Rich's current Twitter status:at wannadu city with family. Having great time
If you're a math whiz, then you may want to skip this blog post. Because I'm about to show you how 1+1 can equal 3. Or 300. Or even 3,000.
Let me explain...
Like you, I'm on a ton of lists. So I see what's going on in the marketplace on a daily basis. And one thing that's really jumped out at me lately is the high influx of "how to get more JVs" type of products. Seems like everyone's got an ebook, a video, an audio, a teleseminar...you name it. And they're all claiming to be the one that solves the JV riddle. Well, I'm here to tell you something that may come as a shock...but it needs to be said.That's right. Contrary to popular belief, JVs aren't the golden ticket to business success. Now, do they have a place in your marketing plans? Absolutely. I've done dozens of JV deals and made a boatload of cash from them. But here's the thing...JVs are only the tip of the iceberg. There's more--MUCH more--to be had here. I'm talking about going beyond the JV to establish a strategic alliance with another business. In a strategic alliance, there's a deeper, more congruent relationship than just being JV partner or sending an endorsed mailing. It's about developing an integrated mindset with one common goal...a side-by-side walk that will not only cause your business to explode, but your partner's as well. You'll join forces on a more profound level, using your multiple resources to help grow each others' business faster, easier, and more efficiently than ever before. Plus, with a strategic alliance, you'll establish yourself more firmly in the marketplace and be viewed by the competition as a force to be reckoned with. And that's a very good place to be, because that's where the REAL money--and the explosive business growth--lies. So how do you find a strategic alliance partner? Here's 3 tips to help you narrow the field.You need to stop focusing on JVs. Because they aren't the
answer.
A: Well, it's very simple actually...
While JVs can offer a way to double your lists, double your profits, and double your business (which is basic math, or 1+1=2)... Taking the next step into a strategic alliance raises the bar exponentially, giving you multiple opportunities to grow the business on several different levels--which is something that a simple endorsed mailing cannot do. Furthermore (and possibly best of all) a strategic alliance delivers added value to your most precious asset--your customer base. By allying with a strategic partner, your products literally become supercharged, delivering bigger and better benefits and solving your customer's problems in a faster, easier way. Now they don't have to make several stops along the way to find the answer. They only have to make one--yours. And all this translates into more customers, more sales, and more profits to your bottom line. So as you can see, with a strategic alliance, that "2" doesn't stay where it is for long. It starts expanding into 3...then 300...then 3,000. And it can keep going from there. See what I mean?Rich P.S. BTW...if you got my cryptic "change everything" email this week, check back on Monday and I'll reveal what's happening here at Strategic Profits... In the meantime, don't miss Andy and Brad's newest free video from Stompernet. Talk about an Adwords education. And it's not the same ol' stuff you've been hearing for years. That information nearly became obsolete when our slap-happy buddies at Google started doing their thing. This is an all NEW formula that Brad and Andy have tested to the nth degree, and it's pulling in major profits for only pennies a click. Doesn't cost a thing--go watch it now.Let me know your thoughts below...and start thinking about businesses you can form a strategic alliance with that can deliver a windfall of profits for everyone involved.
http://www.strategicprofits.com/pages/stompernet-adwords-video/
Hey Rich,
I am a huge fan of strategic alliances and have had many successful ventures this way.
I am also a fan of endorsed mailings and don’t think that it gets much better then them unless your parnter is up for a strategic alliance.
Great post!
~Brett
http://www.FreeTrafficBigProfits.com
Rich,
Well said. One suggestion for people that trying to create long lasting relationships. Most people, especially those newer to business, try to create relationships solely on a proposal based on send this email for me and I’ll send you a check. That’s fine for the occasional “one night stand” type of JV.
If instead, you start your strategic alliance efforts by providing value to the other person, then you give that person a reason to develop a real relationship with you. And that relationship can be worth a actual fortune to you.
Shawn
Rich
I couldn’t agree with you more. there are so many people
out there that are transactional in nature.
What Shawn say is true, creating relationships is the key.
Creating relationships where you add value to other
is extremely important.
Let me suggest a simple way for anyone to start the seeds of
any long standing relationship.
Ask the person you are seeking to partner what the most important
projects they are working on in the coming year, in case you are your
network can help them.
I have asked this simple question to Stephen Pierce, Shawn Casey, Jay Abraham
Mark Victor Hansen, Russell Brunson and they have all shared with me what their top initiatives
are.
Now that you are armed with this information you can start the process of adding value to them.
It is much easier to establish a relationship when you are focused on helping them
with things that are important to them.
