Working with family can be a delicate balance, where personal bonds intersect with the challenges of running a business. The unique dynamics that come with this relationship often require a careful blend of understanding, respect, and clear communication. For us, as a mother-daughter team managing multiple franchise brands, navigating this intersection has taught us valuable lessons about both business and our relationship.
Through the highs and lows of entrepreneurship, we’ve discovered three strategies that have helped us succeed in this unique partnership. These insights have allowed us to maintain a strong family bond while building a thriving business together.
Balancing Family and Entrepreneurship
Working with family can blur the lines between personal and professional, but setting clear boundaries allows you to recognize when to step away from an argument. While it might seem natural to continue discussing business at home or after traditional operating hours, carving out set time to have these discussions helps to mimic the same dynamic of a traditional work environment.
Open communication is essential for success when working with family. Being clear about expectations and workloads helps prevent burnout and misunderstandings, while creating an environment where everyone feels heard and valued ensures that each perspective is respected. We’ve learned the importance of letting go after disagreements—holding onto grudges only adds unnecessary tension. It’s also vital to find moments to bond and remind yourselves why you started the business together in the first place. For us, baking cookies together every morning in the store has become a simple yet meaningful way to strengthen our connection. While no relationship is free from conflict, recognizing that disagreements are natural and learning to prioritize them is key to both a thriving business and a healthy family dynamic.
Defining Roles and Responsibilities
Establishing clear roles and responsibilities is one of the most effective ways to run a family business. By defining expectations, setting goals for each position, and providing proper training, you can boost efficiency and reduce redundancy. Dividing tasks and schedules ensures smoother operations, but it’s also important to remember that some decisions require collaboration. Setting aside dedicated time for joint discussions helps maintain alignment and ensures key business choices are made together.
It’s also important to recognize everyone’s strengths and weaknesses, as every family member brings something unique to the table. Honing in on individual skills and assigning roles accordingly can enhance operational efficiency. While every new business has a learning curve, this creates a smoother rhythm allowing your family to come together on larger tasks and challenges.
Confusion leads to chaos, so being as organized and detailed as possible when laying the groundwork for roles is crucial. Regular family meetings is another way to stay on track and ensure no steps are being missed. Staying in sync, even when each family member is assigned a different role, is a balance that is necessary in order to build out an efficient, successful business.
Innovating with Tradition to Honor a Family Legacy
Family businesses often draw from personal traditions to honor their legacy, which can play a significant role in shaping their identity and mission. However, to stay competitive, it’s crucial to incorporate innovation into the business. Striking a balance between honoring family traditions and embracing new ideas helps ensure you stay connected to current trends, technologies, and evolving market demands.
My daughter, Diya, brings a Gen-Z perspective that has been pivotal in shaping the business. Her insights have introduced strategies that appeal to younger generations, including leveraging social media trends to stay ahead of the curve. Embracing fresh ideas, understanding trends, and staying adaptable are essential, especially when trying to engage with younger customers. Integrating new technologies, like AI, can help bridge the gap between legacy and modern trends.
At the same time, it’s important to avoid straying too far from your core values or presenting a concept that feels inauthentic. The key to long-term success lies in being open to change while staying true to the principles that founded the business.
Ultimately, family means having each other’s backs. In the fast-paced and demanding world of business, reminding yourselves of why you started this journey together can provide a sense of grounding during challenging times. While every family business is unique and there’s no universal formula for success, these strategies offer a strong foundation to help your family business thrive and grow.
Minal Patel is the co-owner of Dirty Dough at the Arboretum of South Barrington, IL, working alongside her daughter Diya Patel. Dirty Dough is part of the Craveworthy Brands portfolio, which also includes the family’s upcoming Wing It On! location in Carol Stream, IL, currently in development.
