Ever feel like you’re ticking all the boxes from the business playbook, but the scoreboard’s still frozen on zero? Been there, mate. I’m Nathan Baws, and my entrepreneurial ride hasn’t been your classic textbook fairytale. We’re talking dusting off shelves in health shops I built from scratch, pitching on Shark Tank with sweaty palms, and constantly grappling with the loaded question: Do partnerships have unlimited liability?
This blog’s not about boardrooms or billion-dollar budgets. It’s about the raw, unfiltered moves that actually work when you’re out in the trenches. So chuck out the cookie-cutter advice—this is your roadmap to real, sustainable growth using unconventional tactics. Let’s jump into 10 fresh strategies to shake up your business, while unpacking the nitty-gritty of partnerships and what they might cost you.
1. Zero-Budget Marketing That Punches Above Its Weight
Guerrilla Marketing – Loud, Cheap, and Brilliant
Let’s start with my favourite weapon—guerrilla marketing. It’s bold, a little cheeky, and doesn’t drain your wallet. I once launched a campaign by plastering an entire regional town with cryptic posters at midnight. It cost me fifty bucks and a dodgy ladder, but it stirred more chatter than a paid ad ever could.
Just a heads-up—if you’ve got a business partner, ask yourself early: Do partnerships have unlimited liability? Because even a brilliant stunt can backfire. Guerrilla marketing thrives on risk. Make sure you and your partner are on the same page (and covered legally).
Leverage Social Media with Raw Honesty
Don’t just post for the sake of it. Let people in. Some of my best-performing videos were just me, camera in hand, talking about the times I stuffed up. No filters, no script—just raw lessons. That authenticity? Gold.
Run giveaways, stitch in influencers, and build two-way convos with your audience. If you’re in a partnership, document everything clearly—yep, that includes influencer contracts. Because if things go sideways, Do partnerships have unlimited liability? suddenly becomes very real.
2. Tell Your Story—It’s Your Best Sales Pitch
Build Your Brand with Heart
These days, customers don’t just want the best product—they want the best story. I’ve pulled in loyal fans by being open about my journey: the lows, the “I’ve got $3 in the bank” moments, the wins that finally hit.
Your brand needs a soul, not just a slogan. If you’ve got a partner, remember—your story reflects on both of you. Misaligned messaging? Could cost you trust. And yep, could cost you assets too, depending on how your partnership’s structured.
3. Networking That’s Real, Not Robotic
Build Genuine Relationships, Not Just LinkedIn Connections
I’ve built more momentum from honest chats in café corners than I ever did at corporate mixers. Don’t treat networking like speed dating. Find people whose values match yours.
And before you jump into collabs or partnerships, stop and ask: Do partnerships have unlimited liability? One handshake can tie your personal assets to someone else’s risky decisions. Be mates, but be smart.
4. Mindset is the Engine—Fuel it Right
Failure Isn’t Fatal—It’s Feedback
Failure has taught me more than any win ever has. One of my first ventures—an organic health shop—sank quicker than I could say “grand opening.” But dissecting why it failed? That gave me my playbook for future success.
Grow Grit Like It’s Your Superpower
When times get tough (and they will), resilience separates the hobbyists from the legends. I’ve weathered droughts in sales, broken partnerships, and days when I wanted to chuck it all. But grit kept me swinging.
Balance Isn’t Optional
You’re not a machine. I used to burn out trying to be everything to everyone. These days? I run, journal, and actually take breaks. Your business needs you sharp—not shattered.
5. Build a Business That Grows While You Sleep
Double Down on What You’re Brilliant At
Find your sweet spot—your real edge—and amplify it. Early on, I tried to do everything myself: marketing, packing, customer service, even accounts. Disaster. Once I focused on strategy and storytelling, and brought in pros for the rest, things exploded.
Scale Smart, Not Fast
Scaling doesn’t mean splashing out. I used cheap software hacks to double output in my stores without hiring more staff. Automate wherever possible.
And don’t forget—scaling with a partner? You’ve really got to think about structure. Because if things unravel, Do partnerships have unlimited liability? becomes the make-or-break question.
