How to Go Into Business With a Spouse

You and your spouse can be partners on the job as well as at home, as long as you set some ground rules - and never forget that you are a couple first.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Men's Suits
• Business Books
• Business Loans
• Marriage Services
• Small Business Credit Cards

1. Determine whether both of you want to and can afford to work together.
2. Create a joint vision and mission statement.
3. Prepare a plan that articulates the needs of both your business and your marriage.
4. Separate work and family conflicts by establishing ground rules, such as, "No business discussions in the bedroom."
5. Divide responsibilities and write job descriptions for each of you.
6. Schedule weekly or daily business meetings, just like you would at a regular company.

Tips & Warnings

• Respect your differences.
• Take time out to be just a couple, and not business partners.
• One of you may secure a steady job with benefits and work only part-time in the business.
• The work must be pleasing to both of you.
• If trouble arises, remember that you are a couple first and partners second.
• If you have trouble in your marriage, teaming up in business could be difficult.
• Expect to fight from time to time - it's natural.
• Learn to forgive.
• Be sure your financial stability is secure before you both quit your jobs.