business partners - how did you fnd them?

[Matt1959]

For those in partnership or have been in a partnership, I'm interested to know how you found your business partner.

Someone you've known a long time - family? a competitor? someone you know?

How long before you had mutual trust and felt that the business could work well between you - months? years?

Yesterday, I met a couple of guys who had been in partnership for 20 years. One of the partners was first employed by the other who then then found him so invaluable for the business, he made him a partner. Thats one of the success stories

So whats the secret to finding that great asset for your business and more to the point, making it work!

 

[hamtdaa]

I know one reklam and watched on tv like your idea..
There is displayed about Lipton tea .. Some friends always meet in cafe where they live near the one city and 2 years later they graduated university and made macro internet business its big business.. They had successfully working by own business.. I think communication is very important for any buisiness.. How do you think..

 

[cyates]

my business partner oddly enough was one of my best customers many years ago

trust and loyal are key points..
trust has already been built because he was a consistent repeat customer and the same for loyalty

communication is also important.. we talk nearly every day and are always batting new ideas about

 

[becker]

Any business partners I’ve meet have been through networking.

Its about constantly and consistently giving out the same message – this is what I’m good at, this is what I’m trying to build, this is what I’m missing, this is what I’m looking for, etc, etc

Eventually you will meet someone that shares the same values, goals and ambitions as you.

If your values, goals and ambitions are aligned and the potential new business partner can fill the any skills gap you’ve self-identified, then there is the basis for a positive business relationship.

I’ve always achieved the best success when I’ve partnered with someone that has strong complimentary skills and experience to offset any of my weak areas. Together with sharing the same principles, values and general moral compass.

 

[Cornish Steve]

In many ways, a business partnership is like a marriage. You must find someone you trust completely, with whom you're compatible, who's willing to work things out when you fundamentally disagree on something, will encourage you, will have the guts to question your decisions sometimes, and who will stick with you for the long haul. If things go wrong down the road, it's going to be a messy and expensive divorce.

 

[Gregan]

I could do with a business partner, so If you happen to come across a football mad individual with an eye for business and the small sided football industry then please let me know!

 

[CherryUK]

I worked with my 2 business partners at another company for 7 years before we started our own company 3 years ago. It really is like a marriage - you share the good and bad times but you stick together. And you get to argue a lot (don't tell my wife I said that)!

 

[FreelanceSEO]

My current business partner was found thru luck more than judgement, I was interviewing him as an employee and we got on so well I offered him a share.

However I have been trying to find a partner for an online freight exchange that I run for about 6 months but no luck so far othr than 1 or 2 time wasters, which is a shame as it has so much potential and requires little expertise, but I simply dont have the time to dedicate to it.

 

[Lenny Burgess]

I totally agree with the above, it is a marriage - if the marriage starts to turn nasty or you find that you are not totalling trusting your business partner, things can quickly become very awkward and nasty! Tread carefully

 

[Cornish Steve]

I worked with my 2 business partners at another company for 7 years before we started our own company 3 years ago. It really is like a marriage - you share the good and bad times but you stick together. And you get to argue a lot (don't tell my wife I said that)!

I must be careful what I write too because my business partner is a lady. For our 3-1/2 years in business, though, she's been a sensible, encouraging partner who, despite my strong sense of direction, is not afraid to challenge me on some issues. This is so important.

 

[Aspire]

My business partner was an ex employer and competitor. Known each other for about 18 years now.

We have skills in different areas which is useful however he is quite hands off unless i request help.

 

[Encantador]

Hi,

Care to elaborate on what it is you are after and what you are offering in return?

However I have been trying to find a partner for an online freight exchange that I run for about 6 months but no luck so far othr than 1 or 2 time wasters, which is a shame as it has so much potential and requires little expertise, but I simply dont have the time to dedicate to it.

 

[CKG]

Met my former business partner in college when we were doing our gas regs training.

We had 3 happy years before it turned sour - he wanted to be a flash git that played lots of golf and I wanted to build a business that provided a fantastic service.

It was a messy divorce!

 

[Matt1959]

Met my former business partner in college when we were doing our gas regs training.

We had 3 happy years before it turned sour - he wanted to be a flash git that played lots of golf and I wanted to build a business that provided a fantastic service.

It was a messy divorce!

Shame that - as the OP on this thread, I was in a partnership in the early 1980's that started well but went bad, it hasn't put me off though but its a commitment and a risk. I find it kind of weighs me down slogging on my own with no one to bounce things off except the wife, and she just gets bored with the whole thing

 

[globalgolf]

Your business partner should share the same passion for your business and very important mutual trust. An good idea is to advertise in your local newspapers and then set up interviews, good luck

 

[S-Marketing]

I personally think that some people are well suited to being in a partnership, and others are not.

I dont think ill ever be in business as a partnership, I like to have my own ideas and do things my way. As a general rule, I dont really take other peoples opinions on board once i've made my mind up. I love having employees who are exceptionally good at what they do, and I find I can work with them without a problem. I couldn't be doing with having to listen to someone elses opinion though.

Anyway, thats just me. Its probably some kind of character flaw, but working in this way has served me well so far. Just thought i'd throw the idea into the discussion. Maybe when deciding about a partner, you should look at yourself first.

 

I personally think that some people are well suited to being in a partnership, and others are not.

I dont think ill ever be in business as a partnership, I like to have my own ideas and do things my way. As a general rule, I dont really take other peoples opinions on board once i've made my mind up. I love having employees who are exceptionally good at what they do, and I find I can work with them without a problem. I couldn't be doing with having to listen to someone elses opinion though.

Interesting Philosophy.

Try not to visit your GP to often.

Earl

 

[S-Marketing]

Interesting Philosophy.

Try not to visit your GP to often.

Earl

Like I said mate, I know its a character flaw, but its served me very well, so ill stick with it for now. I do genuinely think that some people just aren't suited to being in a partnership though, and i'm sure my Mrs would agree

 

[Billmccallum]

I could do with a business partner, so If you happen to come across a football mad individual with an eye for business and the small sided football industry then please let me know!

What are you looking for?

Bill

 

[sarah.m.dixon1]

Going to netoworking events is also really helpful and you get a lot of information out of the people you meet.