PREPARING YOUR LOVED ONES FOR AN ENTREPRENEURIAL LIFESTYLE

For early-stage entrepreneurs, family and friends can often act as naysayers to an entrepreneurial vision. That doesn’t mean you can’t open the conversation with your loved ones to help them understand your journey. 

Entrepreneurism is not for everyone. And that’s okay! The nature to oppose the entrepreneurial path isn’t out of spite or disapproval. It usually comes about simply because they do not understand what you’re going through! Here’s how to start the conversation. 

TALK SHOP AT THE DINNER TABLE

Talk about the business with your spouse and children so they understand the difference between owning a business and working for someone else. 

When you are home with your family or can participate in activities in your child’s life (i.e. sporting events, choir concerts, etc.), help your loved ones understand that you can do so because you have the flexibility not every parent may have. 

At the same time, teach your loved ones that this lifestyle also means you may have to take a phone call at 9 PM during family time. Set the precedent that business isn’t always flexible and sometimes requires your time and attention when it isn’t ideal for the family. 

SHARE A CALENDAR WITH YOUR SPOUSE 

Spousal communication in an entrepreneurial marriage can feel like an uphill battle, but it doesn’t have to be. Try creating a joint calendar that includes both business and personal engagements. This will save a lot of “where are you?” texts from your loved ones. 

ENTREPRENEURIAL EDU FOR YOUR KIDS

It’s up to you to instill your entrepreneurial values in your children. They will undoubtedly have questions, so share with them! Help them build the confidence to be independent thinkers by encouraging independence through constant reinforcement. 

This also means responsibility. Shift the conversation from getting good grades, getting into a good college, and landing a good job to the economics of following their passions independently.  

Whether it’s cutting lawns around the neighborhood or starting a lemonade stand, encourage your children to get started and help them. Express you are happy to help finance their summer venture, but consider charging them for the cost of goods (lemons, cups, etc.). This path will encourage them to think about the process and how much they are charging customers for the product. 

Depending on their age, you can even start by taking them to the office with you on a Saturday. Help them understand what you do by giving them small tasks that can help out (even if it’s shredding a stack of paper). 

Whether it’s encouraging your children to negotiate for what they want or sharing a calendar with your spouse, it all comes back to awareness of what entrepreneurship means and how it affects your loved ones. 

What are some entrepreneurial best practices your family embraces? Share with us on social!