What to think of a potential business partner who lie?

[Deleted member 314934]

I have an issue. One of my potential business partners pretended he was a successful entrepreneur. However, after investigating I discovered that he did make little money and lived on welfare. he has no work experience in other businesses in my field (Information Technology). And at the 30 years old, he is a beginner in this field while he makes me believe that he is knowledgeable about my field.

However, this individual has some ability to do so deliver some job. He did a website using basic skills. He didn't ask me for money or tried to scam me for now.

Should I give him a chance or should I exclude this person as fast as possible? If you would like to share any story similar to this one, I would be willing to read it.

 

[fisicx]

Building a website isn’t a demonstration of anything. Even my mum managed to get a simple site online without any IT skills.

I’d walk away now.

 

[Gecko001]

It is not unknown for once-successful entrepreneurs to be now living on benefits. Has he any experience of being an entrepreneur?

 

[Mr D]

He is buying into the business? Or coming in because of you needing skills in the business you don't have yourself?

 

[Deleted member 314934]

Thank you for your comments. Your comments were very constructive. Mr D. Made me realise that no, he does not have any skills or network I need. I thought about training him, but this would require a huge amount of work as he pretends to be skilled in my coding while he only know the wikipedia pages of some programming languages. I will follow the advice of fisicx and cease to communicate with this individual.

 

[The Byre]

Building a simple website without a database or other complex interactive content or function is a consumer activity. That's like saying he knows how to use a smartphone and is able to shop at Aldi without difficulty.

The world of business (and the murky world of business forums!!!) is full of fantasists whose only self-esteem seems to come from pretending to be that which they are not! Avoid!

 

[antropy]

If you have concerns now, what is it going to be like in a month or two's time. Cut ties with him now! Alex

 

[iDigLocal]

The simple questions are:

1. Do you trust them?
2. Do you need them?

answering no to either one of these questions means that you should walk away.

 

[Scott Hawksworth]

Plain and simple... anyone who attempts to misrepresent themselves is not a business partner you want.

Great partners, and employees are honest about their knowledge and skills... and more importantly can demonstrate a willingness to learn and grow when they don't know things.

I'd much rather have someone who admits their limitations than pretends they know more than they do. Run.

 

[Deleted member 314934]

Plain and simple... anyone who attempts to misrepresent themselves is not a business partner you want.

Great partners, and employees are honest about their knowledge and skills... and more importantly, can demonstrate a willingness to learn and grow when they don't know things.

I'd much rather have someone who admits their limitations than pretends they know more than they do. Run.

Thank you very much Scott it is a great answer. As you said, it is better to deal with someone who admits its limitations and who is willing to improve rather than an arrogant person who makes people believe that he knows a lot while he is not suited at all to be an employee or a service provider.
I have business needs, it is not a reason to lower my expectations and deal with people who aren't honest, serious and modest.

 

[Petr Gogolin]

The B option is the right one. You should exclude this person as fast as possible.

 

[MBE2017]

IDigLocal first point is the most important thing when I look at potential business partners, the second point he makes is just as important.

You seem to have your answer.

 

[BenFridja]

Failing in the past is fine (actually it's great).

Lying about it is not.

I wouldn't start a business with a liar, but would welcome a failure.

 

[Blaby Loyal]

Walk away now!

 

[Lucan Unlordly]

Following a successful interview (I was overruled by the CEO) sales guy 'John' turned up on his first day driving a band new Merc, spoke fondly of the highly collectable 911 Porsche safely tucked away in his parents garage and brought to his first works function a stunning dolly bird 10 years his junior. In 10 months he sold nothing, zero, nil pointe......... 'John' was a nice guy but his natural ability to embellish, that i'd sensed at interview, was picked up by customers who simply didn't trust him. Your one step ahead, you already know this guy's a liar, walk away now.

The Merc, rented on a weekly basis. The Porsche, non existent but he had made enquiries about renting one for a day. The dolly bird. £120 plus extras!

 

[Chris Ashdown]

What do you get for the £120 without the extra's

 

[Lucan Unlordly]

What do you get for the £120 without the extra's

A massaged ego with no bodily contact

 

[Chris Ashdown]

It's always nice when experienced members answer the questions