Many questions hang over the entrepreneur in any business stage. It may be the time to start the journey or already with the business in operation.

Have or have not partners? Which profile? How to choose? Somebody better I already know, my trust? Or rather a stranger? Why do I need a partner? What are the advantages? Disadvantages? What is the best time? What is the purpose of the incoming partner?

"Tipsters" abound this time, after all, do not have to look far to find stories of broken friendships by a company that went wrong. Or even worse, families destroyed for the same reason, and to make matters worse, because even a certain "malaise climate" in the Christmas holidays or birthdays.

Many even compare society with a wedding. Marriage are affective and emotional ties between two people ... not society! The affective bond can even exist, but with the business and its purpose! However, I admit that many of the relationships between partners appear even with a wedding! Especially at the time of divorce or corporate break.

I've heard phrases like "it is better to have 50% of a successful business to have 100% of a failed business."

Anyway, opinions abound.

Having or not having partners depends on several factors. There is no single answer. And not a recipe or set formula. And that's good!

You may want a partner to leverage or expand the business. To share expenses and liabilities.

To leave the corporate world ...

The important thing is to avoid the pitfalls that are naturally created by the excitement of starting something together and then can become a big nightmare.

I see entrepreneurs who would not like to have a partner, but for financial reasons end up "giving up", only artificially. Basically, think that when things "take off" may be "rid of the other part" buying their quotas or something.

And from that thought, do not evaluate (or ignore) the other aspects relevant to the success of the company, such as assessing the real objectives of the other party involved.

In fact, I know many cases of failed societies, but fortunately I know many cases of lasting societies with entrepreneurs working together for decades.

Some were already friends before starting the business, others became great friends along this journey.

Important to be aware that there are different types of partners. I will not characterize all, I'll just illustrate some as the most emblematic one partner does not want to work in business and just want to contribute money / resources. This type of search partner financial returns, either through distribution or profit aims to sell its shares in the future.

It has the partner who brings relationship. Opens doors, creates business opportunities. Often "borrows" its prestige and its name / reputation to the business.

There is also one partner who will Work in the business, help in the operation, take care of a specific area.

That is, it will be directly involved in the day-to-day.

In the examples cited it is easy to identify the goals of the other and see if they are compatible with yours. The problem is that often the goals are not as clear, such as the one partner who brings money into the business, but in fact seeks to create a professional activity for a son-in-law, brother or other close relative who in turn will work in the company. Escape the trap, unless you are absolutely sure that the professional skills of the person will contribute to the business.