Is Your Marriage Part of Your Business Plan

One of the top three characteristics of successful millionaires is that they are married. This makes complete sense since a healthy marriage is also a team or partnership and relationships usually do well if both participants see that they work better together, rather than independently.

When starting a new business, or examining an existing one, take a look at your marriage. Notice if anything in your marriage (like frequent frustration, for instance) is also present in your business. If you're having a tough time connecting to customers, see if you're also having a tough time connecting to your spouse. If you have a hard time listening to clients, are you also having a hard time listening to your partner?

If there are more challenges than triumphs in your relationship, see if the same is true for your business. And then set about changing it, writing a new (business) plan, and getting back to work.

When couples demonstrate that they have a tough time supporting each other in their relationship, it almost always seeps into their businesses and work lives, too. I don't recommend married couples going into business together (unless there are clear boundaries), but I do recommend that specific time be taken out to discuss business matters, share challenges, and seek support.

Spouses are usually the best for supporting a crazy idea, offering down-to-earth feedback, and creative, outside-the-box solutions. When married couples don't work together, the partner not in the business usually has a good outside perspective.

If talking about your business with your spouse is new ground for you, set up clear boundaries. Set up specific times you would like to discuss your business. Ask for what you want from your spouse before you share. For example, if you have a specific challenge that you think your partner might be able to help with, start by saying, "I'd like to run something by you and get your perspective. When could we schedule some focused time to talk about it?" Or if you want your loved one to just listen, make that clear by saying, "I just need to hear this idea out loud. Would you be willing to sit quietly and listen to me talk about it for 15 minutes?"

If quality time is getting sparse, instead of having a "date" night, have a "brainstorm" or "collaboration" night. Rather than taking in a movie, create an experience of collaboration and teamwork. If you need a facilitator, ask a friend to take notes and encourage the two of you to get on the same side. Most couples are dying to have this kind of input, interaction, and encouragement but often feel foolish taking the "make-believe" so far. Let go of what it looks like and do something fun! Make your business plan include time with your spouse. Put your partner officially on the advisory board. Take them out to dinner in appreciation of your successful presentation, idea pitch, or book tour.

Put a specific clause in your business plan that creates alignment in your marriage. If you know that you are more creative when you feel supported at home, write those specifics into your plan. Spending time at lease once a week connecting with your spouse (going over shopping lists or chores is not quality connection time) will help you both in marriage and in business. If both partners are self-employed, even better! Use your common values to create an amazing plan for both businesses and your marriage. Our spouses can be our best salespeople, support, and cheerleaders.

When we acknowledge that a successful marriage can lead the way to a successful business, we are on the right track!