Becoming a solopreneur is challenging, but the burden is lighter when you’re flying solo. You aren’t constrained by a partner’s schedule or responsibilities to children or household duties. When life gets hectic, it’s solely due to your own activities.
However, what unfolds when you develop feelings for another independent individual, someone equally ambitious? Can two entrepreneurs harmonize their lives to form a family, reach their aspirations, and uphold a harmonious household?
In the latest Brilliant Thoughts episode, People Editor Tristan Ahumada from SUCCESS interviews Elena Cardone on thriving as a married couple of entrepreneurs. Grant Cardone, her husband, oversees seven companies and a $2 billion real estate portfolio. Elena, a Hollywood actress turned businesswoman, is the author of Build an Empire: How to Have it All, and organizes the annual 10X Ladies and Build an Empire Mastermind events. Their children contribute to the family enterprise by speaking at growth-oriented conferences and seminars.
Maintaining a family of entrepreneurs isn’t simple, but it’s feasible. Here are three strategies to realize your biggest ambitions alongside your loved ones.
1. Learn to serve one another.
Several individuals yearn for an autonomous existence where they call the shots. However, in an entrepreneurial relationship, independence doesn’t fit. Whether married or dating, merging love and business necessitates substantial collaboration. Couples can achieve this by relinquishing some autonomy to assist one another.
Your willingness to provide assistance should supersede trivial disagreements, particularly concerning traditional gender roles. Elena experienced this when she commenced a relationship with Grant. Initially, she resisted the notion of adopting the stereotypical wife role. Preparing meals and catering to a spouse appeared antiquated. Nevertheless, she eventually recognized that being the “support” wasn’t negative. Despite gender norms, Elena excelled at providing support, which their relationship required.
“My interpretation of ‘support’ is a woman who exudes power, who is robust,” Elena explains. “Support signifies bearing the burden. So, I picture myself behind this powerful man, ready to support him. If he stumbles or falls, I’ll be there to bolster him and declare, ‘No. Absolutely not. Not on my watch.'”
Society often imposes expectations on men, women, and individuals across the gender spectrum. Display the courage to construct a relationship that suits you.
2. Make sure everyone knows the mission.
Running a family enterprise parallels coaching a sports team. Each member assumes a distinct role to safeguard the team’s position and capitalize on significant opportunities. While there may be standout players, victory isn’t the responsibility of one person. It mandates collective effort to attain a communal goal.
This only succeeds when the entire team is aligned. For family-run businesses, it entails communicating the mission to each family member. Even toddlers, despite their age, should comprehend the family’s trajectory. You may have to narrate using superheroes and castle defenders, but the endeavor is worthwhile. Kids will tidy up or engage in quiet activities, understanding the significance of these tasks to you, the busy entrepreneur.
“I’ve ingrained in them since infancy that we are Team Cardone—since they were toddlers,” Elena shares. “We, as Team Cardone, make a difference for humanity…. We strive for people to recognize us and triumph through our products and services. They grasp the mission.”
3. Attack your problems, not each other.
All businesses encounter setbacks. Companies may incur losses, face retention challenges, or navigate through scandals. These are prevalent business obstacles, even if family isn’t part of the workforce.
During crises, assume collective responsibility. Seek resolutions instead of assigning blame to one or two family members for collective errors.
“We weather the storms, and they sting, and I feel the pain with each setback,” Elena acknowledges. “Then, I ponder, ‘How can we triumph? How can we prosper and thrive, and how can our partnership grow stronger?'”
