PERTINENT INFORMATION LTD. A center for information to help businesses grow faster "Giving You Valued Information"   Azriela Jaffe: Author, speaker, coach, the nation's expert on entrepreneurial couples. IS YOUR RELATIONSHIP READY FOR ENTREPRENEURSHIP? ©

How likely are you to thrive as an entrepreneurial couple? Take our test! Thinking about starting your own business, but concerned about the strain it might put on your marriage and family? Good for you - showing concern up front about the impact your business will have on your primary relationships will help protect the people closest to you from unwelcome circumstances that can destroy your marriage and uproot your family. Drawn from in depth interviews with over 125 entrepreneurial couples, Azriela Jaffe, the author of Honey, I Want to Start my Own Business, A Planning Guide for Couples (HarperBusiness '96), suggests the following indicators predict how well you and your spouse (or intimate partner) will endure the challenges of entrepreneurship. Score your relationship from (1) to (4), for each of the following questions, according to the following scale: (1) That doesn't describe us at all (2) That somewhat describes us (3) That describes us most of the time (4) That describes us completely 1: We've done our homework and thoroughly researched the business option we're considering. It's a good match for our skills, passions, and our family's needs. We've put together a solid, realistic business and family plan, that enables us to forecast how much time, money, and personal sacrifice our enterprise requires and how the business will impact, in detail, our day-to-day home life. Though we hope for the best, we've planned adequately for how we'll handle the worst case scenario. doesn't describe us at all somewhat describes us describes us most of the time describes us completely 2: Both of us are incredibly flexible and creative people. If something isn't working in our relationship or our lifestyle, we take stock, talk it out, and find another way. We don't get stuck in one-track thinking, and we're willing to make the changes necessary along the way to achieve success. People could compare us to two willow trees standing side by side: Strong at the roots, but able to bend with the weather. doesn't describe us at all somewhat describes us describes us most of the time describes us completely 3: We are committed to one another "for better or worse." Our relationship has withstood the test of time, and the ups and downs that life brings. We're able to keep our eyes on the big picture, and to keep perspective when going through rough times. We've got a rewarding, strong, supportive relationship heading into this entrepreneurial venture. doesn't describe us at all somewhat describes us describes us most of the time describes us completely 4: For us, romance is a daily attitude, not just something we do on Valentine's Day and our wedding anniversary. We express love and appreciation daily to one another, even when time or money is short. We aren't likely to neglect or take for granted our relationship, even if business needs absorb a lot of our attention. We understand that it's good for our business, as well as our marriage, to take good care of one another. doesn't describe us at all somewhat describes us describes us most of the time describes us completely 5: We share a joint vision and are both headed in the same direction. When we verbalize and perhaps even write down, our personal, family, and business goals, we see that these goals are in harmony and congruent with one other. We are each willing to sacrifice personally in order to support our partner's life dreams. doesn't describe us at all somewhat describes us describes us most of the time describes us completely 6: We approach conflict looking for a win/win solution. Getting my way is an empty victory if it results in distance between me and my spouse. If we were ever to have difficulty resolving differences between us, we wouldn't hesitate to get outside support and professional advice before our relationship hits a breaking point. doesn't describe us at all somewhat describes us describes us most of the time describes us completely 7: We can keep our sense of humor and look at the bright side of things, even during the roughest times. We figure, if we're going to laugh about it later, we might as well laugh about it now! We're pros at making lemonade out of lemons, and finding the silver lining in the clouds. When we start taking ourselves, or our work too seriously, we can take a step back and lighten up. doesn't describe us at all somewhat describes us describes us most of the time describes us completely 8: One or both of us was raised in an entrepreneurial family, so we're accustomed to the erratic income and schedule, and the high demands that come along with it. Our parents were excellent role models for us for starting and managing a small business well. If our parents are still alive, they are very supportive of us following in their entrepreneurial footsteps. doesn't describe us at all somewhat describes us describes us most of the time describes us completely SCORE ANALYSIS 24 - 32 Your relationship should make it! Your foundation is strong and your attitude upbeat and positive. You seem to be realistically prepared for the challenges of entrepreneurship and though your relationship will be tested along the way, the signs are positive that you can withstand the challenge and come through. 16 -23 Warning - entrepreneurship could endanger your relationship! Expect plenty of growth opportunities along the entrepreneurial path! If you prioritize sustaining a strong healthy marriage, you should be OK, but it will require enormous commitment on your part. What doesn't kill your relationship will probably make it stronger, but realize the risks you are taking before setting out on the journey. 8-15 Danger - entrepreneurship could land you in divorce court! Before going forward with any entrepreneurial venture, strengthen your relationship with some outside counseling, or you may find yourself in divorce court before your business dreams are realized. Though you may be the exception to the rule, research shows that you lack several of the essential components to thriving on the entrepreneurial journey. NOTE: This quiz tests your propensity as a couple for the entrepreneurial journey in a generalized way. If you wish to identify whether you are cut out for such specific circumstances as working together as business partners, or working successfully out of a home office, refer to "Honey, I Want to Start my Own Business," A Planning Guide for Couples, for other quizzes that may be helpful.