A cooperative program and a Learning Fountain go
together like a straw and an ice cream soda. A good
cooperative program, not only is an attractive "straw," it
also enhances the flavor of the "ice cream soda."
What is a cooperative program? It is a way for 2 or more companies or websites to work together for their mutual benefit. There are many such programs:
- LINKING - Exchange of reciprocal links and other types
of links
- ADVERTISING - Use of text or banner ads
- REFERRING - Sending clients to other sites
- SELLING - Either a customer is referred to another site
where the sale is executed; or the sale is executed on the
same site
- SERVICING - Trouble shooting or offering support for
sophisticated equipment or software
- SKILL SHARING - Arrangement for writing,
programming, graphic design, buying products,
recruiting, etc.
The last 2 items are not too common. With time, though, almost any kind of skill or resource will be part of a cooperative program.
Judging by all the discussion on the Internet, the cooperative program has arrived. It has many names: affiliate, associate, bounty, revenue sharing, pay-for-sale. But don't jump in until you are clear in your mind as to how a program may enhance the strategic value of your site.
To be able to do this, the product or service offered by a cooperative program should be a complementor to the product or service you are engaged in. The fortunes of a complementor are closely tied to your fortunes.
A few examples:
- Real estate and home furnishings
- ISP and web development software
- Health services and food or vitamins
- Marketing services and associated books
When you locate a program that offers a product or service that is complementary to yours, only then should you investigate further. If the details suit you, then you may have a truly strategic fit.
