Finding Your Primary Aim Becomes Critical When Taking On a Partner
When I first decided that I wanted to have my own company, someone recommended that I pick up a copy of “E-Myth Revisited” by Michael Gerber. That book has had an indelible impact on my life and the way I approach my business.
Last month I asked a colleague who I have collaborated with often if he would like to come on board my little company as a partner. The decision to start a business was a big one for me, and I’m very passionate about it. I know that sacrifices will have to be made, relationships may become strained, and free time might become non-existent. These are all things I am willing to take on for my business.
So when approaching my potential partner, I needed for both of us to be sure that this would be a good fit. He understands the role he would be taking on, and the responsibilities that go along with it. The thing that most people don’t realize is that this is like a marriage. You have to make sure that you’re compatible and that you want the same things for your future.
I turned to “E-Myth” for help. Gerber emphasizes the need for all business owners to first clarify what their primary aim is. Part of the reason so many people start their own businesses is so that they can live the life they want. It’s important to sit down and intentionally design the life you want to lead. Once your purpose and mission is clear, then you can start to build a company that will help you accomplish that life.
These are the questions Gerber says you need to answer:
1. What do I wish my life to look like?
2. How do I wish my life to be on a day-to-day basis?
3. What would I like to be able to say I truly know in my life, about my life?
4. How would I like to be with other people in my life – my family, my friends, my business associates, my customers, my employees, my community?
5. How would I like people to think about me?
6. What would I like to be doing two years from now? Ten years from now? Twenty years from now? When my life comes to a close?
7. What specifically would I like to learn during my life – spiritually, physically, financially, technically, intellectually? About relationships?
8. How much money will I need to do the things I wish to do? By when will I need it?
I have already answered the questions, and now my potential partner is working on them. When he finishes, we’ll share our answers with each other. Based on that, we’ll be able to see what each other want for the future, and whether or not this company will be a vehicle for both of us to those lives.
By the way, I recommend these questions to anyone searching for purpose in his or her life or for clarification thereof, whether starting a business or not.
Yes, it would work in a romantic relationship, too.
You said that part of the reason so many people start their own business is so they can live the life they want. I think this is true (and leads to lifestyle businesses, as well as more growth or change oriented businesses).
If I may ask, what kind of business is it that you’re starting? One that will change the world (whether it be for a single person, or an entire country) or one that will give you the life you want?
@Nathan: There’s a really great article about all small owner businesses being lifestyle businesses. I’ll see if I can dig it up for you.
My business is uSavvy, a cross-generational IT consultancy aimed at helping alleviate fear of computers, the Internet & other tech gadgets. We also design websites & do IT for individuals & small businesses.
I subscribe to the idea that my business will not just change my life, but the lives of my customers, as well as my employees. My hope is to have a business where the people employed within it are given the kind of business culture I desire also – one of my own. I also hope that we make the lives of our customers better as we eliminate tech-related fear one person at a time!