Partner ? Good or Bad

[hortusa]

I was wondering from the people that don't have partners and the people that do. Good, Bad? what do you guys think

[awm]

My guess is probably doesnt work more than it
does work.

[KindGardener]

I'm getting married at the end of March... is that what you're talking about?

Seriously, though. I think a business partnership would be WAY too difficult, in most cases. Having said that, I am working with a buddy on landscape installation jobs as a "partner". So far, so good. We're fairly like-minded when it comes to money, working hard, doing more rather than the minumum... etc. I guess it just all depends on the partners.

[Nathan]

Me and my partner work together extremely well. We actually worked together at a larger operation and respected each other from the start for one anothers work ethic, love of the industry and business smarts. We were not freinds before this, which I beleive made it easier to be much more objective about our decision. I think the best thing about our relationship is that each of us has strengths and weaknesses which we use to our advantage. I graduated with a business degree and feel comfortable doing all of the financial/bidding work. He is a great people person and loves to connect with the customers as well as take calls/keep people happy. Although we know that we could probably make a little more money on our own, it would be much more work for each of us and a hell of a lot more boring out there by ourself each day.

[Randy Scott]

We just had a discussion on this not too long ago, do a search and you should come up with plenty of opinions on this topic. The consensus was mostly against them but each situation is different and you have to apply accordindly, good luck.


Randy

[mdb landscaping]

i think id be way too picky to have a partner. if its not done right, and done my way, id flip out

[65hoss]

I've been approached by friends wanting to partner up. If I was in their shoes I would want to partner with me also. If you have no accounts and not much money, why not use my hard fought blood, sweat, tears, and time to come in and start off making decent money. Well, no thanks. I will work with them on some things and help them out if I can, but why should I split what I have created?

[VLM]

There is no way in the world I could ever have a partner. I am a total control freak and it would never work. There are lots of people who it does work for though, I have seen it. For some people it may even mean the difference between success and failure. You have to decide which type of person you are or just find out the hard way. My guess is, if you are like me, you will definitely know it.

[jay]

Like you heard in these posts it works for some and others no way. It really depends on what type of person you are and your realationship with your partner. If you get a partner just remember youll never agree on everything, so try to work out as much as you can before you start and be ready to split your profits, this makes for that many more accounts youll need to aquire.

Good luck

[Fantasy Lawns]

I have a partner ....and BOTH have to bring something to the plate that the other lacks or is weak in ......have to be open to what was just said above as you will NOT get YOUR way all the time ....but a second opinion in any situation must be discussed together and respect of the others opinion must not be take personal.....

I'm luck my partner & I have alot in common and our friendship comes FIRST ...... as we were friends for years before this .....but I've seen about 8 out of 10 partnerships split

[bob]

I'd have to say no to this. I've seen many friends who were partners, become enemies. One will work harder than the other or virsa-versa. But the pay will be split the same. To keep the friendship I'd recommend separate businesses.

[GREG R]

I once had a partner, for about 1 and half years.
We both had the same vision in the beginning but people
change. I bought him out. and it has been great ever since.
I had a 9 yr corp job hated every minute of it because
someone else telling me what to do and how to do..
partnering with someone is the same thing, there will always be some kind of give and take..not for me
just my situation

[cleancut]

Partners....BAD IDEA!!!!!Just think, you'll have to split all the money...Also, there's all types of decisions to make in this business and you're not always going to agree..I had a cousin want to partner with me when I first started..I'm glad I didn't...I would probably have the same amount of business that I have now, but would only be making half of what I'm making by myself...If you can make it on your own, you'll be much better off..Derrick

[Mowman]

I don't think so. If you have a partner you have to split all your profits. What if they only WORK when they want to? Then what do you do? Good way to ruin a friendship. I know a few that have went BELLY UP just for this reason. I myself like working alone. I only take on enough to keep me busy. Just my opinion.
Mowman

[HOMER]

Been there done that. If you would marry the person your going to partner up with then do it, if not stay away from it. Divorcing a spouse would be no different then getting out of a bad partnership. If you need help hire it or find a friend in the biz and work together on the bigger projects. You can always use him as a sub-contractor and 1099 him.

[russman]

I started the business with a partner It lasted about 3 months. We would be doing a lawn and he would have to leave, or never show up. Told me he was going to do alot of things he never did. He used me for alot of things and excuses. We split the business and he kept up his part for about one more year. I'm going on year 11 now.
P.S. Have you ever seen the movie Drowning Mona?

[bobbygedd]

NO WAY, NEVER AGAIN. found out one thing, there is one person i can trust, me!