The Business Owner's Spouse

By: Ryan Samaniego
Submitted: 2007-01-17 15:33:41
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So your self-employed, or at least doing something on the side of the 9-5 to make some extra cash. You find pride in your entrepreneurial ways. You are creating something from nothing. You feel good about it, and you should. But how does the spouse feel about it? Do they understand the time, research and learning curve involved? Do they even appreciate what you’re trying to do? How do you get on the same page?

Whatever your venture may be, there is an obvious way to live happier, get more done, and yes, make more money in your business. You ready for the answer? Your spouse. Yes, your spouse. Remember them? The one you have decided to partner with in everything thing else in life? Believe it or not they could very well be the missing ingredient. Trust, common goals, likes, dislikes, this is what brought you together in the beginning, and over time, they can be forgotten, changed, or vanished all together. But aren’t these the same qualities you look for in a business partner? Why not? The simple fact is you need your spouse and they need you. Having a common goal such as your business, can’t only improve your marriage, it can improve your bank account.

What more could you do if there were 2 of you? Together can you devise the legitimate work at home job business we all strive for something on the side? How about a residual income business opportunity? What aspects of growing your business would you focus on if the day-to-day maintenance, tasks, orders, etc. were taken care of before you started your day? How do you feel about free labor from some one you trust? I’m not saying that your wife or husband can jump into your position and handle these things now or ever, but couldn’t they help you become more efficient? Let’s face it everyone has aspects of their business that are time consuming and don’t focus on our future but just getting through the day. Regardless of your spouse’s occupation, family structure, or abilities, they can help you grow your business and they will enjoy doing it. Ask for their opinion, show them what you’re doing, find out what aspect of the business sparks their interest, and let it grow from there. Take their opinion seriously, as they are probably more informed than a consumer off the street. And remember to be sensitive. I know it sounds corny, but regardless of what they tell you your opinion means more to them than you think so think before you talk. The easier it is for them to “help out” in the beginning, the more they will get involved and eventually make contributions that you will never have expected.

How do I make this work? Follow these five rules and you’ll be off to a good start.

1.) Stop being a control freak! The more time and effort you have put into this business, the more set you will be in your business processes. Let go, take their advice seriously, and try their way. (Even if previous experience has taught you otherwise at times)

2.) Constructive criticism is tricky but obviously needed in this environment. Be sensitive. Show them the positive side of your way instead of the negative side of theirs.

3.) Remind them they’re needed, and appreciated as much as possible. I know its corny, but it will work in more ways than you might think.

4.) Let them create. Get them involved. Teach them what they need to know and let them run with it.

5.) If you really want to throw them off, do a couple extras outside of work that will let them know you appreciate your new partnership, this works every time.

Remember, this will never work for anyone all of the time. You will find that your new common goals will spark your common interests, and you’ll be surprised how quickly you will be on the same page. You might even get to know each other a little better. Why not?

Article source: Expert Articles