The Art of the Win-Win
The best deals don't create winners and losers. They create partners.
The most dangerous spot to be in business is the
“start-up”
phase where you have all the pressure but none of the systems.
I see guys all the time who want to go out on their own, buy a truck, buy a machine, and get their own insurance before they even have the work.
They don’t know what they’re getting into, and they’re setting themselves up to get hurt.
If you have a partner or a sub who wants to go out on their own, don’t fight them.
Give them a win-win.
“Lease my equipment for your jobs.
Let’s share the crew.
You do your thing, and we’ll find a way it works for both of us.”
When you give someone an option that lets them do their own thing without the massive overhead risk, you build a relationship that lasts.
You keep your equipment moving, you keep your guys busy, and you build a network of allies instead of competitors.
Always look for the middle ground where everyone is happy.
If you’re easygoing and they’re easygoing, the only thing that stops a deal is a lack of communication.
Are you trying to control your partners, or are you looking for the win-win that makes you both more money?