Every entrepreneur has a secret weapon of success. It's what drives them to succeed, brings them up when times are tough, grounds them when business rocks and makes the entrepreneurial journey worthwhile. For me that secret weapon is my husband.
Today is our fifteenth anniversary and not only do we celebrate our time together, but our family and the life we have created. As with most marriages of this length of time, we have had great times and rough times. There is nothing like two lay-offs and a sick infant in the hospital to challenge your strength. Being married to an entrepreneur is no cake-walk. Often there is investment, risk and a whole lot of hoping, praying, hard-work and long hours. If you are an entrepreneur or are married to one, I am sure you can relate.
Here are the qualities that every entrepreneur needs, in a supporter, to make them successful.
Today is our fifteenth anniversary and not only do we celebrate our time together, but our family and the life we have created. As with most marriages of this length of time, we have had great times and rough times. There is nothing like two lay-offs and a sick infant in the hospital to challenge your strength. Being married to an entrepreneur is no cake-walk. Often there is investment, risk and a whole lot of hoping, praying, hard-work and long hours. If you are an entrepreneur or are married to one, I am sure you can relate.
Here are the qualities that every entrepreneur needs, in a supporter, to make them successful.
Stability
Most people don't choose to be an entrepreneur for its stability. If you are going to take the risk, you need someone who can balance the ups and downs, not only financially, but also emotionally. Not only does my husband work for a solid company, he himself is steady-eddy which counters the highs and lows of my business ventures (and I'll admit my personality).
Champion
Going it alone can be frightening. Even with a stellar team, at the end of the day the success or failure of the company comes down the leadership and its owner. Self-motivation can only take you so far, you need grit. Having your own personal champion to pick you up when times are tough and to celebrate your successes makes it all worth it and keeps you moving in the right direction.
Partner in Crime
I met my husband in Italy while we were both pursuing our MBAs. What attracted me to him beyond his great smile, wit and kindness was his intelligence. We both love marketing and have spent our entire career in some capacity working in a marketing role. It is great to have my own marketing colleague close at-hand to share my ideas and to bounce ideas around with.
A Safe Haven
As a business owner it is hard to ever leave work. When I'm not electronically plugged-in, I am often mentally plugged-in. There has to be a place where you can go to escape work, not only physically, but mentally. My husband helps me find a place to escape through love and laughter and sometimes reminding me to just shut off the computer.
Super Dad
One of the reasons I left corporate was to have more flexibility to raise my children. In many cases I have been able to be more available to them, but in other circumstances the business demands my attention, even when 'mom' is needed. I'm lucky my husband has been able to step in; it really is a team effort.
Where my husband has really stepped in is with dinner. Yes, I handed over the dinner duty seven years ago when I started my first business and never looked back. This has allowed me to do after-school activity drop off and then return to the office and work while dinner is being made. This is a great perk and I am lucky my husband enjoys cooking, because honestly I do not.
I have to say that I am lucky to be married to someone who supports my business adventures. I also know that without being married to someone so supportive the journey would be more difficult. Mentors, champions and believers are an important secret weapon for every entrepreneur, I'm just lucky to be married to mine.
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