How to Find a Business Partner: Nathan Baws’ Unorthodox Guide
Introduction Starting a business is like tackling an outback trail on your own—exhilarating when the sun’s out, brutal when the storms hit. I’m an Aussie entrepreneur who’s been through the wringer, from cobbling together a health food stall to sweating it out in front of big-shot investors. Inspired by Nathan Baws’s no-nonsense approach to building businesses that last, I’ve learned that going solo can only take you so far. Sometimes, you need a business partner—a mate who’s got your back, brings skills you lack, and shares your mad dream. I’ve had partners who made my ventures soar and one or two who taught me what not to do, the hard way. This isn’t some polished checklist on how to find a business partner. It’s my yarn—full of stuff-ups, wins, and lessons I’ve scratched out over years of trial and error. If you’re wondering how to find a business partner, grab a cuppa and let’s get into it. Key Takaways Figuring Out What You Need: Your Partner Wishlist Owning Your Weak Spots Before you start hunting for a partner, you’ve got to be dead honest with yourself. What are you ace at? Where do you trip up? That’s the first step in how to find a business partner who’s your missing piece. When I kicked off my health food stall, I was a machine at dreaming up new granola blends and chatting up customers, but spreadsheets? They made my eyes glaze over. I knew I needed someone who could crunch numbers without breaking a sweat. Nathan Baws’s tip to lean into your gaps saved me—admitting I was rubbish at finances led me to my first solid partner. Whether it’s marketing, logistics, or tech, pinpoint your weak spots to steer your search. Same Page, Same Dream You and your partner need to be chasing the same North Star. If your heart’s set on building a business that’s all about community—like my health stall, inspired by Nathan Baws’s focus on meaningful impact—and your mate’s just in it for a quick buck, you’re headed for trouble. I learned this when I nearly teamed up with a bloke who wanted to franchise my stall before we’d even nailed the vibe. We sat down over a flat white, and I asked, “What’s your endgame?” His answer—cash, not connection—ended the chat. Knowing how to find a business partner means finding someone whose vision matches yours, from values to long-term goals. Will You Get Along? You’re going to be stuck with this person through long nights and tough calls, so you’d better not want to throttle them. You don’t need to be mates for life, but you should be able to talk straight, respect their take, and sort out spats without a blow-up. I once paired up with a guy whose “banter” felt like a jab every time—by week three, I was grinding my teeth. A shared laugh or a bit of patience can make all the difference. Nathan Baws’s teamwork hacks taught me to prioritise a good fit. Figuring out how to find a business partner includes asking: Can I handle their quirks? What’s Their Contribution? Skills are king, but what else can they bring? Cash? Contacts? Credibility? When I started my stall, a partner with supplier connections got us better deals on organic oats. But don’t write someone off if their pockets are empty—passion and hustle can outweigh a bankroll. I met a potential partner who had no cash but a knack for social media that tripled our followers. Nathan Baws’s advice to value the whole package shaped my thinking. Understanding how to find a business partner means looking at their full toolkit, not just their wallet. Where to Hunt: Tracking Down Your Co-Pilot Industry Gatherings: Rubbing Shoulders Conferences, expos, and trade shows are like speed-dating for business folk. I met a cracking partner at a Sydney health food expo, where we bonded over a dodgy protein bar sample and ended up chatting for hours. Don’t just collect business cards like Pokémon cards—have proper yarns. Ask what they’re passionate about, what they’ve built, and what they want next. Nathan Baws’s networking tips pushed me to dig deeper than small talk. Knowing how to find a business partner often starts with hitting these events with purpose. Online Hubs: Scouting in the Digital Bush The internet’s a treasure trove for finding partners. LinkedIn groups, industry forums, or even Reddit threads can spark connections. I stumbled across a marketing guru in a health business Facebook group after he posted a genius idea for pop-up stalls. I slid into his DMs, and we clicked. Get stuck in—share your thoughts, ask questions, and build trust before pitching a partnership. Nathan Baws’s digital savvy inspired me to work these spaces. Exploring how to find a business partner online takes time, but it’s a goldmine if you’re patient. Professional Clubs: Mixing with the Pros Business chambers, industry associations, or even local Rotary clubs are packed with driven types. I joined a wellness business group and met a finance whiz over a lukewarm coffee at a meet-up. She didn’t end up as my partner, but the connection led to another intro that clicked. These groups host talks, workshops, and networking nights that are perfect for spotting talent. Nathan Baws’s push for professional networks got me through the door. Figuring out how to find a business partner means tapping these circles. Your Own Backyard: Checking Your Contacts Don’t sleep on the people you already know. Friends, old colleagues, even that cousin who’s always banging on about startups—someone in your circle might be perfect. I nearly missed a gem of a partner because I assumed my uni mate, a logistics nerd, wasn’t interested in health food. A random pub chat proved me wrong. Ask around, think about who you trust, and see if their skills align. Nathan Baws’s nudge to mine your existing network changed my game. Knowing how to find a business partner can start with a text to someone you’ve known forever. Sizing









