JV Question: Would you consider these people competitors

[Jeff Czyzewski]

I'm midway through building my product and I'm going to begin trying to make some contacts for possible JV partners. In any niche, there are always some big names. So my question is, do you view someone who does IM, but also sells products in your niche a competitor?

I view these potential JV partners as honest, so I don't think I worry about them taking the concept and doing it themselves, but would they be willing to promote a product that is similar, but not exactly the same as their own? Should I have my product completely finished in the event they say no and do something like it themselves...

I know that sounds paranoid, but I think in terms of how typical brick and mortar business is run. I wouldn't run off to my competitor and tell them the great new products I'm selling and ask them to send over their customers for a commission because they aren't selling the same thing.

I'd love to hear opinions on this one.

Thanks

Jeff

[Mike Merz]

Hey, Jeff.

In the IM niche ... I've noticed, merchants with products that would probably be deemed too close to home in other niches might actually be considered viable partners ... perhaps due to the fact that JV Marketing is so prevalent in IM, and we've become a bit jaded to the typical apprehension those on the outside may experience.

If you have fear that your product or idea might be stolen by a JV partner that sells comparable stuff, offer feature limited review access to those partners that qualify ... and simply offer a basic description at what will be contained in the full version without getting too detailed.

Best,

Mike

[Jeff Czyzewski]

Mike,

Thanks for the feedback. I think when I get closer to launch time and have everything wrapped up I'll begin getting a contacting some folks for JV's.

My niche is not IM, but several of the potential JV partners are in myniche and the IM niche, so my thought is that they will view my product as a great way to compliment what they are offering, make money and not have to put all of the time into a product as I have.

Jeff

[Todd Lamb]

Often times it takes a leap of faith when you are putting your stuff out there. I remember the first time I contacted a JV for one of my products in a niche outside of IM. I was concerned they were just going to use the info for themselves etc. (although it has happened but what do you do...don't sweat it)

As it turns out, I developed a very solid relationship with them and can rely on them for assistance with my other releases.

At the end of the day whether your product complements their product etc, it boils down to the human factor and your ability to develop and maintain lasting relationships.

Although this is an online business, the people behind it are what matters.

Good Luck with your product development and launch!

Todd

[Philip Greenwood]

I think this is why on-line marketing has become so 'character and personality' oriented. Different people respond to different people - different marketers emphasise different aspects of the offer, and that fits the buying needs of different customers.

But a single 'supplier brand' can't offer the same thing at different price points, with different warranties, or majoring on different features simultaneously etc. So we're all FORCED to leave money on the table for our 'competitors'. And what first appears as competition turns into collaboration...

My answer would be: If you have distinctive brand, with a distinctive proposition and positioning - even if it's for the same product niche - you should be able to co-operate with your 'competitors'. I think the key is to show each other mutual respect and grow the niche together - respecting each other's positioning in the market.

Warm regards,
Philip Greenwood

[Chris Freville]

My stance is - do not worry about competitors - be happy - it proves there is a market there.

In truth, as long as your product is at least slightly different to your competitors then your customers will be happy to buy both!

If you think about any hobby you're passionate about, do you just buy one book on the subject and leave it as that? No! You buy multiple books on the subject because you are craving for more info.

Its the same online, as long its not the same, people will be more than happy to buy it.

[Jeff Czyzewski]

Thanks for the replies. I wasn't really thinking customers as much as other product publishers. If they are in the same niche they would have a great targeted list... so would they feel like you're are competition or be open to promoting your product.

I'm so close to launching right now that I decided to contact some of those in my niche about jv's and cross promotion. We'll see what happens, but even if some decided to compete and others decided to promote it would be a good situation.