Monday, April 10, 2006

Attention Entrepreneurs: Beware Before Bringing a Partner on Board

I want to quickly post this to let many of you reading this blog know that you have to be very careful when it comes to entering into a business partnership with others.

Partnership in business is like entering into a marriage. At first, everything seems to be perfect. We like and tolerate each other. We put our best behavior up front. Even if the partner did something out of the ordinary, we try to reason that it's a mistake.

Well, once the law of familiarity sets in, suddenly we begin to discover that we don't really want to put up with the behaviors we used to nicely put up with. Your partner now has more demands. They want you to do this or that. In fact, many times it appears as if no matter how much of yourself you pour into the business relationship, it's never enough.

Soon or later, one partner begins to suggest the other to sell out his or her shares. Now, I'm not saying that partnership never works out. You should know that you will never be able to succeed without a team. But I am trying to caution you to know what to expect.

And also, I want to be aware that going into business with a best friend or family members is usually not a good idea. The key is to go into business with a partner who is very competent in the areas that you are weak. And to make sure everything is done by the book. Don't jump in based on a handshake. Get the attorney to sign the papers.

Business is business. There's nothing personal here. You want to make sure everyone is accountable and committed. Partenership is a shared responsibility.

Don't just use your emotion. Use your brain as well.

Press on!

Rene Godefroy, Author of
Kick Your Excuses Goodbye