With Valentine’s Day approaching and spring weddings in the air, here are six similarities between having a successful relationship and a successful business!
1. Both start with a moment
There is often a single lightbulb style moment when it hits you that this could actually be a business (or a relationship). This is a wonderful time full of daydreams and infinite possibilities!
2. Both make you nervous
Starting a new relationship or a new business is bound to make you nervous, yet full of excitement. Use it to inspire you to push forward, motivate you to succeed, and keep you on your toes. Don’t run from it. Embrace it.
3. Both need commitment
Where is your relationship going? Is this a casual thing, or is it serious? Are you ready to commit to make it work, and to demonstrate that by your words and actions? A strong business, like a strong marriage, doesn’t happen overnight. It takes time and effort to get it right.
4. Neither will be perfect
There will be flaws with your business and with your relationship, but acknowledge them, talk about them and work on them together. Your job is to keep your ‘stakeholders’ happy, and remember that there is always room to learn and grow.
5. Pick your battles
Don’t fight when you don’t need to – learn to resolve conflict in a way that is professional, fair, and doesn’t involve screaming.
Do fight when you must – fight for what you believe in, fight to protect that business, fight for that relationship!
6. Have fun
And finally, remember to enjoy the journey. Recognise how hard you’re all working and what you have managed to achieve, and take the opportunity to spend quality time together and celebrate your successes!
Good luck!
julian@julianberry.co.uk
