Brandon...

"This probably won't be a popular reply, but it's a true and honest one. "
Unless I'm missing something, it's right in line with what everyone else is saying.

Which is great but certainly that makes it a popular reply.

I too promote based on relationships so it seems like across the board, THAT is the universal answer.

Which should serve as a great reminder for maybe someone newer to the "game"... who often tend to get very excited about how amazing and unique their product is. Instead of how effectively they can build the relationships necessary to have those long term alliances.

I also believe once someone knows the value of the relationship, they would be quicker to make sure their first deals with any prospective long term, powerful (in terms of distribution) partner is very much in favor of the new partner. Then overdeliver even beyond that and make sure you make a "human connection".

Seems as everyone will agree THAT relationship can nearly guarantee a succesfull promotion of any new launch. Even if your product ends up being mediocre or less than par (though make sure those are few and far in between otherwise you'll burn the trust others have in your product line).

Right now you could be attempting to cook up the most perfect course on XYZ. But if you're top super affiliates don't know you, like you and trust you, you have to work MUCH harder to get their attention and get them behind your product. And even then it's unlikely you'd get the same level of promotion as someone they already know.