Business partner required

[JohnDoeWindows]

Hi all,

I am putting the feelers out there to see if there's anyone out there that would like to collaborate together to grow a multi-van business offering all aspects of exterior cleaning services. I would be open to speaking to people who live near or within Grimsby, so cities such as Hull, Sheffield, Doncaster etc as I have a vision to grow and expand into those areas.

I have weaknesses that I am very clear on and would love someone who can compliment those, the main one being the actual business side of things - quite frankly, this is my first business and the admin side of things is something I'm yet to truly grasp.

With that said, I have managed to build a sizeable round in my area very quickly through the methods of marketing that I have used and work to a very high standard. I am yet to take on my first employee but plan on doing so very soon.

 

[Pjj]

Hi all,

I am putting the feelers out there to see if there's anyone out there that would like to collaborate together to grow a multi-van business offering all aspects of exterior cleaning services. I would be open to speaking to people who live near or within Grimsby, so cities such as Hull, Sheffield, Doncaster etc as I have a vision to grow and expand into those areas.

I have weaknesses that I am very clear on and would love someone who can compliment those, the main one being the actual business side of things - quite frankly, this is my first business and the admin side of things is something I'm yet to truly grasp.

With that said, I have managed to build a sizeable round in my area very quickly through the methods of marketing that I have used and work to a very high standard. I am yet to take on my first employee but plan on doing so very soon.

You must be doing something right so just stick at it , if you go into partnership with someone be very careful it’s your business and things can and do go wrong with ones falling out or finding that the partner is ripping them off , if you need a bit of help with paperwork or what ever try and get advice from anyone you know that runs a business or maybe look at evening classes doing business studies , from a financial point of view I think you will make more profit by you being the boss and having employees, just my 10 pens worth , good luck with what ever you decide , keep us informed as to what you decide to do as it’s interesting to see what ones do and how it works out .

 

[Iron Giant]

The admin side of a window cleaning business is or should be very simple, using an app like Cleaner Planner to manage your rounds track debts income and expenditure etc it really couldn't be easier but of course, it requires the individual to put the work in and keep things updated.

 

[JohnDoeWindows]

Thanks guys, maybe admin wasn't the right term to use as I'm managing to keep on top of my books quite easily at the moment using the Sage app. It's probably more my confidence and knowing I'm doing the right thing.

I think I've always been a good team player and feel as though I'd bounce off someone with the same vision as me as I have a very good work ethic, but I suppose I just lack the confidence in myself and feel as though it would be a much harder road to do on my own.

 

[Chris34]

Thanks guys, maybe admin wasn't the right term to use as I'm managing to keep on top of my books quite easily at the moment using the Sage app. It's probably more my confidence and knowing I'm doing the right thing.

I think I've always been a good team player and feel as though I'd bounce off someone with the same vision as me as I have a very good work ethic, but I suppose I just lack the confidence in myself and feel as though it would be a much harder road to do on my own.

Partnerships generally don't work, the reasons are several. The three main reasons are

1) One person works harder than the other and there is a disagreement between who should do what, this leads to the person doing the majority of the work feeling like they are carrying the other person and creates a bad working relationship.
2) One person wants to go in a different direction than the other with the business, they either want to grow faster or they want to diversify into other areas but they disagree with each other so end up one person being unhappy.
3) One person is not very good with money and ends up either ripping the business off or just generally not being careful with the costs.

You are far better keeping full control and being the sole owner. Being self employed is a lonely place, many on here will vouch for this, you are on your own with all the responsibility on your own shoulders. What helps is coming on forums like this and chatting business, over time you become more confident and you get used to the responsibilities so they don't feel as stressful.

If you think you do need help then you would be best either employing someone to do the work that you're not confident in doing, or if you can use another business that specialises in the areas you're weak in.

 

[Pjj]

Thanks guys, maybe admin wasn't the right term to use as I'm managing to keep on top of my books quite easily at the moment using the Sage app. It's probably more my confidence and knowing I'm doing the right thing.

I think I've always been a good team player and feel as though I'd bounce off someone with the same vision as me as I have a very good work ethic, but I suppose I just lack the confidence in myself and feel as though it would be a much harder road to do on my own.

