Dear Gritty VA:
I’m thinking about going into partnership with another Virtual Assistant. What do you think? -AV
I have yet to see a partnership in any business that really works. It’s like a marriage, and too often people fail to ask certain questions before entering into it and find themselves with clashing goals and values, and sometimes incompatible workstyles and temperaments.
Sad to say, but most partnership that I have seen ended disastrously. I’m not saying it can’t be done, but I think a truly happy, successful partnership is a rare thing which requires a great deal of due diligence upfront, and proper care and feeding afterward.
I think striking an alliance with another Virtual Assistant has far more opportunity for success, and allows for each Virtual Assistant to maintain ownership and control of their own separate business.
3 Comments
I’m with you there. Before I concentrated on being a VA, I had another business long time ago. It started out well with a business partner, ended up sadly as a disaster.
When your partner does not have the same passion for the business as you do, or if they’re unwilling to meet you halfway on decisions that needs to be resolved quickly (and amiably), your partnership is a recipe for disaster.
I’m totally with you this one, Danielle. And I agree with Gabby as well. It seems that partnerships rarely work out. Instead I would recommend building your individual businesses and being each other’s back up.
Each individual has their own strengths. Build on those, but build your businesses separately.
I totally agree with you all, especially when it comes to arranging work for the both of you and if one of you pulls out it puts everything out the window! I find I work best alone then I do not have to worry about whether the other person is pulling their weight or whether there working is up to standard!