For a few years, you have considered a business idea, and, now, you decide it is time to take the plunge. Starting your own business has been a dream, and you are prepared to pursue it. But you understand this will not be a solo venture. You need a business partner, a confidante and a right-fitting person to help you guide your small business into growth and success.
You want to strike a balance when seeking a business, partner. Ideally, You do not want to work with someone who is exactly like you. However, you do want to team with a person who shares many of your traits and has complementary strengths to your own.
Experienced, trustworthy, creative
From the start, a solid business partner is one with experience, smarts, filled with ideas and unafraid to make difficult decisions. Also, do not forget that you want someone who is outgoing, personable and ready to build relationships with other businesses and the public.
Here are some of the important characteristics in a business partner:
- Experienced in business: While you are an entrepreneur, you may have limited experience in business. Therefore, it is a good idea to have a partner with business experience and who has established many relationships in the business community.
- Trustworthy: You must have an agreement in place in which your partner is not operating a competing business on the side. That is no way to build a trusting partnership. You want to work with someone whom you can confide in.
- A visionary filled with passion: Innovation is key, and you want to work with someone who is just as invested in the company as you are.
- Has a knack for creativity: Working with a business partner who provides a regular flow of ideas is essential. This helps in creating brands, images and clever marketing endeavors, potentially leading to growth.
- A relationship builder within the business community: Business networks are essential. You want to work with someone with strong connections within the business community. This may allow you to better attract investors, suppliers and even recruit employees.
- Comfortable with risk: Starting a business is a risk. You want to work with someone who intuitively knows this and relishes the challenges to make your venture a success.
- Has the financial wherewithal: A business partner with financial strength helps your business achieve its goals. You want to work with someone who stands on a solid financial foundation, not a crumbling one.
Having the right business partner can steer your company on the road to success. Look for certain qualities in that person, make sure you are comfortable in the relationship, then, together, roll up your sleeves and get to work.
