Business Partners & Marital Partners Will The Marriage Survive - Part I

With today's economy, and the layoffs occurring as a result of these economic conditions, more and more people are opting to start their own business. Due to the low start up costs, the prevalence of home-based businesses is on the rise, many of these started by husband and wife teams.

With the move from the corporate world to the home-based, couples are finding that a new set of problems are occurring. In the corporate arena, two major areas of importance are profits and communication with employees. This is done through evaluations, reviews, meetings, or a company newsletter outlining company policies and news. All administrators realize that a happy and informed employee is more efficient and productive; in effect, increasing their profits.

Research on martial separation and divorce indicates two of the main causes of separation and divorce are communication and money, very much like corporate concerns. In the past, spouses worked in their respective jobs, and came home to discuss what was going on in the work place. In effect, they were sounding boards for one another. With the move to the home front, especially with starting up businesses together, the sounding boards are gone.

In effect, placing couples in a start-up business can cause a myriad of problems, previously seen only in the corporate world, in addition to the normal stumbling blocks of starting up a business. Too many couples working together are not practicing good communication skills. Lack of communication, can cause one spouse to feel that he or she is carrying all the business and monetary responsibility.

Keep Your Marriage Solid

If you and your spouse have decided to run a business together, be sure to discuss and outline the following:

Delineate responsibility. Decide who is going to handle what business matters. In addition, be sure you both know how to accomplish these functions. Unfortunately, illness occurs - you need to be able to back up each other in all aspects of the business. For example, if one of you does all the bank statements, be sure your spouse understands how this is accomplished, so if necessary, they can also handle this responsibility. If you have a set procedure you follow and a way you want it done, make up an outline, so it is accomplished in the manner you want.

Marketing, return calls, daily correspondence, invoicing, weekly and/or monthly expenses, supplies, calendaring, appointments, deposits, bank statements, implementation of the business plan, attendance at meetings (e.g. Chamber mixers, National groups, User groups, etc.) all need to be taken care of. You will have to split these responsibilities between you. Again, be sure you know how each is implemented, so in an emergency, you can back each other up.

Delineate responsibilities according to likes and dislikes and who will do the best job. We all have our little niches, and if it is something we like and do well, we can accomplish it better and more efficiently. Once the responsibilities have been delineated, make up a schedule for each item you both need to deal with. Again, you must be able to act as each others back up.

Marketing is a major obstacle. Most individuals do not like to use cold calling as a medium to promote their business. Be sure both of you are involved. Do not let one person handle this. In addition, develop a marketing strategy. Will you market daily, weekly, monthly? What kind of marketing will you do-advertising, cold calls, direct mail, etc. Again, be sure you both are involved. This is important because money and marketing are tied together. The more you market, the more aware the marketplace will be of the services you offer. If only one individual is marketing and monies are fluctuating, there is more tension between the partners to make the business successful. No one individual should have to carry this on their shoulders, or perceive that they do. In addition, with both spouses marketing, one person cannot blame the other for the success or failure of the business.

The Most Important Tool

Remember, the most important tool you both have is communication. Don't expect your spouse to read your mind. Keep the marriage and business separate. It's difficult, especially if you are home-based, but it can be done. If you have a problem with the way your spouse is accomplishing a task in the business environment, discuss it immediately. Do not wait. Do not let this build into anger that is transferred to your personal relationship. Remember that keeping your business and personal relationships separate is very important to the survival of both your business and your marriage.

In Part II of this article we will discuss how to implement this strategy.

Copyright 2000, DeFiore Enterprises

Interested in having your own successful, home based creative real estate investing business? Chuck and Sue have been helping folks start successful home based businesses for over 19 years, and we can help you too! To see how, visit http://www.homebusinesssolutions.com for the latest FREE tips and tricks, educational products and coaching in creative real estate investing and home based businesses. No time to visit the site? Subscribe to our "how to" Home Business Solutions Digest, it's like having your own personal coach: http://www.homebusinesssolutions.com

Forest Park Chicago limo .. Lockport Chicago limo O’Hare
In The News:

