These are my tips for engaging with potential partners, whether potential business partners or co-founders or investors, it is useful to:

• engage in a due diligence sooner than later to save time when term sheets or terms of engagement is presented.
• it should include but not be limited to:
  • business credit checks
  • consumer credit checks
  • online presence on business and the founders
  • online search for media on business and the founders
  • social media search on business
  • social media search on individuals
  • ask around, reputations are easy to gauge
  • request audit reports and financials on business and persons involved
• trust your gut
  • sometimes something doesn’t sit well, rather than signing your life away, listen to your gut
• listen to mentors
• ask for guidance/assistance with negotiation if that is not your strong suit
• NEVER EVER EVER EVER assume that the person you are “courting” knows more than you. Bullshitters are good at bullshitting their way through life.
• get everything in writing

I’ll think of a few more and add them soon.#headsup
#businesstips