6. The Nathan Baws Way: Take the Leap, But Pack a Parachute
Right, let’s hit pause and talk Nathan Baws, the keyword that’s now part of countless business minds across Oz. Why? Because I’ve lived the chaos. I’ve built brands from the boot of my car, taken beatings on national TV (cheers, Shark Tank), and clawed my way back.
In the middle of all this? Partnerships. Some great, some downright dodgy. And the biggest question I always get asked at my events and in consults is this:
7. Do Partnerships Have Unlimited Liability? Yep, Sometimes. Here’s the Drill.
General vs Limited Partnerships
Not all partnerships are created equal. If you're in a general partnership, you're both personally responsible for debts—even if you didn’t cause the mess. That includes your house, car, and bank account.
In contrast, Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs) protect your personal assets, but they come with stricter compliance. Worth the paperwork if you’re serious about scale.
Protect Your Assets
Insurance, contracts, and clear roles help you sleep at night. Talk through worst-case scenarios with your partner—early and honestly.
Get a Lawyer—No, Seriously
Don’t wing it. I’ve dodged business-killing bullets because I forked out for legal advice when it counted. If you’re asking Do partnerships have unlimited liability?—you’re already halfway to a smarter decision. Now finish the job and protect yourself.
8. Think Like a Rebel—Solve Problems Creatively
Ideas That Break the Mould
One time, I flipped a failed product campaign by reversing the messaging: instead of hyping it, I ran ads saying “Don’t buy this unless you hate bad coffee.” It worked like mad. Innovation beats imitation every time.
Team Brainstorms That Aren’t Fluff
Get your people together, ditch the ego, and jam ideas. The wildest thought in the room might be the one that saves your quarter. And if your team includes a partner, remember—what they agree to, you’re tied to.
9. Hire Legends, Not Just Résumés
Build a Team That Cares
I don’t care if someone’s worked at Google—if they don’t believe in the mission, they’re not right for my business. I’ve hired people who cried when we hit milestones together. That’s the energy you want.
Culture Is the Glue
Want to attract and keep talent? Build a culture where people feel seen, valued, and challenged. When your team trusts you, they’ll go the extra mile—no nagging required.
10. Communicate Like Your Business Depends on It—Because It Does
Miscommunication has killed more businesses than bad marketing ever did. Talk often. Be real. And if you’re in a partnership, for the love of all that’s profitable—talk about everything. Especially the hard stuff, like risk, money, and liability.
Conclusion: Don’t Just Survive—Thrive Like a Maverick
So there you have it—10 game-changing tactics that’ve helped me, Nathan Baws, grow, crash, and rise again. If there’s one thing I’ve learnt? The old tricks won’t cut it anymore. You’ve got to innovate, get gritty, and build partnerships with your eyes wide open.
And yes—if you're still wondering Do partnerships have unlimited liability?—the answer is often yes. But the smarter question is: How will you prepare for it?
Want to crank things up for real? Hit me up via Nathan Baws Consulting. Whether it’s growth hacking, legal traps, or how to find your next biz banger—I’m your bloke. You can also catch me speaking around the country, dropping real talk to fuel the next gen of Aussie entrepreneurs.
FAQs
How do I scale my startup with limited resources?
Leverage your strengths, automate like mad, and use zero-cost marketing. Start scrappy, grow smart.
What mindset shifts are essential for business growth?
Embrace failure, build grit, stay hopeful—even when your bank balance says otherwise.
How can I attract and retain top talent?
Build a killer culture, offer growth, and make your team part of the story.
What’s a zero-budget marketing win I can try today?
Guerrilla stunts—think wild posters, pop-up events, or bold social campaigns. Loud and lean.
How do I protect myself in a partnership?
Use legal agreements, get insurance, and learn the legal ropes of liability.
Why does storytelling matter in branding?
People remember stories, not sales pitches. Your journey makes you relatable—and memorable.
How do I know if my business is ready to scale?
If demand’s rising and your systems can handle it, go for it—but get legal clarity first.
What’s the biggest mistake new entrepreneurs make?
Rushing into partnerships without understanding liability. Always ask: Do partnerships have unlimited liability?