3.Simply handing over your client list

This can constitute breach of contract with your clients if you have committed to their privacy. You’ve also worked very hard to build your client list, and this forms part of value you have to contribute to joint venture relationship. If you simply hand over your client list, you have no point of leverage.

4.Not devising an exit strategy

Even best of relationships can go sour, or simply not work. Make sure you have an open door to leave joint venture if for any reason it is not working out.

5.Committing to a long term relationship from beginning, without testing your strategy first

Any joint venture should involve a trial period to see if profits will show a real upwards trend, or if idea is a valid one. If you sign a long term contract, you may be stuck in a no-win situation with no way to escape. As with any marketing strategy, test in small numbers first, before rolling out fully.

Joint Venture marketing is very lucrative, and with some forethought and planning, can help springboard your business to new success levels. Just make sure to do your homework right from start, and avoid these pitfalls to ensure high returns on your investment of time, money and effort.

Copyright © 2005 by Habiba Abubakar and Emprez. All rights reserved.

Note: You are welcome to republish this article as long as resource box at end is included fully and unaltered.

•If you’re calling from an international destination, say “Hello there, please put me through to Joe Smith, and let him know it’s Tom from Italy.” As a result of time zone difference and cost of call, an international phone call immediately gives impression that call is very important. The gatekeeper is likely to put you through without asking why you’re calling.

•Send a letter first. In letter, ask potential partner to expect your call on a certain date. This way you can say “He’s expecting my call,” when gatekeeper asks what your call is regarding.

•Another approach is to email your potential partner to check if they’ve received your letter, and then ask for best time to call them. In this instance, it’s likely that your potential partner will let their gatekeeper know that your phone call is expected.

•If a voicemail is gatekeeper, it’s best to send in a letter first, and then follow up by leaving a voicemail message. However, if you choose not to send a letter first, then simply introduce yourself and let your potential partner know why you’re calling. Don’t go into detail about your proposal - just give sufficient information to get them curious enough to return your call, or email you.

Copyright © 2005 by Habiba Abubakar and Emprez. All rights reserved.

Note: You are welcome to republish this article as long as resource box at end is included fully and unaltered.