This week’s episode of Should I Start a Podcast features Jen Harbinger, who handles the business side of podcast veteran Jordan Harbinger.
Jordan and Jen have a funny story for how they met — you’ll have to listen to the podcast for that one, but I can tell you it’s very 21st-century — but they have also learned some pretty amazing things during their time together in business.
As you might already know, my wife Rochelle also works with me at Amplify. Working with your partner can be incredibly rewarding, but is often also an exercise in patience and empathy. Check out some bits of advice I’ve cobbled together for staying sane while being in business with your SO.
Embrace Your Differences
My wife is a nurturer; I’m impatient and driven. Jen is quiet and reflective; Jordan is extroverted and always ‘on’.
Most couples have some pretty intense differences. If you married someone exactly like you, you’d probably go insane.
The trick here is to recognise and utilise the differences you and your partner have. You’re more of an empath and like listening to people? Great, you can handle the parts of the job that require you to shut up and understand others. Or maybe you’re a great negotiator. You should probably be the one wheeling and dealing.
The fact that your partner never replaces the toilet paper. That’s irritating. But their love for graphic design? What a gift.
Leave Work at Work
It’s tough when you see someone at work all day and then see them again at home. Business is stressful for anyone, especially if there’s financial problems. Get yourself in some debt and see how your relationship works out.
But work is work, and home is home. Do you really want to drag work hours into your relaxation time? When you work for a company, you (hopefully) turn your work brain off when you go home.
Do the same working with your partner. Respect their need to decompress after the work day, and leave home as a sacred space.
Communicate
This one is so incredibly key, I could’ve easily written another post (or book) about it.
The main factor in any successful relationship is communication. Feeling valued enough to tell your partner when you’re upset about something, or letting them know when there’s an issue.
Take communication out of a relationship, and I guarantee that it’ll start to wither. This is especially true in a business relationship, as there are plenty of sensitive areas that you might not want to talk about.
Remember: you’re supposed to be enjoying your work and your relationship. Value your partner and put everything on the table.
Listen to my entire conversation with Jen Harbinger here.
https://mustamplify.com/shouldistartapodcast125/
Author: Ronsley Vaz
Ronsley is the founder & chief day dreamer at AMPLIFY. He is an author, speaker & serial entrepreneur.
He has a Masters’ degree in Software Engineering and an MBA in Psychology and Leadership. He is known as the creator of We Are Podcast – the first Podcasting Conference in the Southern Hemisphere, and the host of The Bond Appetit Podcast and Should I Start a Podcast. He has an audience of over 3 million in 133 countries.