People and their resources

As you prepare to launch your business, one of most important areas to explore is people. How many and what type of people depends on the particular business. Several people questions are common to all businesses. 

When thinking about starting a business and operating your pushcart cycle -- to validate the customer opportunity, try to do as much as you can yourself, since you don't really know what types of skills or expertise you'll need from others. But if you can't do all the work yourself, you'll need to hire someone or take on a partner.

At this stage of your business, it is generally good advice to only hire on a temporary basis. Engage a "free agent," that is, a person who offers his/her services to many companies on a project-by-project basis. Or hire someone who might be between jobs, with the understanding that you're hiring him or her just for the pushcart cycle. This person may eventually become an essential and trusted employee. The key is to keep your costs under control and not make any long-term commitments.

The other issue to consider is whether or not you want or need a working partner in the business. Partners are individuals, who like you, make a financial investment in the business. Having a partner can be beneficial or it can be a problem. It is wonderful to have someone to talk with and discuss the business on an in-depth basis. However, taking on a partner fundamentally changes your business. It is no longer your business. It has become our business. And as a result, your ability to do what you want is limited.

If you decide to bring in a partner, be sure that you discuss your business and your business goals thoroughly with him or her. It is more important to share business philosophies than to be friends with your partner. Friendships change but philosophies of life, ideas of how you conduct yourself and your business are much more fixed and important in a business relationship. Your partner needs to share your passion for your business, your customer focus, and your dedication to hard work and flexibility.