Getting Your Family Involved In Your New Home Business - For Fun

Getting Your Family Involved In Your New Home Business - For Fun
and Profit

Copyright 2003 by Henri G. Schauffler
http://www.familybizbuilder.com

Starting a home business is seldom easy and we need support from
our loved ones.

Between the family, friends and neighbors there are a lot of
people close to you that will want to know what you're doing.
You probably have already found out that they're not always
supportive!

Could you wait a minute, please? - My wife is telling me that I
need to help with my 14 year old's homework. I'll be right
back...

OK, thanks for waiting. By the way - if we shut our families
out - if we're so focused on this new business that we seem
consumed by it - we're going to have lots of problems in our
home. What's that you say? Getting consumed by your great new
business hasn't happened to you yet? Just wait, my home
business friend. At some point, you'll get so excited, so
motivated, so focused - that you may forget about everything
around you, including those whom you love.

Let's face it - our business is not more important than our
family. So let's not act like it! Make sure that your family
understands that they are more important than this business.
And I mean all of your family - children, spouse, parents,
siblings - everyone. They need to know that they are still
number one in your life.

One good way to minimize difficulties in relationships with your
family when starting a home business is to talk to all your
significant family up-front, *before* you start your business.
If you've already launched your new enterprise, it's never too
late...

Start with your spouse or significant other. Sit down and
explain what you're doing and why it is exciting to you; what
your hopes, dreams and goals for the business are. When I
started, I told my wife and loved ones very clearly, "My goal is
to be making $500 dollars net profit we can spend by the end of
6 months, and $1,000 a month by the end of the first year." (I
started part time). "I'm really happy about this, and I need
your support." And, the Closing Question: "Wouldn't you like
extra money in the budget, dear?"

That made it clear - I'm not off on some "get-rich-quick
scheme," or one of Henri's "things," I've got a clear plan and I
know what I'm doing. However you do it, make sure to get your
significant other on board *first*.

Next - your younger children:

Your younger children are not really going to understand much
about why you're doing this, what your goals are, etc. Instead,
develop a routine with your younger children for meal times,
naptimes, and play times. Work these times into your work
schedule and adhere to them. If you fail to keep appointments
with your children, your children will have less respect for
your work and do more to prevent you from the completion of your
work.

Don't be afraid to let your younger children sit in your lap
while you are working. It helps them to feel wanted and it helps
them to be a part of your daily life. There are times when it is
okay for them to be sitting in your lap while you work, and at
other times you need them out of your lap. Don't be afraid to
tell them to get down and go play or read a book so that you can
resume your work.

What about your older children and teens?

Explain to your older children that you do your work at home
so that you can be near them when they need you. But also be
sure they understand that you must do your work so that you will
have the money necessary to keep your house, feed the family and
to provide them with money for entertainment.

Once your children understand the necessity of your work, then
outline a work schedule and explain it to them. Do make sure
they understand that emergencies are definitely an acceptable
reason to interrupt your work.

This just in! Teens these days are *very* Internet savvy. Get
them involved, particularly the boys. Show them your new
website. Ask them if they would be interested in helping out.
Consider jobs they could do: search engine ranking research,
ezine research, database management, and many others. Even
consider "hiring" your teen. You'll have them involved, you'll
get some time off, and now you'll have a true "family home
business!"

In Conclusion

I hope these tips serve to help you in the challenge of
operating a successful home business.

My home business permits me to fulfill my financial obligations
*AND* develop closer relationships at home. I would never
contemplate trading my home business for a job. Even with the
added challenges of dealing with children while I work or
getting my spouse on board, the upsides far outweigh the downsides.

Growing my own home business with children around has definitely
given me a new respect for all people who successfully run a
home business and make all the home relationships work well. I
tip my hat to you... You deserve it!

Resource Box:
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