Picking the right business partner is only half the battle.
Going into business with someone is exciting. You’ve got a shared vision, big plans, and maybe even a celebratory dinner lined up. But before you start clinking glasses, take a moment to think: If things go sideways, do you have a plan?
Business partnerships, like marriages, start with high hopes—but they don’t always end that way. One day, you and your partner are in sync, growing your company together. The next, you’re locked in a standoff over missed payments, uneven workloads, or clashing priorities. And without the right protections in place, a messy partnership breakup can cost you more than just stress—it can cost you your business.
A strong business partnership isn’t built on trust alone—it’s built on clear agreements, accountability, and a plan for when disagreements inevitably happen. Here’s how to safeguard yourself while still maintaining a strong, functional relationship with your business partner.
Contents |
Set the Ground Rules Before You Start |
Make Expectations (and Consequences) Crystal Clear |
Have the Right Support System in Place |
Plan for the Worst—Without Sabotaging the Partnership |
Set the Ground Rules Before You Start
Think of a partnership agreement as the blueprint for your business relationship—it’s what keeps everything running smoothly and prevents misunderstandings from turning into full-blown disputes. A good agreement prevents future arguments by spelling out:
- Each partner’s role and responsibilities. Who does what? What are they expected to handle on a daily basis?
- Time commitments. Are both partners putting in the same number of hours? If one works 40 hours a week while the other clocks in for 15, resentment is bound to build.
- Compensation structure. Is everyone getting paid the same salary? Do guaranteed payments apply for contractors, or will profits be distributed based on workload?
- Decision-making power. What happens if you and your partner can’t agree on something? Is there a tie-breaking vote, mediation, or arbitration process?
- An exit strategy. If one partner wants to leave, how will their share of the business be handled? What happens if someone suddenly stops contributing?
Without a clear contract, you’re relying on verbal agreements and good intentions—two things that won’t hold up when tensions rise.
🤝 Hint: If you're an LLC, your Operating Agreement should probably include all of this. |
Make Expectations (and Consequences) Crystal Clear
Setting expectations is one thing—making sure they’re enforced is another. Your agreement should include performance expectations and accountability measures to avoid one partner slacking while the other carries the weight.
Example scenario:
Bill and Sally start a business together and agree to put in 40 hours a week each. A few months in, Sally notices Bill is spending a little too much time at the golf course, and his tasks (like paying vendors) are falling behind.
How could Bill and Sally have thought ahead? Their partnership agreement should have included:
- A clear expectation of hours worked per week. (Maybe Bill needs to clock in/out or track billable hours.)
- A financial penalty for missed obligations. (Late vendor payments cost the business money—so should Bill’s negligence.)
- Regular performance reviews. (An agreed-upon time to assess workloads and address any issues before resentment builds.)
By setting up these safeguards early, you’re not just protecting yourself—you’re keeping the partnership fair, balanced, and healthy.
Have the Right Support System in Place
Even the strongest partnerships hit bumps in the road. Having external resources in your corner ensures small issues don’t turn into catastrophic conflicts.
- Business Attorney: Helps draft your partnership agreement and resolve disputes legally if necessary.
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA): Keeps your finances in check, ensures tax compliance, and helps create a fair compensation structure.
- Partnership Management Software: Tools like Trello, Asana, or Slack can help keep track of tasks and responsibilities.
- Legal & Business Advisors: A third-party expert can provide guidance when making major decisions.
Think of these resources as the safety net that keeps you from free-falling into financial chaos if something goes wrong.
Plan for the Worst—Without Sabotaging the Partnership
Let’s be real—no one goes into a business partnership expecting it to implode, but plenty of partnerships do. The best way to keep your relationship intact is to prepare for the worst before problems arise.
Here’s how you can safeguard your business without making your partner feel like you don’t trust them:
- Communicate openly and regularly. Schedule time to discuss challenges, progress, and any concerns before they escalate.
- Consider "partnership counseling." Yes, business therapy is a thing! If tensions rise, bringing in a neutral third party can help keep things professional and productive.
- Foster a culture of transparency. Keep financials open and accessible to both partners to prevent any suspicion or misunderstandings.
At the end of the day, partnerships don’t fail because of one bad moment—they fail because of a series of unresolved issues. Catch them early, and your business (and your friendship) will be much better off.
The bottom line
Starting a business with someone you trust can be an exciting opportunity, but without the right safeguards, it can also be a financial disaster waiting to happen.
- Draft a detailed partnership agreement to avoid miscommunication.
- Set clear expectations and consequences so accountability is built-in.
- Use external resources like lawyers, CPAs, and business tools to keep things running smoothly.
- Communicate early and often to avoid small frustrations turning into big conflicts.
And remember—business partnerships are a lot like marriages. If you mix money with family or friends, be prepared for some rocky moments. But with the right planning, you can build a partnership that thrives without ruining relationships along the way.
If you're entering a business partnership, don’t leave anything to chance. Get expert guidance on structuring your partnership agreement—schedule a consultation with DiMercurio Advisors today.