How to help yourself help yourself

May 28, 2008

A few days ago in Saturday’s Affiliate Funnel seminar I was asked to respond to the question, “How does an itty bitty exchange make it to the next step?”

Now I’m not that good with speaking live, I’ll admit. So my answer probably missed out on a few key points. However, I did mention the most important point. Networking and joint ventures. Now that I’m armed with my backspace key I’ll discuss this point a bit further.

This does not apply only to traffic exchanges but I’d say to any business at all!

Do you know what the most powerful form of marketing is? It is, without a doubt, word-of-mouth advertising. This is when a friend tells you about a site or business and personally recommends it. You trust your friend and you are very highly likely to take up their recommendation.

In the internet world, you want your friends to be the industry leaders. The people who’s names and faces are plastered and branded into the back of everyone’s minds. The people who everyone trusts and listens to their recommendations. THESE are the people you want recommending YOUR product or site.

So how do you do it?

You may think that offering them 50% commissions and a year free upgrade on your site (for example) is enough motivation to get them pushing your site like there’s no tomorrow. The simple answer is you’re right. The right answer is — you couldn’t be further from WRONG!

Let me explain a little bit. After all I did just contradict myself in the above statement.

You have to get on their radar screen before you should ever offer them a joint venture or any kind of deal. They should be familiar with you first. If you offer a “cold” deal to one of the industry leaders and they haven’t heard of your site or you — you’re probably going to get rejected. In fact, I’ll go as far to say you WILL get rejected.

So how do you get on their radar screen?

For me it was pretty easy. I want to be the best at what I do so I aligned myself with the best. You should do the same and here’s how you do it!

Hang where they hang. Forums are a great place to meet and converse. NetMarketingForum and TheMembersForum are two popular forums where a lot of people hang out and talk business. Go there and get involved.

You can also send these people private messages or emails asking for advice. Nearly every one of the industry leaders will give you good solid advice. Asking for advice is okay! I have asked for advice from many people and they gave it. The most important thing that I did that most people don’t after asking for advice is acting on the advice given. Don’t reject their advice. They’re not out to get you. They really are trying to help you.

Another thing you can do is attend online meetings such as Affiliate Funnel conferences or S.W.A.T. Traffic seminars.

What can you offer these people without getting anything in return? That will surely get you on their radar screen. At first you may think you have nothing to offer — but you do! Are you a programmer? You could do a little bit of work for them. Graphic designer? Those are always in demand. Don’t have any special skills? You’re still in luck! If they have a blog or website — comment on their stuff. If they’re a member of your program, leave THEIR referral link in your blog comment. Help them get referrals or sales for stuff they are promoting. The bottom line is to get noticed and help them to be able to help yourself in the future.

Branding yourself while doing all of this is a must! After all if they don’t remember your face or name your efforts are way less likely to pay off.

Okay, I’ve mentioned lots of good points already. Are you ready to pitch your offer or joint venture to them yet? Absolutely not. You may be wondering why..

The most important thing to learn from this article and the one thing you should take from this article is the following point:

You must show them that you are capable of helping yourself!

If I recommend your program or web site, I want insurance. I want to know that I’m not recommending a piece of crap with a lousy owner. After all, my reputation is on the line. Prove to me (or whoever you’re trying to network or joint venture with) that after I promote you a little bit, you’re capable and willing to put in hard work, dedication, and time into sustaining your program.

So, help yourself help yourself. Be a hard worker. Get noticed. Get active. Get involved. Learn. Participate. Prove that you’re capable. Etc etc etc. THEN pitch your offer. You’ll find that you get a much better success rate. Heck — you may even find that some people start to come to you.

Help yourself help yourself.