I’ve already been making changes to the way that I market, and following your example of using my blog more often than I was. Also, by getting involved with my own launch it’s really interesting to see which partners are interested in actually connecting and collaborating… those are the ones who are really making this fun and interesting. I’ve had more phone calls in the last week with complete strangers than I have in probably most of my life (well except for that first job doing cold-call selling of Database conferences)

Anyway, I just wanted to say that I’m taking your message to heart and really exploring which aspects of myself are ‘annoyed’ by your message… that dark side that doesn’t want to admit that sometimes it acts out of a fear-based self-preservation rather than total service to others… and to see how that holds the same space as the part of me which resonates with your message and is grateful.

One thing that’s really been coming up for me lately is the idea that in our industry people find it okay to just treat affiliates like another number. “Gee thanks for promoting. See ya next time I need cash.” One thing I’ve really been focusing on with my launch is how to truly look at the long-term relationships and with affiliates not as a cash symbol, but rather, as a true partner. It’s been refreshing (and sometimes uncomfortably rewarding) to see what’s come up, and I’m hoping that my launch sets a new example in our industry for others to consider what a “partner” really means.

[ Barry's Reply ] –

Nice to hear from you again Chris and, as always, your quest to have partners be in alignment with your mission — your REASON for having created the product in the first place — is commended.

If there’s one solid piece of advice I can give you from our experience orchestrating three 6-figure launches in the metaphysical arena, over the last few years, it’s this:

Don’t let the QUANTITY of partners in your launch make or break it’s exposure to the marketplace… over time. When we launched MastersofTheSecret.com (now an inactive product by intention) in early ’07, we specifically ONLY wanted a minimal level of KEY partners.

What is a KEY partner? Essentially, a TEACHER (not just somebody who spits out offers) who (in the case of MOS) provokes different perspectives and challenges her/his readers to think critically and examine the other side of the story.

Yes, that was our ULTIMATE QUALITY mailing partner on the MOS launch. On other launches, the requirement and nice-to-have’s were different.

Some teachers, writers, and/or metaphysical marketers will want to be on board your launch for no other reason than for the media exposure, buzz, and feeling they’re part of the in-crowd (it’s just the way human nature works). Others, will ONLY decide to be a part of the circus and festivities AFTER reviewing your product. Some will think your product serves a purpose, is unique, or has a wow-factor to it; others, well, not so much.

The point: Realize that and then, find ways to get your product in the hands of the publishers who resonate with it. Strike up an agreement to make it INTEGRATE into their marketing pipeline on an EVERGREEN basis.

One other tip: Don’t be married to your product. Often, and especially in spiritual-growth circles, publishers attempt to OVERDOSE the marketplace with one precept, one all-consuming philosophy, one mind-movie sorta zealous pitch and, in the end, the product loses it’s credibility and value due to the hype and over-exaggerated claims that come out during multiple marketing campaigns.