Building a small business can be time-consuming and stressful. There is one way of building a small business that I love but that I found 99% of business owners do not like and basically see as a taboo way of starting a new venture. Today I want to talk a little more about this supposedly taboo way of building a small business, partnerships. Maybe it will open your eyes to some major opportunities and how to best manage this way of building a small business. I love partnerships. I get an extra pair of hands to help, someone to bounce ideas off and someone to share the risk with me. I love it. #1. Communicate like you are dating Sometimes I think I communicate better with business partners than I do with my wife (Please don’t tell her). Like any relationship, you have to talk, openly. If you struggle with this, then make sure as business partners you have group coaching sessions every 1 or 2 weeks. Let someone help you facilitate this. #.2 See where passions match NOBODY will match what you are passionate about, not even your partner at home. If we accept that at home, then why not at work? See where your passions match and where it compliments each other. This creates respect and helps in defining roles within the company. #3. Draw up proper divorce papers Sit down with a commercial lawyer and make sure you have a proper shareholder agreement in place. Not simply stating, you have 50% and I have 50%. What happens if you die? Will your wife sit on the board then? Or maybe your aunt? Discuss this and get the paperwork done. It will also prepare you if you are going to look for funding because you will not get funding without a proper shareholder agreement in place.