Thoughts From The Entrepreneur’s Spouse

1. What Blind Spots?

The Spouse’s Thoughts: Yes, I sometimes have blind spots about myself. I usually make decisions boldly and confidently…but on the rare occasion, when I find myself waffling, I run it by my husband, Ted.

He can see things I missed or will point out that I really don’t need the business. It’s almost always a decision where I should say no and after talking it out with him, I’m sure that no is the way to go.

Thanks To: Ann Ronan of Authentic Life Institute

2. Time To Rest…

The Spouse’s Thoughts: As a start-up entrepreneur, I get into a “tunel vision” mode.

My (lovely) wife has the ability to tell me when it is time to rest. This can be reminding me that there are only x number of hours until I need to get up, and that I had better call it quits for the night, or that I have not taken a day off to go fishing in way too long.

Sometimes I don’t realize that my productivity would be improved by a little “down time”.

She can see what I can not…

Thanks To: Carl Forsell of Connections Planet

3. Location Is Key!

The Spouse’s Thoughts: Location. When I complained about the slow state of affairs with my referral-based business, my hubby looked over his shoulder, smiled sympathetically, and said “Go west, young woman!”
Like a bolt out of the blue, it hit me: he was so right! The location in which I tried to run my business was not suitable at all; people were not receptive to my message.
So, we researched, saved, prayed and prepared and moved to a brand-new location-all the way across the country!

Thanks To: Doula Angelita of Resurgam BirthingWell8899

4. Let Iron Sharpen Iron

The Spouse’s Thoughts: My one tip is to seek the advice of your spouse/significant on what to buy. As a married man, I know that women love to shop and most of them are very smart on shopping for bargains. Why not ask for their advice. If they are a significant other, won’t their opinion be significant as well? Their wisdom will sharpen your business skills at seeing things you would otherwise miss out on. And this will ultimately lead to your successs! Ignoring it will lead to failure. It all depends on you.

Thanks To: Edwin Soler of Libreria Berea

5. I’m A Starter, Need A Finisher

The Spouse’s Thoughts: My Significant other is really good at seeing the long term goals and picture in his business and in mine. He’s good at planning and organizing money and resources. The one decision he could make for me for the betterment of my business is- deciding on the allocation of the amount of resources (time and money) going to the right project for the desired end result. What I have found is there are starters and finishers, I am a starter, a big Idea person, I need a finisher on my team! Thank you!

Thanks To: Dr. Cindy Brown of Behavior Relationship Inst., Inc.

6. I Support You, Live Your Dream

The Spouse’s Thoughts: If there was one thing that I hope my spouse could do for me, it would be to support me throughout my endeavors as an entrepreneur. Sometimes entrepreneurs have to make really tough decisions, but it’s always easier when you know that your spouse is behind you 110%. To all of the spouses of entrepreneurs, remember that we are doing this for you and our family, try to be as supportive as you possibly can be.

Thanks To: Ryan Taft of Catalyst Marketers

7. My Pr Person!

The Spouse’s Thoughts: To help me be more successful – my significant other is extremely supportive, he is always tooting my horn and telling others what I do and how great I am at it! This gives me more confidence and helps me to step up and be better at tooting my own horn!

Thanks To: Michelle Dunn of Michelle Dunn, writer

8. Risky Business

The Spouse’s Thoughts: My husband’s advice usually revolves around taking more risks – he has to push me a bit on that! But he is a terrible salesperson – he’ll give away every t-shirt without asking a cent. That’s why I’m running the business…

Thanks To: Michelle Hamman of MotherTongues

9. More Than Ok

The Spouse’s Thoughts: Most times in business, “OK” is the enemy. It has no special ring to it. It has no quality, no differentiator, no enthusiasm behind it. But here, I think my spouse would say “It’s more than OK. It’s great you are positive; that you care so much. And it’s fine, it’s more than OK, to rest a bit. It’s OK to take time for yourself, your family, your books, a walk, or quiet time by the fire. In fact…It’s necessary to being the kind and giving person you want to be.

Thanks To: Pamela Hawley of UniversalGiving

10. The Next Martha Stewart

The Spouse’s Thoughts: My husband, Al who I have been married to for over 38 years has many ideas on what I should do to make in entrepreneurial endeavors. He wants me to work every day and stay home and take care of my customers instead of going out and having a good time, I believe you can work, but you also need a social life, I can work and socialize at the same time. I can be going out and talking about my work and passing out business cards and catalogs. He calls me the next Martha Stewart Entrepreneur! Why Not!

