Plenty of “partner programs” make their money from partners: a starter kit, a training course, a monthly fee, a quota you must buy into. In those arrangements the partner is the customer, and the pitch is the product.
Talking is free. There is nothing to buy and nothing to subscribe to.
A simple test
If anyone asks you for money to collaborate, stop. That is not this practice. Write to Julian directly.
Written by Julian Szuper for GrowShare Partners. Grow together, Earn together!