How to get started
Your small business will go through various stages of the business life cycle. A business goes
through stages of development like our life cycle. Parenting strategies that work for your 2
years old may not work for your teenager. The same goes for your business. Each stage of your
business life has its own needs and requirements.
A start up business, a growth company and an established firm all will have a different focus.
The focus of the new business is to find customers and conserve cash. A growth company will need
more emphasis on management building and financial sytems. Whereas, the established owner needs
to constantly drive productivity. These needs will not be mutually exculsive but having a
general knowledge of what the road looks like ahead will better position you for success.
Business Partnership Warnings
A business partnership can be a wonderful thing. Partners can bring expertise, contacts and
capital to the table. However, like a marriage, the partnership can end up as an insurgent
relationship and poison your business. What are some warning signs of a potentially bad partner?
The Cash Grabber: Upon setting up your partnership, you hopefully agreed on the amount
of money you'll take from the business. Partners who drain all the cash from the company can put
the business at great risk making the company unprepared for any rough times.
The Unmotivated: This type of partner is fully co-operative at the business starts up.
As time drags on, they become less motivated and drain all the chances of the business
succeeding.
The Unagreeable: A partnership is a two way road. There will be many times there will
be disagreements. Yet, this partner never attempts to see your side of the coin. They are always
right.
Starting a company can be a rewarding experience between partners. Before you embark on the
partnership route, do due diligence to find the perfect match.