Actually... I really do need to comment on this:

>>Rob's estimation (as well as a number of us) is/was that Shane wasn't ready for something "big"
Again, I'm pulling Shane's name out as none of my intention or my report was about him. So let's keep things general as it was first aimed to be.

Now... if you interpreted the above statement from anything I wrote, then I apologize for having been unclear as that statement is really incorrect.

Someone can start today and hit the ground running and make 5-figures their first week in sales and grow from there... by having a high value product, a buzz worth promotion, intelligent advertising, front end capital for a big advertising push etc.

In short... someone (a start-up biz) can go from 0 to "big" as quick as their resources and their strategy allows.

The objection was when beginners, without a proven product, without an effective presentation, without proven conversions, without a worthwhile sales funnel, without an attractive affiliate program etc try to land affiliate relationships ("JVs") with established businesses.

If you just opened a small ma-and-pa operation restaurant, with standard North American menu food, nothing particular special about your place, seating capacity of 20, modest atmosphere, new staff etc... you wouldn't think of chasing down top chefs and top food authorities to publicly endorse your "nothing special" restaurant.

Doesn't mean you can't do cross promotion deals with smaller local vendors and it certainly doesn't mean you can chase other advertising avenues. But don't expect the front cover of your major newspaper for your average run-of-the-mill restaurant.

Very same feedback for information marketers as well.

But THAT has nothing to do with whether a company (or person) is ready to go big.