OFI 650: Convincing Your Spouse That Starting Your Own Business Is A Good Idea?

Tuesday Episode

It is always funny to see where inspiration will come from.  The keyboard on my computer has been getting more and more worn as time goes on.  Finally, last weekend I took it in to the Apple Store to have some of the worn out keys replaced.  I had to wait about an hour for the people at the “Genius Bar” to be ready to help me.  So, I went out into the mall, got a soda, sat down and started writing.  This is what came to me:

Text Inspired By My Worn Out Keyboard:

Trying to convince your spouse that starting your own business is a good idea? Read on, and I will tell you how to get him or her to go along with your idea:

This photo means a lot to me. I bought this computer (Macbook Pro) in July of 2014, and it felt like an expensive purchase to me at the time. It was about $1400 when I could have bought other laptops for about $300.

I chose this computer for two reasons: It had a reputation of having no problems such as starting up slowly or being susceptible to viruses. And, it had Garage Band on it, which I knew I would be using to edit podcasts.

That was 5 years ago this month.  At the time the only reason I had to offer my wife for the purchase was that I wanted to start a podcast, and this computer was so much better for that than a pc.  That was my entire justification for the expense.

Obviously, she said yes, but I know that a podcast sounded like a crazy idea and she was not able to see my vision the way that I did.

I am a big believer in credibility and commitment. So, I knew that I could make all of the arguments about why I needed this computer that I wanted, but the only way that I was ever really going to convince her that this expense was warranted was through proof.

Today I have ventured to the mall in Boise because that is where our only Apple Store is located – the same one where I purchased this computer. I am here to request the first repair on this computer ever. This is not a repair that I desperately need. It is just one that would be nice.

Since the purchase of this computer in 2014 I have produced over 650 episodes of this podcast, over 150 episodes of the D&B Supply Show Podcast, become a radio broadcaster, become a podcast consultant and producer and been hired to host a podcast for one of the largest agricultural companies in the world.

As I look at this picture I see the “proof” that I knew I wanted for my wife. I have worn the paint off of the “e”, “a”, “s” and “o” keys from all of the show notes, blog posts, work books, emails and social medial posts that have accompanied this business.

I have probably written the equivalent of several novels on this keyboard and never had a problem with this computer. I was right on both fronts when I made the purchase, and I am confident that my wife is now convinced.

How To Convince Your Spouse That Your Business Idea Is Worthwhile:

If you are trying to convince your spouse that starting your own business is a good idea be prepared to do the metaphorical equivalent of writing several novels of your own, in whatever way your business demands.

Be careful and cautious at the beginning about buying equipment. Only buy what you need to get started, and don’t get caught up in the excitement of having a reason to buy a bunch of new stuff. Hold yourself back and show him or her that you don’t take spending this money lightly.

Be willing to work on your new business after you are done with your full-time job. Be up working on your new business before he or she wakes up. Stay up working on your new business after they go to sleep. Sacrifice your own sleep so that you can still be a part of your family while creating your side hustle.

Your commitment, actions and focus (only spending what is absolutely necessary) is what will convince her or him that you are serious.  If you rationalize the purchase of equipment that is not absolutely necessary they will see through this, and whether or not they voice it they will know that you are not as serious as you should be.

Buying this computer was risky.  If those keys were not worn out today my wife would probably think I just used the business idea as an excuse to buy a cool new computer. If that had happened, the next time I had an idea she would think back to that brand new looking, $1400 computer that barely ever gets used anymore, and she would probably say “no”.

But she can’t do that. This computer has paid me back a ton….it is worn out, there is a long list of clients that were developed from this computer, and the list grows every year.  This is how I convinced her, and this is how you will convince your spouse!

The Genius Bar just texted…I need to get back to the Apple Store for some new keys!

Thank you all for tuning in and enjoy the episode!

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