When people build start ups or any new venture they always think they need to build of people with the perfect skills. From experience however, the business partners you choose can have a massive negative or positive impact on how far you get. You could find the most capable humans on earth, and they’ll turn into complete dicks when the chips fall down:
- The mate you’ve had for 20 years is unlikely to do that to you.
- Part of the challenge of any dream, is finding people that share it with you.
- Doing anything new is hard. If you’re going to go to war with someone you may as well pick a mate.
Here’s an idea. When choosing a partner, perhaps don’t just look for someone perfect. Pick someone loyal instead.
What is going to be more efficient? Investing in someone that doesn’t have all the skills but will work tirelessly to execute? Or someone that has all the skills that isn’t committed?
Here’s how you could think about it:
- Take stock of the relationships you have?
- Take inventory of your current network: friends, family, colleagues, mentors, even casual acquaintances.
- Who can offer support, knowledge, or introductions that align with your ambitions?
- This isn’t about who you can USE. Its actually the opposite - Who do you think would be appreciative of the benefits if they committed?
- You can then clarify the goals:
- Reflect on your objectives, short term and long term.
- Then think about who could help you.
- Not only that, think about how you could help them.
- Many times, this process unlocks opportunities for them and not you; and that’s ok. By being a connector, you never know when the benefit flows back.
Conclusion
In building any venture, you may want to consider prioritising loyalty over perfect skills and hire gun talent later.
Choose a partner who shares your vision and will stand with you when challenges arise.
Your most valuable allies are often people already in your network, rather than credentialled people that will stab you in the back at the first juncture.
By fostering genuine connections based on mutual benefit, you create a foundation for success that's both effective and enjoyable.
After all, the journey is more rewarding when you're winning together with people you trust and respect.