Friday 4 February 2011

Key Steps to Starting a Business With a Loved One

If you're thinking of starting a business with a loved one, there are some simple key steps you should consider before taking the plunge. Living with someone is different to working with them. To keep your relationship strong both professionally and personally, you might want to consider taking the following steps so you start out on a positive foot.

1. Create a Vision -- Agree on your destination.
Do you want to retire in 5 years and move to a desert island?
Perhaps you want to buy a yacht and cruise around the world.
Are you creating a legacy for your children?

Whatever it is, make sure it's compelling and bigger than any challenges you may face.Without a vision, you won't have anything to strive for. Your business will just go day to day.

2. Set Achievable Goals
Make your goals SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic Timeframed).
Write your goals down.
Share your goals with others.
Celebrate when you complete each goal.

3. Create a good Working Environment
Create a space for each of you that will allow for optimum productivity.
This space should be a place you like to be. You'll be spending lots of time here.
Respect each other's privacy.

4. Create a Timetable for each of you
Just like in school, structure your week and break it down by day. Fill it in with all your routine tasks and of course, your goals. Doing this will help keep your days productive and also keep you on track with your goals.

Don't forget to add in personal time for each other as well as individually such as dinner dates, walks, reading time, etc. This will help to make sure you don't spend ALL your waking time working.

It's very exciting to work together. It can also be challenging. By following these steps, you will keep disagreements to a minimum and enjoy the experience.

A compelling vision, solid goals, a great work environment, and a structured week will all help in creating your successful business.

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