A FRIEND and I are looking at starting a clothing business together. He is creative, while I am quite good at the business and finance side. One thing that has crossed my mind is the difficulty that might be caused in starting a business with a friend. What would be your advice for anybody looking to start a business with friends or relatives?
PLENTY of friends have run successful businesses but the key is to make sure you're separating business from pleasure and not letting your personal relationship get in the way of your professional goals. I think it's good that you have different backgrounds, so long as you play to your strengths.
Starting a business is difficult and it can put a strain on any relationship, so be smart. Create a plan, stick to it and maintain an open line of communication. Also, set expectations and make sure that you have the same goals. The passion and dedication from each person has to be equal. I've seen many partnerships go sour because one person was swept up in an entrepreneurial phase and decided to have a crack and the other one was depending on the success of the business to put food on the table. Having different expectations from the start can spell disaster down the track, so make sure that you're on the same page.
Contracts and agreements between friends can be awkward, but they are vital. Be explicit and have an agreed definition of success and failure. Similarly, have a clear discussion about the "exit strategy" in the event that one partner wants or needs to get out unexpectedly. When you go into a partnership, you have to consider that things might not work out as anticipated and you need to protect yourself.
Start-ups always have unforeseen setbacks that can take a toll on the owners. But if you have a solid business plan and a good understanding of the commitment needed to make it work, you should be just fine. Good luck.
I HAVE run my own business for almost 20 years, in that time I have seen many changes come through and I believe my success is attributable to my ability to adapt to the consumer's desire. With that in mind I have seen the rise of social media and am adamant that it is important for my business to move forward. I have created a Facebook page and a Twitter account but I have been unable to truly engage with it. I do not know if this is a generational thing, but I simply cannot garner much interest. I want to learn, I know I must, but I don't know how what would you recommend?
I DON'T think it's a generational thing I recently joined Twitter and I think it's a great way to talk to people about my business and increase exposure for what my company is trying to accomplish in financial services. The key to getting followers on social media is fairly simple you have to have something to say that is of value to your audience. You are an expert and you have something to teach.
Whether you own a bicycle shop or you have an accounting practice, you have knowledge that others don't. So use it. Social media shouldn't just be about opinions and idle chatter, there is plenty of room to create meaningful content.
One thing I recommend is to follow all the news sources that publish relevant stories about what you do it's a good way to start sharing information with your network and it will help you get into the swing of things and better understand how it all works. There are plenty of "how-to" guides on the internet, but I think the key is just getting familiar with it and then creating a network that has genuine value.
Mark Bouris is executive chairman of Yellow Brick Road, a wealth-management company and small-business adviser that sells products and services for home loans, financial planning, insurance, superannuation, investments, accounting and tax. His advice here is intended as guidance only.
If you have a question for Mark Bouris, email it to Max Mason at max.mason@fairfaxmedia.
com.au.
Frequently Asked Questions about this Article…
Is it a good idea to start a business with a friend or relative?
Yes — many friends run successful businesses together. The key is separating business from pleasure: play to complementary strengths, have the same goals and commitment, and treat the venture professionally so personal relationships don’t undermine business decisions.
How can friends protect their relationship when starting a business together?
Be smart up front: create a clear plan, keep open communication, set expectations about roles and commitment, and agree on what success looks like. That reduces misunderstandings and prevents strains when the business faces challenges.
What formal agreements should I have before partnering with a friend?
Have written contracts and agreements that define responsibilities, ownership, success and failure measures, and an exit strategy. Being explicit about these things may feel awkward but is vital to protect everyone if circumstances change.
How important is a business plan and understanding commitment for a start-up?
Very important. Start-ups often face unforeseen setbacks, so a solid business plan and a shared understanding of the time, money and effort required will greatly improve your chances of making the business work.
What practical steps can small business owners take to use social media effectively?
Focus on providing value: share your expertise, follow and repost relevant news sources, use how-to guides to learn the platforms, and build a network that offers genuine value. Consistent, useful content attracts engagement more than idle chatter.
Do I need to be 'social media savvy' or a certain age to get results online?
No — it’s not simply a generational thing. The important part is having something valuable to say and learning how the platforms work by following relevant accounts and practising regular, useful posts.
How should partners handle different expectations about risk and income?
Discuss expectations early and frankly. If one partner treats the venture as a trial while another depends on it for income, that mismatch can cause serious problems. Align on financial needs, timelines and commitment before you begin.
Who is giving this advice and is it professional guidance?
The advice comes from Mark Bouris, executive chairman of Yellow Brick Road, a wealth-management and small-business advisory company. His comments are intended as guidance only.
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