Electus Unom!

Happy Friday! Have I told you I was about to be a grandfather?  My granddaughter, Judah, will be here before my 50th birthday. The child is a milestone in my life, but my son's marriage to a great young lady is the foundation.  There was an affirmation, a mantra I used to say to my two boys when they were young.  I would start, "When you grow up..." and their finish to the phrase was, "Find yourself a good woman." From the formative ages of 12 to 22, I repeated that 100's of times...literally.  Email them, Skype them, Instagram them and ask them that phrase away from my peering eyes.  I PROMISE they will laugh first...then answer you..."Find yourself a good woman!" Did you notice my Daily Crumb subject line?  Electus Unom.  Translated - Elect one.  More loosely translated... Pick One.  For those of you looking to find business partners, I would give you the same mantra...Find yourself a good partner.   How do you pick a good partner in business?    Here are the rest of my Top 10 Things to Find a Good Business Partner

#6 - They have a win-win mindset.  Financial models should give each person an assignment in the work model and a corresponding share of the success.  I work with agents who the agency above them receives an override...are they earning it and providing value?   #7 - They follow through.  Nothing shuts down the trust of a partnership or relationship like people not doing what they say they will do.  Overpromising to convince you to partner and then under delivering.  Seek out evidence that they keep their word and follow through.   #8 - You need a "What if" provision.  Particularly, in small 2 partner arrangements, you need to have an agreement of what would happen if things go sour.  It becomes an "arbitration clause" that is not meant to be legal, but a rules of engagement approach when natural disagreements occur.  I had such an agreement with Natalie that governed how we had fights...in 27 years of marriage...we have had 3.  The "what if" provision kept minor things from becoming major.   #9 - Review Previous Results.  If you are partnering with an organization, it is prudent to ask about their history and performance.  You can get references from people who are connected with the organization.  You want some new people and some tenured people who have been associated long term.  Yes, some will be disgruntled because they haven't done their part to be successful, but digging in should give you a good perspective.   #10 - Review Your Contracts.  Have you read your agreements and contracts?  Probably not.  Not picking on you, but most people "sign & drive" not understanding what they have committed to.  My 1st rule - read your contracts.  My 2nd rule - honor your contracts.  Also make sure there is an agreement in place.  I have a saying, "As humans we will disappoint each other...contracts make sure we don't betray each other."   In keeping with the Latin theme, there are two phrases I want to leave you with for your partnership selection;   Caveat Emptor - "Let the buyer beware". For the partnership opportunities that exist, you must look at each one objectively and not blindly so that you enter into your business relationships with wisdom, and you don't have to look back on them with regret.   Carpe Diem - "Seize the Day". There are many sitting on the sidelines waiting for all the conditions to be perfect. That "paralysis by analysis" will keep them from leveraging the windows of opportunity that are present with the right partnerships.   Do your due diligence, make the best determination of whether a partnership is right for you, and...   Electus Unom! Until Tomorrow, I wish you Money, Power, Success!