Partners and start-up: two men in a boat (not counting the market)
His Work / / December 26, 2019
"Finding a business partner is akin to finding wives goodbye, checking relations, and only then the wedding."
Yaw Schwartz, founder Uberflip
In the start-up industry, as in life, you can either turn inward and slowly maneuver for business space or purchase partner. In the second case, the speed of the resources that you need to get to the right door, grows at times. But if finding the right people was just, I probably would not have picked up this story.
I had to part with people who did not meet my expectations. A divorce, as you know - a painful situation for both. Partings were not the best. And yet each successive business I built on the basis of the partner. I am practicing these principles while working on a project RevolverLab.
I can not say that I painted a portrait of himself the "ideal partner". It's not even so presumptuous as utopian. But some conclusions for myself, I had already done. I hope my experience will be useful to you.
The level of business knowledge
Partners - is the addition of competences and the exchange of experience. This is the main asset and the driving force of any project. It is believed that the search for "friends-of-business" among friends - not the best idea. I agree, if it is a fact love prevails over competence. But while in the notebook has a brilliant professional, I believe that such an option is even preferable.
I tend to think that the ideal of the leaders do not exist. It is difficult at the same time pay attention to details, be result-oriented, keep in mind the interests of their teams and have a business vein. Therefore, only the team can succeed. Moreover, the partners have to be leaders in their field. Ideal if your competencies and knowledge will vary.
For example, I understand perfectly well what I'm not strong, so it is always looking for someone who would be able to compensate for these moments. Much better if you can find someone who thinks differently, but has the same drive than a man whose body of knowledge the same as yours.
speed of thought and unity of vision
Normal startup - it is the road to success with limited resources. Weight restrictions. You may not have enough time, money, people who are able to help you achieve your goals. I do not think that this is a problem startup. Rather, its main component.
And if the conditions of these restrictions your partner is terribly slow, he evaluates himself a fortune, needs a large army of people who are able to perform the tasks, it is better to him goodbye. Such people in the world of business and start-ups, in particular, referred to as "murderers companies."
And yet, I never take in the start-up of man, which I disliked. It can be a great expert, a talented orator, perfect in every way a manager. But if I'm not comfortable even talking to him or be in the same room, what kind of partnership then can we talk?
Again, I repeat that this is only my experience. You may leisurely easier to solve problems, rather than cracking down on them with the speed of sound. I assume that in order to achieve the goals you are ready to work with the person to communicate with that then the whole day eye twitches. I also build a start-up in this damn hard mode. I'm used to the speed and agility. And to work with someone who does not fit me banal in nature, I can not. Yes, and I do not want.
Partner and work on the result
When I conduct negotiations with a future partner, I have always put emphasis on the fact that it would take him accountability and return on 220% - do not get to pass on their part, "that girl" or "this Man. " It is better to dot the «i», and explain that the work is largely a thankless, that it will need to spend 24 hours a day that leave may not be for another year or two. What I mean is that you should not associate themselves with someone who is not ready to work in a team, to endure discomfort and to overcome any difficulties.
Of course, everything in your startup can be quite rosy, and your partner do not have to stick up a sweat. But you have to understand what to expect from a man. In the end, you do not want your project driven like a horse?
Family and environment
If your startup is successful, most likely, it is a merit of your woman. Conversely, if next to you woman who does not believe in your project, you can assume that he has failed.
We men - conquerors and winners. We are strong, smart and sweep away all the problems on the way. It just so happened. But imagine that this strong conqueror of all time goes over the enemies and conquer them. Sooner or later it will fizzle.
Now imagine that there is no place to rest. The non-stop you fight, to overcome the problem, takes the opponents prisoner... Well, if you long enough?
Of course, I exaggerate, but, in my opinion, this example perfectly characterizes a startup, and the situation can be compared with the life of its creators. Modern people want everything at once. And the women - is no exception. Unfortunately, few of them who really believes in her man project. All the more so, creating a startup, first you can easily go into the minus, before any profits will be also the first glimmers of success.
Maybe someone does seem counter-intuitive, but I am sure that the main male partner in any endeavor - his woman who believed in him and supported. Without this it is very difficult at all to do anything. It is not impossible, of course (nu_my_zhe_silnye!), But it is difficult.
This is what I advise you to remember:
- There are no perfect leaders, looking for a man who compensates for your weaknesses.
- Check each other for compatibility. Partners must be suitable for the speed of thought.
- All possible scenarios of successes / failures is better to discuss the beginning.
- The partners must be different from your expertise. Otherwise, you can handle yourself.
- The goals must be the same.
- Your reliable rear - family.
And finally, if you are a businessman, then the sooner you critically look at yourself and realize that not It grabs you and your startup, so find the right person soon, which will be able to fruitfully work.
P.S. If you have any questions, write to me on e-mail: [email protected] and Twitter: VlaRevolver.