• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • About
  • Contact
  • Blog
  • San Diego Momma
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
San Diego Momma

San Diego Momma

Sharing some humor, a bit of writing and way too much information

Home / Etcetera / When a Business Partner is Also a Friend: Why it Could Work

When a Business Partner is Also a Friend: Why it Could Work

Etcetera

 

Today, Toots, Booger and I head to Los Angeles to visit my business partner, but we’re not traveling for work. Instead, we’re planning some fun hang-out time because my partner and I are good friends, too. And as we set our social agenda for the week, I reflected back to when Jess and I decided to collaborate on a few projects that became full-blown endeavors and one, a business. It was last year around July when Jess pitched the Two Funny Brains idea to me and I hemmed and hawed and resisted because I’d known too many such ventures fail due to bad personality dynamics, mistrust, and jealousy. In fact, I’d been warned to never start a business with a friend and just had come off the heels of seeing one such something or other blow up, causing much tension and general crapitude.

 

As a result, I was hesitant to bring more possible implosion into my life. I reached out to friends and supporters and asked for their opinions, which ended up mixed and ranged from “DON’T DO IT” to “If you trust each other, it could work.” So I checked my gut and moved forward. Soon enough, we formed our partnership, ordered business cards, took conference calls, and made our first few videos. We were off.

 

Pretty much. I mean, you might know what it’s like to start a new business. Ups and downs. And with a partner? It’s a marriage, it really is. Yet I have to tell you that Jess and I are good. Really excellent. Our issues are aired immediately, we advocate for each other, and creatively enhance the other.

 

To that end, I’ve wanted to write for awhile now about the reasons we work, but I worried it would come across as pedantic and obvious. However, I list the below enabling factors because they helped me lay it out and see in black and white why I made the right decision to join forces with Jess. If you’re thinking of starting something with a friend, maybe some of what I describe here will help you check your own gut.

 

The below is why it works for Jess and I.

 

1. Your strengths and weaknesses complement each other.

I know. No shit. But when you see this in action, it’s sublime. I am a processor, thinker, drag-my-heeler. I have ideas, but don’t execute as much as I should. Jessica is a doer, an executer, a pull-the-triggerer (I just made her sound like a murderer). So when I say to Jess, “OK, let me process that,” she says “You have two hours.” As a result, crap gets done. On the flip side, if Jess wants to proceed too quickly, I put the brakes on and bring up a few reasons we might want to slow down. Luckily, we have the ability to see the logic and usefulness in both approaches to life and put it to work for our company.

 

2. You share a vision and a passion.

Here’s the thing with this. The vision will vary, the passion will ebb and flow, but in the down times, if you can remind each other of what they both are — and why you started the company in the first place — it goes a long way. Jess and I are both creatives, and we like to laugh. We’ve also been blogging a long time and Jess knows video production inside and out, while I have ad/PR experience. Yes this goes back to “use your respective strengths,” but also helps set the foundation for what you’re doing. We’d both observed companies market to social media folks completely ineffectively and knew there was a different way. We used what we liked — humor — and what we knew — blogging, video, advertising — to start something that could market in a way that actually captured attention. That was the vision. The passion? Our creativity. Those are our bedrocks and touchstones. THOSE never vary.

 

3. You trust your partner’s motivation and agenda.

Jess is the first person for whom I can without hesitation say the above (other than my husband). I’ve withdrawn from some projects because I don’t trust the people involved. Some of my mistrust was based on my instinct, and some borne by observation. (Let me insert here that if someone acts one way in public, but another way behind the scenes, that’s a huge tip-off.) (Also, you can tell a lot about people based on how they treat those who can’t do anything for them.) Jess is what-you-see-is-what-you-get. She’s completely transparent. She asks for what she wants and she tells you why. I don’t worry that she’s manipulating matters behind my back, or “in it” for anything other than what she says — She knows we’re onto something here and she wants to go for it. Me too.

 

4. You both say what you mean and mean what you say.

Jess is so much better than I at this…because I still worry too much what people think of me. Yet, if Jess is mad at me? She tells me. If she is irritated over something? I hear about it RIGHT AWAY. It doesn’t fester and become an elephant in the room and create avoidable tension. She encourages me to tell her everything I’m thinking and holding back even if I think she’ll get pissed. And sometimes she does get pissed, but it’s handled immediately. When it comes to women like me who are so used to withholding feelings because she doesn’t want to upset someone? This is partnership gold. In fact, I think it’s a huge success factor, if not the most critical.

