Couplepreneurs: 10 must-ask questions for new, entrepreneurial couples
Starting a business can be very challenging. If you had an idea to build a new bicycle you would need to draw a
blueprint, make the parts, assemble the parts, paint, decorate, set the price, find your target customer, market, sell
… whew! Now, the tough question, “Can we really do this TOGETHER?” Starting with a firm foundation in your
relationship is the key to success.
Before you jump in feet first, consider these questions:
1) Do we communicate?
Communication is more than talking; it is a deep level of understanding each other. This skill is vital to a
successful business and partnership. While it can, at times, seem difficult and painful, communication is
the key to longevity and happiness. Think of 10 ways you can better communicate.
2) How do we attack challenges?
Accept your challenges. They’re yours for a reason. Come to a place of understanding where you would
not trade your challenges for anyone else’s. Challenges help create success; that’s part of the plan.
3) Do we truly respect each other?
In a partnership, you must earn each others’ respect AND give respect freely! The easiest way to earn
respect is to do what you say you are going to do. Be a person your partner can count on in all areas –
emotionally, physically, intellectually, spiritually, etc. This may sound overwhelming, but the payoff is
bliss. Give it to get it!
4) Do we dream together?
Dream Together! A recent national radio spot suggested that couples take one hour on their anniversary
each year to dream together. According to this marriage expert, even one hour A YEAR increases marital
longevity and happiness. Dreaming together deepens the spirit of partnership. Wherever the wind may
blow you, remember you’re on the same team.
5) Are we willing to give without expecting back?
The key to thinking beyond yourself is to give to others WITHOUT expecting anything in return. Have
you ever let someone borrow a book or a movie? Do you have it today? People will let you down, family
will let you down, and you will even let you down. Stand back up and give anyway. You will be amazed
at the blessings you will receive and how big your business will grow!
6) Are we friends? Best friends?
It is vitally important for our families and businesses that the leaders are best friends. Together you are
the foundation upon which your family and business stand. If you are best friends, you can change the
world, even if it is only your part of the world. Two forces locked on a common goal can accomplish
anything.
7) Do we truly appreciate each other? Are we thankful for one another?
Being an appreciative person will only bring you more things to be thankful for! Spending each day
giving to others and being filled with gratitude will overwhelm you with more things to be grateful for!
One way to show appreciation is to give to others.
8) Is it ok to have bad days?
Life and building a business can be very challenging. There are times when we need a break. So take one.
Make time to exercise, call a friend, write a letter, drink a cup of coffee, or read, even if it takes away from
others. Being happy within yourself is a prerequisite for being happy with others and becoming
successful.
9) Do you understand your finances?
Arguments over money and stress over the lack of money is the number one cause for divorce in this
country today. There are more couples that struggle, fight and eventually wind up divorced than we can
even imagine. To not understand money and its impact on a partnership and business would be a huge
mistake! Pick up some resources on how to manage your money and apply what you learn. We strongly
suggestThe ABCs of Making Money by Dr. Denis Cauvier& Alan Lysaght.
10) Are you designing a life?!
Our advice is simple: constant communication, love, forgiveness and encouragement are the key. Always
be willing to give more than you take! Give more! Encourage more! Be thankful more! Love more!
Communicate more! Grow more! Be more! If you are constantly trying to improve and get better, you
will have a healthy, fruitful relationship and business. It all starts in your mind, but ends in your heart!
Starting a business together can be extremely fulfilling, both personally and financially. If done right, a business
can strengthen and deepen a marriage. It should be entered into with a plan. Both partners must be flexible and
willing to learn and change. It is a constant give and take, but it is well worth it. Remember the quote from Walt
Disney, “Keep moving forward.” So, hop on that bike and take it for a whirl, you never know where the path may
lead!
Geoff and Kristin Gembala
Starting a business can be very challenging. If you had an idea to build a new bicycle you would need to draw a
blueprint, make the parts, assemble the parts, paint, decorate, set the price, find your target customer, market, sell
… whew! Now, the tough question, “Can we really do this TOGETHER?” Starting with a firm foundation in your
relationship is the key to success.
Before you jump in feet first, consider these questions:
1) Do we communicate?
Communication is more than talking; it is a deep level of understanding each other. This skill is vital to a
successful business and partnership. While it can, at times, seem difficult and painful, communication is
the key to longevity and happiness. Think of 10 ways you can better communicate.
2) How do we attack challenges?
Accept your challenges. They’re yours for a reason. Come to a place of understanding where you would
not trade your challenges for anyone else’s. Challenges help create success; that’s part of the plan.
3) Do we truly respect each other?
In a partnership, you must earn each others’ respect AND give respect freely! The easiest way to earn
respect is to do what you say you are going to do. Be a person your partner can count on in all areas –
emotionally, physically, intellectually, spiritually, etc. This may sound overwhelming, but the payoff is
bliss. Give it to get it!
4) Do we dream together?
Dream Together! A recent national radio spot suggested that couples take one hour on their anniversary
each year to dream together. According to this marriage expert, even one hour A YEAR increases marital
longevity and happiness. Dreaming together deepens the spirit of partnership. Wherever the wind may
blow you, remember you’re on the same team.
5) Are we willing to give without expecting back?
The key to thinking beyond yourself is to give to others WITHOUT expecting anything in return. Have
you ever let someone borrow a book or a movie? Do you have it today? People will let you down, family
will let you down, and you will even let you down. Stand back up and give anyway. You will be amazed
at the blessings you will receive and how big your business will grow!
6) Are we friends? Best friends?
It is vitally important for our families and businesses that the leaders are best friends. Together you are
the foundation upon which your family and business stand. If you are best friends, you can change the
world, even if it is only your part of the world. Two forces locked on a common goal can accomplish
anything.
7) Do we truly appreciate each other? Are we thankful for one another?
Being an appreciative person will only bring you more things to be thankful for! Spending each day
giving to others and being filled with gratitude will overwhelm you with more things to be grateful for!
One way to show appreciation is to give to others.
8) Is it ok to have bad days?
Life and building a business can be very challenging. There are times when we need a break. So take one.
Make time to exercise, call a friend, write a letter, drink a cup of coffee, or read, even if it takes away from
others. Being happy within yourself is a prerequisite for being happy with others and becoming
successful.
9) Do you understand your finances?
Arguments over money and stress over the lack of money is the number one cause for divorce in this
country today. There are more couples that struggle, fight and eventually wind up divorced than we can
even imagine. To not understand money and its impact on a partnership and business would be a huge
mistake! Pick up some resources on how to manage your money and apply what you learn. We strongly
suggestThe ABCs of Making Money by Dr. Denis Cauvier& Alan Lysaght.
10) Are you designing a life?!
Our advice is simple: constant communication, love, forgiveness and encouragement are the key. Always
be willing to give more than you take! Give more! Encourage more! Be thankful more! Love more!
Communicate more! Grow more! Be more! If you are constantly trying to improve and get better, you
will have a healthy, fruitful relationship and business. It all starts in your mind, but ends in your heart!
Starting a business together can be extremely fulfilling, both personally and financially. If done right, a business
can strengthen and deepen a marriage. It should be entered into with a plan. Both partners must be flexible and
willing to learn and change. It is a constant give and take, but it is well worth it. Remember the quote from Walt
Disney, “Keep moving forward.” So, hop on that bike and take it for a whirl, you never know where the path may
lead!
Geoff and Kristin Gembala