Try asking that simple question to those you want to have a strategic relationship with, you will be glad you did.
Larry Benet
The Connector
http://www.larrybenet.com
Hi Larry and Rich
Excellent point! Those who are successful quickly learn to work with those they like and admire and build win win relationships.
What is disturbing is the many who ask “What can I do to help you …What are your dreams and so on.. but do little to actually follow through to assist the person they excited. This lack of true assistance is worse than the initial promise and leaves people even more hopeless. As of late it seems to be quite the popular verbage which will soon lose meaning if those whom are doing the promising do not deliver.
If we are truly walking our talk which people of extraordinary measure do -then we will effectly and sincerely “pass it on” . We will then make an powerful positive impact on the world around us and do what each of us is called to do. What an amazing thought.
The power we have is absolutely astounding. Let us each have the wisdom to use it wisely for good and do what we say we are going to myself included.
Rich
OK, lets instead form the Strategic Partnership you describe. And yes, you can come over for Thanksgiving dinner.
But what shall we call this ‘better than a JV’ partnership?
I know - it’s an “Uber JV”.
Like it?
Rich, I reckon you are on the money with this. I also think that we don’t need many deep partnerships - just one great one. But some advice please: How will I know in advance that the partner I have in mind isn’t going to drive me nuts with his dinner table habits when I have him round for Thanksgiving dinner ?
Jonathan
Rich,
I think you’ve come to splitting hairs.
That, or cementing the fact that many in the internet marketing world perceive JVs to simply be affiliate relationships. Most of us doing “strategic alliances” every day call them “JVs”.
In other words… Strategic Alliance = Joint Venture. They’re synonyms.
Admittedly, some folks may need the play on words to get a clue that JVs go beyond an endorsed mailing. And I appreciate that you want to bring this to light, but I’d prefer to have seen it without such distinctions.
The video - those are always appreciated. Thanks
Nathan
Rich,
Interesting post.
I agree with Nathan regarding the definition of JV vs. Strategic Alliance, in general terms they really are the same.
Where the difference comes in is how you treat them.
I think all too often (if not the majority of the time) most Internet marketers are going for volume and are moving too fast to give any single partner the attention they deserve. In keeping with that, those very same partners are not going to promote the offer you want them to unless they get some special attention from you. “Quid Quo Pro Clarise”
What this is, at its core, is the issue of doing things 110% and going the extra mile.
The marketer who takes the time to establish a TRUE relationship and then works with that is the one for whom partners will promote like crazy.
We’re talking basic business and common sense here folks… let’s get a grip.
Thanks for provoking some thought Rich.
Onward & Upward!
Sam Knoll
Strategic Alliance generally means a deeper relationship than a Joint Venture. I’ve seen companies go after Strategic Alliances when they had zero chance of working because they didn’t understand the implications. All they wanted was to make more money for themselves
Unless you really know the person or company you are want to work with, a Joint Venture is a great starting point. It can be like a first date. If it doesn’t work out, you go your separate ways. If it works and you like each other, you can expand the relationship. Trying to go directly into a Strategic Relationship is, in my opinion, asking for trouble because there are too many things that can go wrong - and you really do need some time to get to know each other.
Rich,
For years I’ve written about the hijacking of conventional business language (especially marketing language) by opportunistic, ill-informed sellers, offline and online.
One such instance is the use of the term “joint venture” online to describe what is, in fact, just a temporary — and fairly superficial — strategic marketing alliance, NOT a true joint venture, which would typically involved new company structures, legal arrangements, etc.
I find it bizarre now to read here that the terms have been switched 180 degrees, so that what is conventionally known as a strategic alliance is referred to by IMers (really Internet SELLERS, with few clues about marketing), and now we’re being advised to enter into what is conventionally known in business as a joint venture, but you’re calling it a strategic alliance.
Is it any wonder that there’s so much confusion around when this kind of switcheroo happens, especially by someone with your profile in the market place?
John
John Counsel
CEO, The Profit Clinic
This is putting a bit strongly don’t you think?
First, language is by definition a tool of convention… if enough people start attaching a new/different meaning to a term, over time it becomes more and more true. I would agree that “JV” is used in a slightly off way in the field of internet marketing, because for many other people it means a situation where both parties have real “skin in the game” (I prefer Jay Abraham’s term “host-beneficiary” for those basic, promote-me-to-your-list deals that are the most common, really just a specialized affiliate relationship).
But then that just is how it is now commonly used. No need to denigrate an entire “sub culture”, especially since the “ProfitClinic” appears to want to be part of it, no?
