about starting up an affiliate program for it. I've never done this before, so I do have some apprehension.

I'm hoping you guys could help me

First off, I'm not sure who to use. Obviously, I would like to use Clickbank, but from what I heard recently there have been some issues, as well as they take a long time to approve a product. I'm curious if Clickbank is not a good program to use, where should I be looking? What have been some of your experiences?

Second, most important, how exactly do I get affiliates??? I know that's a very broad question. LOL. But like I said, I am very new to all of this.

I do not have a list (I know...I know...) so I don't see how I can get a joint venture. I don't really have any strong connections that I could just go "hey promote this for me".

I know many people say just go to the big blog sites that are related to the niche and ask if they would like to promote your product, but how do I go about doing that exactly? Especially without sounding spammy.

If feels like I am up a creek without a paddle when I don't have a list or any connections.

Any help would be appreciated, guys.

Thanks