Skeptical Spouse? Here's 5 Ways To Get Them On Board With You
Read More: I'm a lucky gal.
I've got a fabulous husband that thinks I hung the moon.
It's a great way to live my life having a partner that constantly is finding my strengths, my successes and loves being my #1 fan. I think everyone deserves a spouse/partner that is their champion. Unfortunately, not everyone has that.
Some people, it seems are constantly attempting to get support and encouragement from their partner.
Is a skeptical spouse holding you back in your business or life?
There are five things that you can do that will allow your spouse to get on board with what you doing.
1. Share your vision. Too often people want to magically create results without even sharing their vision with their spouse. They live with an attitude of "They'll believe it, when they see it." How can expect your partner to even be excited about your opportunity if you don't even share your vision? I remember once I was working with this couple and she was talking about their future together and he said, "For years, I've wanted to be a public speaker." His wife looked at him and said, "You do?" She had no idea that he had even be thinking about being a public speaker. Share your vision of what you see for yourself and for your spouse.
2. Ease their fears. Your partner knows you and loves you. They just want to be part of your life, not you creating a separate life without them. Your spouse just wants to be included in your vision of your future. Share what you see for yourself in your future. If you address fears early on, your spouse will feel a part of the the solution, not the problem.
3. Talk about it. Attempting to run a secret business will only create fear and doubt. Be open about what you desire to create. I worked with this man in my home business that was afraid (his words) to tell his wife that he had started his own business because she'd think that he was crazy. Be open about what you're doing, you wouldn't want some idea coming out of left field from your partner.
4. Set realistic expectations. If you're starting a business, it takes time and effort. Share what you're learning and growth that you see yourself making each day. Don't allow some pressure to perform to become a monkey on your back.
5. Appreciate their support! Tell them how much you appreciate them for being supportive of your vision. Everyone wants to feel that their efforts have been for a reason. Validate your spouses efforts and sacrifices for your results.
With these five ways to get your spouse on board, you'll find a much supportive spouse. That doesn't mean that they'll want to join you in your opportunity, hey they might, but at least you'll have more open communication!
I'll look forward to hearing your results!
~Tammi
Views: 1,889 | 
Comments: 18 
About the Author: Bill and Tammi Putnam
Member Since: 12/30/2010
I'm a Distributor For:: LifePath Unlimited
Industry: Business Opportunities
Primary Web Site: http://www.LawofAttraction123.com
Avoid Keeping It A Secret
We definitely must avoid keeping it a secret. Because if we get criticized or rejected for talking about it, then it is only an excuse to get rid of us. There is an old saying that any excuse is a good excuse, pick one that you like best.
Lawrence Bergfeld
Skeptical spouses
Great Article Tammi. One of the top 5 reasons why people dont get started and follow their dreams in an online or any business is a partner or friend who doesnt believe in their dream.Imagine if all gold medal atheletes has their partners saying "you cant win that gold medal, you have no chance"! Its funny how people will back a sport 110% but not a business.Never let anyone else take away your dream! :)
Mine's On Board!
Thanks Tammi for these 5 ways to build communication with your spouse. I'm blessed that my husband is "on board" with me, but I can understand how many spouses' may be skeptical at first. Building trust is KEY.
Because of this article I'm going to remind my husband how much I value & appreciate his support. Thanks!
My Husband Has Reservations Of A Different Kind
Thanks Tammi. It's good to be reminded of the simple principles that makes a difference from $$ to $$$$.
My husband has reservations of a different kind. He isn't worried about my ability in making any business opportunity work, he is worried I'm taking on... TOO MUCH RIGHT NOW.
Me: Full-time Mum, Part-time Entrepreneur! My 2 Pumpkins are young, 16 months and almost 3 years. I'm overcoming postnatal/postpartum depression, which unfortunately is still in it's high anxiety stage.
I'd love to hear from yourself... and other ABN online/home business mothers and how they successfully juggle work/life balance. I bet you have some great tips that I haven't even crossed my mind.
Denna Szwajkowski & 2 Pumpkins
www.HomeBusinessProsperity.com
www.OnlineBusinessMum.com
www.EconomyProofYourLife.com
www.MyShoppingGenie.com/2Pumpkins
Bring Them To a Conference
Thanks for the article. This is a huge concern in the industry, especially for those of us who think our marriages are more important than any amount of business. If you're with a decent company, their live events are always excellent, and most have either a free or discounted ticket option for spouses.
My wife's a surgeon and she can be a tough nut :-) She came to a Florida conference with me...making sure she told me that she was likely to spend her time on the beach instead of attending many of the financial education and wealth creation sessions...but ended up attending nearly every session. All I had to do was get her to come to a nice resort in Florida for a few days and the company did the rest :)
Great Article
My husband is supportive, just wants to see more results. It is hard to find the time when homeschooling.
Keeping Them Informed
Prior to 911, my husband and I became partners in an offline venture. Since that time, he has had cold feet. Although he's not involved in my online business, I always share the vision, while keeping him informed of everything that transpires.
