The Enlighten Directory Project

5 Partner Marketing Strategies for Attracting Better Clients

Copyright (c) 2009 Meredith Liepelt

Partnership Marketing means joining forces with another business for a mutually beneficial outcome. The outcome can be to build your list, to sell a product or service or to increase awareness of your business. Because there is a mutually beneficial outcome, it is critical to very carefully select partners that share your target market and offer a complimentary service. Many businesses share the same kinds of customers and clients and can greatly benefit by combining their efforts into one synergistic move versus each of them performing their marketing alone. There are many kinds of partnerships. This article will cover five of them.

Joint Venture (JV) Partners

A JV is when you and another business develop a program or service that did not exist before, market it together and share the financial outcome.

For example, I co-created a program called the Business Breakthrough Series™. Diana Long, a success coach, and I joined forces to co-create a 12-part teleseminar series that teaches solopreneurs and small business owners specific marketing tactics to increase their businesses. This program did not exist before. Together we designed the program, we created and implemented the marketing plan and we share the expenses and profits. There are many reasons to JV with others. You get to share the work, you get the benefit of promoting it to both of your lists which increases participation, you get to solve your target market’s problems in a new way.

Let me get you thinking:

* Are you a financial planner who works with divorced women? Create a teleseminar with a divorce attorney that covers your top tips.

* Are you a real estate agent? Create a workshop with a loan officer or mortgage broker that meets the needs of prospective first time home buyers.

Affiliate Partners

Affiliate Partnerships work in two ways. You promote another business’s products and/or they promote your products. There is a monetary exchange in the form of a percentage of the sale or a flat fee. The goal in this kind of partnership is to sell a product or service.

I’ll use the Business Breakthrough Series again as an example. We partnered with several other businesses who share our target market, and they told their lists about the program. When someone from their list joined the Business Breakthrough Series, the partner received a percentage of the sale. It was easy money for them, they got to serve their clients in a new way and Diana and I got to benefit by being exposed to other people in our target market who didn’t know of us before. It’s a win/win/win! My favorite!

Let me get you thinking:

* Do you own a spa? How about becoming an affiliate for a local fitness facility? You both share the goal of helping others look and feel great!

* Are you a life coach? How about being an affiliate for a meditation coach? You both share the goal of helping other become self aware, reducing stress and so forth.

General Partners

Referral sources, list builders and general promotions fall into this category.

There are many people, your clients most of all, who are thrilled to give you referrals without compensation. However, if you have a formal referral program in place, your referrals are likely to increase dramatically.

I know of an energy healer who asked all of her clients for referrals and incented them with a free energy session for each new paying client. With this one strategy, she filled her practice in less than 2 months and had a waiting list!

Using partners to help you build your list can be very beneficial. This is a strategy that works well for online marketers, but also for brick and mortar shops as well. For example, when someone signs up for ezine, you can offer the ezines of your general partners that they may be interested in. In exchange, your partners offer your ezine as well.

General promotion can work very well too. For example, if you own a pizza store, you can promote the neighborhood child play/party center. In return, the party center can recommend or require the pizza place for meals for kids parties.

Let me get you thinking:

* A Feng Shui consultant can partner with a spa, massage therapist, energy healer, life coach, nutritionist

* A wedding consultant can partner with a flower shop, caterer, bed and breakfast, stationary store

* A flower shop can partner with a garden center, stores in your area

* A small business attorney can partner with a branding agency, web site developer, marketing coach

Formal business partnerships

This gets into legal territory and because I’m not an attorney, I’ll leave this one to the professionals! But formally going into business with another person requires much more than a handshake. There are many reasons to do this and you should be crystal clear on your reasons prior to entering into this long-term partnership.

Let me get you thinking:

If you are interested in going into business with another person, ask these questions of yourself and your potential partner:

1. Why do you want a partner?

2. Why do you want me as a partner?

3. What strengths will you bring to this business?

4. What strengths do you think I am bringing to this business?

5. What is your vision for this business?

Sponsorships

This is where you get to think big! Are you an author or aspiring author? Did you know that you can get a sponsor to finance your book tour? Are you a motivational speaker? There are businesses out there that would love to sponsor your work.

