Why do I need a strategy focused on the family for my small business?

When families and businesses mingle, good boundaries and clearly defined expectations help insure that both family and enterprise survive in a healthy and successful way. Establish policies that everyone understands and agrees to as to what the role of the family members will be in relation to the company. Develop policies for when and if family members enter and exit the business workforce, as well as other basic guidelines and a mission statement that expresses what is important to the family. Work through and agree on which family members will have significant operational roles in the business, and which family members will not, regardless of their ownership position.