If you are already successfully running a business, you may want to introduce another person into your life. After all, even if we pour our hearts and souls into our work, most of us will find that business alone won’t be all that we need to satisfy us in life.
As fulfilling as your job is, at the end of the day, you probably want to be able to relax on the sofa and have someone that you can share the life you have built with. If you are looking to get in the dating scene as a business owner and are wondering what to prepare for, here are a few things to consider.
Be honest about what you do
You may worry that your date will be put off by someone who has the commitments that come with running their own business. Some people may want someone who can give them more time out of their day than you have to give or someone who isn’t tied down to anything and can spontaneously go on day trips or even vacations with them.
However, if this is the case, lying will get you nowhere. It is always best, to be honest upfront about your life and commitments. If they are the right match for you, they won’t mind. You never know, they may even like it—being driven and self-reliant is very attractive to many people!
Use your negotiation skills
While you may think of your work life and personal life as entirely separate (which is mostly a good thing!), success in business and success in dating both require some of the same skills. For example, negotiating a business deal is all about communication, understanding, and finding a compromise that means that both parties are satisfied.
The same can be said for relationships—whether you are deciding who cooks dinner and who does the dishes, or something more consequential like buying a home, negotiation is essential. Although the specifics are different from business negotiations, the need for communication and compromise remains the same.
Consider your priorities
When introducing a new partner into an already busy life, it is essential to prioritize the different aspects of your life. Make sure that they respect and support you every step of the way, and in return, make sure that you prioritize them and that they know how much you value them.
Even if you are extremely busy with work, a small gesture like texting your partner to ask how their day is going can go a long way. You can even schedule gestures like this into your daily routine, such as on your lunch break.
Make sure that your partner supports you
When choosing a partner, what they think of your career path is an essential factor to consider. Of course, if someone you are dating doesn’t seem quite so excited as you are about every tiny detail of your business strategy, that isn’t a problem! However, suppose your date shows no interest whatsoever in what you do, or even badmouth your business plans or see them as an inconvenience. In that case, a relationship with that person is unlikely to work out.
You may find that looking for someone who is equally driven in their career is ideal, as they will understand precisely where you are coming from. Another strategy that can work is to look for someone happy to focus on homemaking—that way, you would be able to cover both career and domestic tasks between you as a team.
Let your date know your schedule
Running your own business can often mean being busy almost all of the time! You are probably aware of the importance of having and following a calendar to ensure your business is booming, but you may not know the importance of your partner also knowing your schedule.
When you are in a relationship, you need to both be in the know so you can plan when to spend time together. For example, keeping a night free each week so that you are free to go out for dinner together, or even just stay in with a movie, is highly recommended.
Engage in different activities
As supportive as your partner should be of your aspirations, the chances are they don’t want to be with someone who talks about nothing other than business. Try to draw a line between your work and leisure time activities. Show interest in your partner and their hobbies, and converse on the topics that aren’t work-related. For example, you could go on a movie date and discuss the movie afterward over a coffee.
While your business may be your passion and your calling in life, you still need to show a rounded personality. You can’t always be in “work mode”, sometimes your partner will just want to spend time with you having fun. It is also important to show interest in them and what they do. A healthy relationship involves mutual interest and support.
