Simple Plan to Find a Business Partner

by Rishi Shah on February 26, 2013

Steve Jobs and Woz

Here is a simple plan that can help you find a technical business partner.

3 Fundamental Principles You Must Know First

  1. Come to terms with the fact that no one wants to work for your idea
  2. Understand that everyone you talk to is in love with their own ideas
  3. Embrace the concept of helping others and don’t expect anything in return

Now, Follow this Plan

  1. Meet some technical people that are working on their own side projects. These types of people are everywhere. Your current job, online, at hackathons, conferences, etc.
  2. Tell them you want to help them get their first 20 customers
  3. Get their side project some customers! Feel free to use some of the marketing tactics you have learned on this blog
  4. Once you get their side project some customers they will have tremendous respect for you. You have just done something they have been struggling with… turning their side project into a real business with customers!

This is a simple plan to help you find ambitious people to work with.

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{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }

Troy March 5, 2013 at 9:30 PM

Hey Rishi,

This is a really great blog post for people that want to find people to work with – what about the other way around? I’m a technical person looking to find someone that can help me sell my product.

Thanks in advance!
Troy

PS Love your blog, long time subscriber (lurker)

Reply

Rishi Shah March 5, 2013 at 9:33 PM

Hey Troy,

Thanks for being a long time subscriber :)

I think the plan applies to you too! Do you know any really good sales people struggling with their business?… For example they are really good at selling their product but it kinda sucks on a technical level?

Rishi

Reply

Troy March 5, 2013 at 9:34 PM

Thanks for the reply Rishi!

Yes, I do know a few people. But, I’m really only excited about working on my idea – that is why I quit my job.

Reply

Rishi Shah March 5, 2013 at 9:36 PM

hmmm… I totally understand.

I would recommend asking the sales focused people you had in mind if they would be interested in working with you. Most sales people are opportunity hungry. First ask for their advice on how to sell your product better. Then ask them if they would be interested in a generous commission package. If things go well and you are both making money… consider doing a partnership.

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