Should you find a partner or outsource?

Wow, I heard another great telecast tonight from Brian Clark and Jon Morrow at Partnering Profits.

A smart business person realizes that they can’t run their business alone. It doesn’t matter whether it’s Internet or Bricks and Mortar, everyone needs help!

The segment I found most thought provoking – because it’s something I’ve been grabbling with – is about hiring or outsourcing duties. I’ve heard from the Internet gurus that you must outsource tasks to free up your time. I’ve wondered if that really works. When I was a manager with a staff of employees, I found very few employees you could just turn over a project to. I learned quickly that minimum wage workers need constant supervision and motivation.

Anyway, back to the point of this post, and what I learned.

Well, more like what made a light bulb go off for me tonight.

Partnering is a much better way. Finding people who compliment your talents and bring them in on your projects is the way to motivate everyone. It makes sense if you think about it. Instead of hiring C grade employees look for A grade people and offer them a piece of the action. While you may give up a little control over the project, the reward is a partner who is more invested in the success of the project and will help you build equity.

You’re never going to find the A type people willing to work for you – but you may be able to win them over by inviting them in on your project.

Finding that perfect partner takes time, an open heart and mind and a little luck, just like finding the perfect life partner. And, I’ve been very, very lucky to find a couple of great partners in my business career.

I think Jon and Brian are right on the money about partnering. And I’ll add that you’re only as good as your partner – look for the best.

Now, I’m off to review my contact list and consider who might work as another partner……. Perhaps, I’ll send them some chocolate