? But you don't have to create or sell a product or service to generate value ? You can also LINK a buyer and a seller for a mutually beneficial transaction. That ?linking? function is of great value as well. When you function as such a ?linker?, you are acting as a JOINT VENTURE (JV) BROKER.

Of course, you can also be one of the players in the JV ? AND be the one who brokers the deal as well.

I'll give you some examples in a minute ?. But first, let me say that the real key is to begin to THINK like a JV Broker. It is a transforming experience, as it directs your focus to ?unseen? opportunities for synergy that others have missed.

Being a successful JV Broker also requires that you completely release your attachment to getting paid for your time, and open up to getting paid entirely based on producing results.

Here's an example: Imagine you get your hair cut every month at Cutter's Salon. You notice they have a lot of traffic. You also notice that in the same shopping center a new massage therapy center just opened called Healing Hands. You have a hunch they really would like to get more new business.

So you speak to the decision-maker at Healing Hands and say something like this: ?I bet most of the people who come in for a first massage re-book again, is that true?? The owner answers in the affirmative. You then continue ? ?If you are willing to offer a complimentary 30-minute neck and shoulder massage, I think I can get you a LOT of new business, and I won't charge you any money up front. I only ask that if they do re-book, you give me 15% of the services charged for the next six months. Remember, this is business you otherwise would probably never have had, and you only pay me if I produce results for you.? The enterprising owner tells you that it sounds good to her. You let her know that you'll see what you can do, and that you'll get back to her.

You then go to the owner of Cutters Salon and say the following: ?I'm sure it is really important to you that you customers have a great feeling when they think about your place, isn't it?? Of course, he agrees. Then you say something like this: ?I think I know a way to create a lot of goodwill without you having to spend any money! If I could get the new massage center in complex to agree, how would you like to gift your clients with a FREE 30-minute neck and shoulder massage? All you would have to do is train your people to offer the gift, and give them a special certificate. The certificate is only for your clients, so you might even get some NEW business, once the word gets out. What do you think?? By this time, the owner of Cutter's is really interested! He tells you to see what you can do.

Next, you go back to the owner of Healing Hands and tell her you are ready to start sending business her way. All you need her to do is print up some gift certificates and she agrees.

Imagine that over the next six months this arrangement generates 100 new clients for Healing Hands. Imagine that 40% of the new people re-book. Let's say that the 40 people spend an average of $200 each over the next six months at Healing Hands. That is $8,000 of revenue. You would receive $1,200 (15%) for brokering the deal.

The good news is that you have NO RISK in the deal, and the entire time spent on the deal might be only an hour or two!

This is a great example of seeing an opportunity that others do not, and linking resources to create value for both parties. It is a win/win/win arrangement ? and I said before, your risk is zero and your financial rate of return infinite, as you have none of your own money invested! You used your creativity and willingness to act instead.

The rest of the deal is simply a matter of verifying the transactions ? I think you get the idea.

Now imagine applying the same principle in a variety of situations, over and over again! ? You are beginning to develop a JV BROKER MINDSET.

Of course, if you owned Healing Hands, YOU COULD HAVE come up with the same idea, and approached Cutter's directly. In that case you would be the broker AND one of the players at the same time, and you would have saved yourself the 15% commission payment!

In fact, you could look at Network Marketing as a type of joint venture.

The company provides the products, fulfillment services, accounting, etc.

The sponsor ensures new people that they will be trained and coached properly. The new person agrees to be coached and to open up their warm market to be properly approached. When done properly, network marketing is a great example of the synergy available in win/win/win joint venture.

A big key to being a successful JV Broker is to get your ego out of the way. Make it OK that you are NOT the producer or seller of the product or service. Let other people shine. You just put the deal together, and smile all the way to the bank!

Ayn Rand would be smiling for sure!