Thanks To: Sheila A Caruso of AVON / PRIVATE QUARTERS

11. Wife Chooses Righthand (wo)man

The Spouse’s Thoughts: According to my wife I am a terrible manager. She may not be so far off.
It all starts with who you hire. Hiring someone just because you like them may not be the best criteria. Ya think?!
I can’t help it. I want to see the good in people and I want to give people a chance to succeed. All well and good accept when your hire can’t actually do the job.
My wife, on the other hand, can look at things somewhat more objectively than I.

Thanks To: Neil Palache of The Wealth Creator Company

12. Location, Location, Location

The Spouse’s Thoughts: I build websites for non-techies and offer my clients the tools, training, and design options to maintain their own website. I can do this from anywhere in the world. Luckily, my wife Sachiko is a Realtor specializing in luxury condos in Hawaii. So when deciding the physical location of my business, Sachiko is the expert I would turn to even if she where not my lovely wife.

Thanks To: Nestor Trillo of AvaNiu Websites for Non-Techies

13. Shocked & Awed

The Spouse’s Thoughts: I think my boyfriend wonders what hit him! He always wanted a musical wife, but someone like me, for whom the creativity is not just a hobby but a business–this is a real shock to his system! His daughter & her friends have become quite a fan club, so that helps!

As a creative, I can be reluctant to price my work. My boyfriend is encouraging & pushing me to be practical, to make the music, writing, etc. pay, to charge what I’m worth. I love him for that.

Thanks To: Colleen Taylor of Siretona Creative

14. When To Say When

The Spouse’s Thoughts: One important decision that I would like my significant other to make for me regarding my entrepreneurial endeavors would be to determine when the right time to “cash-out” is. This is a tough decision that successful entrepreneurs must eventually make. Based on my personality type, I don’t think that I would be able to make that call. I view my business as part of my life so I couldn’t separate the two.

Thanks To: Mark Hall of Input Ladder

15. Honey, Sign Me Up!

The Spouse’s Thoughts: One decision my spouse could make for me would be to force me to sign up for more networking events and educational opportunities. The cost of these can really add up. But when you work for yourself, it is so important to proactively pursue ongoing education through courses, workshops, and seminars on a consistent basis. It is an investment, and as an entrepreneur you have to invest in yourself as well as your business.

Thanks To: Jen Munn of Freelance Copywriter

16. Sell More Books, Network!

The Spouse’s Thoughts: My husband Brian is amazingly supportive – sometimes I don’t know how! When I decided to write a book, his first response was, SELL A LOT. His second response was, GET TO WORK! Meaning, get out there & network, learn a new trade (children’s books) & only partner with a great company of experts. It was great advice – not only did he support me, he motivated me to never rest on my laurels during the process. At the end of the day, you have to depend on your drive to help succeed! Thanks Bri!

Thanks To: Demi Clark of Author, Snow the Racehorse Series

17. Just Do It!

The Spouse’s Thoughts: I make my own decisions in regards to my business (I pretty much do what I want:) ), but if I had to share a decision with my spouse, I guess I would want him to help me with deciding on an advertising budget and help me decide where and when to advertise.

Thanks To: Jocelyn Wiebe of AmeriPlan

18. Marry Me

The Spouse’s Thoughts: A year after my friend and I started our business, he decided to ask me to marry him. I decided to say yes. That was 29 years ago. It was a good decision! Moral of the story – let fate take a hand in business too!

Thanks To: Christine Scioli of Zan Media

19. Minimize Business Travel

The Spouse’s Thoughts: I have been involved with quite a few start-ups the past 25 years. Some of them required significant business travel. My wife would prefer that I choose opportunities that do not involve heavy travel.

Thanks To: JR Rodrigues of Job Hunt Express

20. Relax, It Will All Work Out

The Spouse’s Thoughts: Step back and relax more often. One way or another it will come together even if not the way you imagined…when the next great deal does not close or the best client postpones your work, there will be something to fill the void – maybe not as lucrative, maybe not what you hoped for, but whatever happens, you will be able to deal with it! In constantly dealing with the unexpected, you’ll get more flexible, more agile, and stronger for the future. Being an entrepreneur requires it!

