As the co-founders of Binary Formations and makers of Home Inventory (a Mac App Store Editors’ Choice app) and other mobile apps, Diane and Kevin Hamilton were never under any illusion that running a business as a couple was going to be easy.
Early on in their business partnership, there were tears and arguments that could cause many couples to throw in the towel either in their business or in their marriage. However, they have since learned that being able to communicate openly, honestly, and without judgment in their business just as in their marriage is vital. They say that they are still learning and will continue to have disagreements and the occasional tear, but their differences make them better as a business and family.
Is running a home-based business with your significant other a great idea or a disaster waiting to happen? Truth be told, it can go either way, depending on your relationship and the measures you take to maintain a healthy balance. Here’s how to guarantee success in both your business and personal relationships.
Define Roles Based on Skills
At Binary Formations, Diane is responsible for quality assurance and customer support, as well as day-to-day operations as the company’s managing partner. In his primary roles as the company’s software architect and developer, Kevin focuses on other aspects that are vital in running the business. Diane says these roles are a natural fit.
Problems arise with couples working together when there aren’t clear-cut roles and responsibilities. So now lies the question… do both individuals have an equal say in big business decisions, or should one person own certain decisions? Certainly, some roles should be those you collaborate on.
“For some company responsibilities like product management, we share and collaborate on them because we both hold important perspectives as well as experience,” Diane says. “If there are roles that are shared, make sure to appoint someone to be the final decision-maker. This helps with disagreements that will arise and helps to keep those disagreements from impacting your marriage.” She also suggests creating an operating agreement that defines roles.
Separate Work from Personal Life
This is a huge pitfall for many couples because, understandably, you keep thinking about work once you’re done for the day. Working from home, as well as working with your spouse, only make matters more challenging. With that in mind, Diane says that it is important to establish boundaries.
“We set simple boundaries like not allowing work talk during family dinner time and not responding to support notifications outside of business hours,” she says. “We both have a dedicated home office space, which is one of the most important steps to create that separation. We know there will be exceptions, but we try to limit them and try to recognize when we are pushing the boundaries.”
She says that she and Kevin have separate office spaces at home and that kids and spouses know that if the door is open, they are welcome to come in. Otherwise, they shouldn’t interrupt unless it’s for an emergency.
Have a Sense of Humor
Strange advice, right? But Diane says it’s essential that you and your partner have one if you’ll be working side by side to build and grow a business:
“Don’t lose your sense of humor or take yourself too seriously,” she says. “When things get tough, patience and humor are such a blessing.”
Working with a partner can be a blessing. After all, you’re relying on the person you trust the most in the world to help you make your dreams come true! But realize that the road can be challenging, and constant communication is essential to thrive.
