What is a Business Partner? And How Can They Help 10X Your Growth? Nathan Baws’ Unorthodox Approach
Introduction G’day, it’s Nathan Baws here. I’ve been through the entrepreneurial wringer—scrapping together health shops from nothing, staring down the Sharks on national telly, and learning the hard way that business is a wild ride. You’re out there, hustling solo, but sometimes you hit a wall and start wondering, what is a business partner? Mate, a good partner’s like a cold beer on a scorcher—refreshes you, lifts you, and makes the tough bits bearable. I’ve had partners who turned my ideas into gold and a couple who nearly sent me to an early grave. This ain’t no textbook spiel on what is a business partner. It’s my yarn—raw, real, with a few chuckles and lessons I’ve scratched out in the dirt of startups and scale-ups. If you’re chewing over what is a business partner and how to snag one, let’s crack into it. Key Takeaways Getting Clear: What Is a Business Partner, Anyway? Owning Your Weak Spots Before you even think about what is a business partner, you’ve gotta stare yourself down in the mirror. What are you a gun at? Where do you trip over your own feet? When I kicked off my first health shop, I could sell a kale smoothie to a carnivore and dream up products that flew off the shelves, but numbers? Mate, I’d rather wrestle a shark. I’ve always banged on about knowing your limits (check out https://nathanbaws.com/), and it’s true—admitting I was hopeless with spreadsheets showed me I needed a finance whiz. Grab a pen, list your strengths, and be dead honest about your gaps. That’s the starting block for figuring out what is a business partner—someone who plugs those holes with their own magic. Heart and Soul in Sync A business partner’s not just a hired gun; they’ve gotta buy into your big dream. My shops were about health, community, and making folks feel good—same vibe I push on my site. If you’re all about impact, you need a partner who’s not just chasing a quick buck. I nearly hooked up with a bloke who wanted to turn my shop into a franchise cash cow while I was set on local vibes. Over a schooner in a Sydney pub, I asked, “What’s driving you?” His answer—profit over people—was a dealbreaker. Knowing what is a business partner means finding someone whose heart beats to your rhythm, from values to the endgame. Can You Hack Their Company? You’re gonna be stuck with this person through late nights, tight budgets, and the odd crisis, so you’d better not wanna throttle them. You don’t need to be mates for life, but you should be able to have a yarn, respect their call, and sort out spats without a punch-on. I once teamed up with a guy whose “humour” was like nails on a chalkboard—by month two, I was dodging his calls. A bit of warmth or a shared laugh can save you. I’ve always preached teamwork, and it starts with chemistry. When you’re sussing out what is a business partner, ask: Could I survive a week in a caravan with this bloke? What’s Their Kitbag Like? Skills are king, but what is a business partner if they don’t bring something extra to the table? Cash to keep the lights on? Mates in high places? When I ran my shops, a partner with supplier contacts got us bulk oats at half price—saved us a fortune. But don’t write off someone with empty pockets if their hustle’s on point. I met a fella with no cash but a knack for social media that packed our stores. I’ve always said to look at the whole package, not just the wallet. Figuring out what is a business partner means weighing their full arsenal—skills, networks, and grit. Where to Hunt: Tracking Down Your Business Mate Industry Shindigs: Where the Sparks Fly Trade shows, expos, and conferences are like a buffet of switched-on folks who get your game. I met one of my best partners at a Melbourne health expo, yakking over a dodgy protein shake that tasted like regret. Don’t just hoover up business cards—have proper chats. Ask about their wins, what fires them up, and where they’re headed. I’ve banged on about networking with purpose on my site, and it’s gold. When you’re digging into what is a business partner, these gigs are your hunting ground. Online Dives: Scouting the Digital Outback The internet’s a treasure chest if you know where to look. LinkedIn groups, niche forums, or even Twitter threads can spark something big. I found a marketing legend in a health business WhatsApp group after he dropped a pearler of an idea for pop-up shops. Get in there—share your two cents, answer questions, and build trust before you pitch a partnership. My digital networking tips on Nathan Baws got me started. Exploring what is a business partner online’s like panning for gold—takes time, but the nuggets are worth it. Professional Crews: Mixing with the Big Dogs Business chambers, industry clubs, or even local Rotary groups are crawling with driven types. I joined a Sydney small business mob and met a finance guru over a burnt sausage sizzle. She didn’t sign on, but her mate did. These groups run workshops and meet-ups that are prime for spotting talent. I’ve always pushed joining the right circles—check my site for more. When you’re unpacking what is a business partner, these networks are your fast track. Your Own Backyard: Don’t Sleep on Your Mates Sometimes, the best partner’s already in your orbit—a mate, an old work buddy, or even a cousin with a head for business. I nearly missed a ripper of a partner because I didn’t think my footy teammate had the chops. A yarn over a parma at the local proved he was a logistics wizard. Ask your crew, think about who you trust, and see if their skills match. I’ve always said to tap your network first—it’s on my site for a reason. Grasping what is a business