One thing I did want to mention before the wrong impression is taken ... let's not assume that 'affiliates' and 'JV partners' are one in the same.

Just because what we've come to know as 'JV Marketing' has become almost entirely associated with the endorsed mailing version of a Joint Venture, a JV Partner is not necessarily someone that simply gets on board your launch as an affiliate, promotes for you like an affiliate ... and that's the end of the relationship. In that case, you may just as well ask them if they'd like to join your Affiliate Program and be done with it.

JV relationships are built one at a time, and nurtured via brainstorming, input regarding all facets of product creation and launch, co promotion, and reciprocation ... mutual gain, not one way promotion for commission.

One thing I've noticed that is KILLING JV Marketing is merchants doing little more than trawling more affiliates ... NOT true JV Partners for the long haul, using multiple JV Brokers to bring in as many 'JV Partners' as possible. JV relationships are one on one, not communicated entirely via mass broadcast ... and they are ongoing, mutually ... not one way, one shot deals.

So ... Please, DON'T confuse creating new relationships with JV Partners with simply bringing on affiliates. You'll suck the exclusivity right out of your promotion, and find yourself with more tire kickers and freebie seekers than anything else ... as the real successful JV Marketers go on to create Strategic Alliances ... and blow you out of the water.

Remember ... take care of those that take care of you, and you'll wind up on top more times than not. Work at getting as close to guaranteeing follow through as possible, rather than bringing on board every Tom, Dick, and Harry ... and hoping you've chose the right carrot to dangle to gain their interest and participation.

With that ... Happy Independence Day for My Fellow Americans, and a healthy and safe weekend for everybody else.

Mike