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How to find a business partner?

by phpg
21 replies
For quite some time I'm working on a large complex project (I'm a developer / programmer) .
Let's assume the idea is great and it has huge potential. But it's too big for me to do it all alone, and it involves some areas where I'm not competent enough. So I need a partner who can handle certain aspects, mostly business / marketing part.

My question is, where / how ONLINE can I find a really good business partner (or, in "startup" terms, a "co-founder")?

I know about the JV section and probably will post there, I also know that it'd be good to find someone among friends or people I know, but I'm very interested in other possibilities too.

Any suggestions? Thank you very much.
#business #find #partner
  • Profile picture of the author Dan Allard
    LinkedIn is a good option because you can look at their work experience and recommendations.

    I've met people from Twitter and have done small JV type deals with them, nothing big. It takes a while to go from random Twitter follower to friend though.

    I'm sure there are other avenues but I don't know of them. Just be careful when you find someone, I've been screwed over so many times by 'partnership deals'. It's insane how untrustworthy people can be when they can hide behind a computer screen.
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    • Profile picture of the author Andrew Mak
      Originally Posted by Dan Allard View Post

      LinkedIn is a good option because you can look at their work experience and recommendations.

      I've met people from Twitter and have done small JV type deals with them, nothing big. It takes a while to go from random Twitter follower to friend though.

      I'm sure there are other avenues but I don't know of them. Just be careful when you find someone, I've been screwed over so many times by 'partnership deals'. It's insane how untrustworthy people can be when they can hide behind a computer screen.
      I don't really trust a stranger anymore, me too get screwed up so many times (online & offline)
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  • Profile picture of the author Kevin Perry
    Dan has a good point there. Linkedin is a great spot to start.

    Before you go ahead and start searching, I would make a list of your strengths and weaknesses. Whatever you've listed as your weaknesses is the foundation for finding the right partner. That way you compliment each other and can handle most tasks internally.

    Take your time. Don't jump on the first person that contacts you. You're correct that it's better to have a previous relationship with the person prior to bringing them on as a partner.

    Have questions ready to ask them and check their post history or whatever leads you can get to look into their online history. I would also recommend signing an agreement between the partners to outline exactly what's expected and how payments work.

    Good luck in your search!

    Kevin
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    Owner and Operator of 6StarMedia.com - A website design and marketing firm
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  • Profile picture of the author Thomas Michal
    Local college students. I live in an area where there are a TON of colleges and if I need extra work done for cheap I post a job, contract or "internship" on craigslist and pick the best one.

    Just make them sign a non-compete and nondisclosure.
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    • Profile picture of the author phpg
      Originally Posted by Thomas Michal View Post

      Local college students. I live in an area where there are a TON of colleges and if I need extra work done for cheap I post a job, contract or "internship" on craigslist and pick the best one.
      Sorry, perhaps I wasn't clear enough.

      This is not about outsourcing any work, I have no problem with that. I need real business partner, with 50/50 or so equity split etc.
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  • Profile picture of the author Wordfruit
    Hi phpg,

    My post-count isn't high enough to send you a PM. If you PM me your email or Skype, we could have a quick chat...
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  • Profile picture of the author Thomas Michal
    I will do it depending on what you need and the business, PM me.
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  • Profile picture of the author phpg
    Not trying to find someone in this thread, just looking for some ideas where else can I look...
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  • Profile picture of the author Vince Runza Online
    Yeah, LinkedIn is a great place to start. Just remember one thing: it can be relatively easy to get a partner. It can be hellish to get rid of one -- especially if you've run out of places to hide the body!

    Very sincerely,

    Vince Runza
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    "The will to prepare to win is more important than the will to win." -- misquoting Coach Vince Lombardi
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  • Profile picture of the author phpg
    Originally Posted by Vince Runza Online View Post

    Just remember one thing: it can be relatively easy to get a partner. It can be hellish to get rid of one -- especially if you've run out of places to hide the body!
    Where I live, this will never be a problem

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    • Profile picture of the author Peter Hansen
      I would definitely find a specialized forum in the area of your niche depending on your strengths and weakness's

      If you would elaborate here in PM what area you are into I may give you some good ideas.

      You can search on JV for sure but don't forget to search in your niche also.

      I made another post that could be of your interest here:
      http://www.warriorforum.com/main-int...ml#post6138684

      Let me know if I can help you Warrior to Warrior.
      Good luck
      Peter
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  • Profile picture of the author Alessandro Zamboni
    Hi Phpg, I think you can find a good business partner over LinkedIN. On that social network people signup to get JVs or collaborations.

    Thanks and see you soon,
    Alessandro
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  • Profile picture of the author mmrumii
    I also suggest you about Linkedin.
    Because I also found out a business partner and he is with me now.
    And he is a good stuff.
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    Blog about Content Locking and CPA
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  • Profile picture of the author knish
    I think choosing a business partner is part "smarts" and part instincts. You just have to communicate with people, preferably by video chat or in person, and then come up with agreeable terms. If you feel uneasy then it's probably the wrong person.
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  • Profile picture of the author Brent Tracey
    Hello phpg,

    This might sound a bit stupid but the best way to get JV's is not to ask for them. You need to build relationships to marketers you think could probably suit best to your needs. And the rest comes by itself.

    Best regards,

    Nico Koehler
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    • Profile picture of the author ejunkie
      Originally Posted by Nico Koehler View Post

      Hello phpg,

      This might sound a bit stupid but the best way to get JV's is not to ask for them. You need to build relationships to marketers you think could probably suit best to your needs. And the rest comes by itself.

      Best regards,

      Nico Koehler
      Nico, it isn't sounding stupid. In fact that was a smart advice.
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  • Profile picture of the author onegoodman
    I have been trying to find business partner for a while but had no luck.

    There are sites like businesspartner, but I had no luck with them either due to spamming.

    As long as you made it right and official, you are not suppose to have any actual issues with a partner, the only thing is try to select them right
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  • Profile picture of the author antac
    Banned
    If you want a Business partner to find out from internet.
    Then you have to make a friendship with someone first then
    You should talk about the business with him.
    hope it'll help you out.
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  • Profile picture of the author zelgly2
    In my personal experience do not trust strangers. Even friends you very well no might screw things up. So find a partner who is trust worthy and whom you know very well.
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  • Profile picture of the author Pjkem15
    do any of you pay for your linkedin account?
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  • Profile picture of the author Saito
    I am seeing the value of a partner IF they are more than someone to handle the workload because you don't have the money. They would need to EXCEL in areas where I suck. They would need to be able to manage people.

    I just don't have time to train someone how to get results. I have yet to find a partner better at their job in my company than I am. Sounds arrogant, but i think I just need to choose more qualified partners with the potential to grow my company much larger.
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