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I am considering opening a business w/ a fellow colleague. We have a bit of a conflict. We would have to sign a year lease...but she has already told me she will not be here for the whole year...more like 10 months. I don't know what to do...should I just get a space myself?

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Comment by Joelle Arnold on August 30, 2009 at 8:36pm: Thanks for the advice everyone!
Good news...my situation has changed. I had a fellow therapist call me and let me know her space is open to share w/ me....I'll be meeting w/ her in the next week or so. It is a bit of a commute though(20 mins.) not bad at all. I am so excited to finally be able to share a space w/ someone. All I need to do now is work on the advertising.

Comment by Felicia Brown on August 27, 2009 at 8:50pm: Think long and hard before becoming partners with anyone else in business. Sounds like there are already doubts and different expectations about the business between you and the other party. Sounds like she would be better to take on as a renter that you know is leaving and can plan around. But if you have a small pool of other therapists to choose from in your area or don't really want to start over with a new person in 10 months, you're probably better off to just go it alone for now.

Felicia Brown, LMBT
Trainer & Consultant ~ Spalutions!
NCBTMB Approved Provider
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336.508.0790 ~ Direct
www.Spalutions.com
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Comment by Laura Allen on August 25, 2009 at 7:00pm: Is she actually leaving or just taking a vacation and coming back? Leaving her stuff there? As Quincy pointed out, if she's out of there in ten months then the people she has been seeing may come to you. It sounds like you would be better off to rent the space yourself and sublet the room to her for a flat rate or as a percentage deal with a guaranteed minimum and a guaranteed cap.

Comment by Marissa on August 25, 2009 at 12:55pm: That is a million dollar question. Owning your own business and leasing a space is a gamble. But we're all gamblers. As soon as we decided massage therapy was our "calling" we took the dice and let them roll. We have no guarantees that our clients will keep coming back, that new clients will be making appointments, or that we'll be able to keep going strong ourselves. However, where we don't gamble is our passion. If you are truly passionate you will thrive. A lot can happen in 10 months. Who knows? You may even find another partner! You may find someone on this site, in your area, that is on the same page as you! Good luck in your new adventure, whatever that my be!!!!!

Comment by Quincy Brown on August 25, 2009 at 11:53am: In my opinion you have to think about business. Will business be good enough that when she leaves you still be able to support yourself and the business by that time. Its always good, I think to have partner with the same intrest if your are both on the same page. Maybe in 10 months some of her clients will migrate to you because of her leaving.