Starting your own small business can be stressful. All the tasks will fall on your shoulders. While you may be able to convince some of your friends and family to give you a hand, you will ultimately be responsible for everything. Finding someone to share the business with you will take some of the weight off your shoulders. You'll have someone to talk to about decisions, which means you won't have to take on all duties.
However, finding someone who shares the same values and goals isn't always easy. There are a few ways you can go about recruiting someone and determining if they're a good fit for you.
1. Turn to people you know
Do you have friends, family members or co-workers that you think will be a great fit? Don't be afraid to ask them if you'd think they'd be willing to go into business with you. If you've worked with them previously, you already know their habits, so you'll be able to determine how well you can work with them, Inc. explained. When you are already familiar with the person, you'll be able to skip the getting-to-know you conversations and sessions and get right to business. Friends and family members are more likely to share the same values as you, so you'll be less likely to have different visions.
2. Do your research
Of course, you can't always find a person close to you who is willing to go into business with you. You'll have to look elsewhere. Network or ask for recommendations from your friends. No matter who may be likely to join you, it's always important to look into them, according to Entrepreneur. You don't want to go into business with someone who has a history of making poor decisions or who is in debt from previous commercial loans. Instead, you want someone with a good track record who will support your efforts and not drag them down. When you do your research, you're more likely to know how they'll fit in with your future company.
3. Pick someone who complements you
Everyone has different personalities that will allow them to perform some tasks better than others. Maybe you hate public speaking, but you're great at creating well-written content. You could love playing with numbers, but dislike dealing with consumers. No matter what your strengths and weaknesses are, you should choose a business partner who can complement them, Inc. suggested. He or she should be able to make up for anything you lack and vice versa. While it's possible to succeed, it may be more difficult if you're too much alike.
4. Share
The business may have started out as your idea, but you chose to include someone else. That means you should share more than just tasks you hate doing. To have an equal partnership, responsibilities need to be divided evenly, Entrepreneur explained. While you may not be on the same page on everything, you have to be willing to take advice and listen to opinions. Your partner is in it for the long run, so you might as well learn to delegate.
5. Discuss money
Business partners have just as much at stake as you do. If they're dedicated, they should be willing to invest in the company. However, if they're not, you may want to find someone else. Don't be afraid to discuss both of your financial situations. You need to know what each of you can contribute. If necessary, talk to financial services to help you budget and figure out what you need for start-up money.
Starting a business can be hard enough. Don't go at it alone if you don't need to. Finding someone who is just as passionate as you are will ease your worries and give you someone to relate to.