Where the perception of the language used is relevant however, is in any formal contract: I have heard it said that using the term “joint venture” in an agreement/contract may create possible greater legal binds than you may be thinking, because it implies “partnership” from a legal (language) stand-point. So be careful on this.
The kind of deepened, synergistic relationship that Rich is talking about, no matter what you prefer to call it, was most recently exemplified by his collaboration with Jay Abraham for the “Maven Marketing” report in the run-up to Rich’s conference:
Not only did Jay write an extensive foreword to the report, he also for all appearances did a good bit of brainstorming on the contents with Rich, and “co-taught” the concepts on the Teleseminars for it (rather than, as is common with host-beneficiary, just chiming in for a bit at the beginning and end of a call).
Is there a real, clear demarcation for any of this? Probably not (except with maybe the lawyers as pointed out above). Though in a real sense, the greater depth of the relationship likely produced a result for Rich, Jay, and likely everyone else that was > 2.
Best - Alex Schleber
Hey Rich,
This is very insightful and much needed by many internet marketers.
As Shawn notes, simply establishing an affiliate relationship, often for a launch, is what many think of when the term JV is brought up.
Your distinguishing between that and a true alliance with an eye to the long term is very crucial. In that thought process, it is inherent that the two parties be strategically complimentary so that it is a true win-win for all involved.
It is the on-going relationship in which the clients benefit more from the two working together than by finding either one separately that makes it the long term ’strategic alliance’ - strategic and alliance both being. It requires each seeing the benefit that the other brings to the relationship and to the clients of the alliance.
Keep up the good work. The perspectives you share are truly valuable!
Brian McAboy
Well stated.
Strategic Alliances are great!
Especially when you are benefiting
not only each other - as business
owners, but you are also adding more
value for your customers in ways you
couldn’t have otherwise.
Leah Soleil
Co-Founder, JVDealmasters.com
Hi,
I do wish we would stop talking about definitions and get on with the “meat”.
What does “providing value” mean - in concrete terms? A practical example
of “value” would be a great start.
Rich, your post was doing fine, I was
reading along and all of a sudden it ended!
What!
What are examples of going deeper into the relationship and creating this “synergetic” effect? Give me something to take away besides, “Become friends, do well and prosper.
Geeesh, You guys have been successful too long, Give me a break, I need a picture, (in color too).
Jim >
Hi Rich,
I so agree with what you have expressed here about JVs. I too have seen numerous emails about creating JVs but I haven’t even bothered to read them.
As you said JVs are not necessarily the answer to achieving big success. Plus, if you’re just starting out or are relatively new then JVs will not solve your problems.
Once, you’ve had and made time to develop relationships then JVs will start topresent themselves to you. Even then, as you point out, what is more beneficial is to create strategic alliances.
The latter has longevity and if you’re wise in choosing your partners then the strategic alliance will only strengthen and grow over time and you will be able to develop new business ventures together.
The starting point is mission and values. If you have a values clash, then it’s not going to work. If another company feels the same way as you on core principles then you’ve got a good chance of at least getting the conversation going.
We’ve always looked for value alignments within and without our industry with way, way bigger organisations and gently “got in their face” wherever possible. If someone sees you as an innovative competitor and a potential asset as a partner a great step by step process is values alignment, innovate around their offerings and then start a respectful friendly conversation with them, perhaps over a shared enemy with very different values.
Thought provoking post. I am just about to launch my new ‘tell a friend’ application and I will definitely shift my approach to a more strategic angle. You already made the point but I agree, you need to choose your bedfellows wisely. All the very best, Allen
PS Want to strategically align on a great new tell a friend application? Please let me know. Thanks.
Let’s make this simple:
JV: when Walmart lets a Girl Scout set up a table on the sidewalk to sell cookies. The mutual advantages are short-term and short-lived.
SA: when Walmart and Girl Scouts of America, Inc. agree to cross-fund and cross-promote each other, b/c GSA gets reliable $$ and Walmart gets good publicity and a pool of potential customers and workers. And they each get short-term profits.
Or how about this?
JV: The Professor and Mary Ann search for coconuts for pie
SA: Mr. Howell funds The Professor’s fixing the Minnow, and then recoups his money by publishing The Professor’s memoirs, including movie and TV rights
I think this is what Rich is saying. Connect with someone else whose development you can assist long-term and whose long-term development can assist you.
Rich,
I completely agree with your latest posting. Creating powerful strategic alliances has been the reason I have developed a booming business in under a month. Just doing a JV would have been so ineffectual. The synergy between my business and my alliance partner has created a multi million dollar opportunity for each of us.