Thanks To: Holly G. Green of The Human Factor, Inc.

21. My Wife Is The Risk Taker!

The Spouse’s Thoughts: My wife has always been 100% supportive of my entrepreneurial endeavors…and often has many great ideas of her own which is a great bonus. It is an empowering feeling to have your significant other not only support your efforts but to have them contribute their ideas as well. There is absolutely no way I could run the businesses that I do without her encouragement and full deep down support! Thanks honey!!

Thanks To: Jim DeBetta of DeBetta Enterprises

22. My Hubby Is My Hero!

The Spouse’s Thoughts: If there’s anybody who has been in my corner consistently it’s my sweet hubby. He really is my biggest fan. He supports me financially, emotionally, does the grunt work,runs errands with the best of them. If I could delegate a task it would be “cruise host”. Once on board he is so charming with the members of our group,(while I am a bit frazzled) He is good with people, particularly patient giving the older ladies a strong arm to hold, giving tours of the boat(Coast Guard Chief). He’s the

Thanks To: Sandy Wheeler of Sandy Wheeler Travel Specialties

23. Sell Hard But Not A Hard Sell

The Spouse’s Thoughts: My wonderful significant other is a life-long salesperson! I, on the other-hand, am not, or so I thought. A year ago I was saying I wasn’t a salesperson and he was saying that I was – and a good one too. Eventually I realized that if I was not my own salesperson, who was?
With his incredible coaching I have gotten much better and it has gotten easier.
He would definitely make the decision that we should be selling harder, but he would never advise using a hard sell technique.

Thanks To: Ellen DePasquale of Efficient Office Computing

24. What’s For Dinner?

The Spouse’s Thoughts: During the past nine years, my husband and business partner has given far too much responsibility when it come to our business. Are we in each other’s way? Possibly. But I need to focus on the future and I do see opportunities that will pull us out of this downturn. Clearer vision, crate, extra time, focus, repeat. (Un)Balance this with family and marriage responsibilities and you have one tired woman! We’re in this together.

Thanks To: Joann Sondy of Creative Aces Corp.

25. Doesn’t Have A Clue

The Spouse’s Thoughts: My husband doesn’t have a clue what I do. After participating in 6 start-ups, I started one, and since one is never enough, got involved in another. My lovely husband of 25 years knows better than to question the wild ride we’re on – best to enjoy the journey and see where it lands. I love what I do, and the people I support. In his unknowing way, he’s quite proud of me. My kids are very proud of me, too, and that makes it all worthwhile. Doing my best to create the next gen entrepreneurs.

Thanks To: Renee Lewis of Pensare Group

26. Can I Make An Appointment 2cu?

The Spouse’s Thoughts: Having a busy psychotherapy practice already, I’m now creating an online interactive presence for my two passions: mindful parenting and fostering resilience in women. My guy started feeling like he lived at Motel 6, “leaving a light on” for me because I’d be up late wrestling the computer. After turning down his offer to “help”:=D he decided to get me permanent tech support. Now, we see each other much more. A good motive led to a GREAT solution!!

Thanks To: Sue Mandel of Sue Mandel, PhD, MFT

27. Don’t Change A Thing!

The Spouse’s Thoughts: Keep doing what she’s doing, FIGHTING me all the way!!! It’s the only way I stay focused on the right things. Thank you, dear.

Thanks To: Mike Blackstone of Mentor International Inc

28. Keep Laughing With Me

The Spouse’s Thoughts: One thing my wife can do is to keep laughing with me. Our relationship is fun and we share stories and ideas that are inspiring and entertaining. Life is short and you have to make the most of it.

Kim: No matter what, baby keep laughing with me.

Your Husband,
Derrick Hayes

Thanks To: Derrick Hayes of WOE Enterprises

29. Don’t Stop Dreaming

The Spouse’s Thoughts: Sometimes life feels like one big, long dream…even when we are awake! My spouse’s ONE decision for my entrepreneurial journey is keep on dreaming and make your dream a reality! Do whatever it takes and keep believing in yourself and your business. Failure is just an opportunity to pick yourself up and try harder the next time!

Thanks To: Lori Reader of Loveable Look-a-Like Doll

30. Focus Focus Focus!

The Spouse’s Thoughts: Stop spreading yourself thin all over the place and getting seduced by all these emails promising riches!

Do one thing to the max!

