Tagged: partner

When you are starting a new business, you need all the support you can get.  To be successful, you need to have a strong support system, people around you who whole-heartedly believe in you and your mission.

But what if your spouse or life partner, the person you expect to be your biggest cheerleader, doesn’t completely champion your dream? Can you still reach your goal?

Many times it won’t be enough to just share the vision you have for your new business. Do as much research as possible before presenting your idea to your spouse. To gain your partner’s support, develop a plan for success that details the steps you’ll take and the choices you’ll make to provide for your family if things don’t work out.

If possible, schedule a meeting with a business. You want to be able to say to your partner that a seasoned professional thinks you have a profitable business idea.
When conducting preliminary research on your business idea, scour trusted business websites like Entrepreneur.com, Forbes.com, and Businessweek.com to learn as much as you can about what you’re getting into.
If you are a home-based business talk to the people you live with. This can be your spouse or your parents, for instance. “They may have no idea what is going on or how hard you are working once they leave the house,” McMillan says. “You don’t want them making up stories in their heads about what you do.” So, keep them abreast of what is happening with the business. “If you get a new client, a new development, or a new prospect tell them about it.” Even if your spouse or children are not directly involved with the business, they need to be in the loop. What happens if you suddenly die, your family needs to be able to make well-formed decisions about what next to do with the business.

Have this discussion when you are both relaxed and calm – the weekend is good. At the arranged time, sit down and go over with her what you’ve been planning. Assure her that it’s just a possible plan and that you would never make a move without her input.

Really listen to any concerns she needs to verbalize. Don’t be defensive or become angry – that’s not productive. If necessary, be specific about a probable timeline for your job change.