Every so often I get an email from a total stranger, saying, “Hi Cathy! I have a great idea for a business venture we might do together.”
Ouch.
When you’re proposing a business venture, you’re writing copy. You’re hoping to make a sale. You want to sell your idea and you want the other person to take some action and share the risk.
Apart from monetary investment, you are asking someone to donate time. You have to demonstrate that his investment will be rewarded.
(1) Research your potential partner. What kinds of projects has she produced to date? Does he seem busy or open to new ideas? Will your proposal fit into her business strategy and position? For instance, I periodically get invitations to participate in spiritual programs,. If you read my blogs, articles and book reveiws, it’s pretty clear that I position myself as a left-brained, down-to-earth online marketing consultant.
(2) Before sending a proposal, send a query, based on your research. Many of us are already knee-deep in projects. You would really have to knock my socks off to get my attention. Include a link to your website or blog and summarize your experience and qualifications.
(3) Send your proposal only after your idea is fully formulated. Demonstrate features and benefits of the potential partnership, just as you would present a new product or service in a sales letter. You would just use a different format: a regular email message.
For example: “I have a brand new ebook that I believe your readers would like. The ebook is Promoting Yourself on the Internet and the sales page is at http://www.makewebsiteprofits.com/internetbook.html. When you promote the ebook to your list, I will give you 50% commission. Then spell out each person’s role, including investment and benefits.
Learn more about the services I offer to develop an effective online presence.