So many unexpected bonuses have surfaced that neither of us where aware of.
We communicate clearly, have written agreements and trust each others abilities to deliver.
The biggest cahllenge now is to work out which opportunites we’re going to run with.
Cheers
Declan
Hey,
I endorse your views.Carry on with the same vigour.
Kind Regards
Yeshwant
Hi Rich,
I grasped your point how to make a difference, value and prosper from strategic alliance with the result plus 1 so 3, 300, 3000.. JV may growth become strategic alliance when communicate in more congruent relationship.
My points are how to start from very earliest. Attention - Interest on the values - building trust - subscribe - building need - affiliate - jv - want to be the winners - strategic alliance, wherever we are, can take part on it. At the top most what are traffics, product launches, strategic alliances are basically about more communicate in more congruent relationship and now is the time using social media strategically.
Thanks Rich for giving attention in each steps until.
Thanks for your post, John Counsel, and for clearing up my confusion for me. For the last nine months or so I have been hearing about JVs on the web and every time I have been left confused with my response being: “But… that’s NOT a joint venture!” At least not as far as I had always previously understood the term joint venture.
For me, this is an example of a joint venture:
http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/05/08/technology/carphone.php
It seems to me that a couple of web-entrepreneurs working together is “co-operation” unless they go to some lengths and start up a brand new business unit and / or brand new company.
At this point I think for me, the benefits of working quickly and smartly on my own still outweigh the benefits of co-operating with other web-based entrepreneurs, though that may change as my projects develop.
That was definitely food for thought — so often I’ve heard that JVs the way to go especially when starting out… I’m rethinking that now!
hmmmmmmmmmmm
Jeanne
http://www.goalsnaspirations.com
Hi Rich,
Thanks for bringing this up. The other thought I wanted to bring up, was doing JV’s with people who have an abundant mentality. So often I’ve seen JV opportunities that are a great business decision on paper and then people get petty over the little things. You can’t recieve with a closed fist, nor can you give. There’s plenty to go around.
I have this theory. I don’t have to like them, but I have to respect them and what they do. If I like them, it’s a bonus.
Have you had that sort of experience too?
P.S. I always recommend checking their content, before you do. There’s a lot of “crxx#p” out there, masked with good marketing.
Hi Rich,
I see an analogy with friendships based on a mutual activities. Let’s say Squash, so every Wednesday and Friday evening you meet your ‘good’ friends, you play some sets, have a drink and a nice conversation. This can go on for years…till the day you don’t like squash anymore or you face some health problems. Many people loose their friends because they don’t share an activity anymore (and they are not creative enough to change their habits)
I see the same thing happening with JV’s, what I like about your idea is the common goal-idea and I would go one step further and call it an higher cause (I’m not talking about making more money)…What I mean is having a mutual higher cause that can create an attractive vision, this way you can attract customers with the same HC. This is a powerful tool to create an emotional enterprise and a strategic alliance.
My Higher Cause is “making green sexy” (and profitable)
Let me translate it to the math : 1+1=3
“my partner + me = one happy client, one happy strategic partner and one happy me”
Love and Peace, Ronny
Attn: Executive Marketing Team
Rich Schefren
Strategic Profits
Dear Rich,
Just read your JV article and I agree 100%. With that said, after you read this email you will see that there is a synergy between our firms and we could a value add to your companies.
Have you ever thought of reaching out to your existing or potential clients via SMS Text Messaging, better known as Mobile Marketing?
We’ve already started some immediate Mobile Marketing campaigns with other home business sites such as yours, but wanted to share something similar so you too can take advantage of this opportunity…We have some simple but effective marketing campaigns to increase registration percentages…
Our solutions can save you thousands on your marketing efforts, and with our simply implemented revenue share campaigns, you will be making money while drawing in even more clients…can’t get any better than that for product marketing…
What do you think is the # 1 activity with our youth, or just with people in general today?…The answer is Text Messaging…They are always on their cell phones wherever and whenever we see them… If not texting their friends or family, they spend hours in public Chatrooms discussing a variety of topics.
We should target these people, the Home Business Community in particular, and form a strategic partnership today to make allot of money together tomorrow…Utilizing our SMS and MMS services as a value add to your existing SMS Mobile services or marketing programs.
