One of the things that I most love about blogging as well as affiliate marketing is that it’s always evolving and changing. That’s not to say I don’t find myself overwhelmed sometimes trying to stay ahead of the curve, but overall it is one of the things I most love. And this isn’t the first time I find myself circling back to an idea that I thought was dead because I am constantly changing and evolving too.
In November, I wrote a post for Hot Blog Tips titled, “Going Beyond PayPal – Accepting Credit Cards on your Blog.” In that post I discussed helping my mom find a PayPal alternative to accept credit cards. Life though, as it often does, has its own plan and we never did get that project going, which was a blessing of sorts. So, to be completely honest, I haven’t even thought about new blogs or accepting payments, because I’ve always leaned toward affiliate marketing. But, here it is, almost August (where has the year gone?) and I’m entering into a new partnership.
Blogging Partnerships – Pros & Cons
Like anything else in life there are pros and cons to partnerships. Many years ago I tried to partner up with someone and it failed miserably. I’ve been hesitant to revisit the idea ever since. But my best friend recently approached me about partnering up on a site and after several long discussions and considerations we are taking the plunge and going for it. In deciding to go ahead with the partnership, below are some of the things that we considered.
- Strengths and Experiences – To me, this is one of the most important things because we can both do what we love and steer clear of the things we don’t particular like doing. There are days I procrastinate because I keep putting off the tasks that I don’t enjoy. I rather like the idea that we both get to do what we are good at and pass the stuff that we don’t like to the other.
- Diverse Opinions – Our diverse opinions on a topic that we are both passionate about can make the site, as well as the partnership stronger and well rounded. Speaking strictly from friendship, we both have similar business practices and we like this particular topic. But, that being said, we like it in different ways, which can be an asset to the business partnership. As a working example, the site happens to be about crystals and crystal healing. I am mesmerized by crystals and their health meanings and benefits so I enjoy the marketing aspect while my partner is a certified crystal healer and wants to work with people. Clearly, we have completely different strengths on the same topic so it makes for a good combination. Still, yet, that is not to say there won’t ever be disagreements and that is of course one of the cons – the potential loss of a friendship if the business fails or if we are faced with something that we don’t agree upon and can’t find a compromise. The strongest partnerships are based on honesty and clearly defining expectations.
- Strength in Numbers – Two people working on one project lends strength in numbers. Combining knowledge as well as financial resources is positive. In the partnership that I mentioned failing earlier in this post, we had too many of the same strengths so we were constantly stepping on each other’s toes. While some may disagree, for me, that is a con that I learned the hard way. The old adage, “Too many chiefs and not enough Indians,” sums it up quite nicely.
- Dividing Profits – Depending on your outlook, sharing the profits with someone can be viewed as a con. I personally am all for sharing the profits when it means I can work on something I love while not having to handle those tasks that I don’t particularly love.
- The Breakup – The biggest cons to consider – if you want to branch out from the main site and create a sister site, will that be a problem? What happens if one partner wants to keep the site and the other wants to call it quits? These are questions you need answers too before you even start.
The pros outweigh the cons in my decision to move forward with this blogging partnership. But the most important piece of advice I can give you is to treat the business as a business. A formal contract should be drawn up and hashed out so that both partners are very clear on what is expected of the other and the business as whole.
Have you ever partnered up with someone on a blog? What were the pros and cons? Was it a friend or acquaintance? I’d love to hear your thoughts.
About Chrissie Cole
The Breakup – Its good to point to consider as the Blog grows with customers , it will hard time to decide who holds the table !
Navneet, the break up was definitely my biggest concern but I feel good about this particular partnership after going over all the pros and cons.
