Business Partnerships

A friendship founded on business is a good deal better than a business founded on friendship - John D. Rockefeller.

I wished someone had explained the meaning of this sentence when I first heard this over 10 years ago. Like many, I made the mistake of hiring and partnering personal friends during the course of my career. The truth of the matter is that no one will work with you their entire life and when the time comes to part, it will always leave a sour aftertaste no matter how amicable it may seem. When that happens the friendship can never be as it once was. Which is worst? Losing a partner or losing a close friend? Perhaps both.

On the flipside, you develop friendships during the course of your work and despite bridging the gap of workmates or an employer employee relationship, there will always be a professional side that each other will respect. Perhaps it may be due to knowing each other on a professional level, accepting or complimenting your working styles then further developing that relationship due to the sheer respect of one another. Allow me to cite an army example, your best friend may not be able to save your life...but the buddy who did may well become your best friend eventually. At work, we fight our battles daily and the camaraderie that we built should not be underestimated.

This post is dedicated to those that had believed, stood by and fought the hard fight despite having better alternatives along the way. You have my respect and complete admiration for what we have accomplished and will always be close to my heart. Thank you!