How to work with a family member without killing each other

Many wedding vendors have partnered with their Mothers, Sisters, Husbands or other family member just to find out that all is not well on the home front.  Is that you?  Are you having a difficult time going to work everyday because your (fill in the blank) drives you crazy?

If so, here are a few tips to keep in mind so that you get along and keep your wedding business growing:

• Respect each other’s space.
• Respect each other’s differences.
• Set specific responsibilities for each member…and then don’t micromanage them.

In business, family or not, you’ve got to have trust that your partner has the same interest as you.   It’s also important to understand each person’s role in the business.  Work on each othe’rs strengths… is one person an excellent sales person?  Then make them the CMO (Chief Marketing Officer) and put them in charge of sales and marketing.  Is the other partner an excellent business manager?  Then they should be the COO (Chief Operating Officer).

You have to let people do certain jobs and know what their strengths and weaknesses are.  That’s important in any business–family or non-family.

Are you in business with a family member?  How do you make it work?  Please share your experience with our readers.