ATV founder David Cummings writes that the Best Business Relationships are the Easiest Ones.

I’ve found that the best business relationships and deals are the easiest ones. Easy, in this case, means that they feel effortless. Both sides are working toward similar goals, have good chemistry, and trust each other. Whenever a relationship or deal feels forced, that’s often a sign that it should be further evaluated.

This is something we’ve learned over the years at Ripple as well. Finding companies that have shared values and complementary cultures leads to productive, long-lasting, meaningful relationships. Like finding great employees, friends, or a mate, it’s much wiser to vet them early, than to wait until it’s too late.

If it is too late, it’s harder. But still better to fire them than to let them compromise your values.