A Simple & Effective Way To Make It Happen

We frequently talk about and recommend using joint ventures as a method of marketing a business.

At lunch yesterday, we ran across this gem. I really like this - and I think it can be very effective.

As it happens, both of these companies are in the same strip of a sleepy little space. It's truly a tough location. Nobody goes to this plaza - which is almost at the end of a long, winding road. Only one neighborhood lies past this shopping center. I personally know several business owners in this plaza - and they are struggling.

But this is a good way to combat the problem - join forces, form an alliance. Combine your efforts (and your dollars) and set out to conquer the world.

What would be especially great is if one of these companies had a large list of existing customers (which I don't think is the case here). Then they could split the cost of mailing to the list - the list owner would benefit from bringing new and enticing offers to her existing customer - and would benefit from sharing the cost of the mailing. The parasite company (the one without the list) receives an implied endorsement and gains exposure to all these new people.

If you're in a tough situation, consider combining forces with the people around you - maybe even competitors.

---