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For Richer For Poorer

How To Maintain Harmony When Mixing Marriage And Work
By Mollie Neal

Some say mixing business and pleasure is a mistake. Nonetheless, married couples often take the plunge and expand their partnership to include business, too.

Suddenly, the words “for better for worse” take on a whole new meaning as couples face a unique set of challenges brought on from being together 24/7.

Roughly 80 percent of U.S. businesses are family owned, and 2.7 million are operated equally by male-female teams, according to the latest data available from the U.S. Census Bureau. Some experts believe that there are many more co-entrepreneurial couples, or copreneurs, a popular term used to describe couples who operate businesses together.

Enjoying each other’s company, trusting one another, and sharing a vision and commitment are compelling reasons to join forces in business.

However, many couples quickly realize that building a business and a happy marriage can be challenging. You may be able to buy out a lackadaisical partner, but a spouse is there for the long haul.

Fortunately, entrepreneurial couples can take steps to maintain harmony at work and home.

Be Professional
Michelle Madhok and her husband, Michael Palka, own SheFinds Media Inc., an online publisher of shopping blogs and fashion guides. The couple works hard to maintain a professional and respectful demeanor in their New York City office.

They have clearly defined roles and responsibi...