In the past, building a family business was the norm. Now, it seems we’re scattered in various directions, with different interests and have no time to work with the family to build a business everyone can be proud of.
But thanks to the Internet, there are some opportunities coming up that may change the perspective many have about bringing the family into a business. It’s fun to do something you love, earn money and do it together.
More families today need more than one income to make ends meet or to be able to afford some minor luxuries like a vacation or a new car. But, with the cost of child care, fuel to get to and from work and other expenses, more are turning to the Internet for that extra boost to their incomes.
If you have an idea about launching an online business and want to include your family, first research it carefully and have your ducks in a row. Then, approach your family with the idea and talk through the nuances.
You’ll need to be clear about how much you’ll have to work and how everyone else will help by doing some household chores. Work with your family to set business and family goals.
What will you be doing with the extra income you’ll hopefully make from your online business? Make sure you include how much free time you’ll have to spend with spouse and children to enjoy family time together.
Get organized. Get the family involved in the organization and the space you’re going to use for your office. Schedule family meetings and deadlines and involve them as much as possible in the process of having a home-based business.
Include your family in decision-making. This is especially helpful for children to learn how much goes into running your own business and prepares them for the time when they leave home for school and/or work.
Running an online family business doesn’t have to be complicated, but there does need to be a lot of planning involved if you’re going to have a family team that’s onboard and supportive.
Schedule times when a celebration is in order for any success you’ve accomplished. Your family will feel part of the process and be more enthused about helping you do even more to make the family business a complete success. Most of all, have fun.