60% of Our Readers Say: Get A Business Partner

by Daniel Scocco

Last week we run a poll asking this questions: Does having a business partner improve your chances of success? We had over 100 people answering the poll, and as you can see from the graph below, 60% of them said “Yes,” and 40% “No.”

Here is a comment from Cassie, who clearly answered “Yes”:

I didn’t really take off with any of my little ventures until I found someone to connect with. We’ve never actually met, but we’ve been “partners” for a few years now. I’m sure I owe a ton of what success I’ve had so far to her. Being able to brainstorm together and keep each other accountable is a huge asset to having a partner.

And here is a comment from Igor, who believes that having a partner will not improve your chances:

Work alone, be responsible for your work and nobody will ever tell you what you have to do. If you have a partner in your job, there will always be someone who will feel like boss and would try to order. You can work with other people but only on some projects. Believe only in yourself because you are the only person who knows the value of your work. My 2 cents.

My opinion is the following: I believe that having a business partner improves the chances of making a company or venture successful, but I don’t think that such improvement is dramatic, as to justify someone trying to get a partner even if his personal characteristics are not suitable for it.

In other words, if you are someone who is willing to share the control of your company with other people and if you get more motivated by working in teams as opposed to working alone, then by all means go get a business partner.

If, on the other hand, you like to remain in control of things and you don’t have a problem when managing things alone, then don’t force yourself to get a business partner.

Thanks for everyone who participated, and stay tuned for our next poll (probably coming next Monday).

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17 Responses to “60% of Our Readers Say: Get A Business Partner”

Michael Aulia on June 1, 2009 1:00 pm

Just make sure that you find a business partner who has as much as integrity and loyalty like you do. Sometimes it’s best to work alone but often it’s best to work together as long as everyone has the same passion and vision
Zemalf on June 1, 2009 1:45 pm

@Michael: You sure summed up my thoughts on the subject.

and I think the best partnerships form when the two individuals are similar enough (so they can drive towards common goals), but on the other hand complement each other (different skills for example) so they can achieve more together than either one could do alone and possibly partners like this could concentrate on differents sides of the same business (e.g. other doing marketing, other doing something else).
Bud Hennekes on June 1, 2009 1:58 pm

Having someone to bounce ideas off of is a a wonderful asset to have, however having a business partner isn’t always necessary.

As Michael says, it is important that your bussiness partner shares the same values and goals as you or it will eventually turn out to be a mess.

One thing is sure, strong connections are essential. Personally I would lean more towards a mastermind group rather than a business partner however it still having a partner is still a valid option.

There is no denying two minds are better than one, but again it all depends on one’s goals.

Going the lone path or the business partner route depends entirely on the vision of the business.
Adam Pieniazek on June 1, 2009 3:29 pm

Even having unofficial partners, for instance other bloggers in your niche who you share info with and guest post and comment on each other’s blog(s) is a great way to ensure you have help. Approaching ventures as an individual is extremely tough but doable.
Shirley @ Solo Business Marketing on June 1, 2009 3:44 pm

I don’t have a partner and believe that will never happen, but I do have something that’s as good or even better — a mastermind group.

The two ladies whom I meet with on a monthly basis listen to my triumphs and challenges and provide me with invaluable feedback.

Best of all, they don’t hold their tongues. Their monthly participation in my business keeps my focus squarely on what works and what to adjust before it doesn’t work.
Boerne Search on June 1, 2009 4:29 pm

Yes, very well said Michael Aulia. It’s all about the partner. If they don’t have your same goal. Find a new one.
Blog Angel a.k.a. Joella on June 1, 2009 5:09 pm

I think it would help in that you have someone that you are accountable too. It’s harder to put stuff off if you have to answer to someone besides yourself.
Harris on June 2, 2009 6:56 am

To get a partner in internet business maybe not that difficult. but make sure to clean up the path to that, which i think ‘building trust’ to ensure both on the same wave length.
BloggerDaily on June 2, 2009 11:05 am

Yeah, it’s based on the situation and economic condition. Most people feel more secure and comfortable if they have business partner because there’s someone who can control the situation if he or she’s not there.

Some people feel comfortable to work alone, as they feel that difference in personality will affect the result of company’s performance.
Models & Moguls on June 2, 2009 2:10 pm

A business partner is like a marriage partner. The right one can be heaven and the wrong one can be hell.

You must have complimentary personalities, skill sets and work habits and know how to resolve differences constructively.

You must also have the same vision and the same expectations.

Yeah if theirs synergy, two heads are better then one.

Other wise, you’ll be like two horses tied together and pulling in the opposite direction.
Alex on June 3, 2009 6:26 am

I am wondering how many of those who has participated the poll did succeed. After all, public opinion on something appears to be wrong quiet often.

So here is an idea for the next poll. Ask the same question, and then ask them how much they make from their business.
Career Mentors on June 10, 2009 5:38 pm

As a sole trader I think my head would be done in if I had to listen to a business partner on a daily basis, however I do think that it would be good to bounce decisions off someone from time to time…
arka sokaklar on June 14, 2009 10:24 am

As a sole trader I think my head would be done in if I had to listen to a business partner on a daily basis, however I do think that it would be good to bounce decisions off someone from time to time…
Medyum on June 26, 2009 5:36 pm

Even having unofficial partners, for instance other bloggers in your niche who you share info with and guest post and comment on each other’s blog(s) is a great way to ensure you have help. Approaching ventures as an individual is extremely tough but doable.
hikaye on July 7, 2009 12:43 pm

and I think the best partnerships form when the two individuals are similar enough (so they can drive towards common goals), but on the other hand complement each other (different skills for example) so they can achieve more together than either one could do alone and possibly partners like this could concentrate on differents sides of the same business (e.g. other doing marketing, other doing something else).
Matthew on July 15, 2009 12:18 pm

I think it can be a big help and it can be bad also but i am one who favors it and am also looking for a business partner for my blog waysaroundit.com please serious people only i am willing to split everything 50/50 so if you are really interested then contact me
Jan on July 19, 2010 9:15 pm

I completely agree. I found my partner on BizPartnerHunt.com

I think it is very important to stress developing a partnership agreement prior to doing business with anyone even if it is a close family member.