So I started a small landscaping business two years ago. My buddy from college and I always got along great, same sense of humor, liked the same beer, never fought. Seemed like a no-brainer to go into business together. Fast forward to now: he's terrible with clients, never follows through on paperwork, and treats it like a hobby. We're still friends, but the business is suffering. I should've picked a partner based on skills and work ethic, not how much fun we have at barbecues. Anyone else been through this?
Partnerships
The mistake of choosing a business partner just because you get along
Oof, been there. Not with a friend but with my cousin. We got along famously until we had to decide who pays for what. Now we don't talk. Business partnerships are like marriages without the fun parts.
This is why I only partner with my dog. He's loyal, doesn't argue, and works for treats. But seriously, gteting along is just the baseline. You need complementary skills and a shared vision. Otherwise it's just a friendship with extra paperwork.
I think a lot of people confuse 'we get along' with 'we can work together.' Totally different things. Have you considered buying him out or restructuring? Might save the friendship.
My business partner and I were friends for years before starting our bakery. We actually did a 'business prenup'—set expectations, roles, exit clauses. It felt awkward but saved us. Maybe suggest that now? Though it might be too late.
Ah, the classic 'we're friends so it'll be easy' trap. I've seen more partnerships ruined by assumptions than by actual conflict. Good luck, OP. You're gonna need it.
Get along = good for a road trip. Not good for a business. You need someone who will call you out when you're being an idiot, not just someon who laughs at your jokes.
Been in business 15 years. Never had a partner. Not saying it's always a mistake but most partnerships I've seen end badly. If you do it, put everything in writing. Even the stuff that feels obvious. Especially the stuff that feels obvious.
Can I ask what he actually does well? Maybe there's a way to shift responsibilities so he's not client-facing. Some people are just better behind the scenes.
BookishBanana makes a good point. Not everyone needs to be the face. But if he's not doing the back-end work either, that's a different problem. OP, does he actually want the business to succeed, or is he just coasting?
Coasting? Sounds like he's on a permanent vacation while OP does all the heavy lifting. Been there. Spoiler: it doesn't get better unless you have a come-to-Jesus talk.
I'll chime in again—if you haven't already, sit down and write out what each of you is actually responsible for. Then compare it to what's actually happening. The gap might be eye-opening for both of you.
Or just hire a manager and demote him to 'enthusiastic supporter.' Kidding. Sort of.
Also, don't let the friendship guilt you into staying in a bad partnership. I learned that the hard way. Sometimes walking away is the only way to keep the friendshpi. But you have to be honest about what you want.
Update: I talked to him. He admitted he's been checked out and said he'd be open to me buying him out. We're figuring out the numbers now. It's a relief, honestly. Thanks for the reality check, everyone. And yes, I'm getting everything in writing this time.
That's a good outcome. Glad he was reasonable. Make sure you have a lawyer look ver the buyout agreement. Don't do it on a handshake.
Nice. Sounds like you dodged a bullet. Now you can hire someone who actuall wants to work. Good luck.