Some people say it s a thin line between love and hate. I think it is a thin line between bankruptcy court and divorce court. When couples meet there seems to be a chemistry thing going on that just won’t quit and each person’s representative shows up on their best behavior. You know the young lady that never passes gas or the young man that always opens the door for the young lady, yeah those two. During this time dreams are shared and faux acceptance occurs when each person expresses these dreams.
This is a critical time especially for entrepreneurs because if the risk vs. reward is not laid out properly at this stage it can lead disastrous results later into the relationship. In this day and time people have a tendency to get married for better and better not better or worse. Granted no one wants to live in uncertainty when it comes to their financial stability; however a financial meltdown is usually a dish served on a plate that a lot of entrepreneurs may have eat off of from time to time.
This stress along with other entrepreneur issues (time away from family, etc…) can destroy a marriage /relationship, but it does not have to… here are 5 tips on how to avoid an entrepreneur spouse meltdown:
- Include your spouse into your dream sequence: Take them from the inception to the stage of implementation. Layout your entire well thought out plan as if you were at the bank detailing your business plan to the finance officer. Ask them to help with simple tasks (project mgmt, etc…) This will give them a sense of ownership which can lead to better support. The hope here is that they totally buy in. If they do not maybe they will agree to get on board and ride this train with you, at least for a while. Either way move fast the clock is ticking on your business and the relationship.
- Reciprocation effect: Show a genuine interest in their dreams. We all have one right? If they believe that you believe in them, they will believe in you. Whether it is a job, school, or family it doesn‘t matter – be interested!
- Behavior effect: Regardless of how they respond to your program, be everything to them that you would have them be to you. If they are supportive then this will reinforce their behavior. If they are less than enthused then it may turn the tide. It was once said that behavior can be caught like a cold, so get to sneezing!
- Rainy Day fund: Please set aside a rainy day fund, at least six months worth so when a financial meltdown occurs with the business (and it will) you may be able to fend off a nuclear war in the house that will start with something like I told you this was a dumb/bad idea …
- Commitment: Remain steadfast at what you are doing. Most pushback from spouses /partners are rooted in fear. You must be vigilant. Do not quit…even if it means getting a night job so you can pursue your dream during the day and help cool the “temperature” in the house.
Author: Kelvin Jones, Author /Speaker Business owner
