This is the fifth post in the new blog expert series called: Successful Corporate Blogs and we talk about a technique that many people ignore.
Many internet marketers discuss ways of building loyal fans. That is improtant I agree but…if you want to build a bigger income…you need to build loyal relationships.
I truely believe successful Internet marketing is not only about building strong relationships with potential customers (i.e. loyal fans), it’s also about building relationships with other people within your niche.
Corporate Competitors
This may seem a little counterintuitive because on the face of it they are your competitors, but if you can team up with another professional there can be some great advantages.
If they offer a complementary product to yours and vice versa you can both increase exposure and revenue. Two websites are better than one and if you both target your marketing campaigns to different markets then you have that added bonus of exposing your product to people who may not normally come across it.
Many internet marketers do this and you’ll see it when you receive their e-mails.
They’ll talk about their colleague’s product, why they like it and why it would be useful for you the consumer.
If you trust the originator of the e-mail then you’re more likely to purchase this complementary product. (Unfortunately there are people who will promote anything to make a commission so be careful who you follow.)
Hamburger and Chips
If you have a product that you think will complement somebody else’s, offer them a review copy so they can be certain it will be suitable for their list.
They’re offering the hamburger and you’re offering the fries so to speak.
This is often known as a joint venture (JV), and if you’re looking for somebody to JV with, find out what kind of marketing he does – the more extensive the better for you. Make sure your efforts are on a par with his.
If you’re offering a digital product that deals with, for example, how to make money on the internet, then there are going to be dozens of people you can JV with if their product does not cover the aspect of marketing that your product does.
Benefit Financially
Don’t be afraid to approach people there’s no need to be, especially if they can benefit financially and offer an excellent product to their list. If you’ve written an e-book or made a series of videos about dog grooming there are many people who promote dog training. Anyone who wants to train their dog properly will probably also be interested in keeping their best friend in top condition too.
Your name and your products start to become instantly recognizable, and if they sell well you can make more and promote them alongside other people’s complementary products. You can then produce a series of videos of you and your partner talking about dog training and keeping a pet looking healthy and well-groomed.
I’m often suspicious of internet marketers who don’t promote other people and their products. My favorite internet marketers are always talking about their friends and colleagues in the business and this proves to me that they really are friendly and helpful people.
Collaborating with somebody else can also mean feeling less isolated in what can be a lonely business.
Have you successfully collaborated?
Please share your success story in the comments below.
Previous posts in this Successful Corporate Blogs series:
Successful Corporate Blogs: Are You Really Writing For YOUR Audience?
Internet Marketing Is Easy When You Use This Technique
Internet Marketing Is Easy When You Use This Technique Part 2
Spot on. I think that to be truly as successful as you can be in any business, either online or offline, you have to understand the power of networking and joint ventures. I have my own products, but I often suggest those from people I know if they’re helpful to my fans, readers, customers, etc…
~David Walker
David,
I do think that on-line business owners are in the minority when it comes to making relationships. Many, I believe, feel they can make it on their own.
They may do…but it will take a lot longer.
Andrew
Hi Andrew,
You are on the mark here. I haven’t found that right person yet to JV with, but I am looking. Thank you for the reminder, because I know that this is something I need to do.
It really hits home when you look at it as I have the hamburger, you have the chips. (one problem here I am hungry, because I haven’t eaten lunch yet., Thanks LOL)now i am going to have to go eat lunch before I finish this comment. Just kidding.
Anyway the way you explained this does make a lot of sense. Thank you again for keeping me on track when it comes to my blog. I wouldn’t be where I am if it wasn’t for you and your help.
Thanks again and Andrew. You are appreciated.
Debbie
Debbie,
I am curious to know what the ‘right person’ would be…for you?
Andrew
I agree with you, but it is easier for well-known or successful bloggers to find JV partner. For newbie or the unestablished one, we have to work hard and hopefully one day we will reach there
David,
I agree…newbies do have to work hard. But I see many newbies not trying to build relationships…perhaps due to fear?
Andrew
I agree, but I think a lot of it has to do with the fact that many newbies (like myself) don’t know the in and out of doing a JV. So, it makes it even harder to go forward not knowing where to start and what to do.
Satrap
The first thing to do is build a relationship with the potential JV and then simply…ask!
Andrew
Corinne
On-line is one of the easiest and quickest ways to build relationships. It just takes effort…as every thing does to be successful.
Andrew
Andrew
I have not yet done any partnering, but can clearly see the value and when I first started I was representing affiliate products without enough knowledge of the product or my audience. Things are coming together now and I hope to have some partners soon
Cheers
Mark
Mark,
Sounds like you may have a plan?
Andrew
You have some good points here. Collaborating with the competitors for promoting complimentary products or services is mutually beneficial. It’s something of a rejuvenating effect on your blog.
I have done a lot of collaborations with other bloggers, customers and web developers. With bloggers, I read their blogs, check the updates and basically being friends with them. Customers always get the best CS from me. And web developers gets SEO tips. As they say if you give out some, you got some too.
Greg
Webmaster of Lethal Commission Review
Greg,
That’s certainly the way to do it..great share and thanks.
Andrew
I love the one with “Hamburger and Fries”. Genious idea, thanks for sharing it. I just need to launch something now :))
Great points. A JV is a great way to establish a great following and awesome relationships.
Wow Andrew, that was really a great tip. I think you are right building relationships is more important than building fans and I suppose if the other person belong to a similar field and offers product which is related to yours than it can be great idea cross promoting each other’s product, it not only helps both the sellers but also the customers because they may get discounts as well as the other product may just maybe the product they may be searching for.
Shiva,
And if both products do complement each other…you could do a joint offer with a discount.
Andrew
Thanks for the tips! The part about not being afraid to approach someone when what you have is truly beneficial. I struggle with that, worrying I will lose my credibility and just come across as being a self-promoter. IT is a lot easier to do with regular followers, but they already know what I recommend and what I offer. So, I will remember this the next time I get nervous!
Miranda
Don;t be nervous – just ask.
Of course…it may help if you already promote their product!
Andrew
I seriously didn’t realize how hungry I was until I saw your photo of the burger there. Gaahh! That aside, I like your metaphor of a “Hamburger and Fries” approach to business — You sell hamburgers, I sell french fries, let’s team up and offer them in tandem.
Fred
I’m more of a french fries person!
Andrew
Even if a JV is not possible, it’s still better to keep these people close and build relationships, because you don’t want your competition to be your enemy.
There’s nothing to be gained from that, however, you never know when you’d need a helping hand and you’ll realize you don’t have anyone to ask.
Lynn,
Exactly – we all need help at some stage.
Good point – thanks for sharing.
Andrew