The key to finding sponsorships is to find businesses who want to reach your target market. There are big players such as Hewlett Packard or Microsoft who promote women in business. If you are a woman and speak on a topic that is of interest to these companies, they may be interested in sponsoring you. As you can imagine, it takes some time to cultivate relationships with these big players, so don’t start down this path at the 11th hour. And also don’t forget that there are probably local businesses who may be interested in sponsoring your work locally! You’ll probably get less money, but if you don’t want to travel anyway, or you are just getting your feet wet with sponsorships, don’t forget to look in your own backyard.

Let me get you thinking:

* Are you a fashion consultant who just wrote a book? Partner with a local clothing boutique who can sponsor your local book tour.

* Are you an etiquette consultant? A regional restaurateur may be interested in sponsoring your regional workshops.

As you can see, there are many creative ways to use partnership marketing to creatively attract more ideal clients to your business. It starts with brainstorming ideas and them putting the best ideas into action! Start your brainstorming today and see what you can come up with!

About the Author

© 2009 Meredith Liepelt, Rich Life Marketing
Meredith Liepelt, President of Rich Life Marketing, offers a free report called “101 Ways to Attract Ideal Clients, Build Your List and Raise Your Profile,” which can be downloaded immediately at http://www.RichLifeMarketing.com .

Vision Board Guidebook – KG Stiles Intuitive Mind Body Therapist

An Introduction To Feng Shui DVD $19.98 Feng shui means “wind and water.” This ancient Chinese practice recognizes that our lives can be directly affected by our surroundings. Health, wealth and happiness can be related to the flow of ch’i (positive energy) around us. The most popular aspect of feng shui is the arrangement of furniture and fittings in the home. This informative program hosted by Rod Rodrigo provides a general overview of this aspect and explains how certain color schemes, shapes and positioning can be beneficial to you – and your luck. (DVD) approx. 52 mins.

The Feng Shui Bible $14.95 The idea behind feng shui is simple to improve any aspect of your life, create the right atmosphere to support it. All the strands of this ancient practice come together in this intelligently organized, visual reference that emphasizes feng shui and 39;s practical benefits. Real life applications and examples enhance lucid explanations of the fundamental concepts chi energy, yin and yang, the five elements, and eight trigrams. All the essential tools are laid out, too–everyday objects like mirrors, plants, and fountains that keep the energy flowing smoothly. A comprehensive directory shows how these principles can enhance relationships, finances, creativity, career, health, and spiritual connections.

Feng Shui Pure 2 Fountain $3210 The?Feng Shui Pure?2 Tabletop?Fountain?will relax any home or office. This?Tabletop?or Floor?Fountain?is available with a?stainless?steel frame and glass bowl for ultimate relaxation.

Feng Shui Your Life $24.95 Jayme Barrett, the feng shui consultant to the rich and powerful of Beverly Hills, has written the most comprehensive and life-changing book on the subject. Taking us on a personal tour of the homes she has transformed, Ms. Barrett explains the techniques she uses to create positive space. Room by room, she illustrates the deeper purpose of every aspect of design; she demonstrates how the simplest adjustment-moving a plant from one corner to another-ultimately, your life. Lush photography and hundreds upon hundreds of facts, ideas, tips, and suggestions-from her own experience and gleaned from the wisdom of the ages-take us ever closer to the revitalization of home, health, and spirit.

Feng Shui Ceramic Tabletop Fountain $39.95 This beautiful, high quality glazed ceramic tabletop fountain is perfect for any home or office setting. The water pump sits in the pool of water beneath the sphere and circulates the water up to the

Feng Shui Water Wall by Joseph McGowan $7499 Creating a mood that transcended the energy and balance between water and land was the goal for artist Joseph McGowan in the early stages of this Water Wall. The delicate techniques Joseph has created

Abstract Art Plum Blossom Chinese Feng Shui Painting $39.99 Size: 91*61cm*1pc 30*61cm*2pcs Category: / For The Home / Home Decor / Oil Paintings / Flower Paintings

Chinese Cherry Blossom Feng Shui Oil Paintings Abstract Art $39.99 Size: 91*61cm*1pc 30*61cm*2pcs Category: / For The Home / Home Decor / Oil Paintings / Flower Paintings

Asian Candle Tabletop Fountain $99.95 The beautiful fountain combines the four elements (earth, fire, air and water) in an artistic and graceful way. The Asian Candle fountain combines ancient Feng Shui sensibility and modern technology t

Flower Vase Tabletop Fountain $99.95 Like many of our table?fountains, the Flower Vase is not only stylish, but ties together various Feng Shui elements in a precise focal point. This pleasing?tabletop fountain is perfect on a table or a

Buddha Table Fountain $64.95 Place this fountain anywhere for an instant feng shui sanctuary!?The buddha statue sits proudly on top the faux stone finished rocks to remind us to take time out for the important things in life.

