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What is the best thing to do in this situation?

by nlef327
11 replies
So....I just started my little startup and hired a local college guy to help me spread out the words by handing out brochures in public places...

He knows my company is a one-person company and realizes the potential of my business. He keep showing interests and bringing up if I could make him my business partner. I don't plan to bring him on board. I only need his help when I need it.

How do I politely reject his requests? Thanks in advance
#situation #thing
  • Profile picture of the author Fernando Veloso
    Not sure why you can't make him your business partner for some time/for some objectives, etc etc, but you run your show, not me.

    My business had a big push thanks to localized partnerships and quite often I create new ones.

    BUT if you really want to reject his proposals, better tell him the truth asap.

    Nothing worse then a bad "business" relationship.
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    • Profile picture of the author nlef327
      Originally Posted by Fernando Veloso View Post

      Not sure why you can't make him your business partner for some time/for some objectives, etc etc, but you run your show, not me.

      My business had a big push thanks to localized partnerships and quite often I create new ones.

      BUT if you really want to reject his proposals, better tell him the truth asap.

      Nothing worse then a bad "business" relationship.

      Fernando, thanks for replying. Maybe I'm not too clear in my postings. First of all, I have no problem partnering with local businesses that can bring something to the table. I'm all for it..

      But this guy is a local college guy who I hired to hand out brochures. In other words, he doesn't have anything to bring to the table.

      He doesn't blatantly ask, hey man, I want to join. But he always does me a favor like...hey man..I do this for you..hey man let me do that for you...

      I KNOW he does this so I could bring him on board
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      • Profile picture of the author Sooner
        Just tell him that at this time, you're focused on getting the business up and running, NOT on partnering with anyone.

        If in the future, you have a change of mind, then YOU will let him know.

        Good luck in your start up!
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        William Noel
        www.SocialMarketingInc.com

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  • Profile picture of the author freudianslip27
    It sounds like you are just starting this yourself. I wouldn't suggest partnering up unless you know he can bring a lot to the table. If he continues to be a problem, find someone else. It's not fun being blunt like that, but this is your baby. If you want it to be successful you need to keep your eyes set on your own goals.

    Matt
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    • Profile picture of the author Pete Egeler
      It sounds to me like you're scared of him! Think about what you've said.

      "But this guy is a local college guy who I hired to hand out brochures. In other words, he doesn't have anything to bring to the table.

      He doesn't blatantly ask, hey man, I want to join. But he always does me a favor like...hey man..I do this for you..hey man let me do that for you..."

      Did it ever occur to you that perhaps this is an eager young man that can see what possibilities lie ahead in your type of business, and would like to LEARN from you?

      Have you bothered to take the time to listen to him? Have you actually asked him what he's interested in, and/or what HE could bring to your business that would be of benefit to both of you?

      Don't let the fact that he's "just a college kid" define his abilities to learn and contribute. And, to be honest you don't KNOW if he has anything to bring to the table do you?

      Pete
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      • Profile picture of the author nlef327
        Originally Posted by Pete Egeler View Post

        It sounds to me like you're scared of him! Think about what you've said.

        "But this guy is a local college guy who I hired to hand out brochures. In other words, he doesn't have anything to bring to the table.

        He doesn't blatantly ask, hey man, I want to join. But he always does me a favor like...hey man..I do this for you..hey man let me do that for you..."

        Did it ever occur to you that perhaps this is an eager young man that can see what possibilities lie ahead in your type of business, and would like to LEARN from you?

        Have you bothered to take the time to listen to him? Have you actually asked him what he's interested in, and/or what HE could bring to your business that would be of benefit to both of you?

        Don't let the fact that he's "just a college kid" define his abilities to learn and contribute. And, to be honest you don't KNOW if he has anything to bring to the table do you?

        Pete
        Pete, you did bring a good point. Thanks for opening up the other side of the door. That has been my biggest flaw
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  • Profile picture of the author NickP
    Pete does make a good point about being eager. Personally I would pay him some sort of commission / rev share on the business he generates. Give him a unique code or phone number, something to track that a sale came through him. You could also give him an override if he brings on friends underneath him who do the same.

    You'll get way farther if you give somebody XX% of a sale, versus paying them $xx / hr.

    You could even give it a cool title like territory owner with exclusivity rights based on milestones.
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  • Profile picture of the author MsMotivation1
    I had this same situation before.

    I told him that I was not interested in partnering, but made my commission structure more appealing by offering him a 20% bonus on sales closed from his leads.

    He sent out emails for me and he was really good at that, but I wasn't looking to partner with anyone.

    So he agreed and it worked out.

    If your person doesn't agree to your terms, you'll have to find someone else.
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  • Profile picture of the author ShannonSrseG
    Give him a chance to talk to you about what he can do and what do you think about him. Maybe he does have something to contribute

    Good luck with your new business ~
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    • Profile picture of the author John Callaghan
      It's always worth having the time to have a conversation with him. He may have some great ideas or he may have some really valuable contacts (parents, neighbors, professors, etc)

      Don't confuse partnering with ownership. You could "partner" with him by making him an affiliate and adding a tracking code to the fliers that he's handing out. He essentially becomes a commission only sales rep while you maintain ownership and control of your business.
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      "I am the master of my fate: I am the captain of my soul."
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  • Profile picture of the author vatonyt
    Dude, tell him no, you're not looking for a partner. You can hire any number of other people to hand out fliers if he doesn't want to.
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