Ok I need some advice on what I should do. My youngest brother and his partners just started a new business that is marketing a great product. Its in the field of marketing. I got on just for now to generate some money for myself because I have been out of work. I basically am a tele-sales person. So I am in the office all day and I see and hear EVERYTHING that goes on, meetings, conversations on phones, etc. My brother and his main partner both have no experience running a business. They have all the experience in their field when it comes to putting all together, its not there. Well, its gotten to a point now where there is some serious friction between him and his partner and their investors. I see all the things that they are NOT doing, for I've owned my own business. They're business IS falling apart for the wrong reasons. What should I do? Your input is greatly appreciated.

Thanks

I tend to be the no nonsense type when it comes to business. Given you've had experience running a business you see all things they overlook. They probably overlook them because they aren't even aware they need them. I don't believe you can sit back and say nothing...you do that and the investors will end up getting rid of your brother and his partner. Even if they are minority investors it's no reason for your brother and his partner to think they can't be tossed out. Anytime you have investors you have a fiduciary duty to always act in their interest, when you're not, they usually have no problem ousting you legally.

If it were me, I'd take them out to a neutral location away from the office and deal equally with both of them...don't soften when addressing your brother and being more critical with his partner. It's the only way they're going to take it to heart.

Just explain what you see wrong and maybe suggest a division of labor and responsibility. That's the way my partner and I handle things. When she came into the business about 13yrs ago, I was still trying to handle everything as I'd always done. Finally we set up areas of responsibility. Except for times she's on vacation, I don't do anything she's responsible for...I haven't made a single invoice in 10yrs. The accounting function is her area...I stay out of it. Production is under my purview. For the most part, I deal with the strategic and she handles the tactical. If you can talk your brother and partner into an arrangement similar to this even though it will take time to adjust, it might smooth things out for them.
Good luck
Denny

Denny

Great points...thanks.