Episode #375: Working with Family

Hiring family into your business sounds like a dream, until it turns into a nightmare. In this episode, Lianne Kim dives into the messy, magical, and often misunderstood world of working with family. Whether it’s your spouse, sibling, cousin, or child, bringing loved ones into your business requires more than good intentions. It demands clarity, boundaries, and a solid plan.

Lianne shares the most common scenarios she’s seen go wrong, the red flags to watch for, and the smart strategies that can make working with family a win-win. If you’ve ever wondered whether hiring someone you love is a good idea, this episode will help you decide and do it right.

In‌ ‌this‌ ‌episode,‌ ‌you’ll discover:‌

• Why most family business partnerships fail
• The difference between hiring family and sharing ownership
• Common mistakes entrepreneurs make when hiring loved ones
• Red flags to avoid: pity hires, favors, and blurred boundaries
• How to set clear roles, expectations, and contracts
• The importance of regular meetings and tough conversations
• When to bring in a coach or mediator to protect the relationship
• How to make working with family a true win-win

Timestamps: 

03:00 – Why partnerships often go wrong

06:00 – Good vs. bad reasons to hire family

10:00 – Common scenarios and what to watch for

15:00 – The danger of favors and informal arrangements

20:00 – How to set up a successful working relationship

26:00 – Contracts, job descriptions, and accountability

30:00 – When to bring in outside support

33:00 – Final thoughts on protecting your business and relationships

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