.
“Ben,” I laughed, “you look worried. But I don’t think your problem
is that serious.”
“Well, I’m glad to hear you say that,” Ben said with a touch of doubt in his voice. But just how do I convince a bank that I’m a good credit risk?”
“There’s only one way I can see right now, Ben. You have to get yourself a business manager-a guy who may not know peanuts about gravy but who does know what a profit and loss statement is.”
“How can I find such person?” Ben wailed. “All my friends are in the kitchen end of the business.”
“Advertise in your local paper, Ben. Or put an ad on the bulletin board of the local men’s club. Just think of several ways to get in touch with people and I’m sure you’ll find the person you want.”
“Further, Ben, you’re a valuable property. Keep that in mind!”
“Me, a valuable property? How do you figure that?”
“Easily, Ben. Look-you’re a top-notch cook who wants to open his own place. Your cooking is so good that I know you’ll be a big success. Your ability will help a businessman get a loan which a bank might not make if you weren’t in businessman makes it easier for the bank to grant the loan because both of you, if necessary, can sign the loan application. And remember, Ben, one of the main reasons a bank is in business is to make loans. A bank doesn’t earn a profit when it refuse a loan-it just wastes time and loves money!”
Ben advertised for a business partner and was swamped with offers. “What do I do now?” Ben asked plaintively about a week later.
“Pick your business partner as carefully as you chose your wife, Ben,” I said. “With the right business partner the sky is your limit. But with the wrong partner you could go broke in three months. I’ve seen too many people go wrong with a poorly chosen partner.”
Published: October 15, 2007
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