Starting a business with bae may be a good idea, but like everything else, there are do’s and don’ts to consider if you want it to succeed. Here are some.

Know your bae’s qualities

Choosing to partner up with your bae simply because you are in a relationship isn’t a good enough reason to start a business. Consider the qualities that would make them a good business partner and whether or not the two of you can work effectively together. You’ll need to be really honest with yourself when thinking about this.

Don’t merge the relationship with business

It’s going to be difficult to separate your relationship from your business, but it’s not impossible. Try to keep things strictly professional so that the business doesn’t affect your relationship. Consider including a clause in your contract that clearly states that conversations about your relationship don’t happen during business hours.

Have a plan B

Although your relationship with bae may have been great before the business, things can change once you two start working closely together. So, maybe have a plan B in case one of you decides to leave the business. Have an honest and frank discussion about this beforehand, and when you do reach an agreement, it might be a good idea to put it in writing.

Don’t take things personally

We all face a few hurdles at work and in business, so if you don’t see eye-to-eye on something, try not to take it personally. Disagreements about work don’t make you a bad partner and they shouldn’t really affect your relationship outside of work, but if they do, remember to always communicate clearly and be empathetic.

Know your roles

This might be a shared business venture, but you still need to each have your individual roles within the business. This will help both of you focus on your responsibilities and do what you’re good at. Finding this balance will also significantly reduce the likelihood of disagreements and constant head-butting.

IfIf you’re strongly considering starting a business with your partner, we hope these tips are useful to the both of you. Remember to prioritise clear communication and try to separate the business from the relationship as much as possible.