Treat your business as a family grass-roots effort and get loved ones excited about it right from the start. Remember: If they are not cheering you on or working by your side, your family may someday rally against you in protest if they feel less important to you than the business.
If you don't involve your spouse/partner or children they are likely to resent the time you will need to spend developing and running your business. You might not mind working weekends or long into the night because you are excited about your business, but your family will. When people who are used to getting your time and attention see your energies being diverted to a business, they are likely to see the business as competition and complain.
How to Involve Your Family in Your Business
Being a good listener is an important skill all business owners need to develop; it validates people and when you open your mind to new ideas and concepts it will help you grow your business faster. Start by practicing with your own family.
Ask your family (including children) for ideas and strategies and listen carefully. Even if their ideas are not realistic do not respond negatively. The main purpose of involving them is to let them know that you value their ideas and thoughts; in other words, you value them. A secondary benefit is that they may have some great ideas that you have not thought of on your own.
Even very young children can be made to feel important and helpful. Most kids thrive on making their parents proud, and, feeling involved and connected can help build their self-esteem.
Get young children to color "idea" pictures (and hang them on your wall.) Have them sort papers (a great way to learn how their A-B-C order), or stuff envelopes. Even something as simple as "organizing" your rubber bands into a giant ball, or paper clips into a long chain can help kids feel important - and will occupy their time so you can focus on work.
Although the majority of husband/wife owned businesses do not work out very well, you still need to involve your husband in some way. Ask for his ideas and toss some problems out for him to solve. Most men do not enjoy "conversation" but they do enjoy problem solving.
Even if he offers ridiculous answers tell him how much you appreciate his ideas and support. And, if he comes back with demands that you cut back on hours, practice your negotiating skills. Couples that argue over a business will almost always have a hard time communicating effectively in other areas of the marriage. If your spouse is unhappy about your business, the best thing you can do is listen, and take it to heart - not to battle.
If you find you and your spouse/partner are arguing all the time about the business, or that your family is rebelling against you (because of the business), seek professional counseling before the business takes over your marriage and family.
