For over 20 years, I lived and breathed the corporate world. I worked with organizations of all sizes, often acting as a bridge between leadership teams, boards, and stakeholders to drive financial success. Corporate culture, for the most part, was predictable as systems, processes, and expectations were relatively straightforward. But about two years ago, I made a significant shift. Starting my own firm that exclusively focused on supporting entrepreneurs. It’s been an incredible journey, learning what it means to operate in a world where vision, passion, and grit are the currency of (WAIT FOR IT) success.

And if you don't already know, please, let me share the secret - entrepreneurs are a whole different breed. After two years as an entrepreneur, and the sole financial provider for my family (huge snaps to my amazing husband who keeps ALL the plates spinning), I understand the entrepreneurial mindset on a much deeper level. And boy, is it amazing. And, humbling. Entrepreneurs don’t just run businesses; they are the business. They pour their heart. Their soul. And, every ounce of energy into making their businesses thrive.

And here’s the thing: they don’t want to hear you call their baby ugly.

When I was getting my undergraduate degree, my auditing professor taught us an incredible lesson. Not just about GAAS. And regulations. He taught us that when you walk into someone's business, “The baby is always beautiful.” Even if she is underweight. Even if she has eczema. Even if she is wearing yellow but would look better in a minty green. And, that concept stuck with me. And I've carried it with me through my career. Now more than ever, as I work with incredible entrepreneurs every single day. Even when their baby is struggling, the entrepreneur sees the beauty - and the potential - in what they’ve built.

Over the last two years, I’ve worked with countless partners for my clients and for my business. And, I've seen firsthand that not everyone understands this concept. Which is unfortunate. There's a way to deliver any message. Tactfully. Remembering that the baby is beautiful.

So, if you’re a consultant, service provider, or partner working with entrepreneurs, we've outlined some guidelines for success. Don’t call the baby ugly. Maybe, instead, focus on what the entrepreneur needs from you. Which will help you navigate these unique, hands-on relationships. Whether you're a consultant, financial advisor, or expert in your field, here’s what you need to understand about working with entrepreneurs - and what not to do if you want a successful partnership.

The Entrepreneurial Mindset: Why the Baby is Always Beautiful

When an entrepreneur starts or runs a business, they see more than just the current state of operations; they see potential. Of course they do. Right? Because, entrepreneurs are visionaries who pour their passion. Their energy. And their time, into their businesses. Even when the numbers don’t look great. Or issues are piling up. Entrepreneurs believe in their ability to make things better. And, frankly, they expect the same from their partners.

To an entrepreneur, their business is always worth the effort. Always worth saving. And, is always capable of growth. This optimism is part of what drives them to succeed.

But here’s where things get tricky: when entrepreneurs partner with experts - whether that’s a consultant, a marketing agency, or a financial advisor - they expect the same level of commitment. But, too often, partners miss the mark. The best partners understand that while problems need to be addressed, the business is still beautiful and needs to be treated with - SAY IT WITH ME - care and respect.

Why Entrepreneurs Stay Hands-On—Even With Experts On Board

If you’re partnering with an entrepreneur, one thing is certain: they’re going to be involved. Entrepreneurs are naturally hands-on. Why? You're the expert, you say?! Because NO ONE cares about their business as much as they do. And this isn’t a reflection of mistrust - it’s just a part of their DNA.

Entrepreneurs have built their businesses from the ground up. Shouldering enormous risk. They know every corner of their business intimately, and they have a deep understanding of what has and hasn’t worked for them. So, when they hire a partner, they don’t expect to step back and let the partner run things entirely. Instead, they want a collaborator who will work alongside them.

From the partner’s perspective, this can sometimes feel like the entrepreneur is stepping on toes or micromanaging. But understanding why they stay so involved can shift your perception. Their involvement comes from a place of care, not criticism.

And, the best entrepreneurs will always push the envelope. Because they believe in their business, and want it to thrive. If they’re asking you the tough questions or suggesting alternatives, it’s not to undermine your expertise. It's because they’re deeply invested in the success of their company.

What to Do When Partnering with an Entrepreneur

So how can you, as a partner, align with an entrepreneur’s mindset and ensure that the relationship is productive? So glad you asked. Here are some key principles to follow:

1. Treat the Business Like It’s Your Own

Remember, to the entrepreneur, the business is beautiful. It’s not just a project or a number on a spreadsheet - it’s their life’s work. Their children's college fund. And, their retirement plan. As a partner, it’s critical that you approach the business with the same level of care and attention. If the entrepreneur senses that you don’t care as much as they do, or if you’re too focused on the problems without offering solutions, the relationship will inevitably suffer.

