Let’s talk about business partnerships.
A beautiful idea on paper.
Two sharp minds. Double the energy. Half the risk.
What could go wrong?
Everything.
The Silent Killer of Good Partnerships
There are many ways business partnerships collapse—ego, money, power plays, poor communication.
But today, let’s focus on one subtle, silent killer:
Mismatched expectations.
You see, this one doesn’t show up immediately.
It hides behind excitement.
Behind late-night brainstorming sessions.
Behind “We’ve got this, bro.”
Until the business hits its first rough patch.
And then it shows up—loud.
The Symptoms of a Silent Breakdown
Suddenly, you’re pulling 14-hour days while they’re ghosting your calls.
You’re reinvesting every coin, and they’re asking when the profits are coming.
You’re trying to get the product right, and they’re frustrated that the business “isn’t moving.”
They start disappearing from key meetings.
They don’t post about the business.
They show up late—physically or mentally.
And you can feel it: you’re carrying the weight alone.
And here’s the thing:
They’re not evil.
They’re not lazy.
They just expected something different.
Different Expectations = Different Destinations
You imagined the business as a marathon.
They thought it was a relay—with a finish line just up ahead.
I’ve been there.
I’ve had business partners walk away the moment things got real.
And looking back, it wasn’t betrayal.
It was bad onboarding.
Because most of us never take time to probe the minds of the people we go into business with.
We assume we’re all chasing the same dream—freedom, money, purpose, legacy.
But not everyone is playing the same game.
Why Are They Really Doing This?
Some folks just want to make rent.
Others are looking for something (anything) to do with their lives.
Some are running from unemployment.
Some just want to afford a few dates and a decent haircut.
None of these goals are wrong. But they come with timelines.
Desperation has zero patience for delayed returns.
So what happens?
You—the visionary—want to build something lasting.
Something meaningful.
You’re thinking: scale, legacy, market domination.
They’re thinking: “I need transport money next week.”
Reality Check vs. Fantasy Ride
You see the long haul.
They expect a soft life in six weeks.
You’re ready to fight.
They thought this was a free ride.
And when reality hits—no profits yet, clients are slow, bills piling up—they check out.
Because their expectations were never managed in the first place.
Set the Tone Early
That’s your job.
As the founder, the vision bearer, the general.
Before you let anyone join your hustle, set the tone.
Tell them what this journey is really going to take:
• Time
• Sacrifice
• Broke seasons
• Rejection
• Persistence
Don’t paint rosy pictures.
Don’t sell vibes.
Don’t hand them a dream without showing the battlefield.
One Conversation Could Save You Years
Let them choose to stay based on the truth—not a fantasy.
Because if they walk in expecting quick wins, and what they find is a long, dusty road with potholes and sweat…
They’ll bail.
And the worst part?
They’ll blame you.
So manage expectations.
Make it the first agreement—before money, before roles, before logos and business names.
Tell them the truth.
And then ask: “Are you still in?”
That one conversation could save you years of heartache.
Need Help Figuring This Out?
I’ve spent the last few years deep in Uganda’s small business trenches—starting, failing, learning, and growing. I know what it’s like to build with limited resources and big dreams.
Whether you’re trying to boost your sales, strengthen your team, improve your operations, or just make smarter decisions—I can help.
I offer one-on-one strategy sessions and private coaching for serious entrepreneurs.
Reach out via email: eddiefab256@gmail.com
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