Mixing Family and Business- Long Vent

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Discussion Overview

The thread discusses the challenges and frustrations of mixing family relationships with business dealings, particularly in the context of home improvement projects. Participants share personal experiences and seek perspectives on how to navigate these situations.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses frustration over a family member's failure to deliver on a home improvement project, highlighting a pattern of negative experiences when mixing family and business.
  • Another participant empathizes with the original poster, suggesting that the family member likely does not treat other clients the same way.
  • One user shares their own negative experience with a family member who did not complete a contracted job, indicating a lack of accountability.
  • Another participant reflects on their own decision to avoid mixing family with business, citing a lesson learned from past experiences.
  • One participant mentions that they are only comfortable mixing business with their spouse, indicating a boundary with other family members.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ among participants regarding the mixing of family and business. Some express strong agreement on the difficulties of this combination, while others share varying degrees of comfort or discomfort with the situation.

Contextual Notes

Participants share personal anecdotes that illustrate the complexities and emotional challenges of working with family members in a business context, particularly in home improvement scenarios.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants who are considering or currently navigating family business relationships may find the shared experiences and perspectives relevant to their own situations.

Rebeccascabinet
Rebeccascabinet
Messages
416
Just need to get some perspective here. I try never to mix family and business because I've found the combination usually doesn't mix. I've tried to help out my family for years and I've always gotten the short end of the stick and I refuse to help my family any more. I end up the bad guy anyway. Well, against my better judgement, my FIL is a contractor and he offered me a great deal to make me a custom cabinet for my downstairs bathroom I am remodeling. Well, two weeks later, it is nothing like the diagram I drew him and the materials are all wrong and I hate it! I've already paid him so much money. I need at least another month to save to actually get the materials I wanted in the first place. For example I told him I wanted granite countertops he got formica (said I would get a better return for my money). I said a vessel sink, he got a drop in sink (said it was cheaper). I returned the sink. I told him it wasn't working out. I am so frustrated!!! This always happens whenever I try to mix family and business.
My question is 1. Those of you who successfully mix family and business, how do you do it? 2. Those of you who do not, what do you say when your family asks why you didn't use them?
 
You have every right to be PO'd! I bet he doesn't do this to his other clients.
 
Rebecca,

I'm so angry on your behalf. :mad: I would be furious. What is your husband saying about this? Sounds like it's time for him to step in and get this fixed. There is no excuse for your money being mismanaged. If I was really brave, I'd tell him (FIL) that "the cabinet looks nothing like the diagram I carefully prepared and that the materials are all wrong. How long will it take you to have the correct cabinet made?"
 
I think the only way to make it work is to never mix family with business.
I learned the hard way and will never do it again.
 
You definitely have every right to be upset. If I were you I would sit him down and go over the original plans and tell him that this is not what was requested. Good Luck!!! :eek: :eek:
 
I only asked once! My FIL is also a contractor, asked him to put in two new windows. Well he put them in, never came back to caulk around them or put the molding back up! And these are in his grandkids rooms! the cold air just comes in, doesn't seem to bother him , and DH doesn't want to ask him about finishing them! So I have to also save my money to get them finished!!

I know your pain!

Kelly V.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #7
Oh Kelly, I am so glad I am not the only one!!! Doesn't it seem when it comes to family some people think they can just pull one over on you?
Unfortunately my husband is in Iraq right now. I think if he'd been here my FIL wouldn't have done what he did. My husband would never have allowed him to get away with that.
 
I absolutely can't mix the two as well...unless of course it's my husband helping with my PC business. :D Other the that the other parts of my family aren't worth the trouble of doing business with and I am not brave enough to tell them when some thing's not right or that I'm not happy.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I balance my family responsibilities with my Pampered Chef business?

Balancing family responsibilities with your Pampered Chef business requires effective time management and setting clear boundaries. Create a schedule that allocates specific times for work and family activities. Involve your family in your business where possible, such as hosting cooking parties together, which can strengthen family bonds while promoting your business.

What should I do if my family is not supportive of my direct sales business?

If your family is not supportive, it's important to communicate openly about your goals and the benefits of your Pampered Chef business. Share your passion and the potential for personal and financial growth. Consider involving them in small aspects of your business to help them understand your commitment and the positive impact it can have on your family.

How can I involve my children in my Pampered Chef business?

Involving your children in your Pampered Chef business can be a fun way to spend time together and teach them valuable skills. You can have them help with product demonstrations, assist in preparing for cooking shows, or even participate in social media promotions. Just ensure that the tasks are age-appropriate and that they enjoy the experience.

What strategies can I use to minimize distractions from family while working?

To minimize distractions from family while working, establish a dedicated workspace where you can focus. Communicate your work hours to your family and ask for their cooperation during those times. Use tools like timers to set specific work intervals, allowing for focused work sessions followed by short breaks to attend to family needs.

How do I handle family obligations that conflict with my business commitments?

Handling family obligations that conflict with business commitments requires flexibility and planning. Prioritize your commitments and communicate with your family about your business schedule. If conflicts arise, consider rescheduling your business activities or finding alternative solutions, such as virtual parties, to accommodate family needs while still maintaining your business momentum.

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