Rob Artigo: Today we’re talking about one of the earliest decisions that can make or break a new company, picking a business partner. You co-founded Micrel with Warren Muller. You two were called the odd couple apparently. Different styles, different strengths. Before we get into details on that, how big a decision is choosing a partner?
Ray Zinn: It is probably the most important one all, is to make sure whether it be your marriage, whether it be your neighborhood, whether it be your friends or your partner and starting a business. You want to make sure that you compliment each other, that you have strengths that are not just duplicative but also that they build on each other. Be very careful who you pick as a partner. You want to make sure, number one, they’re honest and that they live this repentance process that we talk about, which is that they are willing to correct their mistakes at their expense, not at yours or the company’s. And so you want that partner that is morally good, that has good morals, ethical, honesty, integrity. Dignity of other people, it means of respecting others. And then of course, being willing to do whatever it takes and no excuses.
I mean, we cover that in the culture of my book, Tough Things First, and maybe the essential leader too, we talk about the culture that you need to have, which is honesty, integrity, dignity of everyone, and then doing whatever it takes, no excuses. Repairing the damage that you do or mistakes you make at your expense, not at the company’s. And so your interview process or your relationship with your partner has to be in depth. You really have to know each other and know how you strengthen each other. Like it’s an eternal thing, not just something that you’re going to get in and get out, but that you look at it more… I’m with this individual forever, not just for the next couple of years.
Rob Artigo: Is choosing a partner on the same level as choosing a product? I mean, you have to have a product for your business to even exist in the first place. Is it even bigger than choosing the product, choosing a partner?
Ray Zinn: I think so. Obviously, you have to have a product or a service that’s going to be sustainable, but I think probably choosing your partner is even more important. Whether it be a marriage, for example, whether it be friends, your friends also the ones that are your partners in so many words because they support you in your daily life. I think selecting the right partners is true in every aspect of life, whether it be your neighbors, your friends, your teachers, your partners in business. Selecting the right people to be around is really what this topic is all about.
Rob Artigo: With Warren Muller at Micrel, the fit apparently worked because you stayed out of each other’s lanes. Am I right about that?
Ray Zinn: Yes. I mean, you don’t try to be duplicitive in the areas of expertise that you have. We both brought different strengths to the company. If we both brought the same strengths, then it’s duplicitive. So you want to make sure that you have augmented strengths that will help you survive. And again, this is not just for a company, this is also for a marriage or for a relationship with a friend. Make sure that whoever you’re associated with are good, honest, moral people. Reminding again, our listeners, they have honesty, integrity, dignity, and respect for other people, and then do whatever it takes, no excuses.
Rob Artigo: A lot of founders default to talking about the division of work to a 50 50 thing because it feels fair. Let’s divide up the work 50 50 and then responsibility 50 50 and everything’s 50 50. What do you think about that mindset? Is it too competitive? Does it become a problem?
Ray Zinn: Well, I think again, this 50 50 thing’s ridiculous. It should be 100% for you and 100% for them. Just doing it, splitting it 50 50 it sounds easy and good but it’s not. You want to be 100% for them and they want to be 100% for you, and that gets you 200%. If you’re just splitting it 50 50, it just comes out even.
Rob Artigo: Let’s see. How about the last question here? Someone is about to shake hands and start a company this month. I mean, obviously it’s happening all over the place. Thankfully, people are still engaged in entrepreneurship and getting into businesses. What’s the one conversation they need to have before the paperwork even happens, before the conversation? Maybe what’s the conversation most people skip?
Ray Zinn: Not looking each other in the eye. When you want to develop a relationship, you have to be able to look that person in the eye. And you know what we mean by that, Rob, when you say look me in the eye or I’ll look you in the eye.
Rob Artigo: Yeah, yeah, you’re being real with them.
Ray Zinn: Yeah. You’re seeing through the nonsense, you’re seeing through the false narrative that exists in a bad relationship. Look me in the eye. When you have your partner, whether it be your spouse, look me in the eye.
Rob Artigo: Mr. Miyagi and Karate Kid, “Always look eye. Always look eye.”
Ray Zinn: Right.
Rob Artigo: So pick the right person.
Ray Zinn: The eyes have it.
Rob Artigo: The eyes have it. Pick the right person to find the work. Stay in your lane, and don’t confuse a handshake with a marriage. Listeners can continue the conversation at toughthingsfirst.com. Questions and comments are always welcome. You’ll also find podcast archives and the books, Tough Things First: The Essential Leader in The Zen of Zinn Series, including Zen of Zinn Daily. Follow Ray on X, Facebook, and LinkedIn. Ray, thanks as always.
Ray Zinn: Good to be with you, Rob.
