Business with friends
 

I was wondering if any of you have ever started businesses with your friends and how this effected your friendship?

Well I had a friend and we discussed starting a business together. I had a lot of good ideas which she is now using to run said business without me.

Lets just say it didn't work out to well.

Money and friendship are generally a bad mix... if you do go into business with them... keep really good records, keep receipts etc, as to who spends what when... and who does what... It usually sounds like a good idea at the onset.. but, and I speak from personal experience here, one person generally ends up feeling like they are doing the lion's share of the work.

Im hearing you.

Money and friendship are a bad mix in my experience.

It's easy to start for obvious reasons, but it almost never works out. Perhaps use the friendship for ideas, energy, support, contacts, but go it your own ways.

The few exceptions I've known were where responsibilities were split absolutely and partners were extremely competent in a kind market. But I've also seen that template fail. Good people change with stress. Nothing quite like having business, friends, and significant others all come apart at the same time. Been there and I'd only wish it on my worst enemy.

You can always start another business. Friends aren't so cheap.