How to Approach Me (or anyone else) for a Joint Venture

You know I'm delighted to hear from you. I really am! I love to hear what you're up to, what kind of breakthroughs you're having, and what questions you have.

And, from time to time, I get a request for assistance, or someone asks me to review their product.

Some people are very smooth about approaching me for a JV (Joint Venture). Others, not so much.

You know, there is an art to asking someone for their assistance. Since it might be helpful to master this art, I thought I'd share my take on it.

How to Approach Someone for a Joint Venture/JV (or for assistance of any kind)

1. First, remember that everyone is busy. The briefer you are, the more likely they'll listen. I'll be honest -- when I get very, very long emails from people I don't know, I sort of set them aside for "when I have time." Short and sweet emails get read first.

2. It helps to know somehting about the person. Subscribe to their newsletter. Read their blog. What do you know or what can you learn about them? I recently got an email from someone who asked me to promote something that had absolutely nothing to do with what I'm all about. If the person had ever read my newsletter, or my blog, I'm sure they wouldn't have bothered to ask. Find something in common with your product or project and that person's message.

3. Send them a free copy. Whenever I want someone to review my product and offer feedback, I alwasy send them a review copy. I send it in a way that it's super-easy for them to get -- the direct download link, a PDF attachment, etc. Sometimes people ask me to offer feedback, but they don't give me a copy to review. And I will never, ever promote a product that I haven't personally used or at least reviewed.

4. Consider what's in it for them. Whenever you approach anyone about anything, they're usually thinking (whether conscious or subconscious) "What's in it for me?" People approach me all the time about JVs and there is a LOT for them to gain but there is nothing for me. Money isn't the only motivator -- you won't find me telling you about some so-called wonderful thing just because I stand to make a couple of bucks. There must be a benefit for YOU, otherwise, I wouldn't bother telling you about it. It has to kick ass, and it has to be something I believe you would WANT to know about (AND something you would benefit from).

5. Be clear about what you're requesting. I don't know how many times I've had to respond to requests with "what exactly is it that you're asking me to do?" Remember, the project is probably crystal clear in YOUR mind, but not to someone else. Whehter you simply want someone to review your new product, or you want a testominal or endorsement, or you want them to promote it, be clear about what you're asking.

If you can keep these things in mind, I think you'll find people much more likely to consider your offer, rather than simply hitting the "delete" key.

Here's your QoD:
If you haven't asked anyone for assistance with your fabulous new idea/product, why not? You're not getting any younger, and the idea isn't getting any more original. Remember, when you take action, the Universe follows suit.

Einstein said, "Nothing happens until something moves."

So get moving!