You have already built up a good round so you know what you are doing. As the buildings that you clean increases in size just view them as houses and break it down into what you are familiar with ime sure you can succeed you have done the hard part , just keep on doing what you have already done

 

[Part Timer]

Thanks guys, maybe admin wasn't the right term to use as I'm managing to keep on top of my books quite easily at the moment using the Sage app. It's probably more my confidence and knowing I'm doing the right thing.

I think I've always been a good team player and feel as though I'd bounce off someone with the same vision as me as I have a very good work ethic, but I suppose I just lack the confidence in myself and feel as though it would be a much harder road to do on my own.

Why not sit down with your Accountant and explain to him what you want to do and where you think your weaknesses are. There will be free advice, and probably free training on a Government Website. I would advise going down this avenue first rather than jumping into bed with a stranger. Your bank might have a business advisor at the end of the phone, but they are likely to charge you.

 

[Robt100]

Thanks guys, maybe admin wasn't the right term to use as I'm managing to keep on top of my books quite easily at the moment using the Sage app. It's probably more my confidence and knowing I'm doing the right thing.

I think I've always been a good team player and feel as though I'd bounce off someone with the same vision as me as I have a very good work ethic, but I suppose I just lack the confidence in myself and feel as though it would be a much harder road to do on my own.

Sounds to me like rather than a partnership, all you need is a fellow window cleaner to just bounce ideas off, ask questions, just talk to to see if you're in the same boat. All this can be done without sacrificing control of the company, im sure there are some on here that are more than happy to give you a call or disccusion through PMs and have a chat once in a while and just give a guiding hand if it is needed

If you wanted to send me a PM over about anything feel free, I work in an area just south of the places you mention (rough guide is just SE of Gainsborough) so may have some similar experiences when it comes to customers!

 

[JohnDoeWindows]

Thanks for all the advice and input guys, really appreciate it and I agree with all of you - I think at the moment I'm suffering from a bit of imposter syndrome and despite my business doing well, I have an overwhelming sense at times that the rug could be pulled from under me and strangely feel as though having someone else alongside me reduces the risk of this. In reality, I think I'd be using that person for a false sense of comfort as opposed to anything else.

 

[Iron Giant]

but I suppose I just lack the confidence in myself and feel as though it would be a much harder road to do on my own.

This is normal when working on your own, I have been in business for just over 22 years and have always worked on my own it is a lonely place at times and you really don't have anyone to sit down with and talk things through as only another sole trader or business owner understands actually what it's like and I have struggled at times but never would I want a partnership with another cleaner, but hey that's just me.

Plenty of sole traders and members who started off small and now employ @P4dstar @Part Timer to name two who didn't know a thing about cleaning windows came on here asking questions and have worked very hard and are both very successful, you only have to be as successful as you want to be and find contentment in that, don't overthink things and let your mental battles overshadow the positives and your ability to move forward and grow.

 

[Part Timer]

Plenty of sole traders and members who started off small and now employ @P4dstar @Part Timer to name two who didn't know a thing about cleaning windows came on here asking questions and have worked very hard and are both very successful

But I had a lot of business experience and I didn't know about this site until I'd been doing the job for 4 years

 

[JohnDoeWindows]

Wish they'd teach some of this stuff in school... who needs to learn about photosynthesis

 

[Windowcleaningfleet]

Hi all,

I am putting the feelers out there to see if there's anyone out there that would like to collaborate together to grow a multi-van business offering all aspects of exterior cleaning services. I would be open to speaking to people who live near or within Grimsby, so cities such as Hull, Sheffield, Doncaster etc as I have a vision to grow and expand into those areas.

I have weaknesses that I am very clear on and would love someone who can compliment those, the main one being the actual business side of things - quite frankly, this is my first business and the admin side of things is something I'm yet to truly grasp.

With that said, I have managed to build a sizeable round in my area very quickly through the methods of marketing that I have used and work to a very high standard. I am yet to take on my first employee but plan on doing so very soon.

