Last weekend I had the distinct pleasure of meeting face to face with many of my colleagues during the NAMS conference. People who make a living (and a very good one at that) from the power of the Internet; Willie Crawford, Mark Hendricks, Jeff Herring, Lynn Terry, David Perdew, Joe Marsh and more.
At one point a few of us had a lively discussion about people who contact us to do business with them. This is not at all uncommon for any of us. We look for new opportunities. However we are often approached by people who are proposing something that is not a good match for what we do.
Often the caller, Twitterer or Facebook Friend starts out by telling us what a great opportunity they have for us, but have no budget to contract us and want us to give our time for free. They are convinced we should partner with them for “future gain.”
Not that I am opposed to both future gain nor donating my time when appropriate (such as for the horse rescue organization my company is contributing time and money), but often people who approach experts with the next great idea have not done their homework. They may not have a solid enough idea nor have they put a lot of thought into the entire scope of the experts involvement.
When we decline any of the countless “opportunities” most rational people will thank us for our time and let it go at that.
However, every so often we get someone who gets upset and even antagonistic when we decline. I can assure you, becoming antagonistic is hardly the way to win someone over.
The point of this blog posting is to bring a level of awareness to those people who approach others with your opportunities. Before you approach someone, stop for a minute and think about how often some of the really well known folks are likely to be approached with great ideas. It is probably every day and often, several times a day.
Many times you can’t even reach the expert because they have found it necessary to have a gatekeeper who handles such requests.
This may seem arrogant, but the fact is…if someone is spending any portion of their day trying to siphon through the multiple requests that come their way, most of which are not a good fit, much of the day is wasted.
Here are some simple recommendations that will get you further. Research those you are approaching. Find out how they like ideas presented (email, form on their website, Twitter, Facebook, etc.). Realize that time is money. Not that they are only interested in money, but facts are facts. One of the main reasons we have a business is to generate revenues. When we don’t stay focused it does cost in time, money and/or energy.
I’m not saying not to approach someone with your ideas and opportunities. What I am saying is if they decline your offer you either need more information, you mismatched the offer to the person or the expert is not taking on any new projects at this time.
What it boils down to is common sense, market match and respect. Yours and theirs.
Kathleen,
Although I am not yet being pursued to promote or participate in online joint ventures, I’m sure it is just a matter of time. However in a previous career I did face these situations.
Honestly, I chose to work with people with whom I had already established a relationship and knew their work ethic and integrity. Perhaps in the offline world that is slightly easier if your business is mostly local.
In the online world, I think it is critical to take advantage of workshops like NAMS to get to know people on a personal level. Willie Crawford, in his joint venture class, stressed the importance to him of working with people he knows through networking.
I’d be interested to see if you and other online experts agree.
I look forward to seeing you at the next NAMS.
Chris Cobb
Yes Chris, I absolutely agree with your comments. People like doing business with people they know, like and trust.
Attending conferences such as NAMS is a great place to get to know each other. See you in Atlanta for NAMS3 – Jan 29 – 31st.
Thanks for that – right on! That’s one of the most important reasons I have a VA who helps point me to the emails I do need to read. I’d be lost in a deluge without him. And now that FB and Twitter are on the scene, it gets to be a circus.
I want to suggest that people google Willy Crawford and get help learning how to create a program to which someone would want to say yes, and for learning how to do a JV step by step. He’s a fantastic resource (as you know, Kathleen) for learning how to do JVs.
You’re always good to great info, too – thanks – your courses are chock full of great detail and thoughtful, relevant, no-fluff info.
aloha –
Angela
Great post! I totally Agree!
I’m thankful for your honesty. If someone like you doesn’t take the time to let us (new comers) know some of the errors being made in the business, we will all sink. It’s also nice when you mention a problem you give a possible solution. So build relationships! Thanks for your professional opinion. Kim Reutzel –
Anyone in the relationship or Christian area looking for new friends? http://www.kimreutzel.com
Kathleen, I agree that anyone approaching someone for a joint project of any kind needs to do research first and carefully notice the reception they get as well. To throw a bit of tinder on the fire, I do believe some people in the marketing profession “ask” for these poorly considered offers. I’ve signed up for about 25 free marketing newsletters, reports etc., in the last month and have already canceled all but 4. The tone and patter of most just put me off. Sometimes it’s them and sometimes it’s you – getting back what you put out.
Souzzann
I’m getting deluged nearly every day from people who want to do a jv, want me to present or whatever. I’ve been burned a couple of times and am now getting very selective about what and who I’ll consider working with. I agree with the above comments, that you’ve got to know, like and TRUST the people you partner with.
Blog on!
Hi Kathleen,
Your post could not be more timely. I am in the process of developing an Affiliate Program and researching how to make contacts with successful, spiritually awakened Internet entrepreneurs who are in a position to promote my services.
I’m very concerned with offering value to my potential affiliates, but I also want to make sure that I’m approaching people who are in integrity with my mission of helping people through this shift in consciousness that will be accelerating over the next few years.
I see a lot of info on becoming an affiliate to promote someone else’s products and services but I don’t see much on how to develop my own affiliate program for others to promote my services.
If you have any info on this I’d be most appreciative.
Thanks so much for all that you are doing to bring concsiouness to the marketplace — it’s the key to thriving in the new economy that is supported by this new energy.
Blessings,
Elizabeth
One person I can highly recommend regarding affiliate information is Lynn Terry http://www.clicknewz.com
She is the real deal.
Thanks for the tip, Kathleen. I’m on her list and I’ll check out what she has to offer re: developing a successful affiliate program for my products and services.
Blessings,
Elizabeth