The main task that businessmen face is finding partners. Finding such people is not easy, even if you live in the same country. But the situation is even more complicated if you are separated not only by kilometers of travel, but also by your mentality and language barrier. How to find a business partner? You can read more about this in this article.
How to find business partners?
Rarely what kind of person does business alone. This is difficult, and the person who shares your views is able to help you no less than you do him. Finding a partner who shares your views on life and business is not an easy task. Get ready for more than one setback before you find what you are looking for. But there is a certain scheme that can greatly simplify the situation:
- Make acquaintances everywhere. Meeting a business partner is as difficult as meeting love. Therefore, do not neglect in any way. Who knows exactly where luck will smile at you?
- Take a close look at friends and acquaintances. Perhaps it is among them that there is a competent and experienced specialist that you need? In addition, in such an alliance there will be more trust, since you are already familiar with each other.
- But they do not recommend opening a business with relatives. According to statistics, such enterprises rarely become successful.
- Attend various events more often. Especially those that are somehow related to the business.
- Learn and go to master classes. It is there that sometimes the most durable acquaintances are made. In addition, at such events people initially gather together with a common goal and interests, so it will be easier to find a common language.
Where to look for them?
Places to search for partners you need to choose wisely. They should not be repeated - it is better to choose a new one each time. The wider the circle of your searches, the higher the chance to catch luck.
- The Internet opens up great scope for us in this area. How to find a business partner on the Internet? The easiest way to do this is in professional forums. You can also create your own website or blog. If you are not a supporter of such methods, then you can simply post an ad on a free bulletin board.
- Fast business dating. Everyone knows about speed-dating - quick dates. But few people know that there is an analogue of such acquaintances in the business world. Mostly beginner entrepreneurs come to them.
- Thematic presentations and parties. A couple of cocktails, small-talk, and now you already know some of the right people.
- Exhibitions. If you are interested in finding a serious industrialist, then this is exactly the place where you can get to know him.
- Unions and associations. Often businessmen unite in non-profit associations in order to defend their interests. Find out if there are similar organizations in your city.
Build relationships
No entrepreneur wants to spend weeks and months making a deal. But if you start to work with foreign partners, then too hasty a deal can cause concern. In some cultures, interpersonal relationships play a greater role than workers. For example, if you start working with American businessmen, then your conversations will be conducted purely on professional topics. But if we talk about Asia, then in this case you will need to first establish a trusting relationship with a business partner. As a result, you may need much more time than you expected to conclude a contract, and this must be kept in mind.
Check future partner
If you have already chosen a future business partner and secured his consent, then your next step should be to check his good faith. This stage is not the most pleasant, but it is necessary in working with other people. After all, much will depend on your partner, including the success of the business itself, so you should not neglect “homework”. If you have the opportunity, visit a factory or factory and ask for a tour. Look at the quality of the products, pay attention to whether the basic requirements are met.
After that, check the biographical information of the business organization partner. How reliable is this person, how many successes and failures did he have? Any information you can find will be helpful. Finally, verify the authenticity of the company, its registration and owner. If you don’t have time to do all this, hire a specialist who will do this work for you, but in no case skip this step.
Fix problems in understanding
Often, several people cannot understand each other even if they speak the same language. But if there is a language gap between you, then the situation is even worse. In this case, you can hire an intermediary or translator who can facilitate your work. It happens that the solution of working issues due to differences in language and mentality can be delayed for many weeks, so keep this in mind in advance.
In addition, in different cultures it is accepted to say no in different ways. If you have the opportunity, ask someone who knows the language and culture of the country to attend the transaction.
Search for partners in China
Finding a Chinese supplier is not so easy. But, despite intercultural differences, this can be much easier than finding a business partner from Russia. The fact is that in China, manufacturers have long been accustomed to working with the global market, and the quality of their products has become much higher. How to find a business partner in China? The most reliable way is to come to one of the industrial exhibitions. The largest of them takes place every spring in Guangzhou and Shanghai. In addition, many suppliers can be found in large wholesale markets in China. Only some manufacturers have offices and offices in Russia where you can see product examples.
But what if you do not have the opportunity to go to China? The Internet or business consultants can help you with this. On the Web you can find partners in any field, in addition, this method does not require large expenses from you. That is why it is most popular.
Search for partners in Russia
Finding a business partner in your country is much easier. You will not be separated by different languages and mentality, which means that trust relationships can be established much faster. Search for business partners in Russia can be carried out in various ways:
- On specialized resources. There are free sites on which anyone can post an ad on the search for a partner. Also popular are sites like Avito and YouDo.
- At industrial exhibitions.
- Among employees of other commercial structures. If you are just starting your career as an entrepreneur, you can captivate other people with your ideas and entice them to your side.
- Through friends.
- When attending trainings and courses.
- At charity dinners and events.
Recommendations of specialists
How to find a business partner on the Internet? If you want to establish long-term cooperation, then first of all you need to think about what you can offer the other side. It is important to answer a few questions:
- What exactly do you mean by partnerships: investments, sponsorship, work, ideas? The more clearly you define your requirements for a partner, the better.
- What benefit will the other party get? If you want to find a like-minded person, you must be able to present your business. It is better to back it up with real facts and figures.
- How can you protect yourself and your partner from failures? If the other side has a guarantee of security, it will be more willing to meet it.
How to draw up a contract?
The contract of business partners is a prerequisite for creating a common business. This will protect both sides and allow you to focus on your work. The contract must be drafted legally competently, and it is worth highlighting the following points:
- The responsibilities of each party. Partnership provides for equality in business, but it would be better if everyone's field of activity is clearly indicated on paper.
- Responsibility for failure to fulfill obligations and deadlines. Even if you have a trusting relationship with a partner, it is worthwhile to include this item in the list. The punishment may be a fine, loss of profit or termination of the contract.
- Profit distribution. Each party should receive income according to the share of its contribution, the amount of work and experience.
- Decision making mechanism. Who will make the final decision? How will the voting on important issues be held? These questions need to be answered before starting the project.
How to become a business partner yourself?
Currently, more and more people do not want to work for a stranger and decide to leave "for free swimming." If you are one of them, but you are afraid to start an activity from scratch, then you can become a partner of a more experienced person. At the moment, there are many affiliate programs in which you can participate. In this case, as a rule, you need to have a certain amount of money or a good working idea.
The work of a business partner can be in different things. This largely depends on the sphere in which your business is located. What rules should be discussed before concluding an agreement with a business partner?
- Share of your investment. Invested money will serve as an additional guarantee of your work.
- One look at doing business. Make sure you have the same worldview.
- Get to know your partner as a person. Go to a few meetings and try to “consider” it in an informal setting.
- The partner’s share in the business should not exceed 50%.
- Share friendship, family ties, and business. Even if you are in a close relationship with a partner, discuss your responsibilities outside the context of personal relationships.
Summary
Profitable partnerships can strengthen the business and make it much more sustainable. This is especially important during a crisis that is capable of undermining the success of many enterprises. You can find a business partner at specialized exhibitions, on the Internet, or at a business party. It is difficult to find an entrepreneur with similar views. Before this, it is advisable to answer yourself the question of what you can offer the other side, and prepare the necessary documents. If you do not want to look for partners in Russia, then contact a business consultant or visit industrial exhibitions that are held abroad.