Sandra, played by Lacey Chabert, is devastated by what Connor Mead, played by Matthew McConaughey, has done to her wedding cake in the romantic comedy Ghosts of Girlfriends Past.Ron Batzdorff
Three married couples, all small-business owners, have build their companies together and offer this advice to partners in life who decide to become partners in business:
PROS
Playing to strengths already understood in your partner – let the sociable one handle customers or attend trade fairs, for example.
Importance of family – taking care of children is easier when your business partner has a vested interest.
Work challenges are more easily supported – from a problem employee to a delivery glitch, a couple working together can find solutions together.
Communication – good communication at work can translate to good communication at home.
More time together – working together is definitely a boon to those who love it. Sharing the profits of success doesn't hurt either.
CONS
Not closing shop at the end of the day – taking the business home can be an exhausting problem after a long day at work.
Personality conflicts – while getting along and knowing each other well is one of the pros, consideration for differing opinions and allowing space is also important.
Disagreements happen to everyone – it's how they are dealt with that is important.
Sources: Serene Gebara and Omar Kamal: Zenporium; Kathi and Tom Cinnamon: Cinnamon's Chocolates; David and Stephanie Ciccarelli: Voices.com.