 

4. You set aside the personal need to “be right” and stay open to what’s best for the partnership and/or project.

Another so-important criterion. Ego ruins things. It inserts itself into a relationship and eats its brain. I think in a marriage they call it, “You’d rather be right than happy.” In this case, Jess and I would rather have the project be as excellent as possible and we don’t have time for ego. So when Jessica tells me my script wasn’t funny, I either make my case or say “OK, let’s start over.” When I tell Jess that an edit needs to be made tighter, even after she’s spent four weeks already editing, she does it. We make the other better, because we listen and are willing to HEAR. Most importantly, we make the project better.

 

5. You respect each other, and believe in each other’s talent.

Another obvious one, I know. It’s worth stating though because while simple, it’s true and bears repeating like the most simple and true things do. I believe in Jess’s talent. I know she will keep going until we get it right. I respect that she won’t give up when the going gets tough. I try to tell her these things often, but more often she tells me. She is always, always reiterating that she thinks I’m talented, that I can “DO THIS” and that is the secret sauce, when used collaboratively, that makes it all work.

 

I realize that dynamics, values, work styles and personalities differ. You might not admire or respond to the same things I do in a business partner, but there are some no-brainers that are universal.

 

And if this sounds like a love letter to Jess, it is.

 

In a work-y kind of way, with a heaping dose of “I love her as a person” platonic passion.

 

Share this:

  • Twitter
  • Facebook

April 2, 2012 · 17 Comments

Sure I’d love to see you again

Previous Post: « Because Life is Short and I Get It Now
Next Post: PROMPTuesday #188: The Two of You »

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Comments

  1. Trish says

    April 2, 2012 at 10:37 am

    Awesome. So happy for you both. Wishing you both much success. In business and life.

    Reply
  2. JenniferfromLaJolla says

    April 2, 2012 at 3:41 pm

    So glad your partnership is one of the good ones! Sounds like you are working hard to make/keep it that way–not always an easy endeavor, but definitely a worth while one. I am looking forward to seeing/hearing/reading what the two of you come up with!

    Reply
  3. Jackie Hennessey says

    April 2, 2012 at 5:39 pm

    This is so refreshing. I think the reason your partnership is so strong stems from your passion. Simply put: you both love what you do. Congratulations!

    Reply
  4. Laural Out Loud says

    April 2, 2012 at 6:14 pm

    I’m so glad you said yes- you and Jessica make an awesome team! From what I’ve seen you’re off to a great start, and I hope your business lights on fire. Or starts on fire? Gets a fire lit? I’m terrible with sayings, but you know what I mean :-)

    Reply
  5. Alexandra says

    April 2, 2012 at 8:07 pm

    It takes maturity and putting on the big girl panties, doesn’t it?

    Jess is a treasure. Such a gifted, inspirational, creative woman. She is kind, caring, and has a heart of gold.

    I’m so happy she found someone to work with, as well.

    Best of luck to you both, and I really do mean that, from the bottom of my heart.

    Reply
  6. Me says

    April 3, 2012 at 5:45 am

    This is great! How exciting! Best to you guys!!

    Reply
  7. becky says

    April 3, 2012 at 7:05 am

    That part about watching how someone treats people who can’t do anything for them? SPOT ON.

    Also, I love you & Jess dearly and am rooting SO HARD for you both. This was awesome & beautiful. You did a fantastic job of putting this into words. :*

    Reply
  8. Suzy says

    April 3, 2012 at 9:37 am

    My business partner Leslie and I worked together for 8 years. One of her strengths was asking for jobs and lots of money. One of mine was letting her.

    Reply
  9. julie gardner says

    April 3, 2012 at 5:28 pm

    Add in regular sex and you pretty much just described my marriage.

    Go, girls.

    Reply
  10. Birdrockfab says

    April 3, 2012 at 8:18 pm

    It’s kismet you were brought together! Heartfelt congratulations on your partnership and business.

    Reply
  11. Everyday Mama says

    April 3, 2012 at 8:50 pm

    I’m so glad that you ventured into the Two Funny Brains business! You two are such an inspiration :) Although, I never see you nearly enough! xoxo

    Reply
  12. Mama Mary says

    April 6, 2012 at 8:08 am

    So glad things are working out with you and Jess. I love your list above and I think the last one is really key. Respecting and trusting in your partner is huge. Can’t wait to work with you guys later this month.

    Reply
  13. Ann says

    April 6, 2012 at 4:04 pm

    I love this and you both.

    Reply
  14. All Fooked Up says

    April 6, 2012 at 5:58 pm

    I think that if you can express all this in such an articulate way that you two have what it takes to be da bomb!!! best of luck!!

