Delineate responsibilities according to likes and dislikes and who will do best job. We all have our little niches, and if it is something we like and do well, we can accomplish it better and more efficiently. Once responsibilities have been delineated, make up a schedule for each item you both need to deal with. Again, you must be able to act as each others back up.

Marketing is a major obstacle. Most individuals do not like to use cold calling as a medium to promote their business. Be sure both of you are involved. Do not let one person handle this. In addition, develop a marketing strategy. Will you market daily, weekly, monthly? What kind of marketing will you do-advertising, cold calls, direct mail, etc. Again, be sure you both are involved. This is important because money and marketing are tied together. The more you market, more aware marketplace will be of services you offer. If only one individual is marketing and monies are fluctuating, there is more tension between partners to make business successful. No one individual should have to carry this on their shoulders, or perceive that they do. In addition, with both spouses marketing, one person cannot blame other for success or failure of business.

The Most Important Tool

Remember, most important tool you both have is communication. Don't expect your spouse to read your mind. Keep marriage and business separate. It's difficult, especially if you are home-based, but it can be done. If you have a problem with way your spouse is accomplishing a task in business environment, discuss it immediately. Do not wait. Do not let this build into anger that is transferred to your personal relationship. Remember that keeping your business and personal relationships separate is very important to survival of both your business and your marriage.

In Part II of this article we will discuss how to implement this strategy.

Copyright 2000, DeFiore Enterprises.

3. Write up a business plan. Be sure business is something that interests you. You might want to start on a part-time basis, and grow from there. Research business carefully, make sure there is a market, and competition is not overwhelming.

4. Be sure you have at least six months living expenses set aside. This will give you time to work through marketing strategy outlined in your business plan, and avoid bad marketing practices. In addition, if changes need to be made, you can do so, without monetary concerns becoming an issue.

5. Be sure your office space is located in a separate room or area of your home that offers least distractions. A separate office is best, especially if you are meeting with clients. Remember to always present a professional appearance.

6. When will you do your regular household chores? Make up a schedule of when you will deal with them. Some individuals find getting chores done before start of work day is best. At end of day, close your office door and then deal with remaining household items that need to be handled. Time management will be a very important factor in running a home-based business.

7. For husband and wife teams, it becomes imperative to have some form of disability insurance for each other. Remember, even though your partner may be your husband or wife, he or she is still your business partner. An accident or illness to one of you can severely impact operation of business.

A business is only as good as you and your partner make it. It takes a lot of dedication, time and energy to run a business, whether it is home-based or not. It can be a very rewarding experience. Think carefully, and ask yourself a lot of self-searching questions before you begin.

Copyright 2000, DeFiore Enterprises.