Instead, focus on nurturing the business. Yes, there may be issues, but your role is to help find the solutions, not just point out what’s wrong. Be part of the process of feeding and lotioning the baby. And maybe, bring a onesy in the lovely shade of green.

2. Respect Their Hands-On Approach

Entrepreneurs aren’t going to sit back and let you take over completely. They are going to stay involved. They are going to ask questions. And, they are going to challenge ideas. It's not a sign of mistrust. It's a testament to how much they care.

As a partner, you should expect and welcome their involvement. Embrace the opportunity to collaborate closely with someone who is as invested in the outcome as you are. Instead of seeing their hands-on approach as a roadblock, maybe view it as an asset. Because, who better to help guide you than the person who (dun, dun, dun) built the business?

3. Offer Solutions, Not Just Problems

One of the most frustrating experiences for an entrepreneur is hiring a partner, then leaving those meetings feeling discouraged. As someone who has hired partners, I can tell you that if I leave a meeting feeling worse than when I entered, the relationship isn’t working.

Your role as a partner is to find solutions. Entrepreneurs are already aware of the challenges - they don’t need to hear more about what’s wrong. What they need are actionable insights and recommendations that will help them move forward.

By offering solutions, you show that you see the potential of the business, not just its flaws. This reinforces the idea that the baby is beautiful and worth every ounce of effort.

4. Understand That Entrepreneurs Push Because They Care

The best entrepreneurs are the ones who are constantly pushing for more. For better results. More innovation. And, higher performance. Yes, you might call them demanding. But the reality is, they care deeply. They push because they know that success doesn’t come from complacency.

As a partner, it’s essential to understand this dynamic. Instead of feeling defensive when an entrepreneur asks for more, perhaps recognize that their drive comes from a place of passion. They know what’s at stake. And, are simply doing everything in their power to make their business succeed. Your job is to help them get there.

What Not to Do When Partnering with an Entrepreneur

Just as there are key principles to follow, there are also several common NO-NOs to avoid when working with entrepreneurs. Here are the big mistakes to steer clear of:

1. Don’t Focus Solely on Problems

It’s tempting to zero in on issues because that’s often why you’ve been brought in. But usually, entrepreneurs already know what’s wrong with their business. If all you do is point out problems without offering solutions, you risk leaving the entrepreneur feeling deflated.

What to Do Instead:

Pair every problem you identify with a solution. Entrepreneurs are looking for partners who can help them overcome challenges, not just highlight them. And, timelines. We want it quickly.

2. Don’t Dismiss the Entrepreneur’s Hands-On Involvement

Entrepreneurs will stay involved, and it’s a mistake to expect them to step back entirely. If you try to sideline their involvement, you’ll end up creating tension.

What to Do Instead:

Welcome their involvement as a sign of their commitment. Treat them as a collaborator, not a client who should step back.

3. Don’t Assume You Know the Business Better Than They Do

Even if you’re the expert in your field, it’s essential to remember that the entrepreneur knows their business best. Dismissing their insights can harm the partnership.

What to Do Instead:

Respect their deep understanding of their business and combine their insights with your expertise for a well-rounded approach.

4. Don’t Leave the Entrepreneur Feeling Unsupported

If the entrepreneur leaves meetings feeling worse than when they started, something is wrong. They should feel like you’re by their side, ready to tackle the challenges together.

What to Do Instead:

Make sure the entrepreneur leaves every meeting with a clear action plan and the confidence that you’re fully invested in their success.

5. Don’t Ignore Their Emotional Investment

Entrepreneurs are emotionally invested in their business, and that’s something you need to respect. If you treat the business purely as a transaction, you risk missing the heart of the matter.

What to Do Instead:

Understand the entrepreneur’s emotional connection to their business. Let it guide your approach. And, ensure your recommendations align with their vision.

Working with entrepreneurs is a unique experience. And, to be successful, it requires a specific skill set and mindset. To succeed, partners must understand that the baby is always beautiful. No matter its challenges.

Avoid the mistakes listed above. And, instead, maybe approach the partnership with empathy, respect, and collaboration. Entrepreneurs value partners who understand their passion. Who offer solutions. And, who work alongside them to bring out the best in their business. And, when both sides are aligned, the partnership can achieve absolutely incredible results.