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\n\t\tOpinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.\t<\/p>\n
Many entrepreneurs start their businesses with limited funds and time. It\u2019s not always easy to\u00a0find good employees\u00a0when a business first launches, so owners may turn to hiring family members. A\u00a0recent report<\/a>\u00a0reveals that over 40% of small businesses hire family members.\u00a0<\/p>\n When you\u2019re looking to hire, it\u2019s easy to make the\u00a0wrong choice. There are many reasons to hire a family member to work in your business. These individuals are a known quantity. And they may have familiarity with the business that outsiders could take months or years to learn.<\/p>\n Some entrepreneurs hire their kids to work in the business. That practice is especially prevalent now because of the difficult job market for new college graduates.\u00a0<\/p>\n I\u2019ve had plenty of experience hiring family members. Sometimes, these employment stints work out. Sometimes, they don\u2019t.\u00a0<\/p>\n But it\u2019s the failed instances that have taught me the most about keeping my business and my extended family intact. One example is when I hired a family member who showed great promise. Unfortunately, they left us at a critical time, giving very little notice and only vague reasons for their departure. Bridges were burned \u2014 not in their desire to take another job, but in how they did it.<\/p>\n Since then, family gatherings have been strained. Our personal relationship is cordial, but distant \u2014 nothing like it used to be. And the damage extends beyond the two of us. Family members have taken sides, and weddings, reunions and holiday gatherings are uneasy.<\/p>\n The lessons I\u2019ve learned led me to develop a playbook for both the boss and the employee\/family member.<\/p>\n To increase the chances for success, start with an honest and candid conversation before you make the offer. Tell your family member what they should expect from you and what you expect from them. Should they take offense to the suggestion that they may not work out, that\u2019s a red flag. They\u2019re not the right fit. Move on.<\/p>\n To help you with this conversation, I\u2019ve provided rules of engagement that speak directly to them, for them. I encourage you to modify them for your specific needs and present them \u2014 both verbally and in writing.<\/p>\n Joining a family business is rarely as simple as accepting a job. You\u2019re managing two relationships at once \u2014 professional and personal \u2014 and the line between them isn\u2019t always clear. These ten rules will help you earn your colleagues\u2019 respect, protect your reputation and keep the family relationship intact, no matter what happens at work.<\/p>\n Lastly, let your new employee know that you will provide extra coaching, training and tracking because you want to help them with their career. This is essential for young family members \u2014 who may need to learn not only how to do the job, but also how to be a good employee in general.<\/p>\n When you stay in close touch with this family member, it shows you care. And it will preserve your relationship with the rest of the family, many of whom are watching the arrangement. These people know your strengths and weaknesses better than anyone.\u00a0<\/p>\n Some of your relatives will show their enthusiasm for your willingness to\u00a0hire a family member. Others, the fault-finders, will be waiting for you to fail.\u00a0Don\u2019t give them the opportunity to gloat.\u00a0<\/p>\n Maintaining professionalism<\/a>, keeping your family member on the right track and supporting them\u00a0increases the chances of success for everyone. But it starts and ends with frank conversation. Don\u2019t shy away from having it.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n Many entrepreneurs start their businesses with limited funds and time. It\u2019s not always easy to\u00a0find good employees\u00a0when a business first launches, so owners may turn to hiring family members. A\u00a0recent report<\/a>\u00a0reveals that over 40% of small businesses hire family members.\u00a0<\/p>\n When you\u2019re looking to hire, it\u2019s easy to make the\u00a0wrong choice. There are many reasons to hire a family member to work in your business. These individuals are a known quantity. And they may have familiarity with the business that outsiders could take months or years to learn.<\/p>\n Some entrepreneurs hire their kids to work in the business. That practice is especially prevalent now because of the difficult job market for new college graduates.\u00a0<\/p>\n I\u2019ve had plenty of experience hiring family members. Sometimes, these employment stints work out. Sometimes, they don\u2019t.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\nYour responsibilities as the boss<\/h2>\n
10 rules for employees who are also relatives<\/h2>\n
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Entrepreneurs need to keep family close<\/h2>\n
Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n
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