Shui Suspension by Tech Lighting $1020 A stunning, singular modern chandelier. Its appearance can be changed simply by raising or lowering the included shade ring. The Tech Lighting Shui Suspension is made from white threads of fabric draped from another, larger ring, with a small ceiling canopy finished in Satin Nickel. The Shui creates a soft, inviting motion, adding greatly to its warmth and elegance. Available in two sizes. Tech Lighting, headquartered in Skokie, IL, is known for their innovative lighting systems and exquisite lighting designs. Their passion for art, sophistication and imagination is balanced by rigorous testing and quality control in the creation of their line-voltage and low-voltage lighting, including the Tech Lighting FreeJack and monorail systems and track heads. The Tech Lighting Shui Suspension is available with the following: Details:White fabric thread shadeAdjustable shade ringSatin Nickel finishRound ceiling canopyDimmable with standard incandescent dimmer (not included)ETL ListedOptions:Size: 126 inch, or 144 inch.Lighting: Three 60 Watt 120 Volt Medium Base Incandescent lamps (included). Shipping: This item usually ships within 3 to 5 business days. Dimensions: Fixture: Diameter 21.5 In.

Shui Linear Chandelier by Tech Lighting $1272 The Tech Lighting Shui Linear Chandelier is at once calming, dynamic, soft and contemporary. Taking its name from the Chinese word for “water,” the Shui features a loose fabric thread shade that indeed moves in fluid ripples with the slightest breeze. Makes a textural and dramatic lighting statement over a lengthy dining table. Available in three thread colors. Tech Lighting, headquartered in Skokie, IL, is known for their innovative lighting systems and exquisite lighting designs. Their passion for art, sophistication and imagination is balanced by rigorous testing and quality control in the creation of their line-voltage and low-voltage lighting, including the Tech Lighting FreeJack and monorail systems and track heads. The Tech Lighting Shui Linear Chandelier is available with the following: Details:Fabric thread shadeMetal frameSatin Nickel finishRound ceiling canopySuspension cablesAdjustable heightDimmable with standard incandescent dimmer (not included)ETL ListedOptions:Shade: Golden Bronze, Gray, or White.Lighting: Six 75 Watt 120 Volt Type A19 Medium Base Incandescent lamps (included). Shipping: This item usually ships within 3 to 5 business days. Dimensions: Shade: Height 18 In., Width 60 In. Fixture: Overall Hanging Length Adjustable from 24 In. to 60 In.

Autographed Chin-Feng Chen Photo – 8×10 $34 Autographed Chin-Feng Chen Photo – 8×10 CHIN – FENG CHEN LOS ANGELES DODGERS SIGNED 8X10Every signed item comes fully certified with a tamper proof hologram certificate of authenticity and is backed by the SportsMemorabilia.com Authenticity Guarantee.

LPGA SHANSHAN FENG signed 8×10 GOLF photo with COA $78.07 LPGA SHANSHAN FENG signed 8×10 GOLF photo with COA LPGA SHANSHAN FENG signed 8×10 GOLF photo with COA Every signed item comes fully certified with a tamper proof hologram certificate of authenticity and is backed by the SportsMemorabilia.com Authenticity Guarantee.

Win Floating Queen Bed $2279 Zen inspired, though with an urban edge, this Rossetto Floating Queen Bed is made in Italy and includes those Italian elements we are so drawn to. This modern look is durable while maintaining its feng shui sense of balance. The low rise design presents a modern feel and the optional removable headboard cushions provide texture and depth. Truly a beautiful design you’ll enjoy for many years.

50*70*3pcs Quality Canvas Chic Oil Painting Sets $34.99 The pictures shown are of the original painting. Modern abstract art painting HAND PAINTED OIL ON CANVAS. Framed/stretched ready to hang.Chinese plum blossom painting-Chinese cherry blossom paintings. The plum blossom is first to bloom in the spring and symbolizes rebirth and growth. Plum blossoms open before the winter snow has melted. The plum blossom flower oil painting is a symbol of Life. The plum blossom flower paintings represent perseverance, beauty, and the urge of living things to fulfill their potential. Chinese flower art- plum blossom art. Chinese flower paintings and Chinese floral art are the Feng Shui element of Wood. Wood elements will bring wealth luck, health and longevity and positive development. Category: / For The Home / Home Decor / Oil Paintings / Group Oil Paintings