Thanks, Chrissie. Partnership is a great idea! Not for me! However for others, it’s can be extraordinarily helpful. I found that I can find some of my competition and guest blog on their site once. I’m trying to bring my site up and bring in new readers. – Scott Craighead
Hi Scott,
I understand it’s not for everyone. I’ve had a bad experience so this is definitely a leap of faith in many ways. Good luck bringing your site up, guest blogging is definitely a great way to get that done 🙂
Once or twice I have. Partnering up is a big commitment. The problem is time and a person’s priorities. Nonetheless, anything is possible providing that both parties agree to make it happen and not make excuses. I love how you outlined the various qualities I think we hope to have in all of us, but it is important to be clear about your expectations too. Good post!
Thanks, Sonia! Blogging in general is a huge commitment so I am thankful to have some help. I’ve tried hiring people and it doesn’t seem to work as well as someone being invested in the overall project if that makes sense. Thanks again!
Love the post and the reasoning behind it but I agree with the others…It can either turn out great or not so great and so in the not so great department I would rather just blame myself for something not working or not getting done rather than having to blame someone else. We have had friends and family work for us and it has never worked out too well and having a stranger…well I am not sure that would work out too well either lol But for those it works for I applaud you and wish everyone success!
Hi Ron, I can appreciate your points. After an unsuccessful attempt in the past I was hesitant but with this particular friendship I think it should work. I suppose that is really the most important point – being honest about the friendship and expectations. Thanks for the comment 🙂
In my opinion, even if I do form a business partnership for a website or a blog , I will not choose my best friend as a partner. Probably because if the business goes sour , it would jeopardize the friendship as well.
Lahual, I see that point of view. So far, so good but that of course doesn’t mean it can’t change at some point.
Being in a partnership means having to work with other people closely. For me personally, it is a great idea, but I don’t think it is a great option for everyone. Some people are better off on their own.
Jennie, I’m glad you think it’s a good idea! I have several sites, so I get to work with a partner on one but I also have several that I run alone. It’s the best of both worlds for me. I think it’s also helpful that we aren’t “together” daily. Thanks for your comment 🙂
I can’t explain many things on this topic because i have seen many issues in that business where partners not work according to plan.
Hyptia, It does seem the odds are against friendships and partnerships; understandably. But hopefully there can be a couple successful ones as well. It’s definitely not a decision I made lightly. Thanks!
Business blogging or partnership is a good move but you have to choose your man wisely. The best way? Avoid friends or family members. Sometime, things goes sour even with the closest people 🙂
Reginald
Reginald, valid points. But, sometimes it’s helpful to really know someone and their work ethics rather than a partner that you don’t really know. There are definitely pros and cons on both sides. I already had a partner that wasn’t a friend and it didn’t work out. So this way is new to me. Time will tell. Thanks for commenting!
Informative piece) I absolutely agree. Having someone to split the load with is a definite plus. I have a business partner and she doubles as my blog partner. I also have a freelancer that now contributes to my site. It’s a big help to not have to crank out all that content and work by yourself.
Thanks for the comment, Martin! I’m glad that a partnership is working out for you 🙂 I really need to find a freelancer that I can work with as well.
Great tips for a partnership. I’ve never tried with a blog, but have in other projects. I have had both good and bad experiences with friends.
Thanks, Carmen 🙂 My bad experience was with an acquaintance, not a close friend. So this is different for me, but I feel good about it.
I’ve always found that partnerships work best if you know who you’re working with. That way you know each others strengths and weaknesses. Hopefully that will also help you work through any personal problems that may arise.
Good luck with your venture.
Peter, that is exactly how I feel! Thank you for supporting my thought process and for taking the time to comment! 🙂
Some of my partnerships have been phenomenal, and others have been disastrous. It depends on the nature of the activity being shared … and the personalities involved. I admit I’m not sure in the initial rush of enthusiasm which way it will go!
