These people may not even realize the relationship they have with their list. So you would be well advised to start with those folks.
1) JV Your List Building: Large List – If you have a large list, one of the easiest ways to build it even further is to do a cross mailing. That is, you partner with another large list owner in your target market. You send out his message to your list, he sends out your message to his list. Simple. Just remember, once your prospects or customers are on another list that sells to them, there is increased message clutter. That is, they are now being pitched by your JV partner AND you. It’s a tradeoff you need to consider.
2) JV Your List-Building: Small List – Ok, if your existing list isn’t large enough to warrant a cross JV mailing as described above, here’s a clever way to build your list up quickly. I’ve done this, but not to the extent I should. I’ve got more deals like this in the works. Here’s how it works:
Let’s say your list is on the small side. “John Smith” has a huge list. You want to JV with him, but a cross swap isn’t going to persuade him. You need to be the middleperson between John Smith and another large list owner.
”Jane Doe” is another huge list owner. What if you can put John Smith and Jane Doe together to do a cross mailing, and you get exposure as well. Instead of a cut of profits, you agree to get a slice of the list. In other words, perhaps in order to get onto Jane’s list from John’s, they have to come through you first. Or, you could have John mail his list with the agreement that whatever prospects Jane gets, she’ll share with you. It’s a win/win/win situation, because all of you are gaining new prospects on your lists.
