Home Business Wins

Working at home can be tough. When I started my home business six years ago, I asked my husband how much he supported my business on a scale from 1 to 10. He said 3. He’s now at a 9 (nothing’s perfect, right?). But I’ve come a long way and learned some valuable tools in that time. By reading this, you’ll learn four important things moms and dads who work at home can do to gain their family’s support. When you take these four steps, you will not only get them to support your efforts, you’ll find that your family can be valuable partners in your success.

Set Expectations

First of all, make sure that everyone is on the same page as far as what’s expected, and not expected, of them.  This is so critical.

What do you want your spouse to do?  Do you need them to watch the kids? If so, figure out when and let them know well in advance. Get a calendar or whiteboard where you can post the times your spouse needs to be present and on kiddie patrol. 

Does your spouse have a particular skill that you’re lacking? Seek their advice or help. For instance, I’m lousy with finances so I had my husband put together a system to help me track my expenses (and tax deductions – he loves that part!). Do you want your spouse to help with referrals? Are they willing to do this? If so, make sure they know what kind of referral you’re looking for and coach them on a good elevator pitch that works for them.

What about your kids?  Your kids can help in little ways, such as punching holes in your papers, stuffing envelopes or decorating your office. They can also be your best spokespeople if they love your products (of course this can’t be rehearsed).

Also make sure your family members (parents, siblings, cousins, etc.) know what you don’t expect of them. For instance, you can ask a family member to listen to your sales pitch or presentation, but let them know you don’t expect them to buy your products or services.

Communicate

Secondly, communicate. By communicating upfront and at major decision points, you set the stage for mutual understanding.

Every relationship is different and you know the dynamics of how your marriage works better than anyone. That makes you the best judge of how and when to communicate with your spouse. Just make sure you do it.  The best way to get someone’s buy-in is to seek their advice. Run your business ideas by your spouse. Explain your goals and plans. You will not only gain their support, you can also generate some valuable feedback. 

Communicating is especially important at the outset of your business venture (before you invest major time and money) but it’s also important as you move forward. Things change and evolve. You want to communicate the major changes to your partner so they understand where you’re going.

Measure Your Results

Measure your progress in clear and objective terms. You’ll want to determine some major milestones you want to reach with your business as well as timelines for when you expect to reach those milestones. This helps you monitor your progress and it helps your family get on the same page as you.  Let’s face it. A home business requires sacrifice from everyone in the family, especially at the beginning as you get things going. By setting milestones and timelines, you help everyone see the light at the end of the tunnel.

Another important part of measurement is monitoring your expenses and return on investment. Any business requires investment, both up-front and ongoing. You and your spouse might feel like the money is going out faster than it’s coming in, and that will likely be the case in the beginning. Every family has a different financial system. You might have separate bank accounts or you might be the one who handles all the finances. It’s up to you, but it can be a good idea to keep your spouse posted on the financial aspects of your business.

Celebrate

Finally, don’t forget to celebrate with your family when you reach your milestones. When you get your first client, let everyone know and celebrate however your family likes best. A picnic, a dinner, a hike, whatever is fun for you. Mark major milestones with a family vacation, a camping trip or a new family toy. 

By setting expectations, communicating, measuring results and celebrating successes, you will go a long way toward gaining your family’s support for your home business. And when your family supports you in your efforts, it will make everyone’s lives, and your business, easier and more pleasant.