* In a marriage, individual financial resources often become jointly owned.

- In a partnership, your partner has a legal claim to all of current (and most future) business assets.

* In a marriage, you must be willing to give of yourself, even when it is not always returned.

- In a partnership, one partner can come to feel like they are doing all work, but both partners have right to receive income.

* In a marriage, when things go bad it can be difficult to split up.

- In a partnership, when splitting up, remaining partner can often face a demand for thousands of dollars from departing partner.

> The Path To Partnership Bliss

If you decide after careful reflection on your true motivation that a partnership is your desired form of legal organization, then there are some steps I suggest that you take:

1. Create a written partnership agreement, spelling out following terms:

* The full legal name of each partner. * The purpose of your business enterprise. * Detailed description of each partner's primary functions; and a description of joint functions. * Financial controls, such as mandatory signatures of both partners on any check over $500. * The dollar amount of capital each partner will invest initially in business. * The percentage breakdown on profits and/or losses between partners. * The personal compensation of each partner and how often it will be paid (this may be set on an increasing scale as business's revenue grows). * What exact business activities must be approved, in writing, by both partners, e.g. signing a retail lease agreement. * What process will be used to pay off a partner who wishes to leave.

2. Have a social get-together with partners and their spouses (or significant others) to explain what kind of time commitment business will require.

3. Plan at least one face-to-face meeting with your partner each week during pre-launch planning to review progress.

4. Be genuinely caring and respectful of your partner.

6. Close door.

For one hour each morning, close door, turn off phone, and place a sign on your door which reads: "Man or woman at work. Please return at 10:00." Use this hour as an uninterrupted time for concentrated work. Write this time on your calendar every day, and stick with it.

7. If you are in an open space or cubicle, rearrange your desk or chair to avoid easy eye contact.

People are less likely to interrupt you when they cannot make eye contact. If you cannot rearrange your desk or chair, place plants on periphery of your desk to create a physical boundary between you and open environment.

8. Establish a time management remodeling day one day per month.

Spend one day each month analyzing your time management system. Ask yourself what needs to be deleted, changed, modified, rearranged, enhanced, or minimized. Do you need more or less space, equipment, light, air, or beauty? This one day each month can provide you with solitude needed for accomplishing your goals and dreams.

9. Practice saying "No" ten times each day.

More often than not, act of saving time involves saying "no" to other people. If it is hard for you to say "no," practice a variety of responses ten times of day. Examples of appropriate responses include: "I would love to attend, but unfortunately, I cannot make it," or "I am flattered that you asked me, and I am unfortunately too busy to do justice to project at this time," or "No, thank-you," or "No." By saying "no" you are honoring your own life and goals.

10. Keep a master travel checklist and a pre-packed toiletries bag.

For people who travel frequently, a master travel checklist should include a basic wardrobe and accessories (basic black is always safe,)plane or train tickets, passports, camera, medicines, mobile phone, and one small first aid kit. Keep a toiletries bag packed with soap, travel sizes of shampoo and lotion, cosmetics, toothbrush, toothpaste, etc.