What are the pitfalls of a family business?

David Banks
Authored by David Banks
Posted: Thursday, February 25, 2021 - 17:30

Starting an own business is quite difficult, but definitely a doable task. Despite the initial expenses and the search for investors, such as jkr.co, over time, with due effort, the business begins to generate profits that can be used to expand biz and get into new areas or for the personal purposes of the founder.

Most often, personal business is created by one person or a group of people united by a common goal, which is using their knowledge and skills. But, in some cases, the family puts efforts to create their company to improve the level of life and ensure a prosperous future for heirs.

But in any business, especially if it is started by the family, different pitfalls can lead to serious problems and unwanted circumstances. These are not only financial and force majeure situations but also internal disagreements and others. For a family company to generate income, it is necessary to know what pitfalls can be encountered on the way to success.

Family business pitfalls, how to avoid them?

Every year more and more families use their savings and inheritance to open a company. Most often, families are not ready for the pitfalls and challenges that come when starting a business. Lack of knowledge about such things makes it very difficult to run a personal business, which can lead to the termination of activities.

So what are the pitfalls of a family business and what are the ways for avoiding them? Unlike a business that is conducted by partners, a family business is intertwined with inner bonds and affections. Thus, a double game must be played: not letting feelings hurt the company and causing losses, and maintaining a healthy relationship.

And because of such subordination, various pitfalls most often arise that must be eliminated immediately. For the head of a family company, it is necessary to understand that family members are not only close people but also employees. It is the failure to comply with this rule that most often leads to many problems for which should be prepared.

Most common pitfalls in a family business

1. Correct job for a person

When choosing a candidate for a position among family members, first of all, it is necessary to take into account personal qualities, but not the desire. For example, when choosing a person for the position of accountant, he must have all the necessary knowledge and experience in such activities.

2. Hierarchy and structure

Any business starts from the top to the bottom. Accordingly, if a family member who is not at the top of the family hierarchy is the leader of the company, in any case, he must be treated with due respect, since he is entrusted with the management of the company's processes.

3. Making important decisions

In a family company, everyone works with one goal. When certain situations arise, it is needed to make the right decision. When creating a business, it is important to decide whether such issues will be resolved by general advice or by one person, since the effect will be tangible for everyone.

4. Correct distribution of earnings

Each employee fulfills his role to ensure that business activities are carried out actively and generate income. Any position has its complexity and burden and should be paid correctly. It is important that each of the family members feel that they are receiving fair payment.

5. Refusal of outside help

In a family business, all roles are very clearly distributed among family members. But if someone cannot fulfill his position and no one can replace him, the best option would be to find a replacement employee. With proper interviewing, you can always find a temporary replacement in the form of an outside person.

In fact, problems and misunderstandings are normal. Personal points of view are an opportunity to make the business even stronger. Conflicts are inevitable, and therefore it is useless to fight them. It is important to learn how to extinguish them without harming career and family.