Feature

Corporate Couples – Making Your Relationship Your Business

Monday Dec 1, 2008 – By Rashana Hooks

Despite the recent economic downturn and the tough times many companies are facing, there is still something to applaud – their fundamental principles on operating a business.

From setting goals to negotiating deals, their tenacity to succeed and profit is an admirable trait many of us can take notes from. Just imagine if we were to adopt a few of their valued traits such as hard work, dedication, teamwork, loyalty and commitment, into our own relationships. Picture the “employees” we would attract and the culture we could create. Don’t worry that thinking this way will take away from the “romantics of love” because business is never personal…

Consider yourself the CEO and your significant other as the President/General Manager. By respecting each other as business partners the two of you can run a thriving organization with high returns and longevity. The first step is to create a business plan outlining and setting goals. In partnering to determine what you both want and desire, you can manage expectations and communicate any differences before any problems arise. Next you must identify each of your roles and responsibilities based on your given skills and experiences. Doing this will create balance between each of your strengths and weaknesses garnering teamwork and collaboration. Once your roles have been established you can then begin to execute your plan of action and tackle the most difficult task at hand – managing the “business”.

In overseeing the day –to- day operations of your relationship there are a few corporate codes of conduct you can borrow to facilitate and create a healthy and productive environment that you both will be happy to work in:

1. Communicate – Always keep the lines of communication open. Consistently share your thoughts, concerns and needs to ensure you are on the same page at all times.

2. Follow/Up – If you say you are going to do something follow through and follow-up. Part of managing expectations is keeping your word and being honest.

3. Conduct Staff Meetings – Schedule date nights and make quality time for each other. Prepare an agenda and use this time to get reacquainted.

4. Provide Annual Performance Reviews – Every anniversary conduct performance evaluations. Assess whether or not your goals and needs are being fulfilled and if new ones need to be set. Address areas in need of improvement and establish plans to correct them. You should also discuss promotions, raises or bonuses, because no one’s work should be increased without their titles or salaries changing.

5. Time-Management – In business wasted time is wasted money. Therefore don’t waste each others time if you both know things are not working out.

6. Competitive Analysis – Knowing your status in the marketplace is worthless without knowing your competition. Don’t get too comfortable in your “role” and assume the competition won’t take your “business” away.

7. Fiscal Reporting – Don’t be afraid to discuss finances. Talk about income, credit, and expenses regularly.

8. Customer Service – Having a great attitude, being polite, courteous and helpful not only shows respect for one another but respect for your relationship.

9. Creativity – Believe there should never be a dull moment. Keep the spices and spontaneity in your relationship top of mind so you can have an exciting and long lasting courtship.

10. Promoting Teamwork – Always work together to reach your goals.

11. Negotiation and Compromise – No one wants to date a dictator. Be fluid and flexible so both of you can be satisfied.

12. Benefits – Just like healthcare, 401K’s, pensions and investments everyone wants to receive something in return for all their hard work and time. Giving flowers, preparing a special dinner or taking a much needed vacation together can boost morality and appreciation.

13. Rules and Regulations – Implement polices and procedures to keep the peace and ethics in your relationship.

14. Embrace Change – No one remains the same forever, so look forward to the changes and challenges ahead.

15. Overtime – Just like in any business, a successful relationship doesn’t happen overnight. It takes months sometimes years to grow. So be prepared to put in those extra hours, late nights and weekends to secure that corner office.

16. Exit Strategy – Unfortunately things don’t always work out the way we hope for. That’s why preparation is important when planning to leave or breakup with your significant other. Set your wheels in motion tactfully to ease the pain of your departure.

Nonetheless, a successful business is all about relationships. If you take your relationship as serious as your business, your R.O.I. (Return on Investment) is guaranteed to make you rich in love and happiness.