How to find a business partner ?

SiConnolly · #1 (**permalink**) 14-07-2008, 13:25

Hello there,

I would appreciate your help on how I might go about finding a business partner.

I run a production company which makes films for both broadcast and corporate clients. I spend roughly 50% of my time on the business with the other half working directly for broadcasters as a freelance director.

The business has been running for approximately 12 months and does ok,(enough to take up two or three days a week) but I believe it has some real potential to be a much bigger company. There's a huge amount of production companies out there and so in some ways it hard to pinpoint my USPs, but my dream is to be able to offer companies who have historically felt priced out of the corporate video market an alternative, high quality, solution. Video is a fantastic way to get peoples attention and is becoming more and more popular for corporate clients. Finally, I like to think that my films are of an incredibly high standard, hence considerable repeat custom.

Anyway, to get to the point. My strengths are in film production and not marketing and I'd rather have a smaller proportion of a big pot than all of a small one. I don't need any investment, I have all the equipment I need, but I do need clients and would like to team up with someone who knows a little about my industry but mainly has considerable expertise in sales and marketing.

I apologise if all the above is unnecessary information but thought someone may ask.

Please let me know where I might go to find the right people or if perhaps there is a resource for finding a partner.

Many thanks for your time

Simon Connolly

Paul Norman · #2 (**permalink**) 14-07-2008, 13:38

Hi Simon. Essentially you have a recruiting challenge, and should go about it in a similar way.

However, it is even more important that you locate exactly the right person, and that when you have them, you get the legals right. For that, you definitely need a good solicitor.

For the recruitment, I would suggest you go to an agent or press source who specialise in finding business partners.

for something as big as this, for you, I would recommend a proper assessment centre approach rather than an interview. If you want to know more about that, please pm or email me, and I will happily explain more fully. No charge for explanations!

admagic · #3 (**permalink**) 14-07-2008, 16:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by SiConnolly

Hello there,

I would appreciate your help on how I might go about finding a business partner.

I run a production company which makes films for both broadcast and corporate clients. I spend roughly 50% of my time on the business with the other half working directly for broadcasters as a freelance director.

The business has been running for approximately 12 months and does ok,(enough to take up two or three days a week) but I believe it has some real potential to be a much bigger company. There's a huge amount of production companies out there and so in some ways it hard to pinpoint my USPs, but my dream is to be able to offer companies who have historically felt priced out of the corporate video market an alternative, high quality, solution. Video is a fantastic way to get peoples attention and is becoming more and more popular for corporate clients. Finally, I like to think that my films are of an incredibly high standard, hence considerable repeat custom.

Anyway, to get to the point. My strengths are in film production and not marketing and I'd rather have a smaller proportion of a big pot than all of a small one. I don't need any investment, I have all the equipment I need, but I do need clients and would like to team up with someone who knows a little about my industry but mainly has considerable expertise in sales and marketing.

I apologise if all the above is unnecessary information but thought someone may ask.

Please let me know where I might go to find the right people or if perhaps there is a resource for finding a partner.

Many thanks for your time

Simon Connolly

I would take this a stage at a time Simon...dont dive in with a full partner...outsource a marketing strategy and some initial marketing work" to find someone you feel comfortable with who is delivering....then look at ramping up to a bigger picture...

No amount of assessment, recruitment, interviews or other process will find out whether the chemistry really works between you and a new partner,and whether you share the same vision.

It can be a nightmare to untangle if it turns out to be the wrong choice.

So take it in steps...

BTW...I think there is a massive opportunity in the corporate video market, but not used in the way that most corporate videos are..

SiConnolly · #4 (**permalink**) 14-07-2008, 17:25

Thanks to both of you for your help.

Totally in agreement about the rushing into a partnership side of it and fortunately, I am in the position that I need no investment. My plan is to start a new company with the help of someone else and start on a job by job basis.

Admagic, I agree totally with the massive opportunity in the corporate video market. For example, I just made a 4 minute video for a company that had just developed a new service it wants to offer new and existing clients. The video makes it simple to understand, explains the process thoroughly and is more eye catching and professional than any Powerpoint presentation. They now are looking at using this technique across their whole range of products and services.
Of course, theres so much more.
Anyway, I'm rambling.

Paul, I will PM you. Many thanks for your advice.

Alvin · #5 (**permalink**) 14-07-2008, 18:51

Hi Simon do you think a website would produce clients for you.?

Alvin

SiConnolly · #6 (**permalink**) 15-07-2008, 10:42

Alvin,

I am in the process of building a website. I see it as more of a tool for showing previous work, showing previews to clients, biogs etc and not necessarily as a way of making first contact as there are lots of corp video companies out there.

Si

Cryxellis · #7 (**permalink**) 16-07-2008, 11:04

Nice construction of letter. For sure a soon to be business partner
will be interested.

SiConnolly · #8 (**permalink**) 16-07-2008, 13:02

Missed the full stop after etc. though!!

CharlieJones · #9 (**permalink**) 08-08-2008, 12:25

I'm trying to start a video production business also. I'm trying to start off with weddings because I just don't know how to find my first client.

Any ideas?

jordonjames · #10 (**permalink**) 10-08-2008, 09:14

well it depends on what kind of business you want to go into with the person.. but i will advice that you visit and register in sites that have people looking for where to invest their money,that is money they have made.just register on the site and you wil be able to see them and message them about your offer.