Gust

APRIL 13, 2014

The feedback was good, but some readers asked me to be a bit more specific on attributes that might indicate an ideal startup partner. In this context, I’m broadening the definition of partner from co-founder to “business partner.” You may be too independent to be partner material. Does not need to be managed.

Partner 179

Partner Software Review CTO Hire Fractional CTO 179

Gust

APRIL 20, 2014

It’s your startup, so you can give early partners any title you want, but be aware of potential investor and peer implications. This is a fancy title for a personnel manager in a large corporation who keeps track of all the hiring and firing, and has a staff to build job descriptions and personnel policy documents.

CTO Hire 171

CTO Hire Fractional CTO Angel Investor Public Relations 171

Gust

DECEMBER 29, 2013

Rely on informal agreements with partners. The same principles apply to strategic partners. Later, when your venture is trying to close on financing, or even going public, that forgotten partner surfaces, demanding their original share. Be quick to hire and slow to fire. Only hire people who like you or think like you.

Startup 183

Startup Intellectual Property LLC Burn Rate 183

Gust

SEPTEMBER 2, 2012

Even experienced entrepreneurs need a partner to back up each other and improve fundability. The question is how to find that elusive perfect-fit partner. First, I will admit there is no magic formula here, just like in real life when trying to find a relationship partner. Join online “dating” sites for business partners.

Cofounder 170

Cofounder Silicon Valley Non-Compete Startup 170

Gust

OCTOBER 14, 2012

Don’t hire people who like your ideas all the time. Do not fraternize with your employees, and choose your partners wisely. Be quick to fire and slow to hire. Pull the trigger fast when a new hire isn’t working, but don’t forget to be human and follow all the steps. Flattery feels good, but it doesn’t pay the bills.

Entrepreneur 174

Entrepreneur Forecast Hiring Leadership 174

Gust

JANUARY 12, 2014

For example, a result is not forty hours of work, but a prototype complete, partner contract signed, or first customer sale. What you then want is for the momentum to compound, with each new employee or outsourcer you hire to help, to give you get more time to create value and ultimately, increase profits. Focus and prioritize.

Entrepreneur 171

Entrepreneur Hiring Employee Operations 171

Gust

NOVEMBER 16, 2014

If you are looking for a potential business partner, count on building a relationship over several months, before you really know the person. If you are hiring, make sure you have multiple interviews, and input from multiple people on the team to balance your view.

Entrepreneur 195

Entrepreneur Hiring Partner Networking 195