Thank you Tammi, there are so many times when the spouse is not in agreement...there has to be a vision.
Good advice
Some keep their business a secret because they know that their spouses will object to the monetary outlay to get started; others, because their spouses are ignorant of network marketing and believe it to be an illegal ponzi scheme. Both are legitimate reasons. The failure rate in network marketing is quite high, I've heard as high as 95% , so add a matter of pride. Is it any wonder that many want to try to make it work without all the negativity? They need our help to suceed.
BTW, really tacky self promotion in above comments. Are any of us even tempted to go to that website? I'm certainly not.
This article ROCKS
Tammi,
Thanks so much for the great article... this is certainly an issue we see time and time again in our industry, and you just nailed it! I'm so happy for you that you have a husband who thinks 'you hung the moon'. That's wonderful... and inspiring. :)
xo-A
Great Article
In a nutshell your article emphasizes good communication skills. Why do we lose them when starting a home business?
Thanks for honing in on some tremendous success tips.
You haven't Met My Spouse :)
Hi Bill and Tammi,
I loved your article. You made some very smart points. i will certainly give them a try.
Vince
Worthwhile Tips
Thanks for a great article. I tried most of the tips and actually gave up on my husband ever understanding what my vision is or how it would be accomplished through network marketing. He's always been one of those "trade time for money" guys because that's the way he was brought up.
But I think it's really all in God's timing because with my latest company, he's been very supportive. He still doesn't want to be involved in it but he's met my upline and some of my team members at a local event. I think he might be coming around. We have an event in February that I think I will invite him to because it seems that people whose spouses are in it with them are a lot more successful.
A special comment to Denna: I started in my first network marketing company when my kids were about your kids' ages. I applaud your ambition and drive. My advice to you as far as work/life balance is to give yourself 100% to whatever it is you are in at the moment.
When you are with your kids, be with your kids 100 per cent! And when you're doing business, do it 100 per cent. If that means getting a sitter to be with the kids while you are doing your business (even if you're at home), then do it. That will save you tons of frustration when you are trying to do business but your kids are needing something from you.
Your kids will only be small for a short time. They stop hugging your neck right around the age of 10. So enjoy them while you can! Get all the hugs and cuddling you can right now because those childhood years are over too soon.
all the best,
Eunice
Close to home
Great article and your tips struck close to home for me. I didn't realise that I was keeping a distance from my spouse on purpose until I read your article. It is easy to become so involved with something that you forget about you partner (and that you should be partners).
And then a special comment for Teresa on the homeschooling front. I am also a homeschool mom and saw this as a great opportunity to teach my children sales and marketing. In SA our schools are, let's just say a bit 'behind' when it comes to economics and business classes. There is still room for that but they miss the fact that times change and that our children needs to prepare for their futures. And now I have a change to teach them how to set a goal, how to map out the route they want to take, what they have to do to reach their goal and ultimately be a winner in whatever venture they decide to take. They get to see their mom in action and as Douw van Vuuren said: what you do speaks so loudly that what you say I cannot hear. My kids are definitely seeing a lot of marketing and computer action ;-)
Great Post, Tammie
Hi Tammi,your post really is a beautiful one and answers the questions in many hearts , I'm sure. Trust is the most important thing I think, and transparency. we also must not fear being criticized by our spouses, we need to still share our vision regardless, like you advised. I also connect with Denna as my own kids are 2years and 6 months, I work for an educational agency and do my own business too on a part time, planning to leave paid job soonest. So i know how tasking, and busy it is for career mothers. However, i must quickly add that determination, and hard and Smart-work are they keys for us, young women.
Thanks Tammie,
Cheers
www.avenuestowealth.com/gbolaleru
Great Post
Hi Tammie,
Your post rocks! You have a lot of valid points, and great ideas for reluctant spouses. My husband, though supportive, wants to see results before he gets his feet wet. We got sucked in and burned once before, and he has allowed that experience to make him skeptical. I, on the other hand, have a "give it your best shot" mentality. One of his best friends introduced him to my opportunity, and he is someone who knows the leadership of the company on a first name basis, and yet, Marty is still skeptical. So I run my business and learn all I can so I can turn a profit. When he's ready, he'll come on board, or not. I can't change another person, only myself. I just show him what I've done and let it go.
-Stephanie
----Cowgirl up and get your bark on!
Thanks
Awesome post Tammi and thanks for sharing. Interesting to see that most problems occur because of the lack of communication. If we would talk more, private and business relationship would be far more stronger.
briliant article Tammy
briliant article Tammy Thanks for sharing.
Finding a Balance
Tammi, your article was really good. It isn't easy to find the perfect balance in this industry especially if you are working your business with everything you've got and expecting extraordinary results.
Many times, you may feel you are not getting the support you'd like from your loved ones and then feel frustrated. I think it's important to believe in oneself and put God first in all things. When your spouse/loved ones see your commitment and dedication, then more likely than not, they will begin to support you. Communication is key.