Going into business – and sharing a home office - with your spouse can be good for the marriage. But you might want to consider getting your own space!

A rising number of couples are opting to go into business together and operate from the marital home. To make it work, it’s a good idea to set some ground rules:

If you’re working in the same business:

• Agree a shared vision – talk about what you both want out of the business and how you want it to develop. It’s good to have the same idea from the outset. 
• Clearly define your roles ie if you do sales, let your partner do the finances or operations. This way you won’t step on each others toes.
• Take time to enjoy each other, outside of the workplace!

 

If you’re working in the same house, but on different business:

• Consider separate work space to reflect your different styles.
• Wi-fi enable the house so you have the option to work anywhere.
• Draw up a family plan showing what’s happening when. You don’t want to clash with each of you having clients visit at the same time.
• Treat yourself by meeting up for lunch … in the kitchen!