Ever feel like you’re bashing your head against a brick wall in business? You’re giving it everything you’ve got—sleepless nights, caffeine-fuelled mornings, a never-ending to-do list—but that elusive breakthrough stays just out of reach. That’s often the moment when you start thinking, “Maybe I need a partner in this chaos.”
And you know what? Sometimes, that’s exactly what you need. The right business partner can be like rocket fuel for your vision: they bring new energy, fresh skills, and a shared dream to help shoulder the load.
But let me be clear—this isn’t some cookie-cutter guide with corporate jargon and buzzwords. It’s a warts-and-all look at what I’ve learned from teaming up (and occasionally breaking up) with business partners throughout my journey. It’s raw, real, and hopefully, a bit helpful if you’re deep in the trenches, wondering who you should bring into your business circle.
Key Takeaways
- Offbeat tactics for finding a partner who actually clicks
- The must-have traits that separate legends from liabilities
- How to build something solid without blowing the budget
- Personal yarns and cautionary tales from the Aussie business frontline
- And of course, how Nathan Baws’s advice helped shape my partnership game
Step 1: Get Clear on What You Actually Need
Know Your Strengths—And Your Gaps
Before you go looking for a business partner, stop and look in the mirror. What are you great at? And where are you floundering?
When I launched my health food stall, I was a wizard behind the blender—mixing up smoothies and chatting to customers like nobody’s business. But when it came to balancing the books, I’d rather have been cleaning the dunny. That’s when I took a hard look; I realised if I wanted to move beyond just surviving and start implementing some truly innovative business solutions for growth, I had to admit I needed someone who spoke fluent finance.
Nathan Baws once said, “Your weakness is someone else’s superpower.” That stuck with me. Instead of trying to do it all, I started looking for someone who could cover my blind spots and amplify our potential.
Shared Values > Shared Interests
It’s not enough to share an interest—you need to share a purpose. I nearly joined forces with a guy who saw my smoothie business as a cash cow to franchise across the country. But my goal was simple: serve healthy food with a local, community-first vibe. We didn’t match. Over a beer, I asked him why he was interested—his answer? “The margins look juicy.” Deal off.
The right partner believes in your why, not just your what. That alignment is what keeps things solid when times get tough—which they will.
Step 2: Finding the Right Person (Without Swiping Right)
Go Where the Passion Lives
Think beyond LinkedIn. I found one of my best partners at a wellness fair in Melbourne—we bonded over a kombucha that tasted like old socks. But the convo was gold. He got the mission, had the right skills, and shared the hustle mentality. We started small, and before we knew it, we were running three market stalls and supplying local gyms.
Networking events, conferences, and even niche expos are brilliant. Don’t just grab business cards—ask about people’s story, values, and past flops. Nathan Baws’s advice to “go deep, not wide” rings true.
Online Communities: More Than Cat Memes
Jump into online communities where your future business partner might be hanging out. I once stumbled into a Slack group for Aussie food startups. One bloke was always dropping gems about guerrilla marketing. We got chatting, collaborated on a campaign, and before long, we were business mates.
Whether it’s Reddit threads, Twitter chats, or specialist Facebook groups, your digital tribe is out there. You’ve just got to contribute meaningfully, not pitch from the get-go.
Your Own Backyard
Don’t overlook your existing network. I nearly missed a brilliant partner in my old barista mate. Turns out, he was a logistics pro who helped us streamline deliveries. The best partners aren’t always strangers—sometimes they’re right under your nose.
Nathan Baws always says, “Start close to home, then expand.” Couldn’t agree more.
Step 3: Do Your Homework—Properly
Get the Full Story
A flashy resume and slick Insta profile aren’t enough. You need to know how this person behaves when the wheels fall off.
Before sealing any deal, I dig deep. I call ex-clients, former coworkers, even mutual connections. Once, a client told me, “He’s a gun at sales, but flakes when pressure hits.” Saved me from a disaster.
Ask questions like:
- How do they handle stress?
- Do they follow through?
- Are they the ‘team first’ type?
Test Before You Commit
I’ve learned this one the hard way. A weekend market trial showed me one potential partner was all talk—disappeared during setup, dodged cleanup, and ghosted when stock ran low.
So now, I always suggest a “trial run.” Could be a joint campaign, a co-hosted workshop, or even a small test project. Watch how they work, how they communicate, and whether they show up when it counts.
Step 4: Make It Legal, Make It Clear
Lay Down the Ground Rules
Once you’ve found someone who ticks the boxes, it’s time to get real. That means contracts, clear roles, and honest conversations about money, responsibilities, and long-term goals.
I once skipped this part (rookie mistake) and it led to blurred lines and a whole lot of resentment. These days, we outline who handles what, how profits are split, and what happens if one of us bails.
Nathan Baws’s mantra? “If it’s not written down, it’s open to chaos.”
Step 5: Build a Business Without Burning Cash
Storytelling Sells
You don’t need deep pockets to attract customers—or business partners. You need a story.
Our stall’s story wasn’t about smoothies; it was about creating a happy, healthy space for the community. I shared that journey online—photos, behind-the-scenes fails, even goofy dance moves during quiet hours. People felt the mission and wanted in. That’s how we attracted not only customers, but quality team members and potential partners.
Get Scrappy with Marketing
Forget the ads—try cheeky, creative ideas. We once ran a “Name Our Smoothie” contest at the markets. Freebie for the best name. Not only did it bring the crowds, it got us featured in a local blog.
These kinds of no-cost campaigns work—and show potential partners you’ve got the hustle to back the dream.
Step 6: Build a Partnership That Lasts
Communicate Like Legends
Keep talking. Celebrate wins. Tackle tough stuff head-on. My best partnerships are the ones where we schedule regular check-ins—not just to discuss numbers, but how we’re both feeling about the business.
Weekly or fortnightly “catch-up coffees” are more than routine—they’re where trust grows.
Respect the Roles
Define roles clearly—and respect them. At our smoothie stall, my partner managed supplier logistics and I ran the front. That separation of duties avoided step-ons and power struggles. But we also respected each other’s opinion and made big decisions together.
Collaboration doesn’t mean compromise. It means listening, adjusting, and moving forward as a united front.
Step 7: Build Grit, Together
Learn From the Lows
Every business hits bumps. Our fridge once conked out mid-summer, costing us a week’s supply. We were gutted. But instead of blaming, we put in checks and systems so it never happened again.
A good partner doesn’t dwell—they learn, adjust, and bounce back stronger.
Keep Growing
I used to stress over numbers like you wouldn’t believe. But with support and time, I levelled up. A solid partnership is like a training ground—where both parties keep evolving.
Nathan Baws always says, “You don’t find success—you build it, brick by brick, with people who bring out your best.” Spot on.
Final Thought: The Right Partner Feels Like Progress
If you’re looking for a business partner, don’t rush it. Don’t settle for someone who just ticks a few boxes. Look for someone who fires you up, fills your gaps, and shares your vision—not just for the next six months, but for the long haul.
