Someone recently asked me whether I thought they should have a business partner.
My answer was pretty straightforward.
If it's your first company, my advice is no.
Now, that's my perspective based on my experience as an entrepreneur. There are plenty of successful companies founded by partners, and I'm certainly not suggesting there's only one way to build a business.
But I do think there's something incredibly valuable about building your first company yourself.
Your First Business Is Your Baby
When you're starting your first business, you're learning so much more than how to deliver a product or service.
You're learning how to make decisions.
How to manage money.
How to lead people.
How to navigate challenges.
How to trust your instincts.
And how to take responsibility when something doesn't go the way you expected.
That first company is where you begin developing your identity as an entrepreneur.
I believe there's tremendous value in having the autonomy to make those decisions without needing to reach an agreement with a business partner at every turn.
You get to establish the vision, make adjustments, and learn from the outcomes.
And those lessons become part of the foundation for everything you build afterward.
Ownership Doesn't Mean Doing Everything Alone
Let me be clear: I'm not suggesting you should start a business without support.
Quite the opposite.
Find mentors. Hire talented people. Build relationships with experienced professionals. Surround yourself with people who challenge your thinking and bring expertise you don't have.
But there's a difference between receiving support and sharing ownership.
You can build an incredible team around your vision while maintaining the autonomy to lead your company.
Especially in those early years, I think that independence can be valuable.
Why Partnerships Can Look Different Later
Now, let's say you're starting company number two, three, or six.
That's a different conversation.
You've experienced what it takes to start and operate a business.
You've made difficult decisions. You've probably made mistakes. You've learned what you're good at and where you need help.
And if you're considering a partnership with someone who has comparable experience, you can approach that relationship from a very different position.
You have a better understanding of what each person brings to the table.
You know which responsibilities you're comfortable sharing and which decisions matter most to you.
Experience gives you a stronger foundation for evaluating a partnership.
That doesn't automatically make every partnership successful. Shared values, aligned expectations, clear responsibilities, and thoughtful agreements still matter.
But it can change the conversation significantly.
Know What Stage You're In
I think entrepreneurs sometimes feel they need a partner because they're intimidated by doing everything themselves.
And I understand that.
Starting a business can be overwhelming.
But before giving someone ownership, ask yourself whether you truly need a business partner or whether you need mentorship, expertise, additional resources, or a great employee.
Those aren't the same things.
My advice for your first company is to give yourself the opportunity to own the vision, make the decisions, and learn from the experience.
There may be a time when partnering with another entrepreneur makes perfect sense.
But don't underestimate the value of building something that's entirely yours.