by Sandra Martini, Guest Blogger
Twice this week, I was saddened to see business owners I respect make the same mistake: failure to do their research when agreeing to send out affiliate/joint venture promotion materials and, their online reputations have suffered as a result.
In the first instance, I received the same EXACT email from 5 different people telling me that they were able to get an exclusive offer/discount for me on X, but to keep things quiet as this wasn’t being offered to everyone.
The second time was funny, the 3rd, 4th and 5th was not good and resulted in my unsubscribing from 3 lists.
In the second instance, I received a well-written, and unique, email which resulted in my clicking the affiliate link over to the sales page.
“Amazingly” (yep, there’s sarcasm there), the first testimonial was from “John C.” who happens to live in my tiny town in Massachusetts. Talk about a coincidence!
Just for fun, I called a friend and had her click the link – you’ll be shocked to learn that “John C.” with the same exact testimonial (also listed first) is also from her tiny town in South Carolina.
Unfortunately, none of the business owners who promoted the above two programs did their due diligence when it came to checking out the affiliate/joint venture programs.
What could have been done differently?
- If asked to send out a promotional email, ask how many other people are being asked to send out the same exact email OR simply tweak the email to be in your voice.
- If several other people are promoting the same product/program you are, which happens often, ask if you can promote it on a different week or in a different way (with a blog post rather than an email for example)
- If you’re referring people to a sales or information page, scroll through it (or have your Team do it), to be sure it passes your “Is this BS” test.
- Create your own list of questions for affiliate programs/joint ventures and ask them when they ask you to be involved (shhh…don’t tell anyone, but this would then become a system you could delegate to your Team).
When it comes to sending out promotional emails, do your due diligence – your readers will thank AND respect you. 
About the Author
Sandra Martini is an award-winning marketing and productivity consultant who helps entrepreneurs create and implement the systems to achieve their visions, with services such as coaching, client systems development, consulting and Team Sandy Done 4 You Online Business Marketing & Management as well as a variety of informational products.
For more information on how to build a business your clients, team and partners will love, visit http://www.SandraMartini.com today.