Hi, you worked hard to build your window cleaning business up to where it is today so why get a business partner? Why not hire an employee instead and pay them a decent wage? a good wage for them to care about there job and the business(I'm sure this will be cheaper than having a business partner)

Everyone has weaknesses, we all have flaws and we all have problems but you got to keep battling like a solider until your happy with what you got.
I recommend you look at employing instead of a business partner, i believe that a business partner must be in from the start so they understand the ethic and groundwork it takes to build a round, its a waste of time if hes missed the start up part out, he wont value the business like you , so hes clearly not business partner material, a business partner must have love and fight for the business like yourself, if they dont then they are no good to you.

 

[ched999uk]

Wish they'd teach some of this stuff in school... who needs to learn about photosynthesis

There is a lot of stuff that they should teach in school like budgeting, basic cookery, etc but then again if they taught kids more useful stuff there might be a lot more self employed people!
The country needs a wide variety of skilled and non skilled people to be able to fill all the jobs that are needed.

 

[Iron Giant]

But I had a lot of business experience and I didn't know about this site until I'd been doing the job for 4 years

At least you found it before I did, I was on the other tty forum before this one

 

[tommywilliams88]

Partnerships generally don't work, the reasons are several. The three main reasons are

1) One person works harder than the other and there is a disagreement between who should do what, this leads to the person doing the majority of the work feeling like they are carrying the other person and creates a bad working relationship.
2) One person wants to go in a different direction than the other with the business, they either want to grow faster or they want to diversify into other areas but they disagree with each other so end up one person being unhappy.
3) One person is not very good with money and ends up either ripping the business off or just generally not being careful with the costs.

You are far better keeping full control and being the sole owner. Being self employed is a lonely place, many on here will vouch for this, you are on your own with all the responsibility on your own shoulders. What helps is coming on forums like this and chatting business, over time you become more confident and you get used to the responsibilities so they don't feel as stressful.

If you think you do need help then you would be best either employing someone to do the work that you're not confident in doing, or if you can use another business that specialises in the areas you're weak in.

fair points, but you’ve not listed any positives.

- two different skill sets and personalities.
- two heads are almost always better than one for a balanced view point.
- shared financial and operational responsibilities. If you agree from the outset and put it all in writing then you’re all in the same page.
- More opportunities with two people through networks and friends / family.
- can get more work done as two.
- can take on bigger sites and projects as two.
- Being accountable to each other.
- having someone else can be a motivator.

 

[Chris34]

fair points, but you’ve not listed any positives.

- two different skill sets and personalities.
- two heads are almost always better than one for a balanced view point.
- shared financial and operational responsibilities. If you agree from the outset and put it all in writing then you’re all in the same page.
- More opportunities with two people through networks and friends / family.
- can get more work done as two.
- can take on bigger sites and projects as two.
- Being accountable to each other.
- having someone else can be a motivator.

Yeah their fair points as well. Partnerships generally have issues down the line though, so I'd avoid them, but like you say if you do go down the partnership route then having every minute detail in writing is a must, that way each person can refer to the original agreement to resolve any disputes, you can't argue when it's there agreed in black and white writing.

 

[Windowcleaningfleet]

If you get a business partner on board will it be 50/50?

If i was to hire a business partner today it would cost him 2x of 3x of the round value ££ to come on board.

If you are letting your business partner in for free then you are making a bad decision and a big financial error.

Hope this helps.

 

[Mcsandlaly]

How big are you as a company? I have two lads working for me and then I do the paperwork and customer stuff, planning and concentrating on getting that accurate as well as working with the lads. At my age I let them take the ladders now when necessary too one plus of working with folks.

 

[JohnDoeWindows]

If you get a business partner on board will it be 50/50?

If i was to hire a business partner today it would cost him 2x of 3x of the round value ££ to come on board.

If you are letting your business partner in for free then you are making a bad decision and a big financial error.

Hope this helps.

I suppose it would depend on what the partner had to offer. In an ideal world, they would already have an established round of their own with a view of growing it.

Or maybe they're an older person who has the experience of running the company and wants someone who's more of a hands on business partner to run the day to day of the business, I don't know - at this stage I'm just open to conversations.