Most businesses start off as a one-person show, but others come about as the result of a partnership. Even if you started out alone, there might have come a point where the workload became too much, or you needed some funds, and thought that a business partner was a good idea. Having a business partner is a perfect way to relieve some pressure and stress, which will only ever improve your business. Unfortunately, if you don’t have a strong partnership, your business could crumble. To avoid this, take a look at the advice below.
Complete Your Work
The whole point of a partnership is to take some work off your plate, but that doesn’t mean that you should be doing nothing. Otherwise, your partner will be just as stressed and overworked as you were before they came. Both you and your partner are going to have certain things that you need to get done each day, and if you don’t complete these tasks, your partner will get frustrated. Ensure these are done if you want to stay on friendly terms.
Ask If They Need Help
Once you’ve got your workload done for the day, check with your partner to see if there’s anything that they need any help with. Of course, you shouldn’t then do half of their work, but answering a few emails they haven’t had time to check or calling up an important client isn’t going to cause you much trouble. It will, however, show them that you care and that you’re completely invested in your business.
Care About Them Too
Your partner needs to know that you care about them and your partnership just as much as the help that they provide and the money that you make them. Luckily, there are so many ways that you can do this, such as treating them to a day out with a Wimbledon VIP hospitality package for your business anniversary. There are lots of little things that you can do too, such as sending them a birthday card and checking daily if they need any help.
Don’t Complain All Day
The last thing that you want to do is complain to your business partner all day. It makes you seem incredibly childish, and that you view your business as a chore. Of course, there are going to be times that something bugs you, but during these times, you should step away and calm yourself down, rather than rant to your business partner. You wouldn’t want to hear complaints 24/7, so don’t make them do it for you.
Discuss Buying Them Out
If there comes a time when you feel more comfortable with the current workload, and don’t see the need for a partner anymore, you have to discuss this with them. Springing the idea of buying them out upon them suddenly is only going to hurt them, and they’ll likely get defensive and ask for more money than you would usually expect.
A partner can be a great asset to your business, but only if you treat them right. Hopefully, this advice will help you keep yours happy and maintain a strong business relationship.
