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Traveling the Home Business Road Side by Side |
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Written by AHBA
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 | | home business |
Taking on a Business Partner —Your Spouse
So you’re thinking of taking on a partner in your home business. And that partner is your spouse. Is this a good idea? Can you both make it work? Partnerships in both marriage and in business can be a lot of fun, but it is not always smooth sailing. You both have to work at it.
Establish Ground Rules
To make your business partnership work you both must agree on, and clearly define your corporate policies and objectives. It is necessary to establish operating strategy, decide who does what, and above all else, continually show respect for and acceptance of the authority and ability you each have. You cannot be constantly telling your spouse that he/she is doing this or that incorrectly but here is how you do it better. Lead, don’t push. Where concepts differ, as they will from time to time, never ram your opinions down the throat of the other. If you are convinced that you are right, and selling your ideas to the other fails, ease them down gently. Set Goals
Successful couples set priorities. They clearly identify their working and personal responsibilities in both the marriage and workplace. They keep them separate and then convey trust in and respect for the opinions and decisions of each other. They avoid an implication that there should exist the more customary master-servant relationship. Neither is the employee of the other, but instead a working partner where each fulfills specific managerial and labor functions. Success Principles
Here are nine key characteristics of successful spouses working together. They are good to keep in mind if you are contemplating the spousal-partner-business route: 1. Marriage and children come first. 2. Spouses demonstrate enormous respect for each other. 3. They have a high degree of close communication. 4. They compliment each other’s talents and attitudes and carve up the turf accordingly. 5. They are supportive of each other. 6. They compete with the outside world, not with each other. 7. They like to laugh. 8. They keep their egos in check. 9. They are committed to making their marriage work. Who’s the Boss?
One of the more difficult areas to deal with is the male ego. It should not automatically be assumed that the husband is president. The decision as to who leads and follows should always come down to the best use of individual abilities and strengths. One may be a born salesperson; the other a strong administrator. For Better or Worse
It is much easier to get along when everything is running smoothly, when sales are good, profits are good, and the customers are paying their bills. When there are reversals, a shortage of money, excessive pressure, and all is not right with the world, there is a natural tendency for each spouse, or partner, to blame the other. Too often business failures bring about marriage failures. It’s inevitable that couples who live and work together will experience conflicts. How could you spend that much time with a person and not hit a few bumps in the business road? The next time you find yourself glaring at your partner from across the desk, remind yourself: § This is not a contest. You’re on the same side. As members of the same team you need to solve problems together. § You could both be right. You could both be wrong. § You don’t need to agree with the other person’s position, but you do need to understand and respect their thoughts and feelings. § The goal is to take care of each other and take care of your business. More Than a Marriage
Couples who work together often find that they balance and complement each other’s business strengths. As a team they become greater than the sum of their parts. Working together increases your levels of mental understanding. You have a firsthand knowledge of what the other person goes through each day, what their frustrations are, and how good they are at what they do. Celebrate the bond that your business together creates. Enjoy the vision that the two of you share as you commit yourselves to your marriage, your work, and your future. It may not be easy, but it can certainly be worth it. HBM The American Home Business Association is a membership organization that provides services and benefits to those working from home. Services range from financial and tax programs specifically tailored for home-based businesses to comprehensive health insurance programs. For more information, visit www.homebusiness.com. Previously published in the April 2007 issue of HOME BUSINESS® Magazine, an international publication for the growing and dynamic home-based market. Available on newsstands, in bookstores and chain stores, and via subscriptions ($15.00 for 1 year, six issues). Visit www.homebusinessmag.com |
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