? HBD NLF

Welcome to a super-special edition of the blog! Why is it so special? It’s a magical time that only occurs once a year. Today, half of Fink & Fink Games celebrates her birthday.

I initially considered writing an entire blog post dedicated solely to Nicole Fink’s many amazing qualities, but soon realized that my public display of affection would be something I would enjoy, and Nicole would (hopefully) enjoy… but probably wouldn’t be enjoyable to anyone else.

So, to make this more relevant — and still scratch my “Nicole’s-the-best!” itch — I present to you:

The top 5 benefits of having a great partner in business, game design, and/or asleep next to you.

#1. Support & Encouragement

A great partner is there when you need it: someone that you can rely on when times get tough, and can lean on for support and encouragement.

This full-time Fink & Fink Games experiment is the culmination of a life-long dream. An opportunity to take a step back from “traditional” work and experiment with ideas and be free (at least for now) from the necessity to constantly exchange my time and effort for $$$.

It’s a radical departure from anything I’ve ever done before. So, It’s been wonderful to have a partner who not only encouraged me to take the first step, but has also been there day-after-day supporting me and urging me to keep it up. She’s given me the space and time I need to ruminate over ideas (that don’t immediate translate into applicable business objectives). And, more importantly, on the mornings when I wake up wondering whether I’ve made the right decision, she gives me the motivation to get back at it.

#2. Idea Generation

It’s a fact that two heads are better than one. In truth, the current game idea we’re working on was Nicole’s. It came up during a conversation where we were discussing potential markets and games we could work on. I never would’ve thought of it on my own, and now that we’re well underway on the project, it’s shaping up to be a great idea!

#3. Collaboration & Play-testing

Along the same lines of the previous section, having a partner is essential when it comes to vetting your game (or business) ideas. A fresh perspective, especially from someone willing to provide honest feedback is crucial. Yes, it sucks when you spend hours working on something that you think is going to be perfect… only to have your partner point out all the reasons it’s not perfect. But, those are part of the growing pains of having a business. The sooner you can fail and move on to an improvement, the better.

#4. Combining Skills & Knowledge

Having a business partner automatically brings a new perspective, as well as a wealth of knowledge on varying topics that exponentially increase your potential for achievement. Having a wider range of contacts, capabilities and knowledge, can really increase your opportunities for success.

#5. Financial Advantages

Having a partner in your business means increased access to capital, either through funding and loan opportunities, or in our case, one person keeping the lights on while the other is building the business.

In summary, if you’re planning to start a business, find yourself a Nicole.

P.S. If you made it this far, and are still wondering about the title, it’s: Happy Birthday Nicole L. Fink. But, I’m curious what you thought it was? Leave us a note in the comments.

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