The Real Value of “Spousal Support”
Countless people play roles that are absolutely fundamental, yet tragically undervalued from full-time moms and dads to teachers and nurses.
Too often, the spouses and partners of entrepreneurs are similarly undervalued. They don’t get the love and appreciation they deserve.
Many of the entrepreneurs I’ve met over the years are busy chasing their dreams. Sometimes, despite their best intentions, they forget to see who is standing by their side, supporting them each step of the way.
If you are fortunate to have a supportive partner who is a listening ear, an advisor, a confidant, a shoulder to cry on and someone to laugh with, then you are truly blessed.
Ask yourself: Am I a supportive partner in return?
Don’t get me wrong, I’m not trying to criticize you here. I understand that for busy entrepreneurs trying to build a business, it is SO easy to get caught up with the myriad of responsibilities on your plate.
But when you start putting business before your spouse and loved ones, your relationships will suffer and your support system will crumble. That’s not good for your personal life, and it certainly jeopardizes your ability to build a profitable Legacy Business.
Give The Gift of Time.
One of the greatest benefits of entrepreneurship is that you are the master of your schedule. Even if your schedule seems hectic, don’t lose sight of the fact that you are in the driver’s seat. You decide when, where, how long and with whom you work. Set aside time in your schedule to spend with your spouse or partner.
This past week, I had the opportunity to take advantage of my mobility as an entrepreneur. My husband Mike had to travel to Washington D.C. for business. It’s a city we have never explored together, so I decided to tag along to show my support and enjoy some quality time with one another.
Of course, I couldn’t just press “pause” and put my business on hold. I have responsibilities to my clients and spent ample time in scheduled phone meetings and consultations. But as an entrepreneur, I had the ability to work remotely.
The result? Mike and I had the opportunity to visit sites and enjoy meals together in our off time. Business didn’t suffer, and we invested in our relationship. It was a win-win.
Support Their Dreams.
When my husband Mike and I got married, we made a commitment to honor and support one another. Part of honoring your spouse – and your relationship – is supporting their dreams. Make sure that you show an interest in their goals, whether they are entrepreneurs or they work a traditional 9 to 5 job.
When you spend time together, make sure you aren’t monopolizing the conversation. Yes, you can’t talk about your day and the challenges you face in your business, but make sure to express equal interest in what’s going on in their life, personally and professionally,
Clock Out.
Carving out quality time with your spouse means that you both have to take off your business hats. You can’t enjoy each other if you aren’t present, and you can’t be present unless you shift gears. Before spending time with your partner, take a minute to clear away the mental clutter of the day and remove your business hat.
Most importantly, you can’t spend quality time together with your spouse, partner or anyone else unless you unplug from technology. That means closing your laptop and shutting off your phone. Your attention is priceless. It shows the person you’re speaking with that you care and they matter. If you’re constantly checking your emails, voicemails and social media messages, you’re sending a message loud and clear that they aren’t as important.
Family Matters.
The lessons I’ve described above don’t only apply to romantic relationships. You need to be present and give quality time to all those in your life who matter — children, parents, grandparents and dear friends.
When you make a conscientious effort to nurture your relationships, they blossom. Strong personal relationships offer the solid foundation necessary to overcome obstacles and stay committed to growing your business.
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At Celeste Giordano Coaching, the entrepreneurs I work with learn the fundamental importance of creating work life balance. Your business success is accelerated when you have the support of your loved ones. Creating a support system means investing undistracted quality time into your personal relationships.
It might feel like you need your personal life to take a back seat temporarily while you get your business to the next level, but this is an illusion.
The happiest entrepreneurs understand that balance is integral to building a Legacy Business and living a life you love.
Contact me today at celeste@celestegiordano.com to explore what practical action steps you can take to “Double Plus” your income without sacrificing your personal life and the relationships that matter most.
Up Next: You’re Invited
We invite our local community to visit us on March 15th for the evening social from 6-8pm at the 1818 Club for the WGC Atlanta Chapter meeting, with guest speaker Scot Ferrell. Pre-registration for the event is $25.00. Click here to pre-register. If you are interested in being a sponsor, please contact celeste@thewomenofglobalchange.com.
We are also opening up several other chapters across the United States. I am honored to help launch the Toronto, Ontario Chapter in May, 2017. To become a presenting sponsor or sponsor at this premier Toronto event, contact Celeste Giordano here. For additional information about WGC, please visit our website!
Celeste Giordano’s mission is to help business owners develop the skills, knowledge and attitude necessary to “double-plus” their income and become effective and inspirational leaders in their fields. Whether it’s taking your successful business to the next level or starting a new venture, she will teach you the exact skills and strategies you need to enroll more quality prospects, build a rock-solid team, and break through obstacles to achieve real profit and lasting success. Celeste is a professional business growth specialist, a master sales strategist, and dynamic speaker with almost 40 years experience in direct sales and managing high-performing teams.
To learn more about Celeste, click here.
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