JUST IN TIME FOR VALENTINE’S DAY, TIPS FROM AN EXPERT ON HOW COUPLES WHO WORK TOGETHER CAN KEEP THE BUSINESS – AND RELATIONSHIP – GOING STRONG!

Boston, MA — Here’s an interesting dilemma just in time for Valentine’s Day:

With over 24 million family businesses in the U.S (Family Business Review, September 2003) — which is 80 – 90% of all businesses in North America — and 1.5 million of them are married couples (NFIB 2003), what happens to the business (and bottom line) when, despite Cupid’s best intentions, husband and wife have a fight? How can a couple in business STAY in business when personal issues get in the way? And, while this may not seem like a big problem, imagine if all couples in business had bad days at the same time!? A significant percentage of the American economy would be in trouble.

Dr. Tom Davidow, founder of Thomas D. Davidow & Associates, a psychologist and a clinically-trained organizational dynamics expert on problems in family-run businesses, says it is possible for couples in business together to minimize problems, especially if they:

1. Divide roles and responsibilities – The clearer the roles and lines of responsibility, the fewer the problems.

2. Set boundaries – and stick to them. Focus on being a business partner at work and a companion at home. Don’t be tempted to bring work issues home!

3. Establish clear and regular methods of communication – and listen to your spouse so that he/she knows you’re hearing him/her. Problems and differences of opinion are inevitable. Maybe you see them already. Consider weekly meetings to assess progress, air any differences and resolve disputes. Then, take each other to dinner!

With Valentine’s Day approaching, it’s also important to understand, says Davidow, that couples CAN work effectively together to build their business. It is the ultimate risk reward theory the greater the risk the greater the reward – and, when their successes benefit both of them, the rewards can be terrific. “Couples buy homes together, travel together, enjoy life together as a result of their business’ success,” he points out. If they do it right and respect the rules, couples can truly enjoy Valentine’s Day – and the rest of the year – in their business.”

For more information on Dr. Davidow, please check his website at www.tdavidow.com

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