Business is a tough sport, and without going into a lot of detail about it, these past two weeks have been difficult. Des Moines Local Live is the Internet radio channel of which I was to become a partner. We never did sign papers about it, formalizing the partnership. About two weeks ago or so, I reached an impasse with one of the intended partners. Before entering into any partnership, you have to know that you're all working forward in the same direction. I came to learn that this wasn't the case - there was a difference of vision and in my opinion, it was substantial enough that I believed it would harm my investment in the business. So I stopped dead in my business tracks and informed the third partner that I couldn't move ahead and formalize the partnership. A pattern had been emerging where there would always be contention and drama, and frankly, business is best when partners come together, jointly determine the best direction for the future, and then drive like hell for it. But if someone on the team is constantly yanking the wheel right or left for their desire for ice cream for themselves and you're fighting for course correction to get to the destination, it won't be a safe journey. You'll arrive exhausted, if you arrive at all. No thanks. I don't have time for that nonsense. After stating my position, the third partner (Duane) looked at both sides and decided the original vision was best and urged me to stay with him. I did, and yesterday we signed papers dissolving the previous verbal intentions. Over the next week, the new multimedia company will begin anew as Central Iowa Local Live, under the broader banner of Worldwide Local Live. Lots of cool things will come to play. Exciting stuff ahead! I'll keep you posted. |