Over 40% of startup businesses fail because of people problems, often due to the wrong co-founder or partner. In the world of home care, this can mean the difference between meaningful growth and painful burnout.
You’ve probably heard the saying:
“A good partner multiplies your strengths. A bad one multiplies your weaknesses.”
And it’s true, especially in this industry.
Too many agency owners make the mistake of choosing partners based on gut feelings or personal chemistry. But friendship doesn’t pay the bills. What you really need is a strategic fit, someone who fills the gaps you can’t.
After five failed partnerships of her own, an experienced business owner, developed a powerful framework to help herself and others avoid the same mistakes.
It’s called the T-E-A-M Method, and it can help you build a partnership that’s balanced, strong, and profitable.
What Is the T-E-A-M Method?
T-E-A-M stands for:
- Time
- Expertise
- Assets
- Money
Here’s how it works specifically for home care business owners:
🕒 T is for Time: Do They Have What You Lack?
Does your potential partner have the hours you don’t?
If you’re buried in day-to-day operations, you may need someone who can step back and focus on strategy and growth.
Example:
You’re great at care coordination but too swamped to do outreach. A partner who has time to build marketing and branding efforts could double your client base.
🎓 E is for Expertise: Do They Bring What You Don’t Know?
A strong partner should bring skills you lack.
Don’t duplicate your strengths. If you’re brilliant with clients but unsure about marketing, finances, or systems, look for someone who excels in those areas.
Example:
You handle the care side flawlessly. But your website is outdated and your social media is quiet. A partner with digital marketing know-how could help you stand out and scale.
💼 A is for Assets: What Do They Bring to the Table?
Assets are the resources someone contributes, think industry connections, software tools, systems, or insider access you don’t have.
Example:
One agency owner brought on a partner who was a compliance expert. Fourteen months later, they earned their first-ever Outstanding CQC rating. That partner brought structure, systems, and accountability that elevated the entire agency.
💰 M is for Money: Can They Fuel the Vision?
Sometimes what you need most is capital, but be careful.
Money alone isn’t enough. A cash-rich partner who adds zero strategy or support might become an expensive burden.
The best funding partners also offer Time, Expertise, or Assets.
Example:
A silent investor is helpful, but a money partner who also helps you build your systems and connects you with five new referral sources? That’s gold.
How to Use the T-E-A-M Method in Your Home Care Business
Before partnering with anyone, co-founder, investor, or joint venture – ask yourself:
- Do they balance me?
- Which TEAM components do they bring?
- Are we overlapping too much in the same role?
Even better, score it. Rate each area (Time, Expertise, Assets, Money) on a scale of 1 to 5. Look for a partner whose strengths cover your lowest scores.
This method helps you build complementary partnerships, not clones.
Build With Strategy, Not Emotion
It’s easy to partner with someone you like.
But a successful business needs more than good vibes. It needs balance.
So whether you’re launching a new agency, expanding your services, or looking to scale, use the T-E-A-M Method to make sure your next partner multiplies your strengths, not your stress.
Smart partnerships create stability.
Bad ones cost you everything.
Choose wisely.
💬 Ready to Partner or Sell Your Home Care Business?
We don’t just talk partnerships, we build them. We partner with and acquire home care businesses that are ready to grow or looking to exit.
👉 If you’d like to explore what that could look like for you, use the form below to get in touch with us today.
No pressure. Just a real conversation about real possibilities.