Honesty is key. I feel like a fish out of water! I want to...

[Steve F]

You can certainly start building a list of your own and go the more traditional product route of starting with your own list and smaller products and building your list while continually getting more and more affiliates for larger subsequent launches.

Another route is to bypass the whole initial listbuilding cycle. It is possible to build relationships first and go directly into JVing with people whom already have lists and do a successful first launch without having a list at all of your own. Of course this requires some creative, sustainable relationship building but can be just as lucrative and much easier if you're a good people person!

Lists are powerful but aren't everything.

Just an idea!

That can work great, but just remember, you'll need to have a high quality product and marketing materials in order to propose a JV to an established marketer. In many (most) cases, they'll want to see conversion data from your sales page also, to be sure the traffic send is going to convert for them.

That means get all your ducks in a row first, before approaching them for a JV.

[Kenster]

That can work great, but just remember, you'll need to have a high quality product and marketing materials in order to propose a JV to an established marketer. In many (most) cases, they'll want to see conversion data from your sales page also, to be sure the traffic send is going to convert for them.

That means get all your ducks in a row first, before approaching them for a JV.

Steve, very good point. This is business and business is about money. The potential JV partner will need to know he is making a good investment, so if you don't have inherent credibility in the industry, you better have a good sales pitch based on numbers...reliable numbers. Like you said, conversion data is key.

Another point to add is that you will likely want to approach these potential JV partners well before you speak to them about any JV inquiry. Build a relationship, build rapport, perhaps offer your services for free. If they have a blog, tell them you've been following it and would like to do a few guest articles that their visitor base would enjoy. If they have a forum, perhaps ask to be an unpaid moderator (of course be a member first). If you are good at copywriting, tell them you can write up some split tests for their next email. Do this as a one way gesture. Build the relationship and over time if you work well with the potential JV, things will develop further and a successful JV partnership may come out of it. If things don't work out from a JV standpoint, you at least made a friend in the industry...sometimes those types of relationships reap dividends years down the road. Don't burn bridges.

Okay, I am rambling here but it's mostly because I feel so strongly about giving giving giving before even thinking about getting. That is exactly how I forged ahead in this IM game and it works.