Every single time something goes wrong as part of a business venture involving partners who are related or who are friends, the old adage comes to the fore, that being that you should never go into business with friends and family in the first place. Often this is referenced out of context as well, like if a group of friends and family members were lured into some or other phony investment opportunity which didn’t go on to work out as promised. The Establishment perpetuates this notion as well, but the fact that it has every reason to champion this belief should have us all starting to question the reasons why it is believed that you shouldn’t go into business with friends and family.
Why you SHOULD go into business with friends and family
I’m going to go against the grain here and say that you should go into business with friends and family and that in fact if you’re going to be getting into business at all, it should be with friends and family. The major reason why you should pursue business ventures with friends and family is because if the people involved are genuine, each of you only has the others’ best interests at heart, so you’ll do whatever it takes to make sure you collectively succeed. There will be nobody seeking to use the business’s expense account to buy something mindless like a Gucci bag for a specious girlfriend, for instance.
The best kinds of businesses to get into with friends and family
Often the notion of it being a bad idea to get into business with friends and family stems from the types of businesses friends and family tend to venture into together. Instead of luring each other into what inevitably turn out to be dodgy investment schemes, rather focus on established business models, such as a franchise of a well-known, profitable chain business of some sort.
Separating the personal from the professional
It’s extremely important to separate the representations of the relationships which exist in your personal life from what will be the professional world of doing business together. So while you might come from a traditional family structure where the man is the head of the house, this doesn’t necessarily have to be the case in the business environment. In fact, it shouldn’t be. The roles which play out in the business environment should be established based on credentials, skills and value brought to the venture.
External quality-control stakeholders
External quality-control stakeholders should be brought in or consulted with in order to maintain objectivity since the very fine lines between the personal and professional lives of friends and family going into business together are very easy to cross. Consult law experts such as Speaks Family Law, to map out and help maintain explicitly defined legal parameters and the consequences of crossing those boundaries. This way nobody can take anything personally and there will be a professionally compiled operational framework that is legally sound to go back to in order to keep things in check.
How to make such a business successful?
Starting a business with friends and family can be a rewarding endeavor, but it requires careful consideration and strategic planning to ensure success while maintaining strong personal relationships. The key to navigating this dynamic lies in a combination of clear communication, defined roles, and a shared commitment to the business’s success.
Clear Communication and Expectations
Establishing open and transparent communication is foundational. Clearly articulate each member’s role, responsibilities, and expectations from the outset. Discuss individual strengths, skills, and areas of expertise to allocate roles that align with each person’s capabilities. Establishing a shared vision and mission for the business is crucial, ensuring that everyone is on the same page regarding the company’s goals and values.
Define Roles and Responsibilities
Clearly delineate each person’s role within the business. While it might be tempting to distribute responsibilities evenly, it’s more important to match tasks with each individual’s strengths and expertise. This not only maximizes efficiency but also reduces the likelihood of conflicts arising from misunderstandings or unmet expectations. Having well-defined roles fosters a sense of accountability and allows for a smoother workflow.
Legal Structure and Agreements
Formalize the business structure and legal agreements early on to protect both the business and personal relationships. Decide on a legal structure that aligns with your goals, and consult with legal professionals accordingly. Additionally, you can refer to publishing platforms featuring pages similar to https://medium.com/@alex.gotch2022 that can provide you with articles as well as insights from experienced legal professionals. These articles tend to offer guidance on best practices for formalizing business structures and creating legally sound agreements. Addressing potential issues upfront can prevent conflicts down the road.
Financial Management
Implementing a robust financial management system is vital for business success, particularly when working with friends and family. Clearly define each partner’s financial contributions and compensation expectations. Utilize an organized accounting system with periodic reviews to ensure transparency. This is crucial, especially as financial matters can strain relationships. That being said, allocate funds thoughtfully, including investments in marketing, graphic design, flyer printing, direct mail services in Carol Stream, IL (or elsewhere) and IT outsourcing. Budgeting for employee onboarding is equally important. Establishing a comprehensive budget, revisited regularly, enables prudent financial management, helping businesses navigate complexities and stay within their financial constraints.
Professionalism in Business Operations
Even though the business may involve close personal relationships, maintaining a high level of professionalism is crucial. Treat the business with the same seriousness and dedication as you would with any other venture. Set professional boundaries, separate personal matters from business decisions, and establish a professional work environment to ensure that the business runs smoothly and efficiently.
Conflict Resolution Mechanisms
Recognize that conflicts may arise, and have clear mechanisms in place for resolving disputes. This could involve regular check-ins to discuss concerns, seeking the assistance of a mediator if necessary, or outlining a formal dispute resolution process in the partnership agreement. Being proactive in addressing conflicts can prevent them from escalating and damaging personal relationships.
Work-Life Balance
Striking a balance between work and personal life is vital. Avoid letting business discussions dominate every interaction with family and friends. Set boundaries for when business discussions occur and ensure there is time for personal relationships and leisure activities. This balance is essential for maintaining a healthy dynamic both within the business and among the individuals involved.
Adaptability and Continuous Improvement
Be prepared to adapt to changing circumstances and continuously evaluate and improve business operations. Stay informed about industry trends, technological advancements, and market shifts. Encourage a culture of innovation and flexibility within the business, allowing it to evolve and remain competitive in the ever-changing business landscape.
In conclusion, while starting a business with friends and family can be a fulfilling journey, success hinges on a foundation of effective communication, clear roles, legal protection, financial management, professionalism, conflict resolution strategies, work-life balance, and adaptability. By addressing these key aspects, entrepreneurs can create a harmonious and prosperous business venture that not only thrives in the market but also preserves the strength of personal relationships.
