I was having dinner with Dan Kinchen the other night after filming what should be another great episode of Rock the Job (Dan gives great tips here so you’ll want to watch it). He and I are both entrepreneurs, so the ideas were flying as well as the stories of what’s been working, what hasn’t, and what sounds cool to try. One of the things we discussed was taking on partners – how to find a partner, and the benefits of doing so.

In the past I have thought about taking on a partner, however I have never done so.

The reason I gave Dan for this is work ethic.

Both Dan and I love to work. I, as many people do, measure myself by my accomplishments. I learn from my failures and keep moving forward. I am always working. I am fond of saying that there are only two directions you can move – forwards or backwards. If you aren’t moving forwards, then you are going backwards. Which do you choose?

There is no off switch.

In talking with other successful entrepreneurs, I have found that they have no off switch either. I think this is rare.

This is why I have not taken on a partner. To be sure, I have encountered many hard working people who do fantastic work. However, are they blogging, Twittering, networking, reading, and continuously educating themselves in addition to their daily work? Are they involved in their community, and helping others to learn what they have learned? Are they continuously looking at the trends, trying to determine where to go next, unsatisfied with the status quo?

This is the type of person that I would want as a partner.

Do you have a partner? Any advice for those seeking one?