I am after your advi
[2023-04-17 04:19:00 PM] : I am after your advice on a collaboration opportunity I have with an influencer who has a large audience in my niche for my upcoming online course launch. The influencer wants to test the performance of his list by making the launch semi-exclusive to his audience. However, I am concerned about my own audience, who have been anticipating the next launch, feeling left out or losing trust if they are not informed. There is a possibility that some people are on both lists, and I want to avoid pitching different offers to them.
Additionally, the influencer has a different approach to selling (webinars with immediate registration) compared to my email-based anticipation building launch event. He doesn’t “get” the concept of building anticipation saying that people won’t remember to login again to buy at a future time. They want to buy now.
I'm also uncertain about what commission percentage to offer the influencer, who is not too concerned about making a significant profit but would like some compensation for sharing his list. He’s also offered to be involved as a guest on one of my live workshops.
I am seeking advice on how to navigate this collaboration so that both parties are satisfied and my audience's trust is maintained. Thanks!
1 Reply
[2023-04-17 06:09:18 PM] : This sounds a little sticky (good luck!), one thought I had was perhaps during this semi-exclusive period you could point your subscribers to the offer via the influencer’s site. This would benefit the influencer by (potentially) giving them more subscribers, and would also be transparent to you audience. You could set it up such that you track how many sales come from the influencer’s list and from yours.
I know there are flaws in this, but just wanted to add my two cents.
[2023-04-17 11:52:31 PM] : I wonder what you gain from this collaboration. As I see it you bring all the value (you did the work on the course). Built a list of people who I expect want this course.
Or would the value be that he shares your list giving you a wider audience coverage?
Perhaps instead of doing the course launch via his list you could propose to do something life together (webinar style) on his platform where you present part of the concepts of your course to his audience? That could also work in regard to the worldview differences between immediate registration vs anticipation based selling.
Not sure how helpful this is. Just the thought I had when reading your message.
[2023-04-18 04:15:08 AM] : Agreed with Chris. If the benefit the influencer brings is access to their audience, you can do that on your terms with an exclusive discount code for his audience (or something similar)
[2023-04-18 05:47:55 AM] : i would say you could go either way based on what you feel is best. but either way be fully transparent with your audience and don't be afraid to double-sell. fans don't mind getting two invitations if they know why it's happening.
[2023-04-18 07:10:19 AM] : Thanks for the thoughts and suggestions. First thing is that I'm a bit relieved its not just me and there is a thing to solve here. Its a great problem to have tbh but I just need to be careful about how to approach it so as not to confuse or break trust with my audience.
Just to clarify a few things. I have run one cohort through the course and have everything all setup. This guy has been through the course, really likes it and wants to promote it to his audience. We've worked together before and he's a great guy. The objective for him though is to help me out a bit (with more sales) and to test his list performance at what will be a higher price point that normal for him.
I think he just wants as simple an experiment as possible. "My friends done this great course, you want to check it out, he's running a special version just for you guys where I will be contributing a bit too, sign up here [link to my website]."
He gets to understand how his list performs in this context, as well as earn a % commission.
I just need to come up with a fair %, a way that he gets his clean test but I also don't confuse my audience (some of whom will be on both lists). Maybe over thinking my end tbh.
[2023-04-18 09:21:09 AM] : Perhaps you could label that version of the course as a special edition? Something along the lines which includes the the help from this influencer.
And then sell this special version as something distinct to his audience and give a heads up about that version to your audience.
[2023-04-19 11:47:03 PM] : A) I wouldn't worry about the list crossover. People pay full price while others buy with coupons and discounts all the time. A promo is a promo. Prices before and after can change.
[2023-04-19 11:48:32 PM] : B) If it's as simple as you describe that he wants to promote and test his list, you don't need to make his launch strategy your problem. You just have to align the upside.
[2023-04-19 11:52:12 PM] : C) if he hasn't given a number, pick one that you'd be okay with in the worst scenario AND the best scenario. I advise against 50/50. I'd reserve 30% for a very trusted partner. 20% is probably a great deal for both of you. Start there and be open to negotiate. Eg if he wants more he should offer more.
[2023-04-20 03:01:19 AM] : Appreciate the thoughts and guidance alex. Helps a lot just having that clarity as Im new to these kinds of opportunities.
Keep needing to remind myself that, whilst it does set a president with this guy, it’s only a one off so tbh anything better, £ personally and list size exposure, than my last launch in Jan will be a success.
I’m then thinking to get other special guests with an audience in future.
There is a tricky thing around timing “doors opening” etc because he’s not upto speed with our launch process but I think I’ve a solution for that where in effect I open the launch window and dial down my own approach.
Think I’ve got a plan now so will report back when am a bit further along.
Working with ChatGPT does not give me half these headaches :rolling_on_the_floor_laughing: :rolling_on_the_floor_laughing: