Would you rather partner with friend or stranger?
Hashir Hassan
22 replies
I’ve been following lots of podcasts lately (mostly during driving) — heard people saying it’s bad idea to partner with friends — you end up lazy, and arguments close at “bro just trust me, it will work”
How do you find co-founders?
Replies
Abhishek Gharat@enthukutlet
A fried, because I'd know that person's value systems (somewhat)
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I don't have much experience in that, but many business founders say not to do business with the three Fs: Friends, Family, and Fools.
@mhashirhassan22 honestly, I don't know personally, as I haven't worked with family members or friends, although I've had colleagues who became friends, and eventually our work-career paths diverged. There were moments when I needed to give feedback to my friend-colleagues, and I was (let's be honest) quite biased. So, while I believe a friend or family member who complements my skills and shares my motivation could make a great partner, real life suggests otherwise. Personal relationships can complicate business decisions, and emotionally charged conflicts may arise. Although you hope for understanding, dilemmas are often harder to resolve. In contrast, a good stranger might offer more objectivity and professional boundaries.
But again, I'm not saying it's impossible!
I recommend partnering with individuals who share your vision and values, whether they be friends or strangers. It's important to have a strong foundation of trust and compatibility in any business partnership.
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Definitively stranger. The problem with some 'friends' is that they can't tell the difference between business and friendship. In business, you can't be emotional. So with a partner who is your friend, you run the risk of falling into that.
@mhashirhassan22 Exactly. I knew someone I met at a business lunch. We became friends, but little by little he began to ask too many favors of me.
The day I told him I'd have to charge him for future services, he blocked me.
I'd rather partner with a friend because there's existing trust and understanding, which can make collaboration smoother and more enjoyable.
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I'd say it's like choosing between a road trip with a friend who knows all the best playlists or a stranger with a questionable taste in music. Finding co-founders can be a mix of luck, shared vision, and a sprinkle of trust—kind of like a startup recipe for success, right?
@thestarkster yep I guess each to their own experiences — no hard rule on it
I found a stranger because I don't have any friends to partner with :(
@oasis_watts now you have a friend atleast, right? (Your partner) :D
Finding the right co-founder is crucial for the success of a startup. While partnering with a friend may seem appealing, it's important to consider compatibility, skills, and commitment levels above all. Networking events, industry meetups, and online platforms can be great resources for finding potential co-founders who share your vision and work ethic. Ultimately, it's about finding someone who complements your strengths and is dedicated to the long-term success of the venture.
@chris_prosopo did you find any partner from public forums?
friend! I know some people say it's not the best, but I couldn't make a baby (yes, for me a startup is like a baby!) with a stranger. Requires to much trust and compatibility I couldn't give away to someone I don't know.
@mhashirhassan22 hahaha I might be blessed, yes
I’ll choose someone in the middle.
From my past experiences, partnering up with friends was a complete disaster. Although it might work perfectly if you have prior work experience together, if not, I would say going solo is faster and saves you time and emotional energy. I'm currently working on a project, https://linkedpal.io, with my brother, and it was the best decision I've made so far.
@kevisdeving youre suggesting to avoid friends and go solo but your venture with brother is going amazing soooo?