My business partner is getting more visibility or opportunities that I am - here's what to do
dollhouse: dog-walking business
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The issue:
Your business partner, Vanessa, is getting more recognition, visibility, or opportunities than. In other words, you feel like you're at a disadvantage.
Let's say you and Vanessa run a dog-walking business together.
An example:
You and Vanessa split your tasks equally as dog-walkers. But Vanessa likes small talk more than you do, and she gets more client outreach because of her customer service engagement and style with the dog owners.
People are starting to associate Vanessa with the face of the brand, and many have mistaken her as the CEO (and you as her assistant), even though you split your tasks equally.
Two hidden costs:
- Vanessa gains gradual informal leverage when it comes to making decisions. Even neutral decisions feel like they require her approval over yours.
- You unconsciously start to participate less (or less actively), and your role eventually becomes more operational and leadership-focused.
The reasons:
Here are the reasons why Vanessa is receiving more visibility or opportunities than you (and/or):
- People are naturally drawn to her personality and energy more.
- She is creating an unfair advantage for herself behind your back.
- Her efforts, role, or tasks are yielding more results for her (ex: more time spent on social media).
Your quick fix (honoring autonomy):
Your goal is to ensure that you are taking up the amount of "space" that feels best for you in the business.
We all have our natural strengths and weaknesses. But you each should be able to capitalize on your own strengths to bring in rewards that benefit both of you, so that co-leadership remains intact in all areas.
- Can you rearrange / redefine your roles in a way that allow you both to take up the amount of space you want?
- Can you both agree to divide up opportunities equally?
If YES, you can make compromises.
If NO, you have a fundamental incompatibility - visibility, influence, or recognition naturally distributes unevenly between you two.
Mending your partnership:
Book a consultation with Valerie.
Vetting for the future:
If you are searching for a business partner in the future, first figure out what your natural strengths and weaknesses are, and how they complement each other.
That will ensure that you and your partner don't need to compete or "fight" for space, even if that competition is unintentional.