It is a lot of fun, but also can be a challenge to work with your spouse when you start a home business. Here are some more tips that will help you to run a successful business with your spouse.
1. Schedule a weekly appointment to plan the upcoming week.
During this appointment you should sit down as a couple and divvy out the tasks and responsibilities for the week. Monday morning is a great time, Friday afternoon works as well. The key is to make sure it is the same time each week so that the two of you will not forget the appointment.
2. Figure out who is responsible for what in the business and keep track of it.
One way you can do this is to put it in a central location, such as in your home office on a large whiteboard. You can add two separate columns on the board for the each of you and additional columns for any hired help you might have. You can also track appointments, promotions and events on a central calendar.
3. Use a large calendar to keep track of business appointments and family appointments with different colors.
One of the benefits for when you start home business is you can book business appointments around the activities of your children.
4. Identify what each of you does well in the business and focus on it.
The areas where you are weak at, hire someone else to do those tasks. Decide what the reporting relationships are going to be for any new hires (they should report to one of you only) so that everyone is on the same page.
5. Make sure that before you start home business you know who is going to handle each household related task.
The kids still need to be shuttled around. Someone still needs to cook and clean in your house. You will make things easier for your spouse and your children if you have any if these responsibilities are discussed in advance.
6. Figure out what each of you are working on in the business and come up with a game plan for what will happen should one of you need to step away.
Think about what it will cost to hire someone to do those tasks instead. This is part of contingency planning, which is vital, especially if one of you gets pregnant or has other situations that require your attention other than the business.
Taking steps now will help you, your spouse and your business over the long haul. The end result is the process of starting your home business will be smoother.
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Copyright Stephen Beck, 2009
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Stephen Beck shows families how to sell their knowledge to increase their customer base. Read more of his free articles at http://www.squidoo.com/ebooks-3.
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