01 May Why Entrepreneurship is Like Love

Spring is in the air, and those of us in the tougher winter states could not be more happy. It is of course also the season of love, and it started me thinking about how much in common entrepreneurship has with your personal romantic relationships. So as April showers give way to May flowers, here are five reasons entrepreneurship and love have much in common:

1. You need passion. Of course the most successful love affairs have great passion, and the greatest keep that passion alive even over many years. And there is no question that the best entrepreneurs are those with the greatest passion and drive for their business.

2. You need commitment. For true love to really work, the couple needs to be fully committed to each other. That includes not only loyalty but emotional support and always being there day-to-day. To build your own business, the commitment has to be real and substantial. When new ideas come along, it’s important to think hard before moving your attention away from the main original effort.

3. Picking the right partner is key. Well duh. In love too many people “settle” because of timing or circumstance and end up unhappy and/or divorced. Some of the happiest couples I know are those who waited until a little later in life, or second marriages where people have a better sense of what they really want. I believe one of the three key reasons businesses fail is bad partner choices. Don’t settle in love or business!

4. Finding balance is essential. Even in love it’s healthy to spend time pursuing individual passions separate from your mate. Or the occasional night with friends. In business, what I call “work/less work” balance is also critical to keeping perspective and having the greatest chance to make it through the marathon that is building an exciting company.

5. Be honest. Keeping secrets from your loved one can be stressful and create a distance between you. Great couples can be truly honest both with themselves and their SO which enhances their intimacy and relationship. Entrepreneurs need to be honest with themselves as they pursue growth, hire the right people and acknowledge their strengths and challenges.

Keep many of these in mind and you’re more likely to avoid “corporate divorce” and create a successful and growing enterprise.