~ guest blog post by Jolene Brown, CSP

After a recent presentation for university ag majors, one of the students announced, “You know Jolene, when I graduate I’m going back home to farm.” I asked, “Have you been invited?” Just because you want to, doesn’t mean you get to. Being part of a family business is conditional; it is not a birthright!

Hundreds in family business have taught me there is a key to stacking the odds toward generational success and family business longevity. It begins with honest answers to the following six questions asked of, and answered by the “incoming” generation.

1.  What benefits and anticipated results are you bringing to the business?

Remember, working in any business, including a family business is conditional. Employment depends on the value of your current and potential contributions. You must know what you offer. Are you bringing energy, marketing skills, production prowess, technology skills, work ethic, capital, etc.? What do you bring? Just as you apply for any job, a family business also needs to see a written resume as part of the application process. This includes experience, qualifications and work-related references.

2. Does the business really need you?

In other words, you just identified what you are bringing but, does this business and the work team even need what you offer?  Your contribution must fit with the existing vision, or create motivation to expand the vision. Perhaps your presence and work might add value or reduce expenses. Perhaps it will provide innovation and growth, or reduce other’s responsibilities and complete changing roles. Just as there is a job applicant, there needs to be worthy job!

3. What would your employment cost the business?

Everyone comes with his or her hand out. We want a paycheck and lots of benefits. We want health insurance with dental and optical also covered. Then for some in agriculture, there’s meat, milk and other edible groceries furnished. How about life insurance and a retirement plan? Of course the farm should supply a pick-up and all fuel expenses. And… how about if the family business provides housing for us, of course with all utilities included? Then, computers, smart phones, and technology galore!  Ca-ching. Ca-ching. Does the value you bring equal or exceed the cost of your compensation package.

4.  Have you worked for someone else for at least two to three years?

The 2-3 years is continuous employment in another setting where adult-children have had to depend on competence and skills rather than on the family relationship. In my seminars attendees come up with a multitude of benefits when adult-children have had other bosses. Do not shortcut this step!

5. Are you still living at home?

6. Is your mother still doing your laundry?

Oh yes, you may be laughing. But after advising many in family business, I’ve found these last two questions are good, visible benchmarks of maturity. It’s so important that the passage of birthdays and experiences translate into demonstrated adult-like growth in behaviors, decision making, and responsibilities. When you pay your own bills, live within your earned means, develop life skills and are responsible for your personal needs and wants, then demonstrated maturity will be noted. It fosters your opportunity to move into management and leadership of a business.

© Copyright 2011 Jolene Brown, LLC.

Jolene Brown is a farmer, professional speaker, author and champion for the people of agriculture. She travels worldwide sharing leading-edge best practices that have the power to increase productivity, profitability and peace of mind. You are welcome to reprint or repost the content of this blog in your ezines or newsletters as long as you acknowledge and note the copyright of Jolene Brown,LLC, leave the content unaltered, and include the above information. You can also find Jolene on Twitter.

Note from Michele – It’s an honor to call Jolene a friend. She’s been helping farm families for nearly three decades. If you’ve ever felt like banging your head against the wall because of dealing with family, be sure to read her information!

Hot off the Publishing Press!!

Jolene Brown’s January 2011 Released Book

Learn more at www.JoleneBrown.com

Sometimes You Need More Than a 2×4!
How-to-tips to successfully grow
a family business