We would like to discuss the opportunity for Strategic Profits to utilize and offer a variety of VIP Mobile Alert capabilities to help market home business products and services directly to their existing or potential clients’s cell phones via SMS Text Messaging by partnering with Fire1out.com…With our revenue share campaigns, Strategic Profits will share a percentage of the $9.99 to $19.99 per month that the end user purchases for these VIP services.
We have many options to choose from when utilizing this innovative cut throat technology…
Before our Press Release hits next week, we are willing to give you heads up about the NEW services from Canada that we are introducing to the US. This will be life changing as we know it for the way people purchase products or retrieve a taxi. Your cell phone will become your wallet…ordering products or car services directly from your cell phone by texting “21021″ to a specified “keyword” on a sign or billboard while walking down the street or stopped at a traffic light.
Try our sample IVR product OK? Simply text “sd4″ to “23333″, text “Y” when prompted, then simply answer your cell phone when it rings and listen to the pre recorded voicemail commercial.
Because of extremely personal information that resides on our servers, Fire1out maintains an extensive Privacy Policy and we do not reveal the names of our clients without proper approval, such as in a voluntary testimonial. The anonymity of our clients is a major priority, as we would adhere to for you as well if you were to utilize our services. But I can tell you that our products are being used by other similar services. Our back end provider has been providing Mobile Messaging for similar websites in Canada for a while now, and we have introduced it to the US.
Because of the rise in popularity, this handheld SMS technology has become the #1 form of communication, just like the Internet in the 90’s and early 2000’s. The Internet sites now see the importance of partnering rather than competing with companies like ours, combining these two technologies together which contributes in monopolizing a large portion of the marketplace in their particular industry.
Here is an insightful article from CNN by the President of Match.com which says it all:
Wireless (Mobile Phone) Dating Services
Dating services are entering the mobile availability of meeting people
“Wireless will be a hugely important technology for the future for our industry, which is to connect people for the purpose of dating,” said Tim Sullivan, president, Match.com, a unit of USA Interactive and the No. 1 online dating site in the United States.
Sullivan said one of the benefits of going mobile for Match is that the new service will have the ability to match members based on location. Initially, matches will be made based on zip codes but in coming months, the service will be enhanced with technology so users can locate matches within an approximate geographical location by using their wireless phones. The search engine will never reveal actual physical locations, but simply allow users to chat only with matches within a specified radius. - Quoted from a recent CNN article…
Let’s set up a conference call at your convenience to discuss the opportunity. Looking forward to hearing back from you in the very near future.
Thank you.
Respectfully,
Gerald T. McCann
VP Sales and Marketing
Fire1out.com
17 Pine Street 1st Floor
Morristown, NJ 07960
732-496-4594
732-548-4529
jerry@fire1out.com
http://www.fire1out.com
“Have you fired one out today?”
@GeraldTMcCann, wow, that’s a new one, putting an entire mini sales letter into a comment thread.
While the concept is interesting, can we get more spammy?
Dear Alex,
Although it seems SPAMMY, is there really such thing as Spamming a Spammer? I have been getting inundated by hundreds of emails from Rich and Mike G about their businesses for months…so I reply with a solution for them to help create additional revenue streams for their members by utilizing a new concept like SMS Mobile Marketing, and now I am the Spammer, Oh contrer’ monfrer’ excuse my spelling…
Thank you
Respectfully,
Gerald T McCann
Rich:
I like the distinction you give in this post. JV Partners and Affiliates have a place in our overall business strategy and in each project’s tactics. And for me, searching for a deeper relationship through strategic alliances is useful on several fronts. But, many people will have difficulty with your idea.
I thrive in partnerships. I do better in situations where I’m sharing the responsibilities. I am more motivated when I feel like I’m part of the team working on a project. So, I’ll do better in a strategic alliance than when I’m working alone.
But, many folks do not like working in partnership with others. They want sole responsibility. If they are in a team, they produce less and are less motivated. So, for these people a strategic alliance would not work well.
So, I think your idea has merit for many of us, but would not work well for others.
Rodger Bailey
Thanks guy,
Extremely inspiring and a sort of a “reminder” for me. Something vital akin to what I learn from Jay Abraham few years ago. Now, you’ve taken this to a simpler, yet easily-digestible level. :
Here’s a way to for an “SA”
1. Forget whatever business you are currently in. (For most it would be welcomed!)
2. Study a “Maven” and his/her organization.
3. Find a gap or a catapult possibility. Either way you are matching your process or product to the company.
4. Make a business proposal to become partners on the new venture based on your research.
5. If there is an agreement. You do ALL the work. Prove your competency and value.
6. “Maven” contributes the customer and affiliate base.
