The Open Kimono Test is a test I have been doing on potential business partners for a couple decades. It essentially means that before I agree to become a business partner with someone, I need to see under the kimono. I know what you are thinking… “you want to see someone naked?”. No. This is a philosophical title that means I want to talk about the skeletons in your closet. I want to see under the public image.

For example… have you had past business dealings that did not end well? Do you have bankruptcies, legal issues, etc, etc. The goal here is for all partners, including myself, to share the bad in addition to the good. Lay everything on the table so there are no surprises as the business grows. The worst thing for business partners would be to create a successful business, get ready to go public or to get acquired, and the due diligence from outside sources finds legal issues that puts the deal in jeopardy.

So its always been my practice to do the Open Kimono Test with all potential business partners, so there are no surprises as the business develops.