A: There are two main criteria for examining whether a potential partner is suitable: first, mutual trust; Second, whether there are common values and visions; And whether they are rational enough to make the right choice in the face of difficulties and challenges. The depth and breadth of the relationship between partners are very important. They don't necessarily need the deepest friendship, but they must trust each other, believe and support each other's decisions. Lack of trust between partners may lead to uneven distribution of interests and responsibilities in the future and bring unnecessary trouble to the development of the company. In the process of starting a business, there will inevitably be differences in the direction and strategy, as well as the distribution of personal interests in the team, which requires partners to be rational enough, put the interests of the company first and make reasonable decisions.
Q: Where can I find the right partner?
A: For the founding team and partners, we usually suggest the "three old principles", which refer to old colleagues, old classmates and old friends; Most suitable partners come from former colleagues (including partners), classmates and friends, because they know more about the root causes. Working with acquaintances is the first choice for most entrepreneurs. Strong ties can help partners support each other and overcome difficulties in the process of starting a business. Whether it is appropriate to start a business with friends and acquaintances who are not so close needs dialectical consideration: the advantage is that it is easy for everyone to draw a clear line between work and personal relationship, and the disadvantage is that it takes some time and cost to get to know each other better. Partners need to have a clear division of labor, use rules and regulations to regulate the behavior of both parties, communicate in time, resolve conflicts and share responsibilities.
Ties are an important part of cooperation, but for entrepreneurial cooperation, it is also important for partners to complement each other's advantages and abilities. Partners play their strengths in their respective fields, and the bonds of trust are connected to make the company more competitive. Among BAT, Baidu has "Seven Musketeers of Baidu", Ali has "Eighteen Arhats" and Tencent has "Five Tiger Generals of Tencent". Throughout the growth history of these companies, we will find that these partners are very complementary in the quadrant of capabilities.
Q: How to predict the suitability of potential partners?
A: Even if the potential partner is your friend or acquaintance, you need to have a comprehensive scan of his recent status to understand his recent dynamic updates, work experience, circle of friends and so on. You can visit his closest friends, colleagues and clients. The dynamic updating of social networks is also a way to get to know a person. In-depth communication is a very necessary link before cooperation.
For a potential partner introduced by others, the founder can get relevant information from the introducer first, and the evaluation of the introducer can provide some endorsements, but it cannot be used as a single reference. Before dating, you can also learn about the personality, values and behavior style of potential partners through other third-party channels. If the founder has the ability and resources, he can also go deep into his social circle and learn more details through people who are close to him. In the interview, verify whether your portrait of him is accurate and whether you are suitable to be a partner at the current development stage of the company.
Q: What are the criteria for qualified partners?
A: Ideas and values are consistent. It is very important to choose a partner who has a correct world outlook and the same thoughts. There is a huge gap between the original intention and vision of the partners, and there will be problems in their future cooperation and the long-term development of the company. In addition, the personality of partners is also very important, and the entrepreneurial process requires each partner to make appropriate sacrifices and dedication.