Using your strengths to work together well
Many people have asked us through the years what it’s like to work at home together. Oftentimes it’s presented with a hint of doubt, like they’re expecting us to respond “We’re barely getting by” or “It’s awful but it pays the bills.” We always laugh when we’re asked this question, because we both remember what it was like in the very beginning. John had recently transitioned into working full time with me at home, and we started out by working at the same desk, about six inches away from each other. I’m a natural introvert and while I love collaborating and creating together, I thrive in a day to day rhythm that allows me some solitude. We’ve gone through many iterations of what it looks like to work together, but here are some key takeaways from what I’ve learned over the past seven years.
Create an environment that you love. Do you want music playing in the background? Do you prefer to sit or stand at a desk or sit on the couch? Whatever you do, don’t force the two of you to like the same environment. It’s OK (and probably healthy) if you have some focused time away to thrive in your own environment.
Divide responsibilities based on your interests and strengths. You do not both need to excel at customer service, product design, finance, and day to day operations. Wouldn’t that be nice! Find your niche and give the other the freedom to run with their part of the business. You’ll both be happier, and the business will be healthier as a result.
Make sure you eat enough. This one, surprisingly, is easy to miss when you’re self employed.
Establish boundaries. Don’t forget that your spouse isn’t just your business partner! Actually stop working at a mutually decided upon time (this one will flex through the seasons) and do your best to table your work for the next day. Some of our best brainstorming sessions have flowed during a drive, a date, or a vacation, so there’s no need to be ultra rigid here, but in general, make some time to not just be co-managers.
Change your surroundings. If you can do part of your work remotely, go to a coffee shop once in a while. Go on a hike to discuss an issue (I’ve heard that men do better with side by side conversations anyway).
This isn’t an exhaustive list, and we’re still learning. After becoming parents, we pretty much had to ditch the entire script and start from scratch, but there are still some core truths that have kept us on the right path. Some couples may not be able to work in the same room or even in the same house during the day. Figure out what you both need, listen to each other, and running a business together can become just another part of the beautiful life that you’re creating as one.