Worth Bed – Cal-King, Walnut-White Finish $1500 The Asian-inspired Worth platform bed features a low profile hardwood frame with matching symmetrical nightstands. An upholstered genuine leather headboard compliments this lavish feng shui bed. Mattress sits snuggly on a solid pine-slat mattress base for stylistic durability and added comfort. Includes two matching nightstands each measuring 24L x 18W x 7H. Platform height measures 7 inches. Available in California-King, Standard King, Queen, and Full sizes. Color combinations available in Wenge/White, Wenge/Sand, Walnut/White, and Walnut/Sand. Assembly required. Hardwood construction. Mattress not included. Imported.; Loft Collection; Finish: Walnut-White; Dimensions: 136 x 97 x 26

Worth Bed – Cal-King, Wenge-White Finish $1500 The Asian-inspired Worth platform bed features a low profile hardwood frame with matching symmetrical nightstands. An upholstered genuine leather headboard compliments this lavish feng shui bed. Mattress sits snuggly on a solid pine-slat mattress base for stylistic durability and added comfort. Includes two matching nightstands each measuring 24L x 18W x 7H. Platform height measures 7 inches. Available in California-King, Standard King, Queen, and Full sizes. Color combinations available in Wenge/White, Wenge/Sand, Walnut/White, and Walnut/Sand. Assembly required. Hardwood construction. Mattress not included. Imported.; Loft Collection; Finish: Wenge-White; Dimensions: 136 x 97 x 26

Worth Bed – Full, Walnut-White Finish $1450 The Asian-inspired Worth platform bed features a low profile hardwood frame with matching symmetrical nightstands. An upholstered genuine leather headboard compliments this lavish feng shui bed. Mattress sits snuggly on a solid pine-slat mattress base for stylistic durability and added comfort. Includes two matching nightstands each measuring 24L x 18W x 7H. Platform height measures 7 inches. Available in California-King, Standard King, Queen, and Full sizes. Color combinations available in Wenge/White, Wenge/Sand, Walnut/White, and Walnut/Sand. Assembly required. Hardwood construction. Mattress not included. Imported.; Loft Collection; Finish: Walnut-White; Dimensions: 118 x 88 x 26

Worth Bed – Full, Wenge-White Finish $1450 The Asian-inspired Worth platform bed features a low profile hardwood frame with matching symmetrical nightstands. An upholstered genuine leather headboard compliments this lavish feng shui bed. Mattress sits snuggly on a solid pine-slat mattress base for stylistic durability and added comfort. Includes two matching nightstands each measuring 24L x 18W x 7H. Platform height measures 7 inches. Available in California-King, Standard King, Queen, and Full sizes. Color combinations available in Wenge/White, Wenge/Sand, Walnut/White, and Walnut/Sand. Assembly required. Hardwood construction. Mattress not included. Imported.; Loft Collection; Finish: Wenge-White; Dimensions: 118 x 88 x 26

Worth Bed – King, Walnut-White Finish $1500 The Asian-inspired Worth platform bed features a low profile hardwood frame with matching symmetrical nightstands. An upholstered genuine leather headboard compliments this lavish feng shui bed. Mattress sits snuggly on a solid pine-slat mattress base for stylistic durability and added comfort. Includes two matching nightstands each measuring 24L x 18W x 7H. Platform height measures 7 inches. Available in California-King, Standard King, Queen, and Full sizes. Color combinations available in Wenge/White, Wenge/Sand, Walnut/White, and Walnut/Sand. Assembly required. Hardwood construction. Mattress not included. Imported.; Loft Collection; Finish: Walnut-White; Dimensions: 140 x 93 x 26

Worth Bed – King, Wenge-White Finish $1500 The Asian-inspired Worth platform bed features a low profile hardwood frame with matching symmetrical nightstands. An upholstered genuine leather headboard compliments this lavish feng shui bed. Mattress sits snuggly on a solid pine-slat mattress base for stylistic durability and added comfort. Includes two matching nightstands each measuring 24L x 18W x 7H. Platform height measures 7 inches. Available in California-King, Standard King, Queen, and Full sizes. Color combinations available in Wenge/White, Wenge/Sand, Walnut/White, and Walnut/Sand. Assembly required. Hardwood construction. Mattress not included. Imported.; Loft Collection; Finish: Wenge-White; Dimensions: 140 x 93 x 26

