Question: I have been considering taking two friends as partners in my planned company. I need their expertise as well as their ideas, contacts and other contributing efforts. Should I take them on as employees? Or is it better to partner?
Answer: Here are a few things to ask yourself: First, do you really need business partners to build a successful company? If so, will these friends make strong and trustworthy business leaders? And perhaps most importantly, are you willing to risk hurting your friendship if the partnership falls apart?