New York City Business Law Blog

The first step toward creating a successful business is to choose the right business partner. A wrong choice at this juncture can put the entire enterprise in jeopardy. Starting a business is always difficult, and the survival rate for new businesses is not nearly as high as you likely wish that it was. Having the right partner gives you an edge and helps set you up for future success. It can also help you avoid some difficult legal situations in the future.

So, how do you find this type of partner? Here are a few things to look for:

• Someone who offers a unique skill, preferably something that you do not have on your own. You and your business partner should both complement one another so that the business is strongest when you work together.
• Someone who offers financial stability and who will contribute to the business the same way that you will. While it may not be perfectly equal, be wary of a partner who expects you to take all of the financial risks.
• Someone who shares your vision and your spirit. You do not want someone who isn't engaged and excited about the company, for instance, or someone who has a very different vision of what the company can become. You need to work together on this.
• Someone who respects you and the values what you bring to the table. An unhealthy relationship can turn toxic as the company grows.

If you've suffered from sexual harassment in the workplace, you may be looking into your legal options. You know that what happened to you was unfair, unjust and illegal. You want to know what to do.

In the process of defining your case, here are six important questions to ask. The answers will help define how things play out moving forward:

1. How often did this conduct happen? Was it frequent, or was it more of a one-time event?
2. Did you suffer from verbal harassment, physical harassment or both at the same time?
3. Were you the only person who got harassed at work, or is this something that happened to multiple employees?
4. Was the person who harassed you acting in an aggressive and hostile manner, or was it more about creating an offensive and toxic workplace? For instance, physical contact is usually more hostile and aggressive, while hanging up harassing signs or pictures may be more passive -- though still offensive and uncalled for.
5. Was the person who harassed you a supervisor or a co-worker who holds the same basic position that you do?
6. Was only one person responsible for harassing you, or were there multiple people who all joined in?

Wondering if it's likely that your spouse will file for divorce? One key thing to consider is simply how they treated you on your wedding day.

Wedding photographers, who have a front-row seat to all of these interactions, often say that couples who do not act in a respectful manner toward each other are those who will eventually end up going into court for a divorce. Even if they grit their teeth and get through the wedding day, the way that they do it says a lot about their future.

Deciding to start your own company takes more than an idea or the financial means to make it happen. You also need to have the right personality type.

While there are exceptions to this rule, as with most others, people who succeed in business tend to share a lot of personality traits. Experts call these the "Big Five" personality dimensions. They are:

1. Extraversion: Whether or not you want to be the focus of attention in social settings
2. Openness: Whether or not you're open to new ideas and new experiences
3. Agreeableness: If you want other people to like you
4. Conscientiousness: If you are willing to follow rules and work hard
5. Neuroticism: Your emotional stability or lack thereof