I was writing an article the other day for my downline builder program Building Blocks explaining the benefits of the program.  It occurred to me that really there was a marketing strategy behind what I do with this program and it can be applied to almost any free to join program that allows you to communicate with your downline.  
 
You see, it is much easier to entice a prospect to join a free venue.  Of course you want the free venue that you recommended being one they will find useful.  This will help to build confidence in your judgment.  Communicate regularly offer assistance and give your downline one of your email addresses to stay in contact with you.  Once you transition your communications from the free venue’s downline mailer to your own email address, it would be a good time to ask your downline to visit your blog or sign up for your newsletter.  At this point you have converted a “prospect” into a member of your list.  Your list is where you will want to promote reseller items or affiliate programs that you have found to be useful. 

I know that this seems link the “long way around the block” but it has been effective for me.  I do not have a list with thousands of names on it, but it is responsive.  What can I say, I would take a small responsive list to a large unresponsive one any day of the week.

While we are on the subject of lists, remember to treat your list with kindness.  Avoid the “Guru syndrome” of mailing them a new offer every time the world turns.  I believe that it is best to offer assistance, advice and free helpful downloads to your list at least 80% of your communication with them.  That leaves them more receptive when you do recommend a product or affiliate site that will require a financial expenditure.