Even one you approach will not go for your proposal. Average one in 50 and your returns will create some “new math.”
Paul
Keeping It Real…Simple
Hey Rich
Another Great post as always. This remindes of some advice my friend Spiro Gave a long time ago. He is in the construction Business and he has been working with 1 strategic partner for the past 23 years and Has built over 1 million square feet of buildin space.He told me “Jay all you need to do is find that 1 person and you will be set for life” Well he now is a millionaire and is was because of that 1 key relationship. Thanks rich I fell that with the mentor student relationship I Have with you will take my business to the next level.Thanks for all the great advice.
Jason
http://www.understandinternetmarketing.com
Hey Rich:
Your post comes at a great time for me. I have been in conversation with a potential “JV” for the past couple of weeks. Our discussions have been great and I told him that the term “JV” is so short-term and that we should consider our business relationship as something bigger than that.
Ah….”strategic alliance” PERFECT!
Are you working on owning that term?
You deserved it! Great job
Keith
Hi Rich
Excellent blog post, read every single word of it!
I particularly wanted to comment on what you said about how creating alliances will help you to stand up and get noticed in your market.
Its so true the bigger profits are at the top so start doing something to get there
Ive discovered this ever since I started implementing the maven matrix system and its working wonders I must say. Thanks Rich
God Bless
Rich,
Here’s an idea; let’s prove out your formula and create Strategic Alliances with “the bestdealofyourlife” and everyone posted here that has a clear vision of the true opportunity of doing so.
I have a product that is absolutely beneficial to millions of people, both in creating a “NO HASSLE” buying environment and the opportunity to save hundreds, even thousands of dollars, and that scenario can be repeated over and over throughout a lifetime by anyone willing to invest a little time and $29.95.
That product is imbedded in a wholly functional, fully operational, self-serve, customer friendly website. Is it a product of value? Yes! It is written by a person with 30 years of hands on, successful interaction, with thousands of customers, and the documented track record to support everything written. I lived it, I created it. My product has a huge customer base with an endless stream of buyers.
Powerful? Comprehensive? Believable? Guaranteed? Yes. Then why would I want Strategic Allinances? To bring that endless stream of buyers (which I DO NOT have) to “thebestdealofyourlife” website to examine the value in owning “thebestdealofyourlife”, make a buying decision, and then reap the rewards that will come by putting that information to work. A win-win situation!
So, check it out, do the math (1+1=3>2); “thebestdealofyourlife+Strategic Alliances+a stream of customers=(1)buyers which convert to a very large and endless (2)SHARED revenue stream.
What name we put on a relationship is not the key to success. The key to success lies in the value of the relationship created, the value lies in the strength of what each party brings to the table. Does each party have what it takes to make a whole, and are they willing to share that with each other to create a functional business relationship that produces revenue?
Having said that, are you willing to discuss the creation of a Strategic Alliance Joint Venture Partnership Business Relationship Whatever and create an additional stream of revenue by assisting in bringing a stream of customers to “thebestdealofyourlife” and sharing in the profit?
No mystery. Just good business
Chuck Norlin
crn@thebestdealofyourlife.com
http://www.thebestdealofyourlife.com
Wow, semi-subtly trying to sell us a $29 product while acting like you’re arguing for Strategic Alliances… trying to sell a car sales related product no less from what I can tell. Puh-leaze.
I feel so… relationally… used…
NOTE TO BLOG ADMIN: Maybe you can work it out so that DoFollow/NoFollow is determined in part by the ‘down votes’ on a comment which = spamminess. I am currently working on implementing this on my own blog.
Finally a fellow truth teller.
I am sick of all the disguised sales
pitches slid in on a “cloak and dagger”,
“value-ad” sales approach. This schmuckey
aproach to capitalism has me reaching for
my worn out copy of “Das Kapital”
Tom
Hi,
My business helps homeowners save their home or avoid foreclosure by offering other options.
This is achieved through my national network of “Certified Home Redemption Specialists”, trained through my company, the Home Redemption Institute.
Knowing that our customers also face credit issues (as 70% of all Americans do), I researched and sought out the BEST credit restoration company in the nation to create a strategic alliance with my company.
Our SA is proving to be a win/win for everyone, from my business, to my network of specialists, to the SA partner and most importantly, to the consumer.
I do JV’s to build my list and create the business opportunity to build my network of specialists, who, in turn, market the comprehensive products and services that my company and the SA provide.
It’s a beautiful thing!
Laura Schuster, Founder
Home Redemption Institute
http://www.homeredemptioninstitute.com
It’s about developing an integrated mindset with one common goal…a side-by-side walk that will not only cause your business to explode, but your partner’s as well.