Much like a pre-nup, you want to draw up how a dissolution will be handled while you’re still in the honeymoon phase. So you do want to discuss how things will be divided up in case someone wants to withdraw, someone dies, etc. All the “what ifs.” And if you can handle these “sensitive” topics early on, it’s a pretty good gauge that you’ll be able to talk other things out later …
Sharon, excellent points and very true! We did have to discuss all those issues up front which makes for a stronger partnership. The foundation of the friendship will most certainly help with the foundation of the business and that means honest discussions of expectations and “what ifs.” Thanks for taking the time to comment!
I recently joined up with 4 other girls for a weekly blogging party and it’s been a great experience. Not only do we all have different strengths, weaknesses, and perspectives, but we’ve also got a different group of friends so we’re all meeting new people. I’m so glad I’m not going solo!
Thanks for sharing, Sarah! Wow, 4?! Now that is impressive! I don’t have a group of friends to work with but I can see how that would be helpful if done right. Good luck, it sounds wonderful 🙂
I think a blogging partner would very much help like a workout partner does in making your accountable to someone to suit up and show up (plus do a good job).
It’s a definite plus, Terree. I sometimes spread myself too thin trying to do too many things on too many sites because I don’t want all my eggs in one basket. So it is very nice to have some help!
Hi Chrissie,
This is an interesting take on the dynamics of blogging partnerships.I think a good partner can uplift the business in creative ways and the time saved could be directed towards promotions and other activities necessary for the blog.
Thanks Joe, so far it has been uplifting! When you have two people with specific strengths and weaknesses it’s a plus. In all honesty, I tend to procrastinate things I don’t enjoy doing so this is helping with that.
Blogging is not so much profitable business at the time of the start, I think getting in partnership is not a good idea. I am working alone from past 2 years and happy working alone. Also if there are more than 1 person, then there would be conflicts between them and conflicts can be a fullstop for your success. I think bloggers should learn and create unique and original content by itself after so much research; because quality is better than quantity.
Maddy, I can respect what you are saying. I’ve been blogging for many years so I’ve been in several different situations. There are certain projects I do enjoy working on alone and always will. But there are some situations that I do want help so I can have more time for other things that I enjoy. A matter of balance I suppose. I definitely agree that quality wins over quantity!
Agreed, Becca! Indeed a positive to have help with making the business better and stronger. 🙂
Thank you everyone for all the great comments and feedback! Sorry for the late responses, I’ve been in the process of moving. I think I replied to everyone, if I missed someone, I apologize. Thanks again!
I have to own up to that Chrissie and admit that it’s my fault. You had no idea when I was going to publish the post and I completely dropped the ball and didn’t let you know it was live.
I appreciate the great article and conversation. Awesome job! 🙂
Thanks, Brian! It’s always an absolute pleasure to write for your blog and to interact with your readers and commenters. Always a favorite 🙂
Having a blogging partner can be both best decision you will ever make or worst mistake you will ever do depending on who you partner with. Great post.
Thanks, George! Indeed true, I guess the difference is how you approach it.
As a partnership in blogging can help your blog grow very very fast, as you said, people need to consider the downside as well. Sharing profits, quitting to go solo, those are all things that you need to deal with at one point or another. Cheers!
Agreed, Dan! I like having solo projects and a partner on some as well. It’s taken me many years to determine what my strengths and weaknesses are so that I can best utilize them. So far so good! Thanks for the comment 🙂
I am skeptical about blog partnership. Do you think it would really work out with an online partner, who i don’t know outside? Would it create any management problems?
A few of my partnerships have been amazing, while a few have been truly bad. It depends on the nature of the business and your goals. I will admit that it can be daunting to decide who to work with.
Excellent post, Chrissie. Your article is very straightforward and honest. Collaborations can be great, especially with friends, but you also have to be careful to make expectations clear. Your article has opened up my mind to the idea. Thanks!
One way partnership is great, like in term of expenses, idea, thought and so o and in other way it will be harmful if your thought doesn’t match with one and other. So, if you want that your partnership last for long time, divide your work, some parts your and others of your partner. Before starting the business, go for legal agreement…