    Reply
  15. Jessica says

    April 8, 2012 at 9:51 am

    Deb,it is an honor to work with you. You are the ying to my yang, the peanut butter to my jelly, the carrots to my ranch dressing….

    okay, stopping now.

    I adore you and I’m truly blessed to have such an amazing friend and partner.

    Reply
  16. Nicole says

    April 17, 2012 at 12:56 pm

    I’m so excited for you two. Best wishes!!!

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. San Diego Momma » Blog Archive » PROMPTuesday #188: The Two of You says:
    April 3, 2012 at 7:13 am

    […] by yesterday, please describe your connection with your partner, be he/she/it be a spouse, colleague, or […]

    Reply

Primary Sidebar

I love words. Every one, every time. (Except “moist.” That word can go.) …read more

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Sure. I’d love to see you again.

Categories

Archives

Blogroll

  • Blog This Mom
  • Da Goddess
  • Dirt and Noise
  • Discover San Diego
  • Foolery
  • Juggling Life
  • Mama Mary Show
  • Mel, A Dramatic Mommy
  • Mom Zombie
  • Mommy’s Martini
  • Motherhood is Not for Wimps
San Diego Momma

Footer

Archives

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Categories

sandiegomomma

sandiegomomma
Back in Lake Geneva after 36 years… Circumstance Back in Lake Geneva after 36 years…
Circumstances have changed since post-Prom-picnic-circa-1986-vibes…
#WhereIsBryanAdamsNow
Dorm drop! 🏫👩‍🏫🥲💕 Dorm drop!
🏫👩‍🏫🥲💕
💫Travel poster for Saturday wine tasting.💫 💫Travel poster for Saturday wine tasting.💫
Celebrating the new 16-year-old with a quick Santa Celebrating the new 16-year-old with a quick Santa Monica trip.
And now she knows she doesn’t want to live in LA….
#LifeLessons
It’s happening….. It’s happening…..
Barely tolerating me….. Barely tolerating me…..
Beach day with my “little” one while big sis e Beach day with my “little” one while big sis explores Cal Poly…
Life transitions. Beautiful but I haz the olds.
#NotAboutMe #Whhhhyyyyy
A rare Bubbie sighting. Spotted in the wild. #HeDo A rare Bubbie sighting. Spotted in the wild. #HeDoesntLikePictures
Sunset squad. Brought a picnic and drinks to Del M Sunset squad.
Brought a picnic and drinks to Del Mar and watched the waves and horizon. Not too crowded or cold - another good hang with the neighborhood gang! ❤️❤️
Imprinting 2021 holidays on my brain (and in my In Imprinting 2021 holidays on my brain (and in my Instagram) (and in my antibodies). It’s a COVID New Year’s Eve…
Husband and I down for the count(down).
BUT. We’re doing decent and it’s cozy up in here…
Winery times! Winery times!
Guys on couch watching football; girls in kitchen Guys on couch watching football; girls in kitchen talking about everything.
Smells like a Sunday neighbor night. ;)
Line dancing lessons… My two left feet did nothi Line dancing lessons…
My two left feet did nothing right - but they did it with gusto.
Looking for a new book to read! #BookClub Despite Looking for a new book to read! #BookClub Despite the seeming divine intervention from above, we weren’t struck with the “perfect” next book to put on our list…..
Post-white-water-rafting super exhaustion. (Oh my Post-white-water-rafting super exhaustion.
(Oh my gosh you guys…! No! I’m not a sports model! But I totally understand how you might think so.) 😜😜😜
I wanted my hair to do that. #NordicSisters I wanted my hair to do that.
#NordicSisters
Dad’s hats on the people who loved/knew/laughed/ Dad’s hats on the people who loved/knew/laughed/sang with him.
Miss you Dad. Hope we do your hats justice. Lord knows we’ll have fun in them, just like you did. 😇
Paso Robles! Wine tasting beauty. It’s stunning Paso Robles! Wine tasting beauty. It’s stunning here. And the landscape is nice too ;).
Found my brother’s old ad copy. Good fun-writing Found my brother’s old ad copy. Good fun-writing inspiration...
Just in case I wasn’t feeling ancient enough, th Just in case I wasn’t feeling ancient enough, the rainbow jumper and white bobby socks oughta do it. No but wait! There’s a bowl cut. Annnnnnnddd giant gold-rimmed specs.
#CentennialFashion
Load More... Follow on Instagram
  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2023 · Hello Chicky

We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
Do not sell my personal information.
Cookie settingsACCEPT
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Non-necessary
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
SAVE & ACCEPT