MORE SWEET, LESS SOUR
Entering into a business partnership is not something to do lightly. Although most partnerships are relatively plain sailing, there are those that can quickly sour. What is the key to enduring partnerships? What are the warning signs that things aren’t right? NZBusiness went in search of some stellar partnerships and some expert advice.
It is widely accepted that a solid business partnership shares many of the characteristics of a happy marriage. Just as a counsellor will tell you that communication is vital in a marriage, so too will a business advisor remind you that it is key to a successful business partnership. If communication is breaking down, then it is a major early-warning sign that the partnership is in trouble.
Mark Trafford, who jointly owns property maintenance company Maintain To Profit (MTP) North Shore with Dean Larritt, agrees with the marriage comparison and that communication and trust are the overriding factors for a successful business partnership.
“Often you’re both so busy you become ships passing in the night. It’s very
