Introductions and reputation can open a door, but they cannot replace diligence. A local partner must be assessed against the work, authority and accountability the venture actually needs.
Why this decision matters
Misaligned incentives become expensive when one party controls relationships, records or cash that the other cannot independently see.
Questions to test
- Define the role before evaluating the person.
- Verify licences, references and previous delivery.
- Separate relationship access from operating competence.
- Agree reporting, banking and exit rights in writing.
A practical next step
Run a paid, limited pilot before committing the full relationship. Evidence from real work is more useful than confidence in a meeting.
Good cross-border decisions make ownership, evidence, authority and downside visible before money or responsibility moves.
Keep the record useful
Record the decision, the evidence reviewed, the person responsible and the next review date. The aim is not paperwork for its own sake; it is a trail another trusted person can understand.
