When my husband Glenn and I tell people we own a business together we get one of two responses:
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How do you do that? (with a shocked tone) This response usually comes with facial expressions ranging from the I-ate-something-too-tart grimace to the I-stepped-in-something scowl. The person is genuinely shocked that we would want to spend that much time together or that we could tolerate differing work styles.
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How do you do that? (with a curious tone) This one is an honest request for information on making it work. And that’s what inspired us to create a podcast to help like-minded couples in business or those interested in starting one.
Glenn and I have been married for 17 years and have owned a business together for a little more than 10 of those years. In 2021, we created “Couples Inc.,” a podcast with information and interviews that, we hope, helps couples “work better… together.”
As veteran couple-preneurs and through our show, we’ve developed a list of essentials for success.
Establish Clear Roles
Knowing what your specific job is and the tasks you own within the business is vital. It achieves a blend in the business and the relationship, and it gives each partner direction, autonomy and purpose.
Think about a Venn diagram, where the three circles you want to overlap are:
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talent: what you do best or what comes easily to you
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take in joy: what motivates and interests you
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time: what you have time to do, how your time is best spent
There will always be mundane tasks that no one wants to do. But for the more important jobs, assign them to the person most aligned to accomplish them based on the criteria above.
Communication is Key
Closeness doesn’t guarantee communication. You have to schedule time to discuss company business, just like other business partners would. Glenn and I meet each morning over coffee to review tasks for the day and check in on how projects are moving along.
Communicating is also important when it comes to conflict. You will have conflict. You will disagree. But talking openly and honestly about your issues, whether they be business or personal, keeps them from simmering under the surface until they interfere with your relationship and your business.
Don’t Go It Alone
No, you aren’t technically alone — you are a couple in business — but it can still feel overwhelming at times, and if you own a small company or work from home, you can fall prey to loneliness. Schedule lunches with friends. Find another business-owning couple and support each other. Attend networking events.
Date Night
This is a non-negotiable, scheduled time when you are just a couple. Sure, you might talk about your business, but other couples talk about their work, too. Only now, you know what and who your spouse is talking about. The important thing is to do activities that focus on your relationship. Strengthen your bond as a couple and your business will follow.
Jodie Spears, with her husband Glenn Buercklin, owns Living Pink Communications, a full-service marketing agency that helps clients communicate their unique brands in a creative, credible and consistent way through various media channels. Their podcast “Couples Inc.” drops new episodes the first and third Wednesday of each month and is available on Apple, Spotify, Google, Amazon and Podbean.
