Growing Pains - 07/93

One of the hardest things for the startup entrepreneur to do is to strike the correct balance between making the new business succeed and ensuring that the other things in his or her life don't fall apart in the process. It doesn't make a lot of sense to try to build an enterprise to ensure financial security for your family if your family isn't around to enjoy it. Without balance and understanding, the resulting personal conflicts may be devastating.

Sometimes the business requires 100% of your time while your family requires the other 100%. Without a doubt, many entrepreneurs wish they could clone themselves so that everything that needs attention would get attention. Some relationships will not survive the tension and stress that come with bootstrapping a new venture. This is a case where the phrase "only the strong survive" is really true. If you want a true test of your marriage's strength, work side by side with your spouse all day tending to the daily business craziness, then go home and spend the rest of your time with the same person tending to the craziness at home.

I am fortunate to have a supportive and loving family that all play a part in making the business/family balancing act a little easier to deal with. Because of the way we got started, the physical location of our small factory is near my home and right on my children's bus route. My daughter, who assembles circuit boards, can get dropped off after school to put in a couple of productive hours. My son, who was upset about losing the home computer to the business, can also stop by after school to play computer games (if the machine is free) or, if he's ambitious, can earn a few bucks by helping do odd jobs around the plant. I get the benefits of spending time with them while tending to the business. Of course I still try to make all of the little league games and dance recitals. I also appreciate the fact that they are getting a real lesson in economics, manufacturing and day-to-day business activity. There simply is no substitute for being part of the process.

The biggest help has come from my loving wife. Sandi has been an enormous help in setting up office systems and being our customer service department. Her previous office experience has boosted our image due to excellent phone and follow-up skills. Virtually all of our business is done by phone so a pleasant, professional voice is a definite plus.

Fortunately for me and our relationship, she has learned to understand and cope with my mood swings. Dealing with customers, sales reps, vendors and the unbelievable government paperwork can make the most easy-going person go nuts on occasion. Try hard to keep things in perspective and not take out frustrations on those around you. Maintaining a sense of humor and laughing help ease tensions and lower blood pressure.

When the whole family is involved in the business, it is impossible to leave your job at the office. Sandi and I are always discussing business at home. At least we both know what each of us is talking about! Shared sacrifice and shared dreams strengthen the bond that keeps us together and make the tough times easier to take in stride.

Part of the balancing act is to take time out from the daily struggles and do that which gets your mind and body away from the business. I enjoy reading, gardening, hunting and fishing and, while I don't have a lot of time to do these things, I still try to do enough to keep the mind, body and spirit fresh. Force yourself to take a little time to immerse yourself in something unrelated to your business endeavor. It will help you avoid burnout and freshen your outlook.

Every situation is different and what works for me may not work for you. Business and personal relationships require maintainance and care. Trying to strike the correct balance so that both become or remain successful is not an easy task. It helps to have supportive, understanding people around whose objectives match your own.