Should I give 50% of my new business to my brother? -

I m having a small dilemma.....I ve recently started a business in central London. Its a small agency which supplies a range of alternative therapists to private clients either in their home or hotel. Having worked in this industry for many years I have a very good knowledge of how this business works, and have come up with a concept and website which I think will really work. I asked my brother for advice as he does global marketing for a big agency in town and he said he liked the concept and the website was ok but could be better. He then said he would help me with the marketing but wanted 50% of the business but I know he doesn t really have much experience with website marketing although his partner does. I feel that 50% of my business is too much and that perhaps the sharks are circling.... am I being paranoid? I ve asked friends what they think but none of them have a business so its a difficult one to judge. He says he could make me alot of money but I don t see how especially as he s already got a full time job, am I being taken for a rid by my own brother??????? Would love to hear from anyone in the same boat....Thanks

It sounds like he just wants a cut of the pie so to speak. I would decline his offer. If you need help with the design and promotion of your website you can go to www.elance.com you can hire professionals to do jobs for you.Are you planning on selling products from your website, if so you ll need a payment gateway so be sure to include that. Start a blog, a newsletter, email advertising, put an ad in the local paper, local area classified ads websites, send out cards etc. Good Luck!

Absolutely not. If he seriously has a skill that could benefit your business, employ him. Not on a regular basis but on a job by job basis. Otherwise, steer clear. If your business needs more marketing than you can provide, consider using the services of a professional. The money would be better spent. Going into business with a family member has all sorts of pitfalls. It s your business, keep it. If your brother was a good brother, he would share his ideas with you and offer support and encouragement without expecting something in return.

Thats a really big ask from your brother. maybe he has watched too much dragons den. why would you give away half your business. imagine that he is not your brother, would you do the same for someone who has a vague amount of experience in marketing your sector.i know some one who lives near you who has worked in that business for years and knows the business inside out and if they try really hard will be able to do much better than your brother....YOU!

definitely not. i would never open a business with a partner much less a family member because there will eventually be conflict and it will hurt your relationship in the long run. i would tell your brother, thanks but not thanks and hire someone to help you

NO WAY! If you want to give him a part then make it a MAXIMUM of 49% so that you retain control.But my advice is that you pay for the work that they do, and retain 100% of the business.Partnerships never work out well anyway.

No, don t do it - the worst ship that ever sailed - a partnership. You can pay someone to do what you require, he s after a quick fix to earn some fast money.

Never give anybody 50% of your business! He may or may not be looking to rip you off, but don t take the chance. You have enough experience in this field to go it alone. As your brother, it would have been a nice gesture if he had offered to help, but to ask for 50% of the business in return for his help seems greedy to me. He will only be giving advice as he has no time to commit to the business - you would be doing the majority of the work. To avoid a family argument, just tell him thanks for the offer but this venture is something that you really want to do on your own.Have you had some classy flyers printed that the Hotels may allow you to leave on reception or in the rooms? Most Hotels have a welcome pack in the room that introduces people to local services and amenities.

Total agreement with everyone so far. Don t do it! He doesn t have the time or possibly the skills to be a business owner.Pay him as a freelance for anything that he demonstrates he can do within the time you need it done. You re running a business and it doesn t matter whether it s family or not you need things done in a business-like manner.We brought my son in on one of our businesses some years ago and then threw him out because he wasn t pulling his weight. He couldn t devote the time and effort to the business but expected his cut.Make sure any agreements that you do have with him, even as a freelance, are in writing so that there s no room for debate if there s a problem. And usually there will be a problem and inevitably it will be about money.Good luck!