Partners, Lovers & Investors You Should Avoid Like the Plague

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The best way to get out of a bad situation is by never getting into one in the first place. I have been fortunate to have avoided some very bad relationships over the years. These have been both personal (crazy girlfriend) as well as professional (bad business partner). In retrospect, there were signs along the way that have helped me walk away before it was too late. Here are the types of people you should avoid like the plague.

Bad partnerships

The Jerk. I remember having dinner with a potential business partner. He was trying hard to court me by having dinner at a very expensive restaurant. Our server made a mistake with this man’s appetizer. Suddenly, the cordial and fun individual sitting across from me turned into a tyrant, throwing a hissy fit over lettuce instead of spinach. The poor waiter apologized profusely and remedied the situation almost immediately. But that was not enough for the Jerk. He still wanted to complain at length to the manager. At that moment, I knew I wanted nothing to do with the guy. Later on I heard he bankrupted several business. He never delivered on his promises.

The Jealous. She was a lovely girl and very attractive. We went out several times and things seemed to be going well. One day, I found myself worrying about “checking in” several times a day and also feeling guilty every time I talked with another single female. Suddenly I realized that the young lady I was dating had some serious trust issues and no matter how much I tried, her insecurities became a full-time job to manage. I know guys who after decades of marriage, still have to call their wives multiple times a day for no apparent reason than just “check in.” Years later, I’m so thankful that the woman I eventually married is secure enough to allow me to travel the world on my on my “International Man of Mystery” pursuit.

The Micromanager. Sometimes partnerships are formed where one side brings capital (cash) and another expertize and sweat equity (everything else).  Early on my entrepreneurial career I was offered a lot of money for a piece of my young business. The man wanted to be a silent investor and assured me that I could run the day-to-day operations. I knew this potential investor through another relationship, but not very well. As I spent time with him, I realized that he couldn’t just be an investor. By seeing how he operated his businesses and his own family, I quickly realized the man needed to know everything about, well,  everything. While he was successful in making money, his employee turnovers were horrific. People didn’t stay long and those who stuck around were miserable.  Money is great, but peace of mind is better.

What other types of people should we avoid?

  • “The Bragger” nnI learned early on to let my skills and talents speak for themselves. As a musician whenever I’d meet other musicians who would talk up themselves and their “talents” and found that 9 times out of 10 they were nowhere near the game they talked. When someone is going on and on about their accomplishments and not engaging with you chances are you need to break out your Iphone B.S. meter app. It will most likes be pegging deep into the red.

    • I’m using the “iPhone BS meter app” in my next conversation. n

  • Daina House

    “Complainers “nnThe hardest thing for me to be around is someone who constantly complains. I can’t stand a negative attitude and someone who finds fault with just about everything. You see it on Facebook and Twitter and in your daily lives…God keep us from being complainers! (Is that a word?)

    • I usually call them “Eor.” No matter what’s going on, they’re always find something negative to say. n

  • u00a0The Ego. This person’s only interest is personal advancement, often masked as a contribution to the team. He wants the organization to serve him, rather than the other way around.

  • “Debbie Downers” – Negative people are energy vampires…u00a0

  • It’s also wise to avoid International Men of Mystery…….haha just teasing my friend! 

    In business especially, I’m a big believer in aligning with those who have similar morals and ethics. I would never go into business with someone who’s morals didn’t line up with mine. I’ve turned down possibly big deals in the past due to this belief. 

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