My story goes down a little different path...

Before I begin, a quick rundown of my "experiences" just so that it's clear where I'm coming from as far as online marketing goes:

1) Have had 5 figure months marketing a single affiliate program
2) Have had own products that have sold low 6 figures (before affiliate payout and business partner's cut)
3) Have built up lists that were in the tens of thousands

So as you can see, I'm definately not new to internet marketing.

Unlike most people, I do things to be helpful, not because I'm looking for any kind of return, but because I'm a helpful person by nature. I don't expect help, but I would have expected at least some consideration...and even that is hard to come by, regardless of how much time and effort I've put forth to help someone.

There are times that I've spent weeks of time working on something for someone (be it sales copy, helping support their customers, sending out a mailing, making tons of sales for them...etc.). In fact, if I mentioned the names of those people here, I'd bet that every single person would recognize them. I won't mention them though, simply because it isn't pertinent to the topic, nor do I know the circumstances and reasons behind the lack of response.

I've always heard that good things come back around...I've stopped holding my breath at this point. That doesn't mean I'll stop helping, just that I don't think the saying holds much weight.

Not one single time has one of the people I spent tons of time helping, come back and asked if there was anything they could do in return. Granted, I'm not big on asking for help to begin with, but when I do, it's because I actually need help. Usually, I'm extremely lucky if they even respond to an email, let alone seriously consider anything. At this point, I've become almost as resigned as Ralf when it comes to getting help on the joint venture side of things.

I don't know that relationship building is necessarily the key. I would bet that it plays an important role, but I've also seen where things like social proof and even just money play major roles as well. Even so, the hardest thing that I've encountered is in just getting a foot in the door. If I can't even get a foot in the door, how am I supposed to build any kind of relationship?

As such, I figured looking for a JV manager would be the way to go. They know alot more about what their contacts are looking for and could help provide direction. Little did I know that it was an even tougher challenge. Granted, I didn't contact all of them, but the ones I did (who were actively looking for JV's to work on), didn't even bother responding.

At this point in my online business, I'm kind of at a loss as to what to do next. I've become indecisive due to nothing working out, and am not even sure where to go next. What really bothers me is that I have a business partner (who happens to be an extremely good programmer), so failure or success doesn't affect just me and my family, but him and his.

Regardless, hopefully everyone else here has a much better experience, and you learn enough from the pros in this forum to set you on the right path! I know one day I'll get there, I just have to figure out where I'm going wrong, and right the boat.

I saw several positive responses, so that's definately uplifting at least a little. I just wanted to throw a different perspective out there for others to chew on.

Sincerely,

Chris


P.S. You'll have to forgive my negative tone...I'm usually a very positive guy. At some point though, all the optimism in the world just doesn't cut it anymore.

P.P.S. I'm also normally very active in the communities I choose to participate in, so also my apologies to Mike for not being around more. Believe me, I want to, it just isn't possible until I get to a better point business wise.