How to Start A Business With a Spouse.

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By Amy Laine
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Working as a couple in business.

Starting a new business with your spouse can be very rewarding or it may increase the stress. When working with your spouse it is necessary to take a few steps to make going into business together more successful. Below are a few steps I have found to be helpful.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

The idea of starting a new business.
Partner/spouse.
Positive outlook.
Determination.

Step 1

Talk it out: Determine how realistic it will be for the two of you to work together. If you fight all the time know, chances are you will fight more while working together. However, if you do not fight now there will be times will you will have to talk out a disagreement and then leave it. I both you and your partner able to discuss issue without taking problems with them (particularly home).
Step 2

Create a business plan together. In the business plan determine joint goals of the company and who is responsible for what. For instance, is one doing sells while the other one is handling product. Make decisions off who is the best fit. While you must work together to reach the joint goals, it may not be necessary or effective to work side by side the whole time.
Step 3

After completing the business plan, write out separate job descriptions, this will help define who does what, or besides what when and where. Sign them. Also include how many hours each individual is planning on putting in the business.
Step 4

Set up a exit plan for the business. When going into business the last thing we want to think about is the business not being successful. Determine how long can you both work until the each goal is reached. It also may be necessary to determine if one must leave the business to get a outside job, who it will be.
Step 5

Make a vow as a couple that business will be business. And home life is home life. Then make sure to do your best to follow through.

Comments

lauriebixler said

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on 11/5/2009 Excellent article and advice. Right on target.
I write a blog about my life shared with my husband and business partner, called:
sleepingwithmyboss.com
Since we have nearly 20 years of experience working and living, loving and hating and bickering together, I thought I would write about our experiences. Look into my blog and follow along as I “tell all”. I will appreciate your participation and comments. Thanks.