Worth Bed – Queen, Walnut-White Finish $1450 The Asian-inspired Worth platform bed features a low profile hardwood frame with matching symmetrical nightstands. An upholstered genuine leather headboard compliments this lavish feng shui bed. Mattress sits snuggly on a solid pine-slat mattress base for stylistic durability and added comfort. Includes two matching nightstands each measuring 24L x 18W x 7H. Platform height measures 7 inches. Available in California-King, Standard King, Queen, and Full sizes. Color combinations available in Wenge/White, Wenge/Sand, Walnut/White, and Walnut/Sand. Assembly required. Hardwood construction. Mattress not included. Imported.; Loft Collection; Finish: Walnut-White; Dimensions: 124 x 93 x 26

Worth Bed – Queen, Wenge-White Finish $1450 The Asian-inspired Worth platform bed features a low profile hardwood frame with matching symmetrical nightstands. An upholstered genuine leather headboard compliments this lavish feng shui bed. Mattress sits snuggly on a solid pine-slat mattress base for stylistic durability and added comfort. Includes two matching nightstands each measuring 24L x 18W x 7H. Platform height measures 7 inches. Available in California-King, Standard King, Queen, and Full sizes. Color combinations available in Wenge/White, Wenge/Sand, Walnut/White, and Walnut/Sand. Assembly required. Hardwood construction. Mattress not included. Imported.; Loft Collection; Finish: Wenge-White; Dimensions: 124 x 93 x 26

Pioneer Pet Fung Shui Plastic Drinking Fountain for Dogs & Cats $26.99 Features continuously filtered water. Dishwasher safe & extremely easy to take a part and clean. 3 Layer Filtration system with 60 oz capacity

Jane Iredale 24-Karat Gold Dust Powder $12.5 The first special occasion powder to contain real gold. Precious metals in makeup, at last! Yes, Jane Iredale use real gold and food-grade at that! A shimmering accent that loves candlelight. (And Feng Shui practitioners confirm that gold is both “uplifting” and “energy-producing”). Start with Jane Iredale’s PurePressed base, then brush this shimmering gold powder on your face and dust it on your shoulders and hair. Create a subtle glow, or become a fairy princess with jane iredale’s individual mini pots of 24-Karat Gold Dust in Gold, Green, Silver, Bronze, Pink, Lilac and Champagne. Directions: 24-Karat Gold Dust is the perfect finishing touch for any special occasion or night on the town. This delicate shimmer contains genuine 24-karat gold flakes – the first makeup to contain precious metals! It can be mixed with a moisturizer for the décolleté, or with a gel and be worked into the hair. It glides gently right on the skin providing an elegant, shimmering glow. Start with a mineral base, then brush this shimmering powder on your face, eyelids, shoulders and hair. Mix with a moisturizer for the décolletté, or a gel and work into the hair. The powders literally gild the skin. Net Weight: 1.8 g / 0.06 oz. Ingredients: Mica, 24-Karat Gold Leaf (CI77480), Iron Oxides (CI77489, CI77491, CI77492, CI77499).

Jane Iredale 24-Karat Gold Dust Powder – Aquamarine $12.5 The first special occasion powder to contain real gold. Precious metals in makeup, at last! Yes, Jane Iredale use real gold and food-grade at that! A shimmering accent that loves candlelight. (And Feng Shui practitioners confirm that gold is both “uplifting” and “energy-producing”). Start with Jane Iredale’s PurePressed base, then brush this shimmering gold powder on your face and dust it on your shoulders and hair. Create a subtle glow, or become a fairy princess with jane iredale’s individual mini pots of 24-Karat Gold Dust in Gold, Green, Silver, Bronze, Pink, Lilac and Champagne. Directions: 24-Karat Gold Dust is the perfect finishing touch for any special occasion or night on the town. This delicate shimmer contains genuine 24-karat gold flakes – the first makeup to contain precious metals! It can be mixed with a moisturizer for the décolleté, or with a gel and be worked into the hair. It glides gently right on the skin providing an elegant, shimmering glow. Start with a mineral base, then brush this shimmering powder on your face, eyelids, shoulders and hair. Mix with a moisturizer for the décolletté, or a gel and work into the hair. The powders literally gild the skin. Net Weight: 1.8 g / 0.06 oz. Ingredients: Mica, 24-Karat Gold Leaf (CI77480), Iron Oxides (CI77489, CI77491, CI77492, CI77499).