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How To Support Your Entrepreneur Spouse

Starting a business doesn t have to end a marriage if you follow these guidelines to support your spouse

Woman jumping off of floating dock into water with friends. Thomas Barwick/Getty Images Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP the Magazine. Several years later, they’ve fallen into a successful rhythm as his business grows. Here are her hard-won tips. Also, try Life Reimagined’s program, Building a Better Together, to become a master of marriage communication.

1 Consider this a long-haul joint venture

“My father once said to me, ‘When you jump, you jump together.’ I think of Jim’s business as something we’re doing together, even though I’m not an employee. It will impact both of our lives in ways both positive and negative. Having a united approach is really important,” Bride says. “Expect that growing the business will take longer than you initially planned, and recognize that this will mean sacrifice on the part of both spouses.” Realizing that the business will benefit both of you will make sacrificing that much easier.

2 Speak up

Ask the questions that are on your mind.What are next steps? When might you hire an employee? Some questions have a concrete answer while others might not; don’t expect a response right away, regardless. Instead, think of the conversation as a way to help your partner innovate. “Your questions help your business-owner spouse to formulate ideas and plans, and they help you to feel like part of the team,” Bride says.
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4 Value your own perspective

“Even if you’re in a different profession or field, know that your expertise is valuable to your partner’s business. There have been times when I’ve been reluctant to ask a question or to make a suggestion because my work as a nurse practitioner is so different from Jim’s work, and I wonder if I’m really able to relate. But often, Jim has found the question or idea insightful. Meanwhile, I’ve felt good about contributing to the life of the business.”

5 Date

“Build in time together very deliberately. A small business is like a newborn baby: It has needs, all the time. It’s vital to the health of your relationship that you don’t let the business take over your personal life—because it could,” Bride urges. “At the same time, it’s OK to talk about the business while you’re out on dates or spending quality time together, as you would talk about your jobs or your kids or other major things.” Just don’t make work the sole focus. You’re partners first; businesspeople second. MORE FROM AARP AARP NEWSLETTERS %{ newsLetterPromoText }% %{ description }% Subscribe AARP VALUE & MEMBER BENEFITS See more Health & Wellness offers > See more Flights & Vacation Packages offers > See more Finances offers > See more Health & Wellness offers > SAVE MONEY WITH THESE LIMITED-TIME OFFERS