3 Ways to Tell Tell If A Potential Business Partner is The One

When it comes to taking on a business partner that is a lot to consider. And over the last twenty five years of business coaching I have seen some really amazing partnerships and some that were doomed to fail before they even got started. So today, I wanted to share with you three ways that you can tell if a business partner is a good fit for you and your business idea.

When it comes down to it, a lot of the questions you are going to ask yourself about a new business partner are ones that you would ask yourself if you were dating with an intent for marriage. And much like marriage, the stakes are just as high. So whether it is a long term partnership or a one-off, it’s important that you vet each other fully before moving forward. And above all else, it’s important to get the specifics of your relationship down on paper, along with a solid out clause should you need it down the road.

Here are the questions that I think every business partnership should cover:

Are we both moving in the same direction and want the same things out of this business relationship? If one of you wants to be in and out of the business within twenty four months and you want to grow an empire and pass it down to future generations you are going to hit a wall really quick when it comes to strategic planning and goal settings. So first and foremost, you want to make sure that you both want the same things for your business.

Just like any relationship, there are going to be good times and bad and how you handle the conflict in your relationship says a lot about your partnership and its growth potential. Do you have similar conflict resolution styles? When your partner is stressed do they stay the course or cut and run? Do they have a history of such behavior? Learning about their style before going into business with someone will go a long way to helping ensure that your partnership withstands the test of time.

This is one I see a lot in business partnerships. One partner works eighty plus hours a week and is very goal and growth focused, while the other partner rarely shows up for work and when they do make an appearance they spend their time on low value tasks that don’t propel the business forward. Neither partner knew what to expect when they entered the partnership and it ended in a lot of conflict. Before starting a partnership, discuss your goals, your work styles and create a plan for how to achieve those goals. Varied work styles can still work, but clear communication and a focus on high value tasks is a must.