Finding Partners

One thing people get concerned about when first starting out is how do I find customers. One good way to get traffic is to work with someone who already has a list. You want to find a business that has something in common with your product or service. Your business and your potential partner's business should compliment each other. Now, since they already have a list you will need to bring something to the deal that will make it appealing to them. After all they are the ones with the potential customers. If you are just starting out you could try some business people that you know. Offer to meet with them or take them out to lunch. Before you meet take the time to put together a great presentation. Have a good plan for how you will put the whole partnership together. Also it is critical that you have a list of all the benefits they will receive if they join you in this partnership. They should feel like they are getting more out of the deal than you, that they will not have to do anything and yet will benefit from the joint venture. You might need to consult someone on how to put this plan together to make it more appealing. Another way to find a joint venture partner is to research your product or service, either online or offline. Do some investigating and find a few companies that have a product that will co mingle with your product or service. Then start contacting them directly, phone is much better than e-mail. Again have a well thought out plan already prepared before you contact them. Keep in mind that you will probably get turned down a few times. Do not get discouraged, simply say "Thank you" and move on to the next one. A good rule in those situations would be to ask, politely, what is holding them back from forming a partnership with you. This will allow you to adapt your method or give you the opportunity to work on your plan to make it more appealing. Most important is to learn from each situation and make adjustments and move on to the next prospect. Persistence is key to your success, especially in the very beginning stages of your new business.