Cybercriminals are tricking people into compromising their own technology by mimicking trusted sources; here's how to keep yourself safe from these "scam-yourself" attacks.
Brick My World is an innovative app that allows you to turn any object into a Lego creation with your phone using advanced artificial intelligence and mobile scanning technology.
Be on alert this holiday season for phishing emails. Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson shares several examples of fake phishing emails he's received in his inbox.
If unwanted text messages are piling up in your Android inbox, there are some easy steps you can take to clean things up and keep them organized.
Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future.
It's easy to download malicious apps if you're not careful, and a new report reveals more than a dozen malicious apps with SpyLoan malware have been available at the Play Store.
Tech wizard Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson explains how to delete old unwanted texts and spam messages from cluttered inboxes of an iPhone in bulk.
Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson says using outdated computers and software leaves them vulnerable to security risks and malware.
Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson reveals how WalkON enhances walking and jogging with sensors and artificial tendons.
Old-fashioned check fraud is back in style, quintupling over the past year. Here are a few low-tech, practical means of protecting yourself.
Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson discusses how 600,000-plus records, including checks and property data, were left exposed online by an information service provider.
That weird text from a friend may actually be from a hacker. Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson tells you what signs to look out for.
Scammers can wreak havoc on your life just by having your phone number. Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson addresses how to avoid becoming a victim.
PongBot is an artificial intelligence-powered tennis robot and a smart training partner available to play 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson explains how to update your iPhone to add Apple Intelligence, which he says can transform your interactions with your phone.
University scientists have trained a robotic surgical system to do work with the skill of human doctors, possibly transforming the future of surgeries.
As more companies implement artificial intelligence for daily tasks, some industry leaders are working to push back against certain aspects of the technology.
Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson says the Batagaika crater in Siberia expands 35 million cubic feet yearly due to thawing.
While fewer than 30% of farmers reportedly use emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, experts believe AI could help producers and farmers make food quicker and more efficiently.
Spammers have found a way to target Spotify playlists and podcasts to push pirated software, cheat codes for games and spam links and malware sites.
Amazon becomes a prime target of scammers during the holiday shopping season trying to steal Social Security numbers, bank information and Amazon credentials.
Sharing information online like your vacation plans and relationship status can make you a target for scammers; here's what to avoid posting to keep yourself safe.
Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future.
Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson explores six sneaky holiday season gift card tricks, providing tips on how to outsmart scammers trying to rip you off.
Apple Watch's Translate app gives you your own personal interpreter, allowing you to have live two-way conversations in up to 20 different languages.

Be Thankful for a Faithful Husband

If your husband is faithful, you have much to be... Read More

Creating A Wedding Budget You Can Afford

The most important part of planning a wedding is setting... Read More

The Enigma of Daytime Bachelor Party Activities

As most of you know the evening festivities for a... Read More

Wedding Receptions: How To Set Up The Tables

Getting the wedding tables right can make a big difference... Read More

Theres More to Wedding Invitations Than You Might Think

Everybody talks about wedding invitations, but what about all the... Read More

A Unique Diamond Engagement Ring ? In Platinum

Diamond engagement rings for many years typically came in the... Read More

Creating A Prenuptial Agreement

Embarking upon a marriage is a wonderful time in life... Read More

How to Choose the Perfect Headpiece and Veil for Your Facial and Body Features

All brides want to be beautiful on their wedding day,... Read More

You are Making Your Wedding List and Checking It Twice? What Have You Forgotten?

Preparing for a wedding, large or small, is overwhelming! A... Read More

Top 5 Reasons for Hiring a Wedding Planner

One of the most joyous occasions in life is a... Read More

Diamond Wedding Rings ? The Things to Look For

There is a huge array of diamond wedding rings available... Read More

Were Engaged!

He's popped the question and you're dying to tell someone.... Read More

What Makes The Best Wedding Anniversary Gift?

Choosing a wedding anniversary gift that wows your husband or... Read More

How to Plan Your Wedding and Honeymoon

1. Weddings typically can cost you anywhere around $15,000 or... Read More

Keeping A Marriage Romantic

My belief is that most relationship problems should be given... Read More

Balance - Wedding Budget Blues

Let's think about what goes into your wedding budget. Your... Read More

Why Hire A Wedding Designer?

As couples begin thinking about their wedding, they are often... Read More

Planning A Backyard Wedding

So many couples are planning to have their wedding at... Read More

Nine Ways to Save Money on Wedding Photography

Weddings are memorable events couples and their families want to... Read More

Weddings Las Vegas: Popular Ceremonies

Are you looking for a las Vegas chapel to make... Read More

Men?s Moissanite Wedding Rings To Beat Other Gifts Any Day

Whoever said diamonds are women's best friends, surely missed on... Read More

Bridal Beauty Tips For Your Special Day

It's your day! The most special day of your life,... Read More

Wedding Preparations - Tips To Get You to The Church On Time

For many brides, the wedding ceremony starts long before they... Read More

What You Should Know About Buying Engagement Rings Online

Buying engagement rings online doesn't have to be confusing or... Read More

Searching For A Discount Mother Of The Bride Dress

You can look fabulous at your daughter's wedding in a... Read More

taxi to Midway Bath ..