During a radio show interview this morning, I was asked how couples could be successful in business despite challenging life issues that are common to all families. I told them about Kibby and Jay Mitra and Sheri and Rich Schmelzer.
During the show, the hosts joked about how an increase in family businesses could result in an increase in the divorce rate. However, as our longtime IBN member Maggie Hanus of A Wild Soap Bar says, “The family that grinds together binds together.” I tend to agree.
In today's uncertain economy, every family should maintain an income stream that is independent of a traditional job. My husband and I have been married for seven years and we have two young children. We worked together informally for years before formalizing the arrangement. Some projects go smoothly. Some don't. Some days are good. Some aren't. That's life. The thing that remains constant is our desire to be self sufficient and that's very powerful glue.
As long as you share the same goals and have a pure heart toward yourself and your partner, you can work through anything. Acknowledge and respect each other's limits and areas of expertise and resist the urge to take criticism personally. Allow the other person the mental and physical space to work in the way that is comfortable and productive for them. Don't overlook poor performance, but never miss an opportunity to offer a complement for a job well done.
For more on making business and love, check out Entrepreneurial Couples by Dr. Kathy Marshack. It's got some wonderful chapters addressing how to work through common challenges to achieve the goals of all involved.
You might also enjoy this week's podcast featuring our members Bill and Debbie Brink of Pure Enchantment. The Brinks have been in business together for 7 years and are making it work with 5 kids ranging in age from 10 to 18. If you want to know what it's like to fill customer orders between soccer games and cheerleading practice, don't miss this show.
