Start-up Partner Strategies

When it comes to start-up partnership, here are a few key strategies that will get you off on the right foot.

• Recognize you are not a peer to a large partner

--To a large partner you cannot expect to be seen as an equal or on equal footing so get used to that.

• Don't confuse partners for early extremist buyer VS. mainstream buyers

--Do not confuse you your partners as a representation that the mainstream customer is starting to catch on to you business value proposition.

• Don't confuse big company partnering with start-up strategy

--You do not always need a large business partner when you are just starting up. Sometimes you just need a small business perspective to get your business off on a running start.

• Find partners that give YOU a competitive edge

--Find partners that are willing to give your the advantage. These people are the people that actually have an interest in your business and want you to succeed.

• When finding partners, treat it as dating, and see what is right for you

-- Be picky when you find partners. Also, you need to find someone who has a personality and a set of skills that you do not have and can fill you hole.