Question:

I have recently started a business, and a friend of mine wants to join me. I am unsure whether I should make him a partner. What do you think is the right decision?

John Assaraf’s Answer

Partnering with a friend may sound like a great idea at first: it boosts confidence and makes it easier to share responsibilities.
However, a business partnership is almost like a marriage.
Just as people don’t marry someone they simply know as a friend, you shouldn’t jump into a business partnership without deep compatibility.

Many friendships fall apart in business — sometimes because of money, sometimes because of responsibility issues, and sometimes because the working styles simply don’t match.

Key conditions for a successful partnership:

• complementary skill sets

• shared values and work ethics

• common long-term vision

• aligned expectations

Before making anything official, set a 6–12 month trial period. Work together under real conditions and see how well you complement each other.

After that, clearly define in writing:

• roles and responsibilities

• capital contribution and ownership structure

• performance criteria

• terms under which partnership shares will be offered

I strongly recommend the “Four Seasons Rule” — you must see a potential partner through a full year, in various circumstances, before making a final decision.

Nancy Michaels’s Answer

I do not recommend friends going into business together.
Business problems almost always spill into personal relationships and damage them.

A partnership requires discipline, structure, and accountability — qualities that friendship alone cannot guarantee.

Even hiring a friend is risky, but making them a partner is much riskier:

• familiarity reduces professional boundaries

• excuses and delays become more frequent

• it becomes harder to demand accountability

• eventually both the business and the friendship suffer

Mark LeBlanc’s Answer

Congratulations on starting your own business.
Deciding to bring in a partner is a major decision, and many people take it far too lightly.

A partnership can succeed only if:

• you share the same core values

• your skills complement each other

• you have similar work ethic and motivation

• you agree to share both risks and rewards fairly

A properly drafted partnership agreement is essential.
You can find templates online, but ideally you should work with a lawyer or a business professional. A good agreement addresses:

• business operations

• equity distribution

• conflict-resolution mechanisms

• clear expectations and procedures

7 Creative Ways to Motivate Your Team

Your team is your company’s most valuable asset.
Skills and experience are important, but without motivation, no employee can reach peak performance.
If you want to retain your best people, it’s time to think outside the box.

Here are 7 powerful and unusual ways to motivate and reward your team:

1. Company Car (for top performers)

If your budget allows, offering a company car dramatically boosts loyalty and motivation.

2. Racing Experience Day

A day of adrenaline at a local racetrack helps your team release stress, refresh their minds, and come back energized.
(Just avoid racing with company cars!)

3. Dry-Cleaning Service

Handling employee clothing pickup and drop-off saves valuable time — especially for salespeople.

4. Comfortable Lounge Areas

Google proved that comfortable workspaces increase productivity.
A relaxed employee is a more creative employee.

5. Grocery Shopping Service

Small but impactful — it saves employees time and reduces mental load.

6. Pet Care Services

Pet owners appreciate help with pet hotels or day-care services.
This unexpected perk dramatically increases morale.

7. Paid Yoga, Tai Chi, or Art Classes

Gym discounts are no longer enough.
Relaxation activities such as yoga, tai chi, or painting classes help reduce stress and increase focus.

Conclusion

Business partnership is a serious decision and should be based on compatibility, shared values, and clear written agreements.

Motivation, on the other hand, is essential for long-term team performance.
Creative and meaningful incentives can transform the culture and energy of your workplace.