About the Book
Most people want partners in their personal lives, and many businesses start with some form of partnership structure. Yet so many personal and professional partnerships disintegrate, sometimes quickly. That’s one reason why our own partnership seems so amazing, even miraculous, to people who know us. “How do you do it?” they constantly ask. “How have you spent so many years living and working together 24/7 without killing each other?”
A general business/how-we-did-it-book, Smart Partners outlines the methods and thinking we’ve used to achieve financial success while also keeping our personal partnership alive and interesting. Drawing on our unique experiences both personally and professionally, we present principles for building, sustaining, and growing not merely serviceable relationships in business and life, but true partnerships.
Partnerships are a big deal—not just specific partnerships, but the very idea of partnership. That’s why, from the very inception of a relationship, partners should proceed slowly, cautiously, thoughtfully, going “all in,” and doing whatever they can to keep the relationship vibrant and healthy. They should honor their relationship at every turn, and with all their strength.
No matter what business you’re in you can transcend your sense of “me” to create a very powerful “we.” It’s a matter of concentrating on partnership, committing to it, and embracing the right practices—such as choosing your partner well, negotiating proper roles, planning for your mutual success, and adjusting so as to overcome challenges as they arise. Fundamentally, it’s about looking beyond yourself so as to share business and life with another person. None of this is easy, of course, but it’s so worth it. Read our stories, learn our partnership principles, and apply them to your life. We think you’ll discover what we have long known: We is better than me. And the truth is, anyone can be a smart partner.
About the Author :
Jim Burba and Bob Hayes have been successful life partners for more than 25 years and business partners for more than 15 years. Co-founders of Burba Hotel Network (BHN), the couple develops and produces the world’s most prominent conferences for the hotel investment community. BHN was founded on the principle of sharing success, and its events have generated more than US $14 million for scholarships, education and social services organizations. In 2013, the duo formed Burba Hayes LLC, an entertainment production company. Their first film “Space Station 76,” debuted in 2014 at the SXSW Film Festival in Austin, Texas and was the closing gala film at Outfest 2014 in Los Angeles. In the works are a Broadway musical, more films, and a reality TV show. Jim Burba is a member of the International Society of Hospitality Consultants (ISHC), and the Industry Real Estate Advisory Council (IREFAC). In 2007, then California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger
Review :
"Want to be a smart partner? Then follow the stories and principles in this book. You'll learn how to pick the perfect partners, make your partnerships work, and create success in your business and personal relationships."--Gavin Newsom, Lieutenant Governor of California "Smart Partners offers valuable and real-world insights on how to create and sustain successful business relationships, from the view of very successful partners. Relationships make the difference."--Bill Marriott, Executive Chairman and Chairman of the Board, Marriott International "Over the years I have known Burba and Hayes, I have watched them thrive professionally and personally; they have inspired me, and I am thrilled to see them now inspire the world through Smart Partners."--Ross Mathews, Television Personality and Bestselling Author "Burba and Hayes share their decades of experience in making partnerships work for them in their business, as well as their personal lives. Smart Partners is a must-read."--Jason Collins, Former NBA player "I have had the pleasure of watching Jim and Bob develop an amazing business by not only working hard, but by making very smart decisions about collaborations. Smart Partners is a must-read for every entrepreneur who dreams big."--Chip Conley, Head of Global Hospitality and Strategy, Airbnb, Best-selling author "This chatty, friendly how-to guide is a cheerful read for budding entrepreneurs looking for inspiration...Burba and Hayes, a married couple who cofounded the event-organizing company Burba Hotel Network, have put together the story of their rise to success, and what's worked (and not worked) for them along the way. According to them, the greatest advantage in life is partnership, whether business or romantic. Using stories from their own work, they discuss the importance of attaining self-knowledge and self-understanding, how to choose a partner carefully, building a romantic relationship, treating people with kindness, building strong communication and negotiation skills, and always relying--first and foremost--on a strong sense of integrity. "--Publishers Weekly
