Dear Dr. Buckingham,
My wife and I fight often because our views about money and stability are totally opposite. We have a business together and she is driving me crazy. We run a clothing store together. My wife is responsible for ordering supplies and maintaining the inventory. I manage the books and supervise our employees. We have distinct roles, but she is constantly telling me what to do.
I never thought that our marriage would be in trouble because of our business.
This is our livelihood and I am concerned that we will damage our marriage and business if something does not change soon. As a businessperson, I am wondering if you have any advice for us. I want our business to work, but not more than I want our marriage to work. I love my wife, but I am wondering if we should be in business together. We are having a hard time mixing love and business. Is It Possible to Mix Love and Business and Have a Healthy Marriage?
Thanks,
A Husband and Business Partner
Dear Husband and Business Partner,
I am glad that you decided to write me. I have been in business for 10 years, but I do not run my business with my wife. However, I recently attended a training entitled, “How Couples Can Turn Their Side Hustle into Their Main Hustle to Build Wealth” that was conducted by Ronnie and Lamar Tyler, the founders of Black and Married with Children. During the training I learned that they also have a Couples in Business course that teaches individuals like you and your wife how to build a thriving business without destroying their marriage.
FREE 4-PART VIDEO SERIES: How to Build a Business With Your Spouse
Mixing love and business can either make or break your marriage. Some people shy away from the idea of working with their spouse, but I believe in the power of using your love circle to enhance your financial wellbeing. Your wife gains when you gain. Therefore, she can become your best asset and support system as you all strive to build wealth.
Love and Business is a beautiful thing if you can make it work. In order to save your marriage and business, I highly recommend that you read Maximizing Misfortune by Jerome Edmondson, the first black A&W franchise owner. In his book, he discusses the importance of maximizing the covenant of marriage partnership in business. His wife helped him grow as a franchisee at Denny’s. After reading the book I learned the importance of maximizing my marriage and developed strategies that help me use my wife’s love and dedication to grow my business.
Give your best in your marriage and business by equipping yourself with proper knowledge. The Tylers have created a blue print to help couples prosper in love and business.
Best regards,
Dr. Buckingham
If you have questions for Dr. Dwayne Buckingham regarding relationships (married, single, etc), parenting, or personal growth and development, please send an email to askdrbuckingham@gmail.com
Disclaimer: The ideas, opinions and recommendations contained in this post are not intended as a substitute for seeking professional counseling or guidance. Any concerns or questions that you have about relationships or any other source of potential distress should be discussed with a professional, in person. The author is not liable or responsible for any personal or relational distress, loss or damage allegedly arising from any information or recommendations in this post.