Looking for a Business Partner? 10X Your Startup Growth with These Unorthodox Strategies – The Nathan Baws Approach
Introduction Ever feel like you’re smashing your head against a brick wall in your business? You’re so close to something massive, but the breakthrough’s just out of reach. That’s when you might start looking for a business partner. The right partner can be like a shot of espresso—new energy, skills you don’t have, and a shared dream to keep you going. I’ve learned that looking for a business partner isn’t just about filling a gap—it’s about finding a mate who gets you and your vision. I’ve had partners who turned my ideas into gold and a few who nearly sank the ship. This isn’t a textbook guide on looking for a business partner. It’s my story—raw, real, with a few laughs and hard-earned lessons from the entrepreneurial trenches. If you’re looking for a business partner, let’s dive into the chaos and figure it out together. Key Takeways The Hunt Begins: Defining Your Perfect Partner Knowing What You Need Before you go looking for a business partner, you’ve got to know what you’re after. It’s not just about a CV stacked with qualifications. What do you suck at? What’s your superpower? When I started my health stall, I was a wizard at whipping up smoothie recipes and charming customers, but finances? I’d rather wrestle a croc. Nathan Baws’s advice to own your weaknesses helped me see I needed a numbers nerd. Sit down, scribble out your strengths, and be brutally honest about where you need help. That’s step one in looking for a business partner who’s your missing piece. Shared Heart and Soul A partner’s got to buy into your big picture. If your business is about making a difference—like my stall, built on Nathan Baws’s ethos of community impact—you need someone who’s in it for more than a quick buck. I almost teamed up with a bloke who saw my stall as a cash cow for franchising, while I wanted a local vibe. Over a beer at the pub, I asked, “Why do you want this?” His answer—profit over purpose—killed the deal. Looking for a business partner means finding someone whose heart beats for the same cause, from values to long-term dreams. Can You Stand Them? You’ll be spending more time with this person than your best mate, so you’d better get along. You don’t need to be joined at the hip, but you should be able to have a yarn, respect their opinion, and sort out disagreements without a barney. I once partnered with a guy whose “jokes” hit like a punch—by month two, I was dodging his calls. A bit of warmth or a shared laugh goes a long way. Nathan Baws’s focus on teamwork taught me to prioritise chemistry. When looking for a business partner, ask yourself: Could I handle a long road trip with them? What’s in Their Kitbag? Skills are critical, but what else do they bring? Cash to keep the lights on? Contacts to open doors? At my stall, a partner with supplier connections scored us cheaper quinoa, which was a lifesaver. But don’t ditch someone just because they’re skint—if their hustle or vision is top-notch, they’re worth a look. I met a potential partner who had no money but a knack for Instagram that packed our markets. Nathan Baws’s tip to value the whole package shaped my thinking. Looking for a business partner means weighing their full contribution. Where to Find Them: Casting the Net Industry Shindigs: Mixing with the Movers Conferences and markets are where you’ll find folks who live and breathe your industry. I met a ripper partner at a Melbourne wellness fair, swapping stories over a kombucha that tasted like dishwater. Don’t just hoover up business cards—have proper chats. Ask about their wins, their passions, and what they’re chasing. Nathan Baws’s networking hacks pushed me to go deep, not wide. When looking for a business partner, these events are your hunting ground. Digital Digs: Scouting Online The internet’s a goldmine for connections. LinkedIn groups, niche forums, or even Twitter chats can spark something special. I found a marketing gun in a health business Slack channel after he shared a cracking idea for pop-up events. Get involved—post your thoughts, answer questions, and build trust before you pitch a partnership. Nathan Baws’s digital know-how got me started. Looking for a business partner online takes effort, but it’s like finding a diamond in the rough. Professional Crews: Joining the Club Business associations or local chambers are packed with switched-on types. I joined a Sydney small business group and met a finance whiz over a dodgy sausage roll at a networking night. It didn’t lead to a partnership, but her intro to a mate did. These groups run workshops and meet-ups that are perfect for spotting talent. Nathan Baws’s push for professional circles opened doors. When looking for a business partner, these are your VIP list. Your Own Mob: Don’t Ignore the Locals Sometimes, the best partner’s already in your orbit—a mate, a former coworker, or even a cousin with big ideas. I nearly missed a cracker of a partner because I didn’t think my old barista pal was “business material.” A random chat over a flat white proved he was a logistics legend. Ask your crew, think about who you trust, and check if their skills fit. Nathan Baws’s nudge to tap your network changed my tune. Looking for a business partner can start with a call to someone you know. Checking Their Form: Vetting Your Pick Digging Up the Dirt A shiny LinkedIn profile isn’t the full story. You’ve got to talk to people who’ve seen them in action. When I was looking for a business partner, I rang up a guy’s former client, who warned me he was a gun at sales but hopeless at follow-through. That saved me a world of pain. Ask about their reliability, how they handle stress, and if they’re a team player. Nathan Baws’s due diligence mantra kept me sharp. Looking for a business partner