"Une amitié fondée sur les affaires vaut mieux qu'une affaire fondée sur l'amitié"

The heart of this idea is that when you build a friendship within the context of business, it often results in a stronger, more reliable relationship compared to starting a business with a friend.

Historically, this concept has roots in the wisdom of business titans who've seen countless partnerships fail and succeed. It’s often attributed to John D. Rockefeller, a man who knew a thing or two about both business and the nature of human relationships. He recognized that mutual respect and trust earned through professional interactions can create a solid foundation for a lasting friendship.

For instance, imagine two colleagues, Sarah and Tom. They meet at work, and over the years, they go through thick and thin together—meeting deadlines, tackling tough projects, celebrating wins. They see each other’s dedication, integrity, and problem-solving skills. This professional camaraderie gradually evolves into a deep friendship. One day, they decide to start a side hustle together. Their business thrives because it’s built on a foundation of mutual respect and proven reliability.

On the flip side, take Alex and Jamie, childhood friends who decide to start a business together because, well, they've always gotten along great. They jump in with enthusiasm but soon hit rocky waters. Alex is a night owl who works best under pressure, while Jamie is a planner and sticks to deadlines like glue. Their differing work styles create friction. Without that professional history to fall back on, their friendship strains under the weight of business pressures.

So, how can you apply this wisdom in your own life? If you’re considering a business venture, look at the relationships you’ve built through work. Who have you seen in action, who’s weathered storms with you? Those are the people who might make the best business partners. Business first, friendship second.

Let's bring it home with a story. Picture Lisa. She worked in marketing and became friends with her colleague, Ben, over years of collaborating on projects. They respected each other’s skills and work ethic. One day, they had an idea for a new tech gadget. They decided to give it a go. The early days were tough, but they had their professional relationship to lean on. They trusted each other’s judgment, and when disagreements arose, they could resolve them with the same professionalism they had at work. Their start-up flourished, and their friendship grew even stronger.

Now, think about Lisa’s cousin, Jake. He started a bakery with his high school buddy, Greg. They’d shared a lot of great times, but they’d never worked together before. When the bakery faced its first big challenge—a delivery mishap that lost them a key client—blame and frustration set in. They didn’t have that history of professional problem-solving to guide them through the crisis. The business floundered, and their friendship took a serious hit.

In conclusion, fostering friendships within a professional setting can lead to more solid business foundations. Start with business, let friendship follow. It’s like building a house on rock, not sand. The stronger the foundation, the sturdier the structure—both in business and in friendship.