Just started a business and my partner has done very little; how to kick them to the curb?

[MuzikIsMyHeart]

A friend of mine (X) came to me with a business idea, and at first I was hesitant to go along with it, but I later came back to it after seeing that there could be money in it. X said we would split up marketing and both put in the time necessary to start this up.

I ended up creating all accounts, and she would do a little here and there while I did the most to market the product. I ended up creating the website and payment methods. I ended up getting our legal paperwork together, and so MY NAME AND SSN are on EVERYTHING, not X's. I monitor customer inquiries via social media and email, and respond promptly by myself.

I have even told X that there are other things to be done, only to have to come up with it myself because X doesn't respond. For example, I told X to look up shipping supplies (even gave the EXACT WEBSITE) because I was at a family dinner, just so X could see what was there. I also told X that we need a business plan and for X to give me X's title and responsibilities for it. X was also supposed to set up social media accounts as well. NO RESPONSE to any of these, I had to do it.

X told me that I needed to come up with product names, a business name, a business logo, e-marketing accounts and strategies, a PO Box, some business cards, and vendors. I got 7 out of those 9 done before I felt like I was being taken advantage of and then stopped.

I do something. X goes behind my back and changes it, and tells potential customers things about the business that X has changed and X doesn't even tell me. I find out by reading emails and social networking blurbs.

X has only provided visuals. I have done everything else. And it has only been ONE WEEK since conception. I don't know if I can continue on like this. I want to just take it and run with it, but I kind of feel bad taking X's idea even though I am the one bringing it into existence. X just cares about the money and thinks it will just HAPPEN, not even attending to the time necessary for a business. This weekend, I worked on the business. X was no where to be found and does not answer my phone calls or texts.

Important: Neither of us has had to put up any money. So I don't have to buy X out or anything. However, we work together outside of our business and I want to keep this calm as a result. Also, I feel like this is more MY company than both of ours because she isn't putting in the time that I am putting in, so I should have it. I don't want to look back 1, 5, or 10 years from now and wish I had let her go, but I don't know how to let her go and keep it amicable. Help please! ....if there is any way to do this.
Sorry, I failed to mention I have tried to talk to X about numerous ideas and business needs - X always nods with an "Um-hum" followed by "We are gonna make SOOOO much money!!! OMG!"

Also, I should walk away after gathering customers AND creating everything? It's like I did all of this for nothing.

[Jo W]

No good whinging here: you need to COMMUNICATE with X. Now.

[A Hunch]

you and your friend decided to create this company one week ago and the company is Xs idea?
= I think you should just walk away...

[Roger]

If only your name is on everything then you and you alone own the business unless there is a partnership agreement. No agreement then you're responsible for everything. Freeze any checking/cash accounts (change web passwords) until an agreement can be made. You might need to buy him off. That would be the moral thing to do. I wouldn't offer much. If he can't agree then tell him he is free to go out on his own. Just leave existing business alone. You might want to see a lawyer. The only other option is for you to walk with some cash. It depends on how bad you want to do the business. Good Luck.

[sophieb]

When a business is started and there are partners a legal contract is written up as to who does what, who contributed what amount of money, etc. You had no contract so things went awry. You were supposed to have meetings to determine things but since both of you are going different ways and there is no contract simply stop doing what you're doing and move on. It's weird that you say "and wish I had let her go"...say what? you can't let her go, you are partners. So just stop doing the business...period. C'mon now you say it's only been ONE WEEK since the business started. Clearly there is no business there so you're not being taken advantage of. And in one week just how many sales and of what have you received? If none then you have no customers.

[neongreeneify]

I hear you when you say that X came up with the idea and guilt is taking you back from just completely owning everything.

Alright, these are just from a stranger's 2 cents, so how about creating a productivity sheet or using an online software for that such as basecamp or rescuetime, btw not endorsing on them. Because, the way it is now, what you and your partner is having, it's more of a productivity issue than anything.

So find out a way to put it all in "writing," for a lack of term. Because if you search these productivity software what they do, is sort of create a checklist of activities to do from week to week per person in a company. There are even free stuff out there like Google Calendar or Keepandshare. So just try to check them out.

So you will then see based on your own performances, who's doing what. It's a very concrete way of measuring things. If it would really show that she's definitely just in it to ride along, then how about just giving her "enough" percentage, like 15-20%, after all it was her idea. Its one way to avoid, her contesting and seeking legal actions for one of those "intellectual property" issues.

Good luck!
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[Adelaida]

Run from X like the wind and save the friendship. Business and friendships don't mix like 2 dicks! if you had a solid investment already, had formulated a Business Plan and Marketing Strategy, or done all the filings for the business then sure, try to deal with it, but not in this instance. Do your own thing or get in bed with credible strangers when it comes to business.