Affiliate Network

Ignorant cynics may refer to these as "pyramid schemes," while industry veteran types may just say "I know a guy…"

Affiliate networks are groups of individuals/businesses working together to cross-promote and otherwise help each other's sales efforts. For a small fee (or commission). These networks often have interrelated offerings, but that isn't a pre-requisite for inclusion.

Imagine a tight-knit family. Vito owns a heavy equipment company, while Sonny owns a construction concern, Michael runs a demolition business, and Connie has a landfill. One day, Connie's friend, Fredo, decides he wants to knock down a casino and replace it with a Pets.com warehouse, because he's smart (not dumb, like everyone says). Connie would refer Fredo to Michael and Sonny to employ their respective services. They would use Vito's equipment to do the job, and any refuse would be sent to Connie's landfill.

In this affiliate network, each participant receives leads, revenue, and potentially a referral fee for those sales, provided by the others. Everyone wins (except for Fredo, who is never heard from again).