Working Together - Friend or Foe

A Unique Opportunity To Help Me Create a Workshop

Over the last year I have become more aware of a unique group of growing entrepreneurs that have unique challenges to their business. In 2004, the number of small business’ in the US with less than 5 employees was almost 3 million. Due to expediency and the current economic climate, many of these companies have the distinction of spouses who work together within the business.

Up until 2003, My wife Debbie and I worked alongside each other for 20 years in various capacities. For the past 14 months we have labored on establishing and developing two separate corporations. We are not only very aware of the joys of working side by side, but also the unique stresses that are created when a husband and wife work in the same business.

The dynamic creates unique opportunities (such as cost savings) as well as unique problems:

• When does work end and family life begin?

• How many of the responsibilities are assumed and expected, verses being decided upon by open discussion? (by open discussion, I don’t mean arguing).

• Two paychecks tied into one business’ success or failure.

• Working "vacations" (that really aren't)

Click here to share your ideas of the unique problems.

As a relational and leadership coach, I am interested in talking to couples who work together, and hear their thoughts on the positives and negatives of working side by side, as well as the major issues that create conflict or tension. From your responses and input, I will develop a workshop that addresses the issues that couples face in their business, and offer workable, easily learned and applied principles that increase productivity and decrease tension.

If you know of any couples that work together, I would appreciate you having them contact me by email (or you can forward this E-Zine with a personal message and they can contact me directly).

For anyone who is willing to discuss this topic with me, - CLICK THIS EMAIL LINK - I will take them through a painless interview process, and will offer them the opportunity to attend the initial workshop free of charge.


Quick Poll - Could you work with your spouse?

Yes

No
(If you want, tell me why)