As evidenced by success stories like Military Credit Services, family and business can mix, and with great results.
Brothers John and Link Melley founded Military Credit Services in 2004 – it was their third successful business venture. Later, the two launched a fourth. When family members like the Melley brothers succeed with entrepreneurial endeavors, it’s not luck. It’s careful attention to tips like those below:
- Set Rules. The right rules are necessary in any undertaking, a family business more than most. Family business rules need to exist early on, and be agreed to by all parties. This keeps everyone coordinated, working toward the same goals.
Spend time with a professional, or just with your family, to brainstorm the rules that your business, and loved ones, require to function. Though rules upset some family members, they are in place to prevent exceptions, preserve fairness, avoid disagreements and keep the family (and business) together.
- Nurture Everyone. When working with family, you must nurture all employees, not just your loved ones. Everyone on staff deserves the right to express their goals, rise within a company and progress their careers.
A family business quickly becomes an undesirable employer if all employees are not treated with fairness and nurtured the same way. Family businesses are not excuses to play favorites.
Before jumping into a business like Military Credit Services with family, read tips like those above with everyone who will be involved and don’t rush professional decisions. Furthermore, consider speaking with successful family business owners for a personal discussion on what approach you should take.