What are some good small business ideas for couples?
What business ideas might be best suitable for a team of two consisting of spouses or partners? Some ventures might prove challenging for people who also share most other aspects of their lives and homes, so which ones would work best (in your experience or based on assumption)?
Also which precautions could be taken to avoid conflict in this sort of business?
Well, I can't answer this from a personal perspective yet (although my wife may get pulled into helping with my ventures at some point).
First, it is important to keep separate actions and attitudes. At work you must fill your role and do your part, but you can't take any attitudes from that into the personal relationship (at least not long term). At work they may be your equal, superior or subordinate, but at home you are equals and must treat each other as such.
From business that I know spouses have gone into:
- Creative Agencies
- Restaurants
- Law Firms
- Retail (specifically boutiques)
Why do I think the above types of businesses work for partners? Typically because the are more traditional small businesses (they aren't trying to be the next internet juggernaut at least from the ones I'm aware of). The roles they have are either equal or complementary.
Example 1 (Law Firm)
Husband is a Business Lawyer, Wife is a Family Lawyer
Example 2 (Creative Agency)
Wife runs business operations, Husband is a designer
Example 3 (Restaurant)
Husband cooks, Wife manages