Thanks Rich,
“Integrated Mindset Alliance”, Win/Win Alliance, Rich’s Strategic Alliance,or Stephen’s Internet Marketing A Home Business. All names must be for the common good for all parties involved. The emphasis You state is to explode or bring to the nth degree business expansion. Something wonderful can happen when 2 or more people agree that translates into greater multiplicity that 2 X 2 !
Stephen Scott
http://www.InternetMarketingAHomeBusiness.com/
Great post on JV/Strategic Partnering.
I agree with Rich that this strategy can’t stand alone. As someone who mentors other business owners on how to drive profit up with virtual teams, I find that many are looking for the short-cut to list building and sales. “JVs” get the focus.
I built my business very quickly with 3 - 4 very strategic partnerships. But I found it to be a bit of a double-edge sword. I began to rely on those partnerships (bad idea I know) to keep my sales going and when those relationships dried up, so did my sales.
My big lesson was the power of an integrated marketing process. Thank God that happened because my core focus was to do more of what already worked — find more partners. Now I have over 25 marketing tactics working for me.
I’ve also seen that a saturation in the market with people asking for exposure to each other’s lists. It has definitely tainted many of the big players. We don’t want to lose credibility with our list so many work on “seeding” and longer term partnering opportunities (a great integrated process I might add).
Done right…this strategy can make your bottom line soar. And create some amazing relationships along the way.
Melanie Benson Strick
Million Dollar Lifestyle Business Coach &
Virtual Team Building Expert
http://www.successconnections.com
Hello Rich
I so agree with this. There are so many hidden ways to help businesses grow and help them make more money. I was very surprised that more people aren’t aware of it. I know at least seven that when I found out about them I couldn’t believe others hadn’t thought about it before.
Strategic Alliances is one of them and the easiest to tell people about.
Edie Gunter
President
Marketing Alliances Consultant
Hello Rich
Do You want another strategic alliance? Do You have time for another strategic alliance? For how many strategc allianses do you realy have time?
Strategic allianses are more effective then JV but they cost more in TIME.
And time is only limithing factor in our lives.
How much time DO You realy have?
If you realy want more profit it is O.K. But will you be able with more money to by yesterday time that you did’nt spend in the way you like?
NO! NO! NO!
More money does not solve all problems. You can not eat profit, you can not breed profit, you can breed only air.
What I want to say is, and I agree with you, find people you find nice to be with and do what pleases you. That is the only way to make seerious money and to live good life.
And if you want another strategic allianse you are more then wellcome.
I am writhing a book named “Exponential grow of your bussiness”.
This is not just another ebook or book about markething and bussiness, this is not even extraordinary book.
NO!
This book is REVOLUTION.
AND you will expiriance this revolution in your lifetime.
And you are writing about this stuf, but you are not recognisig it clearly.
Make a strategic alliance with me. I am toking about 10 figures numbers. YES! Billions of dollars.
EXPONENTIAL is the key word.
And we are going to go exponential.
Please excuse my English
I am from Serbia and I am not very good in English but I am very, very good in synergetic work.
Have a good day.
Best regards
Nenad
Salut/Hello Rich,
It is always very instructive to read and follow the contents of your blog.
C’est toujours très instructif de lire et suivre les contenus de ton Blog.
Salutations
B.Midoun
http://email-2-0.com/?tag=43158
Rich, I’d like to buy a process to form Strategic Alliances that I could plug directly into my existing company.
Do you have a system that you could license? I’d need the want ads to hire a SA manager. The interview script. The job description. The tracking module. Then a daily plan of action for the SA manager. A method to track profitability for the process. A way to incentivize more SA and attract partners. And so on.
It’s a lot of work to create from scratch. Perhaps the future of internet marketing is not plug and play shopping cart modules or scripts to create sites on demand…perhaps it’s a “department in a box” system that entrepreneurs can roll out quickly?
The most successful toy in the world is Leggo. And yet so simple. I want to find a systems provider that has the brilliance of Leggo….
Hi Rich,
First I must say that You and Jay have changed my life.
It all started in February when I was on the first Maven Marketing Bootcamp call with you guys. I signed up right away and with the calls and the pre-work, I am a new person. I exercise more, have improved personal relationships, come up with way more new ideas and work on them every day. I OWE you guys Big Time.
