12 Questions to Ask Before Going Into Business

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Welcome to The Movement Memo, a bi-weekly newsletter where I share actionable tips to help you live your best day ever, every day.

Today's Programming 

• Movement: 10 rounds for time

• Quote: Buffet on reputation

• Lesson 12 questions to ask your partner before going into business

• Optimization: 20% off Ice Barrel

Today's Movement 

Complete 10 Rounds for Time:

• 15/12 Cal Row

• 10 Burpees

• 15 GHD Sit-Ups 

Rest 1 minute between rounds 

Today's Quote

Reputation is everything in business—and in partnerships, it’s non-negotiable.

Warren Buffett’s words remind us that trust takes years to build but can be destroyed in moments. That’s why choosing a partner with integrity and a solid track record is crucial. If they cut corners or compromise their values, it’s your name—and your business—on the line.

Pick someone who protects the reputation you’ve worked so hard to build.

Today's Lesson Learned:

12 Questions to Ask Before Going Into Business With Someone

Going into business with someone is a lot like entering a marriage.

It’s a huge commitment that can make or break your future. A good business relationship is built on shared values, mutual respect, and a willingness to tackle challenges together. But get it wrong, and it can feel like you’re trapped on a sinking ship, bailing water with a spoon.

Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to collaborate with incredible people, but I’ve also learned a lot from watching others struggle with partnerships gone wrong.

Picking the right person to build something with is one of the most important decisions you’ll ever make. Here are 12 questions to ask yourself before taking the plunge.

1. Are they trustworthy and ethical in their dealings?

This one is non-negotiable.

Trust is the bedrock of any partnership. I’ve seen firsthand how quickly things can go sideways when one person cuts corners or is loose with the truth. Observe how they treat their team, clients, and even competitors. If there’s a pattern of dishonesty or selfishness, it will show up in your business eventually.

Yes, this is simple, but it’s also the most important quality. Without trust, the rest falls apart.

2. Would you enjoy working with them if there were no financial gain?

If money weren’t a factor, would you enjoy working with this person?

I’ve built my brand around doing what I love, so I can’t imagine partnering with someone I wouldn’t genuinely enjoy spending time with. Business is tough—it’s long hours, high stress, and problem-solving on repeat. If the thought of spending that much time with them doesn’t excite you, it’s probably not a good fit.

You need someone who will keep showing up on the hardest days—no matter what business you’re in, they will come.

3. Do they have a track record of reliability and stability?

Can you count on them to follow through on commitments?

Chaos will ensue when someone flakes or can’t keep it together under pressure. Look at their history. Do they have a pattern of delivering, or are they full of excuses? Unpredictability or erratic behavior will derail a business.

4. Do your values align?

Shared values are everything.

For me, that means prioritizing wellness, building authentic relationships, and creating value in a way that feels good. If your potential partner is all about cutting corners or chasing a quick buck, and you’re in it for the long game, it’s going to create tension.

Make sure your “why” lines up.

5. Are they curious and committed to growth?

I’ve spent years figuring out how to balance fitness, wellness, and entrepreneurship, and I’ve realized that the best people to work with are those who never stop learning.

Curiosity and growth go hand in hand with long-term success. A partner who isn’t open to learning will eventually hit a wall—and your business might crash into it, too.

6. Do they bring energy and creativity to the table?

Let’s face it—no one wants to be in the trenches with a Debbie Downer.

The best partnerships I’ve seen are fueled by energy, optimism, and a willingness to think outside the box. You want someone who will lift you up when things get tough, not someone who drags you down.

7. Do they have a strong work ethic and resilience?

One of the things I value most in my own life is showing up consistently.

A business partnership is no different. If they’re not willing to put in the work or bounce back from setbacks, it’s going to create a lot of friction.

Pro Tip: I always go through a hard training session with a potential partner because it teaches me a lot about how they handle stressful situations.

8. Are they stable in their personal and financial life?

Stability matters.

If someone is constantly dealing with drama or financial issues, those problems will inevitably bleed into the business. And if their personal finances aren’t in order, what makes you think their business will be any different?

Avoid this at all costs.

9. Do they complement your skills?

I’ve learned to surround myself with people who bring different strengths to the table.

For example, I thrive on creativity and big-picture thinking, but I’m not a details guy. That’s why having partners who can balance me out is so important. Look for someone whose skills fill in your gaps and highlight your strengths.

10. Do others respect and trust them?

A person’s reputation speaks volumes.

When I’m evaluating someone, I always pay attention to what others say about them. Are they respected in their industry? Do they have a track record of being reliable and trustworthy?

Word gets around quickly, and it’s worth listening to.

11. Are you aligned on the big-picture goals?

This is huge.

I’ve seen businesses implode because partners couldn’t agree on scaling, equity, or long-term vision. Sit down and hash out the tough questions: How do you see this growing? What happens if one of us wants out? If you’re not on the same page here, it’s better to find out sooner rather than later.

Difficult conversations are best held early and often.

12. Are they transparent about their financial and legal situation?

Due diligence is a must.

Before you sign anything, make sure they’re financially stable and don’t have any skeletons in their closet. The last thing you want is to get blindsided by hidden debt or lawsuits.

At the end of the day, a business partnership is about more than just shared goals—it’s about building something meaningful with someone you respect, trust, and enjoy working with.

If you’re not 99% sure this person is the right fit, take a step back and reevaluate. After all, a great partnership can change your life, but a bad one can derail it. Choose wisely, and don’t be afraid to take your time.

The right partner is out there—it’s just a matter of finding them.

Today’s Optimization

I recently came across this photo from 2021, one of the first cold plunges I ever did in an Ice Barrel.

From the first dip, I was hooked. I have been in an Ice Barrel 2-3 times a day, 360+ times a year ever since. And I can confidently say that Ice Barrel changed my life.

I could break down the science behind consistent cold exposure. And explain how it helps reduce inflammation and allows me to recover faster to get back to training. But the real reason I use my Ice Barrel every single day is because of how it makes me feel.

I have never found another product or habit that can consistently reduce my anxiety and increase my focus in 3 minutes. The effects last for hours and I leave every plunge feeling fully alive.

Today, Ice Barrel has an exclusive 20% off sale site web. It will not last long. And this is one of the biggest sales they have ever done (and likely will ever do). If you are even thinking about experimenting with cold exposure, now is the time to buy.

Order now - and use code SHOP20 at checkout. 

P.S. You will thank yourself every day. I do, every time I step out of the cold.

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Publisher: Eric Hinman

Editor-in-chief: Bobby Ryan