I live in the Pacific NW, have for years. I have a friend who moved to San Diego (to get married) and would like me to move there too so we can start a wedding photography business.

It's a great opportunity for me because she knows the business and she can teach me the ropes.

The problem is, she has not been someone I have been able to count on in the past. There have been numerous things that she hasn't followed through on with me (and in her life) and I'm worried that she might do it again. For example:

1. she borrowed my car for a month promising in return she would pick me up at the airport when I came back from Thailand, she didn't -- didn't answer her phone or any emails then claimed she didn't get any of my messages when I returned.

2. when I got the car back the cigarette lighter charger area was broken but she didn't mention it.

3. when I emailed her when after she had moved she totally ignored any emails for like 8 months.

She's recently contacted me again and I have forgotten the things above until just tonight. I think she's lonely because she's having issues with her new husband. She also has a child so she wouldn't be able to commit 100 percent to the business.

Bottom line, it's an excellent opportunity for me to learn this business for free but at the same time San Diego is about double the cost of living here and I'm not really guaranteed that she'll be there all the way.

So, in your professional opinion, would you take the risk? Or, do you have any other suggestions on what I could do instead? Thank you!

She sounds like a fair weather friend and I don't think even signing a partnership agreement would make any difference to her. From what you say, I don't think this is a viable opportunity even though you will learn the business. You would be giving up more then she. Who is putting up the money for this venture? You and she are going to borrow for it? Or just her ?

Tick

Hi Tickle,

Thanks for your reply! We would both have our own equipment that we purchase for ourselves. Until the business is 'up and running' she would probably be putting up more money until there's an income. We're not borrowing any money.

Statistics indicate that two out of three new businesses fail even in a good economy. I believe that those that succeed have many attributes among those is a complete devotion to the business. You must be dependable, trustworthy, experienced, willing to learn (on-going), financially aware, make more good decisions than bad ones and seek good advice. Above all entrepreneurial and the ability to communicate well.

I suppose when you ask yourself if this person has all of these attributes you may answer your own question.

And, having a business partner is not always easy especially if their track record leaves much to be desired. Those problems that could arise could deter your success.

Good luck, but I would think hard on this.

Stringer

Think of it like this, would you be willing to start a "family" with this person if she were of the opposite sex?
Cause a business is like raising a child your going to have long sleepless nights of hard work, but you don't need a deadbeat business partner that would only do two things a) slow you down and drain you to the point where you give up b) cause legal disputes in the long run.

If "I" were in your situation I'd think long and hard before making such a commitment. But then again Trial and Error you never know your friend may put more energy into the business then anything she's ever done.