WARNING: Strategic Alliance is different that strategic “Partnership”. I remember the company Attorney telling us to NEVER use Partnership in our dealings or contracts with Strategic Alliances because it is viewed differently in court. just fyi for the readers that this is all new
I used to make big DRAM deals and would document it in an email to the salesman who was also was my Strategic Supplier and I was lucky enough to be his Strategic Customer. It was happening that minute so we did not have time for lawyers and relied on simple purchase order wording and standard purchase order and blanket agreement T&Cs.
Once I had a deal that was too good for me like 50% off and it all almost fell apart because the other company was losing too much money on the deal, but since we had a stragegic alliance they up held the deal and I was a HERO at my company.
The next deal I was more eager to help it go the other way for them. by saying OK a lot more and Building the relationship even stronger than it was the day before.
I could only have a few strategic alliances in each area of the business and a few contenders or there would not be enough work to go around and I would not have the time. Each business is different.
To more happy strategic customers!
Clay Franklin
I’m glad to hear you say this, Rich.
I personally feel that JV Partnerships - while they help get your juices, business, and customer base flowing -… where you simply send people to another’s site that you personally endorse via email or video is becoming a rather unusual habit forming event - leading common persuasion into thinking this is primarily the way you build your lists, base - both now and FOEVER.
However, this cannot lead to anything except for bleeding (in the long run) your list from its overall potency, trust-factor with you (the list owner), and overall income in the long run.
It’s made me rethink how products are promoted and thus, my lists only get the best of the best products offered and more importantly offers that are specifically designed and targeted to my list. (Sorry, I don’t worry about sending information on EVERY STINKING event/product on the web… never have endorsed that way - and never will… :)) Will it mean that i’ll miss sales that COULD be made!? YEP! Most certainly.. but it also means that my list knows they’ll not be just tipped upside down just because I’m hoping to make a fast buck this month :).
Well written, Rich - couldn’t agree more!
In fact, working on a few of those myself… why compete with each other when you can “join them” :).
Cute! Rich.
okay, which couple had a baby?
ya right, mum and dad equals 3
Give ya Mum a big hug today for
a Happy Mothers Day
Cheers, Freda
P.S, Spendid think-tanks around and about!
It’s wonderful reading your blogs. Ta.
Rich,
I will be putting up multiple websites this month (May 08), so I am not quite ready for a Strategic Alliance yet. But I buy this post because I see the superior value of Strategic Alliances over JVs. I will be looking for future Strategic Alliances.
As usual you have done a great job with the forest. In fact, I am and will remain one of your faithful customers because you are the only one that I have seen in Internet Marketing that provides consistently a view of both the forest and the trees. That has been true of all your major writings: Internet Manifesto, Attention Age Doctine, Maven Matrix, etc., and it is also true of your Florida conferences. In this post on strategic alliances, you have done your usual great job of describing the forest, but it would help me to look at a few Strategic Alliance trees. Are there examples or case studies with specifics online or offline in book form that I could read concerning strategic alliances?
Thanx for this post.
Curt Siemers
Rich,
This couldn’t have been timed more perfect. Last night while on the phone with the creator of a product that I love using and promote without blinking (I only promote things that I actually own and that are useful, not as many of those as one would hope) I was lucky enough to start chatting and forge a great new partnership.
I am a nobody online as far as the “big dogs” are concerned and never imagined that anything like this would happen. It turned out that this web 2.0 graphics guy is just a down to earth, regular guy whose talent and success hasn’t swelled his ego.
In this paradigm shift where the “rest of us” have been given a real voice online and a chance to shine just like the ones with the “big guns,” I believe that this was a smart move, as well as a very kind gesture that made me feel like I just might finally do something big, on his part.
We “little guys” love to connect with successful entrepreneurs and very few who have really “got it” make themselves available and approachable. There are some great people out there (like you for example) who have provided a beacon for people like me to follow to get themselves going in the right direction.
If not for people like you, Jack Humphrey, Dosh Dosh, and quite a few others who gave us an alternative to being a “salesperson” and gave us permission to just be ourselves, I for one would not be where I’m at now. On the verge of launching a classroom that even a brand newbie with no tech skills at all can figure out (I’m doing a live, public 6 newbie case study to prove I can teach anyone).
I didn’t do it because I thought I could get rich. I did it because I thought it could help people not quit and brand me as a champion of the “little guy.” But now, who knows what might happen. I guess the moral is, never sell yourself short, you’d be surprised what you can achieve if you use your true skills and maintain integrity.
Rich, thanks again for just being here are creating all of this great guidence. You were a part of a single mom, with nothing more than bartending skills, doing something else and succeeding after almost 3 years of str