How to bring it up with your partner

Start with what you want to build

You don't need to open with contracts or worst-case scenarios. Try: ‘I'm glad we're doing this together, and I want us to be clear about what we each expect.’ Pick a calm moment, not the middle of a disagreement.

Casual: low-key, like a quick text

"Hey — I found Stay Partners. It asks the questions we might not think to talk about for the business, like who does what and how we handle money. What you answer stays private until you choose to share it. We can start with just one topic. Want to try it together? I'll send you a link to join."

Excited: building something together

"I'm excited about what we're building with the business. I'd like us to write down what we each expect, not leave it to guesswork. Stay Partners helps us talk through money, roles, and where we want this to go. What you answer stays private until you choose to share it. We can start with just one topic. I'll send you a link to join."

Careful: family, friends, or a spouse

"I care about our relationship, and I want the business to work for both of us. I trust you. I'd still like us to write down what we each expect so we aren't guessing. Stay Partners gives us a place to start. What you answer stays private until you choose to share it. We can start with just one topic. I'll send you a link to join."

Straightforward: clear and to the point

"I'd like us to write down our expectations for the business: ownership, money, who does what, and what happens if things change. Stay Partners walks us through those conversations. What you answer stays private until you choose to share it. We can start with just one topic. I'll send you a link to join."

Why bring this up now

You don't need a problem to have this conversation. While things are going well, you have room to listen instead of defend your position. It's easier to talk about who works weekends before someone has worked every weekend.

If they say "we don't need this"

Try: ‘I trust you. I just don't want either of us guessing what the other expects.’ You can both be acting in good faith and still picture different things. Writing it down gives you something clearer than ‘I thought we agreed.’

It's not a legal contract

Your memorandum of understanding (MOU) is where your assumptions and expectations live. It's not intended to be legally binding. The value is in finding misunderstandings before they become legal problems. For an LLC's operating agreement, take those decisions to your lawyer.

If your partner hesitates

Not wanting to use an app isn't the same as not wanting to talk. If your partner won't discuss expectations at all, that's worth understanding before you invest more time or money. It's a reason to ask and listen, not a verdict on the relationship.

• Ask what feels uncomfortable: the time, the tool, or the conversation itself. Those are different concerns.
• Remind them they can answer privately first and choose what to share.
• Suggest starting with just one topic instead of everything at once.
• Make it about something you're building together, not a test they have to pass.

One conversation is a good start

You don't have to settle the whole business tonight. Start with one question: ‘What do you want this business to make possible for you?’ Listen to the answer before moving on. Then write down what you've agreed, and what still needs a conversation.

How do I ask my business partner to write things down?

Lead with what you want to build together and why clarity helps. Keep it short, make it about both of you, and suggest a first step that's easy to say yes to, like answering a few questions privately before you talk.

What if my partner thinks it means I don't trust them?

Say so directly: trust is why you're in business together, and writing down expectations is how you stay that way. Most hesitation is about how the request sounds, not about the idea itself.

When is the best time to bring it up?

Early, and during a calm stretch. Before money changes hands or roles harden is easiest. If you're already in business, a new milestone, like a hire or a new client, is a natural opening.

What if they still say no?

Don't treat one no as a final answer about the partnership. Ask what would make it easier, offer to start smaller, and give it time. If you're facing a dispute or an exit, talk to a lawyer of your own.

Is there a message I can copy?

Yes. Stay Partners includes ready-to-edit invitation messages in a few tones: casual, excited, careful, and straightforward. Pick the one that sounds like you and change whatever doesn't.