Thanks To: Philippe Maman of MaxiMedias

31. Learn To Turn Off!

The Spouse’s Thoughts: If my husband could make one decision for me, it would be when to turn my computer (and my brain) off! As an entrepreneur, I know that down time is critical to productivity. You need to keep healthy, balanced and energized to do your best. Yet I find this so hard for me to do. I tweet while watching Dexter; campaign concepts come to me while reading bedtime stories to my 3-year old; social conversations inspire new ways of viewing business solutions. Typical entrepreneur, right?

Thanks To: Denise McVey of S3 (advertising, marketing & pr)

32. Only One?

The Spouse’s Thoughts: My husband has to make many corporate decisions based on only 25% of the information. My business partner and I tend to make our decisions based on 80-90% of the information. Since we usually arrive at the same conclusion for my entrepreneural journey, he just wishes I’d get there sooner!

Thanks To: Julie McWherter of prettySMART! LLC

33. The Money, Baby!

The Spouse’s Thoughts: If he would decide to handle the organization of the money, that would be so helpful. He is great with the logging in of receipts, costing products, and managing the time it takes to complete a project in financial terms for his business. I’m right brain, for goodness sake,–I just want to create designs–and think of funny stuff!

Thanks To: Gwen Gardner of Simply Chickie

34. Livin’ The Lifestyle

The Spouse’s Thoughts: The Snoloha brand is completely based around promoting a lifestyle. And this lifestyle does not include time behind a desk or in an office. The one decision my wife always helps me with is making it a point to actually live the lifestyle that I am selling. “You have to live it to sell it” she reminds me. As much as I enjoy living it, getting bogged down in the business end of things can be too easy. So her ability to make me “escape” is extremely important in my entrepreneurial endeavor

Thanks To: Rod Call of Snoloha

35. Show Him The Money

The Spouse’s Thoughts: My husband, bless his Wharton-educated soul, wants to manage my company’s finances as CFO. He’s fine with my strategy, hiring, marketing, etc., but he would like to review all profit and loss statements with a fine-toothed comb.

Thanks To: Mistina Picciano of Market It Write

36. Business Is Business

The Spouse’s Thoughts: My significant other always helps me with my decisions. He knows Identity pretty well, but there is one thing he will always be better than me at… business is business. Do not feel bad when invoicing, asking for return favors, and being stern with contracts. He knows I thrive on customer service and thinks that I tend to do too much for my clients when I have been burned a few times. Therefore, he could and would make my money decisions and how much I do for my clients if I allowed him to

Thanks To: Susan Vernicek of S&J Identity – Identity Magazine

37. What My Hubby Would Decide

The Spouse’s Thoughts: Hmmm.. Although extremely supportive, my loving husband has been really drumming it into my head lately that I need to get much more aggressive about pursuing public speaking engagements myself. For the last few months, I’ve been delegating the task of finding possibilities to a VA, with mixed results. In any case, that hasn’t been too cost effective, so I’ve finally agreed with him that I’ll start doing that cold calling myself. Perhaps I’ve been engaging in a bit of avoidance??

Thanks To: Lily Iatridis of Boomerang Presentations

38. Cutting The Ties!

The Spouse’s Thoughts: If there was one thing by husband could make a decision on would be when to cut the ties with clients!

I am such a softy and allow people to take, take & take some more. My husband is really good at determining when enough is enough and the ties should be cut or just say no. It is about creating a balance and keeping the value in what we do. Let’s just say we play good cop, bad cop! LOL

You have to find value in what you do or others will see no value in your products/service

Thanks To: Robin Hardy of MMPA-Marketing, Media & Production

39. Smart Growth Is Creative

The Spouse’s Thoughts: My partner would want me to share the good, the bad and the ugly. Together we then could make a decision about how best to proceed basically a plan of attack. Bottom line involvement, engagement and total transparency.

Thanks To: Jerry Pollio of CMT Realtime Updates

40. I Can’t Carry Your Emotions

The Spouse’s Thoughts: One vital decision would be for him to get his ego out of the way and lose the feeling that he is being side-lined for her interests and business. By turning his thoughts into walking together, side by side and hand in hand, sharing and supporting her as she builds an amazing future for everyone, who needs her to cook at the same time? Without his ego she will have the freedom and support to create an amazing success, that will feed them both in more ways than food ever will in the future.

Thanks To: Carol Dodsley of Choose Changes