>>> Get Personal

When you finally decide to contact a potential partner, personalize your contact with them. Add a comment about how you like their website or ezine. Maybe you are a customer who enjoyed their product.

Be sincere and it will shine through.

>>> Think W.T.G.T.D.W.M.?

People are busy, overloaded, overworked. When you send out an email looking for people to publish your article, review your new ebook, or promote your product, you need to think W.T.G.T.D.W.M.?

W.T.G.T.D.W.M. = What's This Got To Do With Me?

Once again, if you are targeting right partners and choosing them wisely, this question should be self-answered by person who are contacting.

For example,

"Hi Andy. I am contacting you today because you are among top snake breeders in America."

If your article, product, joint venture is related to snake breeding, you are half way to finish line already.

>>> The 80/20 Rule Is A Lie

Ever heard of this rule? 20% of people produce 80% of results? Online, this is more like 97/3 rule. If you are looking for joint venture partners online, 97% of people will do nothing to help you. Sure, they might seem interested at first. But, when it comes time to "play ball", they will suddenly drop off earth.

Your goal? Stop wasting time marketing to "everyone". Find 3% who will work with you to accomplish your goals and make things happen.

Tip: If you are focusing on a highly targeted market, this will happen much easier.

>>> Know When To Back Off

So, you've sent two emails with no reply. Is it time to call it quits? Not always. Some people are genuinely on information overload and won't get back to you for several days (if not a week). Why not pick up phone, make one last attempt and contact them by phone? If they fail to return your email or voicemail, perhaps it's time to move on (see 97/3 rule above).

Remember, name of game is targeting. When putting together your internet marketing strategy, pick your partners wisely -- aim to find that golden 3% as quickly as possible.

Take your time and get this part right from day one. It makes all difference in world when you are sending people something that is of real interest to them.

If it appeals to them, they will pay attention, and boost in response you receive will speak for itself.

Press Releases - Particularly helpful if release is tied to an upcoming holiday or a recent event.

Creating Content - Offering articles and case studies is by far most reliable way to find clients and brand yourself as an expert in your field.

Book Reviews - Some on-line books stores like Amazon.com allow you to post reviews of books you've read. These reviews will be tied to an "About Me" page that can include information about you and your business and your URL.

Forums - Joining forums that cover your area of expertise is a good move. Help people by answering questions about your topic and include your URL in your signature.

Testimonials - Wise marketers ask every existing client for testimonials to be used on their website and/or printed marketing material.

Newsletters - Keeping in touch with customers and prospects with an on-line e-zine is a good way to build a steady stream of loyal clients.

Teleseminars - A small investment in a bridge line allows a group of people to sign up for a free or fee based seminar on your area of expertise.

Referrals - Proactively asking clients for referrals works better if they are offered a discount on products or services in return.

Solo E-zine Ads - Solo ads are an advertisement or article sent by itself to a list of newsletter readers. Many solo ads are competitively priced and offer a generous amount of room for your message.

The young man learned a lesson that we can all appreciate. There is no "get rich quick schemes" that work on or off-line. The only way to prosper hasn't changed over time... build client relationships with hard work and excellent customer service. Cultivate patience and find your own internet magic by following in footsteps of young man.

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