Do You Really Need A Business Partner… Or A Study Group?: Kitces & Carl Ep 149
Oct 17, 2024
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The discussion highlights why friendships in the industry can be more beneficial than formal partnerships. It emphasizes emotional hurdles when starting a practice and suggests alternatives like fractional services. The speakers explore the psychological barriers faced by entrepreneurs and the importance of a shared vision in collaborations. The podcast also introduces the concept of study groups as effective support systems, allowing for growth without the complexities of traditional partnerships.
Having friends in the trenches provides valuable support during the business launch, often more than a formal partnership can offer.
It's essential to evaluate your true motivations for seeking partnerships, as alternatives like study groups may better address your needs.
Deep dives
The Value of Partnerships
Business partnerships can be beneficial but should stem from a shared vision rather than just practical needs. Many advisors consider partnerships primarily to share costs, enhance perceived size, or alleviate the daunting nature of launching a business alone. However, it's crucial to assess whether these motivations are sufficient to warrant the complexities a partnership brings. True partnerships thrive when there is a mutual goal of creating something greater together, which differs vastly from simply combining resources to run parallel practices.
Understanding What You Are Solving For
When considering business partnerships, it’s important to articulate the specific problems you aim to address. Often, the question 'What are you solving for?' reveals that fear of starting alone drives the desire for a partner rather than a genuine need for shared responsibilities. Understanding this can lead to alternative solutions like forming study groups or seeking mentorship, which provide support without the entanglements of partnership equity. Recognizing your true motivations can help uncover various paths to solution that are less dependent on merging business operations.
Exploring Alternatives to Partnerships
Advisors should consider various options instead of rushing into a business partnership to alleviate the feeling of loneliness or the fear of failure. Solutions include joining peer study groups with others in similar stages of their careers, where shared experiences can offer comfort and guidance. Effective support systems can be established without relinquishing equity or creating potential conflicts down the line. Ultimately, leveraging community resources and fractional services can fulfill the desired companionship and collaboration during the launch process.
In our 149th episode of Kitces & Carl, Michael Kitces and client communication expert Carl Richards discuss why having friends in the trenches with you as you launch your own firm might be more valuable than having a business partner.