One of the biggest disappointments with joint ventures or affiliate marketing is when a big partner (or any partner, for that matter) doesn’t come through for you. Unfortunately, it’s an all-too-common occurrence.

People forget. Or agree to more email blasts than they can actually do without their subscribers running for the exits. Or sometimes, their own product launches end up happening near the same time.

That’s why Mistake #2 is Failing to Set Your Joint Ventures Up for Success.

You can’t totally prevent someone from flaking out on you, but here are a few ways you can minimize those chances:

Get On the Same Page

First, JV guru Willie Crawford says to make sure you ask for “reciprocal” promotions–whatever you agree to do, they should agree to do the exact same.

Occasionally, you’ll run into slicksters who say yes, but plan to send your emails to that “junky” list they picked up from a trade show and never use. Or decide to just tweet out your promo via social media.

That’s NOT the same thing because your relationships with ezine subscribers and social media are very different. If you’re emailing your  main list, they should do the same.

Check-In Throughout

Second, you should start recruiting partners 6 weeks before a new product launch–but plan to remind and check-in with partners as it gets closer to the launch date.

That way, you may be able to head off problems before they occur.

Check-Up at Show Time

Finally, monitor their actions. If they’ve agreed to email their newsletter subscribers, then sign-up for their list so you see the email(s) that go out. If they’re going to put an ad on their blog, then make a note to check that it’s there.

If they don’t follow through on pre-launch promotions and you’re offering one of their products as a bonus, you can always remove it before the launch.

But even if you have no leverage like that, then you at least know to put them on your “do not call” list for future projects.

Two JV and affiliate mistakes down–three more to go. Look for the next one tomorrow!