50/50 Business Partner Deadlock: How Mediation Breaks the Stalemate Without Destroying the Company

50/50 Business Partner Deadlock: How Mediation Breaks the Stalemate Without Destroying the Company

by | Jul 23, 2026 | Family Business, Partnership Advice, Partnership Disputes, Partnership Problems, Problem with Business Partner, Top Post

A 50/50 business partner deadlock is a decision failure, not automatically the end of the company. Mediation helps equal owners identify exactly what is blocked, separate business facts from accumulated grievances, and negotiate a workable path – renewed decision rules, a division of authority, a buyout, or an orderly separation. The mediator does not impose the result; the owners retain control of the outcome.

What Makes a Contract Legal and Binding?

What Makes a Contract Legal and Binding?

by | Apr 20, 2026 | Business Disputes, Business Tip, Buyout Advice, Family Business, General Business, Partnership Advice, Partnership Disputes, Partnership Problems

As you see, a contract can be legal yet not binding. And, the most important take away is that a promise, even if written up and signed, is not binding. If an agreement is not binding, it isn’t enforceable. I assume you want your agreements between you and your partner(s) to be legal, binding, and enforceable. Let’s look at the pieces that must be included to make a valid, binding contract.

The Best Tool for Successful Negotiation

The Best Tool for Successful Negotiation

by | Mar 31, 2026 | Family Business, Partnership Advice, Partnership Disputes, Partnership Problems, Problem with Business Partner

Before I give you the secret to easier and successful negotiation, let me explain a few things that don’t work. In fact, these will work against you. From years of watching people negotiate buying or selling, trying to change processes, or reaching general agreement, I have seen what works and what doesn’t when partners are negotiating with each other.

Problems in the Partnership? Fix the Communication

Problems in the Partnership? Fix the Communication

by | Mar 23, 2026 | Family Business, Partnership Advice, Partnership Disputes, Partnership Problems, Problem with Business Partner

I’ve found a common problem with communication when I’m conducting mediation meetings. People always think they know what the other party is thinking. They’ll say things like, “I know Bill won’t like this, but I think…” Opening your thoughts with that sort of lead in is going to put ‘Bill’ on edge before you even make your point. Never start by negatively setting the stage. So then, how should you start a conversation about a hard subject? In this post I’ll give you the 7 steps to conduct less tense and more fruitful meetings with your business partner.