This is a rant about joint venture managers.
I get many offers for joint ventures.
The initial invitation often mentions that Mr.X or Ms.Y is on board. That information sometimes helps me make a decision about participating. It’s social proof. It works.
A few days before launch, there may be a note announcing a contest where top referrers will win some cool prizes or cash bonuses. Depending upon how I feel at the moment, I may choose to try and win - or simply ignore it. A contest hasn’t ever put me off from promoting though. It’s neutral - or positive.
But sometimes, though not rarely, a launch day email update will annoy me. Like the one I got today, reminding me to promote to my list BECAUSE top marketers like Mr.X and Ms.Y were going to!
That really seriously irritates me. It is hurt ego, pure and simple. It put me off sending a follow up note on one of today’s big launches.
Look, you invite me to be a JV partner because you think I’m a good marketer enough to help you sell more. Why would you rub it in my face that better marketers than I were promoting for you? I’m already on board, remember?
Make me feel special. I really am. To me!
What’s even worse is when such messages go out to helpers in a charitable fundraising event.
At least ‘for profit’ deals are business propositions. Larger referrers are more important. But when it comes to charitable donations, EVERYONE is special. All my donors are my ROCKSTARS.
It doesn’t matter if you donate $5 or $5,000 to my Children Heart Foundation - you are special to me, because you care enough to help a child live.
In many important ways, I consider my donors more special than my most profitable customers - because they give without expecting ANYTHING in return. My multi-thousand dollar clients get a multiple of their money back in value. On the other hand, all that my donors want or ask for is that their contribution helps a poor child.
Think about it when you plan your next JV recruitment campaign. Use social proof to get JVs aboard. Motivate them with contests if you want. But always make them feel special about helping you - or they won’t.
What do you feel about this issue?
14 Comments Received
October 23rd, 2007 @11:19 am
I agree a 100%.
Unfortunately people seems to have forgotten to appreciate each other.
The person in question should just be grateful that you are “on board” and be grateful for what you are doing on your own.
The added note wast tasteless and a bit self serving.
October 23rd, 2007 @12:57 pm
That kind of social proof actually has a very negative impact on me. My reasoning is, “Oh! If all those folks are promoting it, you don’t need me to jump on the bandwagon. In fact, I don’t like being on bandwagons, and when I find I have accidentally hitched a ride on one I quickly jump off.
October 23rd, 2007 @4:07 pm
I agree Dr. Mani,
If I am so unimportant that I need to be reminded that bigger and better are the ’stars’ then forget it, I will pass thank you very much!
Hope you are well and not working too hard!
Katie
October 23rd, 2007 @8:54 pm
Once again you’ve hit the nail on the head.
That’s all I can say. (But I’ll say one more thing)
You are one smart and sensitive dude.
October 23rd, 2007 @11:43 pm
It’s all about those triggers isn’t it? I bet those people didn’t even consider it might ruffle a feather or two.
Thanks Dr Mani for sharing this, I’ve made a note of these tips in the “how to approach people for JV opportunities” file that says “read me before you start!!!”.
Which is something I’ll be doing shortly as part of the 20/20 challenge.
October 25th, 2007 @2:50 am
Thanks Dr. Mani. Your honesty once again proves that you ‘Walk Your Talk’ and are not afraid to be real.
Why? Because that’s what MOST people want to hear.
Unfortunately, as in real life, there are some insensitive dolts out there that just fell off the turnip truck yesterday and never learn to show others respect. But they do seem to be quick to show their true natures and those of us that DO respect our fellow marketers can quickly hit the delete button to make that issue simply go away.
October 25th, 2007 @4:01 am
Hey Dr. Mani,
You’re probably talking about my jv coordinator.
This was the one e-mail I didn’t see and I take full responsibility for its negative impact on you.
I just know deep down inside that its intentions were right. I think it was 5 words that redirected what I believe was the real purpose of the e-mail… “and you probably should too.” If he had to do it again, those words wouldn’t be in there.
Because the purpose wasn’t meant to mean “…and you should too.”
It was meant to say, “hey, you know how affiliate cookies work and since we’ve seen promos from this guy and that gal, you should probably get in on the fun too.” I think a few more sentences would have clarified this further.
I guess from his perspective, it would create urgency so that partners would think… “oh, I better get serious about this since people have already started” … rather than what has been discussed here.
And we’ve talked about this today after hearing of your disappointment with the e-mail.
Thanks for you initial support and there are no hard feelings here. Heck, I can’t wait to meet you :).
All the best,
Mr. X
October 25th, 2007 @4:35 am
Jermaine, you ROCK!
I’m amazed you took time out from what must be an INSANE time around the office with your launch exploding, to reply to this blog.
Yes, the ‘big launch’ I referred to was your ‘Nitty Gritty Marketing’ - and I did NOT mention it by name because I didn’t want this to have any adverse impact on your launch.
You see, your JV manager’s email is NOT the only one that sparked off this rant - it was just the proverbial ‘last straw’. This has been happening time and again over the last few months, and I finally decided to just get out and put my thoughts out for discussion.
Your response is a lesson in itself about dealing with such issues, and I appreciate and respect you more for what you just did, Jermaine. Everyone on their way up needs to study your approach and draw some lessons from it - thank you.
To extend that appreciation in a more positive vein, I’m going to post my initial email that went out to a segment of my list right here to the blog - and without any affiliate link, so readers can get to know what you’re offering and if they like, sign up to explore your resource center in more depth.
All success
Dr.Mani
October 25th, 2007 @8:13 am
Dr. Mani,
I told you yesterday morning, and I’ll say it again sir… You’ve humbled me!
I TRULY appreciate the reminder to think through everything, and not act too fast. My goals were obviously not to hurt anyone who wants to promote but even so, my actions were a bit flawed.
I’ve got to say though, it’s truly a pleasure working with people like “Mr. X” who do the right thing, and try their best to always be responsible.
He’s an inspiration to me!
Thank you for your continued support sir, and I truly thank you for keeping me on my toes… It means a lot to me!
-Eric
October 25th, 2007 @8:24 am
Eric, you’re a card. You’re alright, and will go very far. Thanks for your email yesterday, and I salute you for an amazing job co-ordinating a launch as hectic and huge as this one is.
You, Jermaine and the team deserve all the success you get.
As I said in my initial email to you, precious few people will even let you know about stuff like this. I’ve always appreciated folks who help me improve myself, and try to do the same for others whenever I can - and when they will let me
All success
Dr.Mani
October 25th, 2007 @5:56 pm
I look forward to meeting you Dr. Mani
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