Starting a business? Choose the right partner. 7 Steps to help you get it right.

In business, as in life, a great partner who shares your vision and complements your qualities is essential to long term success. But how do you know you have the right guy or gal? It’s all too easy to get excited about the prospect of running a business with your mate – sharing an office, sharing the wins - without truly considering whether they have the characteristics required to make it work.
A good partnership can accelerate growth, increase opportunities, and lead to long-term success, while a poor partnership can hinder progress, lead to conflict, and even jeopardise your business. But how do you ensure that you’re selecting the right person to join forces with? Here are the key factors to consider when choosing the right partner for your business.

1. Shared Values and Vision

The foundation of any successful business partnership is a shared vision and set of values. In any professional industry, where integrity, professionalism, and trust are paramount, aligning on these principles is critical. Before entering a partnership, ensure that you and your potential partner share similar goals for the future of the business. Do you both want to focus on small businesses and individuals, or are you aiming to service larger corporate clients? Are your values aligned when it comes to client relationships, ethical standards, and business growth?

We spoke with Amir Salim and Khurrum Ahmed, partners at Taxstore Mawson Lakes, about their business partnership and what makes it work so well. Amir said: “Our emphasis is on trust, transparency, and alignment in vision; it is crucial for us.” Khurrum added: “We wanted to ensure we shared the same goals and approach to running a business, as that lays the foundation for long-term success.”

If you and your partner are not on the same page, it can lead to conflict down the road and disrupt the direction of your practice. Open and honest discussions about your vision for the company will lay the groundwork for a solid partnership.

2. Complementary Skills and Expertise

In any industry where technical expertise is essential, it’s important that your business partner brings complementary skills to the table. While you may excel in one area, your partner might have strengths in another, providing a well-rounded service offering to your clients. Complementary skills ensure that your business can handle a diverse range of client needs while preventing overlaps in responsibilities.

Durgesh Joshi and Nirav Solanki, partners at Taxstore Willeton, both agreed that a key to their success is understanding - and respecting - each other's differences. “We understand both of our skill sets, strengths and weakness, and we use them as required. We understand that both our personalities and working style is different and we embrace the differences.”

Take time to assess your partner’s qualifications, experience, and expertise. A partnership should enhance both of your strengths and fill any gaps in your skillset, creating a balanced team that delivers superior value to clients.

3. Work Ethic and Professionalism

Your business partner should share the same level of commitment and professionalism that you bring to the table. Trustworthiness, accuracy, and attention to detail are non-negotiables in any professional services industry, and the last thing you want is a partner who doesn’t uphold those standards.

Before entering into a partnership, observe your potential partner's work ethic. Do they meet deadlines? Do they communicate openly and professionally with clients and team members? Are they dependable? These qualities will not only affect the day-to-day operations of the business but will also influence the reputation of your practice in the long term.

4. Financial Stability and Transparency

Financial stability is a critical factor when choosing a business partner. Your partner should bring both business acumen and financial integrity to the table. If your partner has a history of financial mismanagement or lacks a solid understanding of financial principles, it can cause significant issues for your business in the future.

Ensure that your potential partner is financially stable and has the resources to support the business during its initial stages. Clear communication about each partner’s financial contributions, share of the business, and compensation structures is essential to avoid misunderstandings later.

5. Assessing Compatibility

A successful partnership relies heavily on strong communication and compatibility. You need to understand how your potential partner approaches business challenges, decision-making, and conflict resolution. Are they open to feedback? Do they listen to your opinions and ideas, or are they set in their ways? A partnership will require constant communication and collaboration, so ensure that you and your partner are able to work together harmoniously.

Khurrum had this to say about his and Amir’s partnership when they faced challenges: “Whenever challenges arise, we tackle them together with a problem-solving mindset, ensuring that decisions are made in the best interest of the business and our clients.” The last part of this is key - ‘in the interest of our clients’. Sometimes personal opinion has to be sacrificed to find a resolution for the good of the clients and the overall business.

In addition, consider your working styles. If you’re someone who thrives in a fast-paced, collaborative environment and your potential partner prefers to work independently or at a slower pace, this could lead to friction. Make sure you have aligned expectations for how the business will operate day to day.

6. Due Diligence

Before finalising any partnership, it's essential to conduct thorough due diligence. Research your potential partner's professional background, reputation, and track record. Look into their previous experience, client base, and any legal or financial history that might raise concerns.

If your partner has a well-established career with strong professional relationships and a good reputation in the industry, this can provide added stability to your partnership. On the other hand, a partner with a questionable history or unresolved legal issues could jeopardise the reputation and longevity of your business.

Additionally, make sure you consult with a legal professional to draft clear contracts outlining roles, responsibilities, and expectations. Having a legal agreement in place can prevent future misunderstandings and protect both parties in the event of a disagreement.

7. Red Flags to Watch Out For

While it’s important to focus on the positives when assessing a potential business partner, it’s equally crucial to be aware of red flags. Some signs that your partner may not be the right fit include:

· Lack of transparency: If your potential partner is hesitant to share important information about their finances, work history, or business plans, this could be a warning sign.

· Unprofessional behavior: If they exhibit unprofessional conduct in meetings, interactions with clients, or other business settings, it could reflect poorly on your partnership.

· Incompatible communication style: Poor communication, especially when it comes to resolving disagreements, can lead to ongoing issues that could harm your business.

Trust your instincts and take the time to evaluate whether your partner is truly a good fit for your business.