Instead of a standard affiliate deal, propose creating ad content for a brand to run with their own ad spend. In exchange, accept a lower commission (e.g., 20% vs. 40%). This provides the influencer with passive income and free brand exposure, while the brand gets authentic, high-performing ads.

Local service businesses can create a nationally shippable product (like a vase for a florist) to justify a presence on live shopping platforms. This broadens their audience, allowing them to capture local customers who discover them through the national broadcast while also selling the shippable item.

When entering a new market, working for free allows you to perfect your service without risk. It's the fastest way to gather social proof (testimonials) and build personal conviction, which are crucial for selling effectively later, giving you 'wiggle room' if the product is still rough.

In an AI-driven world, "scaling the unscalable" creates a competitive edge. Host intimate, in-person events like local dinners or meetups. The primary ROI is not direct sales but filming the interactions to create a powerful engine for authentic, high-performing social media content that can be distributed globally.

Start a podcast where you interview local business owners in your town. They will eagerly accept the invitation to promote themselves and, in doing so, promote you to their local audience. You become the central hub of the business community, generating immense brand awareness and leads.

Instead of relying solely on paid ads, a niche e-commerce brand can partner with micro-creators in its vertical. This creates an ambassador network that provides both a powerful sales channel and predictive data on which products will perform best.

Bypass traditional PR channels by targeting the specific needs of TV and film productions. Wardrobe stylists and set designers are constantly searching for products like jewelry, accessories, and home decor. Pitching them directly provides a non-obvious path to getting your products featured on screen.

Create value for customers at no cost by offering your platform as a marketing channel for partners. A local sports league can partner with restaurants to provide free food, enhancing the player experience while giving vendors access to a targeted audience.

Instead of running their own ads, an influencer can propose a deal to create ad content for a partner brand. The brand funds the ad spend, and the influencer accepts a reduced commission (e.g., 20% instead of 40%) on sales. This generates risk-free revenue and free brand exposure for the influencer.