kids-in-biz.com

We got this question today:

What if I can’t do a dog walking business alone, and I had to have a partner. There is a girl that lives across the street and we are good friends, but lately shes been kind of snooty and different. If I choose someone else she’ll get REALLY upset. What should I do?

Finding a partner that you can get along with all of the time is a really difficult thing, even for adults. It sounds like you’re learning one of the hardest lessons in business at an early age. I know it isn’t fun. Somehow one partner always seems to do more of the work or has more energy for the business. Sometimes just being friends can be tough, never mind working together!

Perhaps you can have a “business meeting.” Tell her that you’d like to get ready for summer or spring break and iron out a few things ahead of time. Agree to discuss all aspects of the business – what you’d like to charge, hours you’d like to work, how many clients you’d like to have, how you plan to get the word out, etc. Dog-walking can be a lot of fun but is also a huge responsibility. Suggest that you enlist another friend or two to help out – either as partners or as subs. Don’t forget to hear her side – does she have any questions or concerns? Ideas on how to make the business better?

What happens if you have a dog-walking appointment and one of you gets invited to the beach, the mall or a sleepover this summer? Do you have a back-up plan? Remember that you should always have an emergency back-up, even if it’s your mom or dad.

I suspect this really isn’t all about business. Sounds like she might be afraid of losing you or what you two have together. Is there anything that you can do to calm her worries? We have plenty of room in our hearts for lots of friends. It doesn’t have to be either/or.

Only you can decide whether you should continue the partnership. I always find that talking about it helps and I often get a piece of paper and write out a list of pros and cons. Sometimes putting it down on paper can really help.

Best of luck!

Treece