Seeking Business Partner for expansion

FredAve

I run a well established and mildly successful B2B IT services business in a thriving (well as thriving as anywhere these days) large town. I currently operate from home as a sole trader and have done so for about 5 years.

I see plenty of opportunity for more business locally and within a 1 hr. radius of base but haven't the time to go after it. I also have a (well formed) idea for another different but allied business with large potential.

I'm strong technically, creatively and interpersonally, good (and getting better) in sales, marketing (which is where I really need to spend my time) and financials and weak organisationally.

To be honest I'm a little burnt out from trying to manage everything myself and wouldn't trust an employee to have the same commitment that I have. I'm strongly considering partnering with an individual with strong technical, organisational and planning skills. Up to a 50% share would be available depending upon what that person was bringing to the table. Demonstrable skills and commitment are key to this partnership. Some funding or other assets would be nice but not essential. Everything would be up for negotiation and all would be based upon a (contractual) trial period.

This business feeds my kids and keeps a roof over their heads so I'm really not interested in tyre kickers or messers.

Anyone interested? If so, please PM me, to which I'll reply with my mobile number to talk.

I'm based in Carlow. Realistically you'll need to be within a reasonable distance as most business is local.

YellowSheep

Hi Fred
Cant your business be duplicated into other areas other than Carlow? Cheers Oliver

FredAve

Absolutely, but the local business hasn't even touched its full potential yet. I was looking at doing that before expanding geographically. Expanding geographically right now would just create another set of the same issues in, say, Thurles as I have here.

NiallMH

How about setting up in a real "thriving" city , like Galway. I dont know what the business is but Carlow cant be the ideal place to be relying on business to feed a family , never mind be a millionaire!

YellowSheep

Hi Fred
I would be interested to get my teeth into something new. Perhaps you could PM some more details. Cheers Oliver

FredAve

@NiallMH - Business in Carlow is excellent thanks. If you've any input on the original question please feel free.

@Oliver - PM'ing you my mobile number.

FusionNet

Hi Fred,

Just a differnet spin. Im in the exact same situation as you. Im in Kerry and have a similar list of strong points and weak points.

What I did was team up with another IT firm. I install mainly cable systems, security and Telco, he mainly sells, PC's, Severs and sets up and maintains these. I found I used to get work but sometimes other IT companies did everything so they would get the work over me. He found the same.

What we did was set up another business name. this means i own my business 100% and so does he. We have a central contact number and do our quotations together. He is really good at that and makes them look ultra professional. When we secure a contract we each do what we are good at and invoice seperately. Its a great way to expand and become bigger without loosing any control. Also remember I now able to service his customers and vice versa.

Just an Idea, but it works well for me.

FredAve

@FusionNet - nice idea, I'm investigating the possibilites locally already. However there are'nt too many guys sufficiently differentiated from me that also have the correct skills. I need someone to take most of the tech. stuff off my hands.

NiallMH

Well you are the man from there but on my travels from Dublin it doesnt appear a thriving town.

OP though
http://www.simple.ie
Im cant remember if its start up business , but i think expansions are also listed!

conolan

Slightly off topic, but interesting the comment on carlow (or any other town).
In every town and every village there are businesses and people make money from their businesses. Every town needs its share of undertakers, IT experts, solicitors, carpenters etc etc.
I'd love to have the formula that says how many of each type of business are needed for every 10000 people. That's how you'd find a gap.

Now, having said all that, in some ways I'd fit in the role you describe. However, I'm a bit far from Carlow...

NiallMH

Yes You are right , but I think i might have misunderstodd "Business"
From what I gathered this man is interested in forming a large scale company etc etc (Being an rich entrepreneur etc)
But yes you are right IT , carpenters etc are always needed and invloved in business!