Finding a business partner
 

Is it just me or is finding a business partner one of the most difficult tasks involved in business?

Either the partner-to-be has no capital, is not motivated, is a scammer, or doesn't have any experience or applicable knowledge (computer/website experience)? Lastly, if they have another job they simply don't have much time to devote to the partnership.

I've found that the only people I've partnered with are those that are already in business of their own looking to branch out. It reminds me when I was starting out, nobody wanted to give me a chance to work so I had to create my own business. Once the business began operating I only focussed on finding those running some type of business already.

Is it just me or is the average joe a fuckin lazy cheating shcmuck?

To date, I've never had an enduring partnership. I've had and still have terrific employees but nobody else.

you hit it right on the head, except i wouldn't say the average person is a cheator. it just seems that way because you remember cheaters.

A difficult task indeed....

I've had numerous partners throughout the last several years, but only one that has time-tested proven to be all that and a bag o' chips. And our partnership didn't happen because we were necessarily looking for a partner.... as they say, it just happened.

intresting thread.
good point bobo

look i have cash to invest but so many here have stupid lame same old ideas that i know wont make any real cash

so stroke it

Nice point Escort. Even so, as you know (like Brad Shaw does) that you can utilize popular ideas and still make money from them.

I agree that new ideas would be ideal but that's very difficult to come by and I'm not suggesting copying exact concepts.

Another problem is when you assume a new idea won't work.

personally, i hate the idea of partnerships. i'm waaaay too much of a control freak when it comes to business.

That's another thing....I'm usually considering moving in one direction and my 'partner' wants to go another way.

so you work together to compromise... that's what a partnership is about. You discuss plans, illustrate ideas, and reach agreements. If you can't do that, then you're with the wrong partner.

or you need to re-evaluate yourself.

A good way around this is to partner on a per project basis, but keep company ownership separate.

a better idea is to get an office, and hire employees. which is what i've done. it's worked wonderfully for me.

of course if your primary reason for partnership is capital - different story.

That's a great way, but the old adage that two heads [can be] is often true. Sometime somebody else may see an opportunity or point out where you're going wrong before you realize it.

Many times I've been so transfixed with an idea I fail to see some of its obvious shortcomings. It's a real benefit when somebody else points it out.

I've found that a partner is more apt at doing this than an employee. They really don't tend to understand the business aspects of it. They just work and get paid for it.

certainly. though my top guy really knows his shit, and his pay is scaled to performance. bottomline - it's worked out very well for me. of course, your mileage may vary...

again, i like to be in complete control of where my company is heading. i tend to pile responsibility on myself. and it has paid off :)

It all comes down to what each brings to the table BEFORE the partnership is formed, It should be an "ill scratch your back if you scratch mine" scenario. Ive been guilty of, and know many other that have formed partnerships without working out the responsibilities on paper first.