5 Tips For Business Owners Who Work with Their Significant Other

Sonny and Cher.
Ike and Tina.
Brad and Angelina.

Can couples work together? Yes. Should couples work together? I have no idea.

I must admit, I was very surprised to get asked this question. But, that’s the cool thing about Incredible Factor TV. If we get the question, I will answer it.

Check out this week’s episode and please weigh in:

As I share in the episode, there are so many things to consider before you decide to work with your significant other. And, I do not claim to be an expert on this topic. Nonetheless, here are five tips if you are trying to determine if you should take the plunge and work with your significant other.

1. Have a vision alignment conversation. While working together may sound cool and you are considering it because you want to spend every waking moment together, be sure that your visions align and the relationship will be a synergistic one in the workplace. Part of this conversation will need to include evaluating your skills and talents and validating that you have complimentary skill sets and can work cohesively. This will likely need to include some type of external assessment.

2. Set expectations. As you know, assuming make an a** of you and me, so let’s not assume that working together will be all peaches and cream. If you are a woman and at work, you are used to being the boss and you’ll likely need to prepare your man for how you show up at work. If it’s your desire to be the woman in your relationship and let your man lead you, but in the workplace you’re leading, then the role shift could cause challenges. So do yourself a favor and determine what expectations need to be set in advance to keep the workplace an area where you can thrive together. This includes determining who’s the boss and the role each of you will play in the organization.

3. R-E-S-P-E-C-T: Find out what it means. They may say you don’t know someone until you live with them, but trust me, you don’t know someone until you work with them. When you blur the lines between your personal relationship by starting a professional relationship, respect is essential from the onset. And that respect means that you will separate work from personal and leave the work at the office when you get home. You’ll also need to check your ego at the door: the office door and the bedroom.

4. Find a way to have some “you” time. Even when you work together, I recommend finding some time for yourself. Maybe you work in a separate area or division of the company, you have separate lunch times, or something. I think you get my point. The bottom line is to make sure that you get some time for you and your significant other gets some time for them.

5. Remember your relationship comes first. If it comes down to it, being a couple should remain your priority. Do your best to never let anything interfere with that goal to grow together, love one another and add value to the lives of others.

If you decide that working together is for you, great. If you decide it’s not, great. There’s no right or wrong answer: it’s about honoring what you want together. Best of luck!

Now, I want to hear from you: What’s your two cents? Do you work with your spouse? Do you have insight or tips to share with those who are considering it?

©2015 by Darnyelle A. Jervey. All Rights Reserved. Darnyelle A. Jervey, MBA, The Incredible Factor Business Optimization Coach and Mentor, is the founder of Incredible One Enterprises®, Incredible Factor University® and the Leverage Your Incredible Factor System®, a proven step-by-step program so you experience financial and spiritual abundance in your life because of your business. For more information and a FREE audio CD “7 Critical Mistakes Even Smart Entrepreneurs Must Avoid for Clients, Connection and Cash Flow!” just fill out the form below.

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