I come from a very strong techincal background, but I don't have much in the way of business skills or sales ability. I'm thinking my best bet would be to find a partner who can handle those aspects. I'm looking to start a local high-service host, and one of the things I'd want is to give seminars but I don't think I can do that effectively.

My social circle of friends is a lot like me, more tech skill than charisma, so I don't know where to begin to look for a partner.

Anyone have comments or suggestions or found themselves in a similar situation?

I come from a very strong techincal background, but I don't have much in the way of business skills or sales ability. I'm thinking my best bet would be to find a partner who can handle those aspects. I'm looking to start a local high-service host, and one of the things I'd want is to give seminars but I don't think I can do that effectively.

My social circle of friends is a lot like me, more tech skill than charisma, so I don't know where to begin to look for a partner.

Anyone have comments or suggestions or found themselves in a similar situation?what kinda seminars in connection with hosting?

Partnerships are hard, just make very sure to divide the duties evenly. The number 1 problem I think is if the two partners feel each is doing more work than the other.

My social circle of friends is a lot like me, more tech skill than charisma, so I don't know where to begin to look for a partner.


If you want a sales partner anywhere, then WHT is a great place to begin for your search. Other internet related forums, or posting classified ads in your local business papers and magazines would help to. Another option would be to visit local networking meetings - but the catch here is that you still have to somewhat sell yourself. Just be very careful in picking the right person. Partnerships require good chemistry and absolute trust.

--Adrian

Why go for a partner? Just hire people who can compensate for your weaknesses. That way you aren't giving up control of your business to anyone.

--Tina

Why go for a partner? Just hire people who can compensate for your weaknesses. That way you aren't giving up control of your business to anyone.

--Tina
:agree: :agree:

I don't think you could find better advice anywhere. Partnerships rarely work out for the benefit of both parties.

If you do proceed with a partnership be certain to work out all of the details ahead of time including what each member will be responsible for. Leave no detail overlooked.

My advice is be very very careful whom you choose to become business partners with.
Its very hard to get rid of them if things don't work out, or to extricate yourself if you just want to leave it behind but get your money out.

I would also suggest consulting a professional to start your corporation/partnership equitably. It took me a *long* time and was a big struggle to get out of the last company I was with, so choose wisely.

Personally, I believe communication is an incredibly large factor in a partnership. Many problems can be avoided by just not being afraid to speak up....Next to that...be reasonable, choose a partner that has the same goals as yourself. :)

Why go for a partner? Just hire people who can compensate for your weaknesses. That way you aren't giving up control of your business to anyone.

--Tina

I thought about hiring an employee, but I want to keep start up costs under $2000, so paying an employee will eat that way too fast. Maybe I can hire a contract presentation giver for the seminars themselves, but that will be pretty pricy too.

what kinda seminars in connection with hosting?


Basically, a sales seminar/show web newbies how to create a site (using my hosting).

Personally, I believe communication is an incredibly large factor in a partnership. Many problems can be avoided by just not being afraid to speak up.I completely agree. Communication and compromise are keys to a lasting partnership. It doesn't hurt to have a sense of humor that is common between the partners or being able to adapt to a different humor -- it goes back to the communication. A business partnership can work out, but it'll have it's ups and downs. Expect "fights" of what is best to do.

My advice, for what its worth, is to stay away from partnerships. I started with a partner. While it was nice to have someone to help, after some time, different visions come into play and so do different work ethics. My ex-partner had a different goal for the company after it started and he worked only on pursuing that goal. Which left me doing all the work for the current company clients. I ended up having to buy his share of the company, which was originally mine in the first place. A lesson learned I guess. If you are going to get a partner, choose wisely.

As for you 'lack of charisma', work on it. When I first began I was shy and felt insecure about talking to groups or even large clients. After some practice and a few sales failures I got the hang of it. I wish you the best of luck.

Joe