Getting Your Family Involved In Your New Home Business - For Fun and Profit Copyright 2003 by Henri G. Schauffler http://www.familybizbuilder.com
Starting a home business is seldom easy and we need support from our loved ones.
Between
family, friends and neighbors there are a lot of people close to you that will want to know what you're doing. You probably have already found out that they're not always supportive!
Could you wait a minute, please? - My wife is telling me that I need to help with my 14 year old's homework. I'll be right back...
OK, thanks for waiting. By way - if we shut our families out - if we're so focused on this new business that we seem consumed by it - we're going to have lots of problems in our home. What's that you say? Getting consumed by your great new business hasn't happened to you yet? Just wait, my home business friend. At some point, you'll get so excited, so motivated, so focused - that you may forget about everything around you, including those whom you love.
Let's face it - our business is not more important than our family. So let's not act like it! Make sure that your family understands that they are more important than this business. And I mean all of your family - children, spouse, parents, siblings - everyone. They need to know that they are still number one in your life.
One good way to minimize difficulties in relationships with your family when starting a home business is to talk to all your significant family up-front, *before* you start your business. If you've already launched your new enterprise, it's never too late...
Start with your spouse or significant other. Sit down and explain what you're doing and why it is exciting to you; what your hopes, dreams and goals for business are. When I started, I told my wife and loved ones very clearly, "My goal is to be making $500 dollars net profit we can spend by end of 6 months, and $1,000 a month by end of first year." (I started part time). "I'm really happy about this, and I need your support." And, Closing Question: "Wouldn't you like extra money in budget, dear?"
That made it clear - I'm not off on some "get-rich-quick scheme," or one of Henri's "things," I've got a clear plan and I know what I'm doing. However you do it, make sure to get your significant other on board *first*.
Next - your younger children:
Your younger children are not really going to understand much about why you're doing this, what your goals are, etc. Instead, develop a routine with your younger children for meal times, naptimes, and play times. Work these times into your work schedule and adhere to them. If you fail to keep appointments with your children, your children will have less respect for your work and do more to prevent you from completion of your work.
