How Do I Find a Business Partner?

[FS Concierge]

Glad to hear you sounding so optimistic about things Michelle!
Just remember that if you ever need a panel of taste testers your friends at the FS forums would love to help! :-)

Jayne

[gracie.sia]

heya....im just in the process of starting up my own business and was thinking about a business partner. but from what ive read..im now rethinking it. But it seems to start something up is realllllllly tough so Im awed and curious to see how you got started. Im in a student entrepreneurs group and we always love to hear about startups so if you get a chance, I'd love to hear how you started and if you run it from home and how you manage to deliver your cakes etc.

Hope you've now discovered whether or not having a business partner is good for you or not...by the sounds of it since youve already done the hard yards i guess you don't really need one. Just an employee is good enough

Good luck!

[ShanghaiSi]

Hi there you need someone with the same passion for the business as you ifyou want a business partner. Period.

If you cant find that person outsource so menial chores that can be done by professionals...book keeping, baking etc. give you the team you need to consider your next moves, growth plans etc a chance.

If you're working flat out and not making much money, but you are getting a lot of customers, slowly increase your prices or look to sell add-ons/up-sells with your baked goods to add to your bottom line.

For example source some festive ceramic plates that your cakes will fit on from a good supplier at a cheap price. Make your cakes for X PLUS the plate for Y. Make sure you increase the price of the cake and get a rock bottom bargain on the plate when you purchase...maybe this means you have to bulk so promote it like crazy that they get a great plate for . The customer will be so much happier to get more than just another custom cake!

Differentiate your business via your up-sells.

You need to generate more margin so you can afford to outsource those tasks!

If you are committed you need to decide outsource or die.

If your idea or concept is unique and/or you have good systems in place (Read the E-MYTH) then maybe you should look to franchise your business and start expanding big time!

Cheers
Simon

[gracie.sia]

Hey Michelle,

Are you still looking for a business partner? I recently started a cookies company and would like to partner with someone as well...if you're still after someone, please email me at grace@sweetsia.com.au

Hope to hear from you soon!

- Grace