Starting a business is tough in itself. Running it with someone you know by heart, a.k.a. your significant other, takes the challenge to new heights. It may seem like a brilliant idea at first given the fact that you know each other very well. You know you can trust each other for anything. More importantly, you got each other's backs through thick and thin.
Despite this, there are also drawbacks to consider. First, your finances will be in one place. Aside from your marriage, you now have a business to take care of also. You can't sacrifice one for the other because the goal is to aim for success at both.
So how do you and your partner juggle both and still win? Here are five useful tips to make it happen.
1. Define your roles.
Determine who is in charge with what. Doing so will help you have a specific area to focus on. For example, if you're more technically inclined and social media savvy, you can take charge with building your business' website and executing marketing campaigns to build your brand. On the other hand, if your partner is more into numbers, he or she should take care of your business' finances. This way, you won't step into each other's toes and you know who has the final say on what. When you establish each other's roles, you won't have time to argue. Instead, you'll appreciate each other's area of expertise.
2. Establish rules.
Determine what your personal and work hours are for work-life balance purposes. Be sure to only also discuss business matters during work hours and not while you're spending quality time with each other at home. Set a specific time dedicated to hanging out with each other where you can just enjoy each other's company and forget about the business for a moment. This not only helps both of you be relieved of the stress but is also a great way to reconnect with each other to strengthen your bond as partners in life and business.
3. Create a work space for each other.
Sitting next to each other may sound like a great idea but it's actually the opposite, especially if your workspace is small. While it will foster communication between you, it will make it hard to focus on your tasks. So have separate offices and communicate through email.
4. Celebrate even the smallest success.
Say you've hit a monthly goal or reached an important milestone; take some time off to celebrate. Acknowledge each other's contribution and appreciate each other's efforts. Set aside work for a moment to reap the rewards of your hard work.
5. Always listen and forgive each other.
You'll be committing a number of mistakes and even hurt each other's feelings in the long run because of how passionate you are for the business and your marriage. This is why it matters to always have ears that are willing to listen and a heart that's willing to forgive and work things out. Remember that you're not working separately but are of the same team. So be in it together for better or for worse and you'll surely grow stronger over the years.
Don't be a part of the all too famous divorce and start-ups statistics. You can run your marriage and your business successfully and reap the rewards if you observe these simple but life-changing tips.