"I would recommend start today building your list. Ask smaller marketers, people with your size or slightly larger to promote for you. Set up some squeeze pages."
Yup. Chris' point is dead on...

That being said, how big of a deal YOU (ie: your name) is, isn't the important part... a brand name (of success) carries a bit of weight in that a super affiliate knows that their product will likely convert better because (1) they have proven success creating/launchign products (2) they have an established brand name in the marketplace and a loyal following.

Random You doesn't get to enjoy these benefits.

However, every one of those top marketers and house-hold names also started as "little guy". They got creative... they dealt primarily with C-Rank marketers and smaller promotions, they over-delivered, they worked extra hard and they continually worked to build relationships with top alliances (the established players).

And you also have to accept that no matter how much YOU care about your product, an intermediate - experienced marketer has an endless list of product promotion options. They probably have products in the works (like Chris mentioned), a good dozen plus products that are on the to do list for their back-end, a 101 of their own product ideas that they'll likely never be able to act on, close alliances with other top publishers and THEIR products etc....

And the "little guy" mindset is something you should go ahead and shake right now. It's pointless. It's a mental image you place on something that's irrelevant. Not ONE succesful entrepreneur STARTED as "the big guy". So your story isn't unique (at least not that part). If you don't want to be the "little guy", simply follow some of the above or whatever path you choose, work through the paces, bring value to the marketplace, work even more and soon others will be wondering how little-old-them can land a co-promotion with you.