As a first-time business owner, you probably have a crazy schedule and unreliable income, at least in the early stages of your business. And that can cause a lot of concern and frustration for your friends and family.
Planning better and reassuring loved ones that you’re still in control will prepare them for the road ahead. If they know what to expect, they can offer you the support and understanding you need. Eight entrepreneurs from FounderSociety (FS) were asked the best way to do just that.
Q. What is one way first-time founders can prepare their family and friends for their newly unpredictable schedules (and possibly unpredictable income too)?
1. Keep a Schedule
Discuss with loved ones what you are doing and why it’s important to you. Then schedule time with family and friends, and keep to that schedule as much as possible. There will need to be some understanding when plans don’t follow through, and this needs to be discussed in advance. You can’t be all work and no play or vice versa. —Marty McDonald, Bad Rhino Inc.
2. Be Confident and Prepared
There are lots of ups and downs when you own your own business, specifically during times when money is tight. It’s important to be prepared for irregular paychecks or schedules and find a flexible arrangement that works for paying your bills. Make sure you’re prepared by saving when times are good. Don’t create unrealistic expectations, and when busy times arise, make it up to them in another way. —Jaime Derringer, Design Milk
3. Under Promise and Over Deliver
It’s bad if you set expectations too high and end up constantly breaking plans with friends and family. Instead, if you overestimate your commitment to work (e.g., I probably won’t see you for a few months or may need to sleep at the office), when you show up or invite someone out unexpectedly, it will feel special and be appreciated. —Julian Flores, GetOutfitted, Inc.
4. Be Honest and Upfront
Before starting a business, talk to your friends and family about your plan, and be honest with them about what it will mean both personally and professionally. If you can be upfront and honest, people will be more understanding when you can’t make plans or have to take a creative approach with finances. Remember, starting a business is tough — not just on you, but also on those around you! —Jamie King, SweatGuru
5. Make the Moments You’re With Family Matter
I don’t see my friends and family as much as I did before I started Kuli Kuli. However, I make a point of sticking to the plans I make with them, and being 100 percent present (e.g., not checking my email at dinner). This ensures that even if my quantity of time spent with friends and family isn’t huge, the quality of time is meaningful. —Lisa Curtis, Kuli Kuli
The post 8 Ways to Prepare Friends and Family for Your Busy Entrepreneurial Schedule appeared first on AllBusiness.com
The post 8 Ways to Prepare Friends and Family for Your Busy Entrepreneurial Schedule appeared first on AllBusiness.com.