The same can be said in business, especially in the African context – a friend is someone you share a business with. In the magazine, some companies we have featured have all been started by a group of friends who shared passion. Unfortunately, a lot of start-ups with potential lost their way because of the wrong blend of people. It is based on the misconception that if a business has a really good product or service, then everything else will fall in line. Picking the people you work with could determine whether your business is successful or not. After all these people become your family; whether you like it or not.
Having a shared passion is not enough. So many a time, people don’t discuss what the ultimate plan is which will inevitably lead to conflict later on. Having a shared vision for the company, for the business means there is always a blueprint to refer to in case things start to go off path. Communicating the plan, and sharing the plan are two different things. It is more important to have people who are completely committed to the plan and not simply ‘in the know.’ This would be even more important when you are starting a business 50-50 with a partner, or a group of people who have an equal stake in the business.
Facebook, is an example of a company which was created by a group of people who eventually ended up in court fighting for control. Learn from their experiences.
Photo Credits: Google Images
