Choosing a Business partner even if they are family members

Business partnerships bring great minds together. However, some of partnerships fail over time. Personality clashes and financial disagreements can end an alliance. And disputes over operational direction may break bonds between business partners.

While you can’t for seeing the future, you can choose a business partner and do your due diligence to prevent problems. Build a successful business by knowing what to look for and what to avoid. Use this advice to find the right person for business partnership.

Seven qualities of a good Business partner

You might have a great business idea and passionate about it, then you need to choose a business partner. This person can help you make  decisions and contributions towards the business. They can be your best friend or family member.

However, if your partner doesn't have values and goals that matches with yours, they may end up causing more harm than good  to the business. So make sure you don't end up in the wrong business partnership, look for these seven essential qualities of a good business partner.

1. Passion

Looking for a business partner who can help you to take your business to the next level is crucial for the success of any business. Ideally, look for someone who is as passionate about business as yourself. It is important to have someone whom you share similar values with. So It's your responsibility as business owner to do your due diligence in finding and selecting the right business partner.

2. Openness

A good business partner is open and direct.  A business partner who is direct can bring honest feedback to any situation. You don't have to guess if they said what's on their mind or how they feel about it. Every business is better when partners are direct and open with one another

3. Industry Knowledge

I suggest looking for potential business partners that have a good understanding of the industry. If you have already started your business, you don't have time to teach a new partner the basics. It's an added advantage to partnering with another expert in the industry and it can boost your brand awareness.

4. Strong hard Worker

Having the same work ethic is a key ingredient to have in a successful business partnership. Most of the time, people are enthusiastic when it comes to starting a business, but when they realize how much work is involved they start to  fade away slowly. This could frustrate the other partners or start various conflicts.

5. Different Business Skills

Different business skills are critical when selecting a business partner. The partner should have the ability to take on different tasks within their separate role sets and cover the core competencies of the business. 

6. Business partner with complementary skills

The most important thing to look for in a business partner is a complementary skill set, not an identical or similar one to what you already possess. If  you are  weak in finance or marketing then you will choose one who will covers any of those areas.

7. Dedication To Growth

You really want to align yourself with someone who has a long-term vision in mind. If you partner with someone who is in it for quick success, they are  unlikely to stay around when things don’t go as planned. You need someone who is reliable.  Someone who is determined to find solutions to many challenges and obstacles that will come up along the way.  -