Do You Work With Family Members?

[Dale King]

For years, I resisted hiring family members to work in my various businesses, because I'd heard the horror stories about working with your family.

Well last year, I finally gave in and hired my sister to do my books, and I couldn't be happier. She's a conscientious and hard worker and we get along beautifully.

What about you? Do you or have you ever worked with members of your family? How did it work out?

Dale King

[Denise]

I've heard the horror stories too, but 6 months ago I decided to invite my mom to be my business partner on a new venture.

So far, it's gone very well. We both have different interests and strengths, so we each take on the work that we're good at, and leave the other to hers. We're very different, but we do think the same way about a lot of things, so making decisions together has been very easy for us.

[Dale King]

Denise wrote:

I've heard the horror stories too, but 6 months ago I decided to invite my mom to be my business partner on a new venture.

So far, it's gone very well. We both have different interests and strengths, so we each take on the work that we're good at, and leave the other to hers. We're very different, but we do think the same way about a lot of things, so making decisions together has been very easy for us.

Same here, Denise.

My sister and I have always been very close, even as children, so our business collaboration has been seamless.

Dale King

[zoobie]

No problem as long as we know how to deal with it. We should understand that work is work and we should stick with the company rules and all. No favoritism, no special treatment.

Outside the office or the company, we do things as we used to do with a family member.

[Denise]

Originally Posted by zoobie

Outside the office or the company, we do things as we used to do with a family member.

Us too. And no work-related talk allowed when we get together for family things.

[Logan]

Many years ago I worked with my Dad for about 3 to 4 years. I think there is the added dynamic of family to deal with, but in the end a lot of the 'horror stories' don't necessarily reflect all situations. If you think about it, there are just as many horror stories of non-family members working together. The added dynamic of family can cause a lot of difficulty if things do not go well, but I also think the opposite can apply. Since there is a close relationship, when things do go well - the benefits can be even greater versus traditional roles. I learned more about business during those years than I ever did during college or with other jobs - there was a level of trust and a relationship in place from day one that couldn't compare to other 'jobs'. To me in comes down to the individuals, and that applies whether family or not.

[market queen]

My sister and I live in different states and started in business together. We wanted to really start a business to include our nephew. He's 22, and his mother (our sister) had unexpectedly passed away. I think the business has brought the three of us much closer together. We share ideas, successes and work. The business is doing fantastic! We couldn't be happier. My nephew who was drifting along in life without a purpose now is excited about the growth of the business, and we couldn't have asked for better results.

Working with family is the best! I would strongly encourage it.

[David Wallace]

My wife is also my business partner and I couldn't be happier with the relationship. We also had my father working for us for a couple of years. That worked very well.

My neighbor however went through a nightmare with his family business... was essentially ousted and had to start over.

I guess it really depends on what state your family is in.

[Dale King]

These are great, everyone!

Keep 'em coming!

Dale King