Running a business is, in itself, a challenging endeavor. Running one with your spouse, though, adds a whole new dimension of complexity, and a new slew of additional challenges. There are, of course, advantages to partnering with the person whom you not only likely know the best, but whom you also most trust and love. At the same time, however, partnering with your significant other blurs any vestige of traditional work-life boundaries and blends business and personal roles - thereby potentially creating all sorts of complex business, emotional, and familial issues, and exacerbating any communication and relationship challenges.
In honor of Valentine's Day I decided to build on the advice for couple-entrepreneurs that I shared in Forbes last year, so I asked several successful such pairs to share two or three points of advice with readers of my column. Of course, the advice applies all year long, not just on February 14th. Not all of the nuggets of wisdom below pertain to every couple or business, but, collectively, they provide guidance for couples working together on a business or considering doing so:
From Dave Kerpen, NY Times bestselling author and founder of Likeable Local, who along with his wife, Carrie Kerpen, also built Likeable Media:
  • Communication and listening are key. There is no such thing as over-communication; the more, the better.
  • When there are arguments, give the other person space. It is important to have space, and to work out issues when cooler heads can prevail.
  • Try "Get-Out-Of-Jail-Free-Cards," or as we call them, GOOJF cards. Remember: You love each other, and that always comes first.
From Michelle Madhok, who along with her husband, Michael Palka, built and runs SheFinds.com, a popular fashion and beauty website with millions of readers each month:
  • We have a rule not to talk about work after 8 pm.
  • Once a year we go on a 3 week vacation to refresh and reconnect and to remind ourselves that our relationship is far more than just about work. 
From Melissa Pensworth, who together with her husband, Bill, owns and runs a group of  Batteries Plus Bulbs stores, as franchisees of the nation's largest retailer of batteries and light bulbs:
  • Being able to roll with the punches and support each other through the good and bad times is a crucial component to any business relationship. When it comes to your spouse, this is doubly important.
  • Couples definitely need to take into consideration the financial side of going into business together. Having a strong safety net, and timing that investment within your lives, is absolutely key.
  • Communicate. If you don't communicate well at home, you won't be able to communicate well in a business setting either. Couples should understand how to efficiently and effectively handle divisive situations.
From Shaun Gordon, who together with his wife, Lucky, built and runs uniforms provider, The House Label:
  • When discussing things be sure to clearly define from want perspective you want your spouse to answer (spouse or business partner). 
  • Create well defined separations of work and home: whether this is based on time (i.e., specific work hours), location (i.e., office or home), or otherwise.
  • Always be mindful and respectful of the fact that your spouse-business partner relationship is unique, takes work, and requires a distinctly different approach and sensitivity from all other business relationships.
Happy Valentine's Day!