What is a good way to find a business partner?

You might consider what you want to offer that person. Is the site designed or are you also looking for someone to do that? You probably have a business plan or other description of the market and how you are going after it. Best wishes!

David, you have several very good questions going on here, and they will ideally be addressed within the context of your business plan.

If you are speaking of e-learning then my absolute best suggestion would be to get in touch with Stephen Johnson, owner of Media Managers (www.mediamanagers.net). He has the expertise and experience to answer your questions and probably offer suggestions you may not have thought of.

We have worked on some of Stephen's projects in the past and found him to be very approachable, honest and professional.

Good luck with your venture!

David-

I have two businesses (www.savvysolutionsorganizing.com and www.aredbench.com) and A Red Bench is a partnership. I love having a partner as it makes the work so much more exciting, easier and enjoyable. We get so much done and when someone is stuck or unmotivated, you have the other person to pull you out of your funk. My advice is to look for someone who has the skills you don't have so you are bringing more to the table. Think about who will do what tasks from day one to avoid duplication and get more of the rights things done. I would also think about your exit strategy; what happens if it doesn't work out. And finally, think about personality styles and who works best with your personality. I talk to my partner more than almost anyone else - you have to like this person and want to work with you. And finally, go with your gut. If you gut is saying no, don't do it. I have had this happen with employees and anytime I don't listen to my gut, it backfires.

Best of luck to you! Christa

David, I do not have an answer for your good question. Although, I do have an excellent book to recommend, on business partnering, called Let's Go Into Business Together - http://www.amazon.com/Lets-into-Business-Azriela-Jaffe/dp/038079862X . While many books address the legal aspects of this, few address the human aspects in any good way.

Chris

David, Christa and Chris offer good suggestions. I'd only add that once you find the right fit in a partner, go one step further. Create a charter.

Different than a partnership agreement, which you definitely want, a charter helps you and your partner be clear about individual responsibilities and overlap, decision-making, conflict resolution and possible exits. In the rush and excitement of launching, it's easy to push these matters aside, but I caution against it, especially if you expect your company to grow fast.

You might consider sitting down with a business mediator to iron this bit out. Good luck.