Growth and Opportunity - When Opportunity Knocks, Should I Answer the Door?

My in box is full...again. Affiliate offers, joint venturefind that their new 'partner' is unethical, delivers product
deals, 'greatest ever' product reseller programs, creditslowly, overcharges, doesn't honor return policies and
card affiliate programs and of course there are lotsmore.
and lots of products available for resale. Do you everTheir actions reflect directly back on you. You are
feel overwhelmed?guilty by association and you've potentially violated the
I'm sure that you, just like me, find yourself deleting,trust that your clients placed in you. I make it a very
turning down, opting out of lots of these offers everyfirm, non-negotiable policy, that we do not, rent, share,
day. Many are from people you've never heard of andsell or otherwise give up our email list. You should
can't find on the internet or Google. Here's a piece ofprobably adopt a similar practice. A great practice is
time tested advice, if you can't find the person orthat if you find something that, after investigation, you
company, do quality research and determine what thefeel your clients should know about, review the
marketplace has to say about the product, person orproduct and then YOU send a pre-screened message
company you should probably pass on the deal. In myto them introducing the person, product or service that
case this lack of information quickly alerts my fairlyyou've discovered.
well-tuned hype detector.Also make sure to follow all of the links on the new
The other critical reason to turn down these offers ispartner's website. Follow all of the instructions in the
that they are not complimentary to your core business.buying sequence that you're advocating so you know,
Don't confuse your clients with offers that don't makeBEFOREHAND, exactly what your clients will be
sense. If they come to you for real estate investmentreceiving from your potential new partner. You should
advice, don't try offering them a great deal on thetake these very important steps because they are
latest fitness product...they don't go together and you'llyour clients, it is your duty to protect them.
begin to quickly look like a huckster and an opportunistThere are several other really good reasons for taking
rather than an expert in your field. It will destroy yourthis stance, first and foremost is reputation protection,
reputation, your credibility, their trust in you and it willsecond is list control and client protection, third is that
eventually impact your fees. It's simply not worth it.you can see the email open rate and get a sense of
As a business owner, the more successful you arepeople's reaction to the offer and last, but certainly not
the more of these offers you'll get and sorting throughleast, is that if this is an offer that results in affiliate
them can lead to the discovery of hidden diamonds,commissions, you can get a sense of conversion rates
great joint ventures but if you're not wary and diligent,so that you can estimate the fees that are due.
disasters.If you're successful in life or business, opportunities will
In my business, I live and die on the reputation that I'veknock daily or weekly. Sometimes opening the door
cultivated with my clients. That is a significant assetand welcoming the offer is good business, more often
that needs to be protected. So does yours!it's a great time to simply ignore the knocking and get
I've spoken with lots of business owners who've beenback to work.
lured into deals without doing their homework only to