How to Successfully Run a Business with Your Spouse without Sinking the Relationship

When I met my husband Blair Osborn in 1975, I had no idea that our chance encounter would fuel a 30-year partnership in life and business.

As marriage and business partners, we understand that stress, aches, pains, and other consequences of busy lives give us all pause to seek more relaxation and rejuvenation in our lives. Making time for both is essential for us and the customers we are committed to serve. Through countless ups and downs over the years, there are several skills vital to the smooth functioning of any partnership. In no other endeavor is it more important to understand and master these skills than in a business relationship with your spouse. To follow are our hard won lessons that will serve others seeking to get into business with a marriage partner without sinking either the marriage or the business in the process.
Tip! Set long term goals for your relationship. This will decrease your short term frustrations.

Commitment is the cornerstone. When Blair and I started our business, most people thought we were crazy. Still, we remained committed to our mission and vowed to stay with it. We quickly discovered that running a business required knowledge and resources we hadn't yet acquired. We were generalists on a straight up learning curve to acquire instant expertise in everything.

Our success also required a large amount of start-up capital. Acquiring these funds was risky and stressful. Other obstacles like emerging competition could have easily prompted us to throw in the towel, yet our commitment kept us afloat. Woody Allen once quipped that 80% of success is just showing up. Blair and I always show up, and that continues to make the difference, no matter what the circumstances.
Tip! Get some individual coaching and some relationship coaching. I have clients all over the world, it's just a matter of setting up the logistics on the phone.

Trust combats conflict. When two are reliant upon each other for personal fulfillment and professional success, trust is vital. We vow to tell the truth and hold nothing back. Trust is attained when the ground rules are spelled out, especially the guidelines about how to deal with disagreement. Lack of a clear goal or agreed upon process causes undercurrents of confusion and eventually separation.

Speak and listen carefully. It is crucial to be clear about intentions. This is the case for both a loving and supportive relationship and a prosperous business partnership. And having both takes focus and intention. It is also important to communicate about the things that matter - good or bad.
Tip! Love in creating a better relationship is not about money and the material assets (although there are important) but the simple things in life.

Sharing and flexibility are key. Both must extend beyond themselves to consider the well being of the other and the shared goals of the partnership and the company. The partnership must adjust to honor the changing desires and circumstances of each. When one has an idea, share it with the other to gain insight, perspective, and support.
Tip! 'I learned how to have great communication in a relationship.

We've built a solid reputation with customers and suppliers. Consistent customer satisfaction and referrals have fueled our progress. However, this did not happen overnight. Blair and I spent countless hours sharing ideas to create referral programs, satisfaction surveys, maintenance standards, and customer communications that reinforce our value proposition.

United you stand. Establish common understanding and decision making processes to ensure consistent messaging throughout the business and clear vision for the future. Business philosophies need to be consistently aligned and remain so as the business grows.
Tip! Talk about the important stuff. Most couples spend more time planning a vacation than they do planning for their relationship.

Since 1977, we've made it easy for our customers to take it easy. In the process, we provide a product that enhances their lives in a way that far exceeds their expectations. Together we stand to deliver this promise. We do not let employees, vendors, or customers cause division. Our like-mindedness directs business philosophies, operating guidelines, and communication.
Tip! Both people work for the good of the relationship, not of their own desires.

Private time is a ‘must.' It is inevitable that the business will join a couple at the dinner table or on the weekends. Boundaries are necessary to maintain a sense of intimacy and togetherness. Be specific and intentional about creating a space where the business is not discussed, and be clear about where and when your best ideas come to light.
Tip! Lack of communication crushes your desire for a better relationship.

Humor and optimism help us persevere through trials as we remember to laugh at mistakes, make progress toward our goals, and enjoy our lives as marriage and business partners. By following these tips, you can, too.

Alice Cunningham is co-owner and co-president of Olympic Hot Tub Company -- the most award-winning retailer in the United States. Alice and husband Blair Osborn have worked together to successfully open, operate, and grow Olympic Hot Tub since opening their doors twenty eight years ago. Olympic Hot Tub is the oldest spa and hot tub company in the Northwest with five retail stores located in Seattle, Fife, Issaquah, Lacey, and Everett and a sales and service center in Tukwila. Founded in 1977, the company employs 45 exceptional team members and has a customer base of over 14,000 in greater Puget Sound and SE Alaska. For more information, contact Alice at alice@olympichottub.com, 206-431-2876, 1-877-4HOT-SPRING, or visit http://www.olympichottub.com.