Family Operated Business Guide

MAIN Business Small Business Family Business

Small businesses that are family-run face all the challenges that other start-ups do... with the addition of bringing emotional baggage into the mix!

This can be either wonderful, or create a whole new set of family dynamics you definitely were not expecting. The most common? Differences in vision, or how fast the family business should be growing and prospering.

The key, many experts say, is communication — which of course applies to any good family or business relationship. These sites help sort out the possible tangles...

Fambiz - A non-profit site for family business resources featuring hundreds of articles on topics as diverse as women in family business, sibling rivalry, letting go, asset protection and research on trends in this group.

UMassAmherst Family Business Center - The family business center is a combination support/research center. The information they offer covers the gamut with emotional, financial and technical information well represented. Events and workshops are ongoing and well worth a visit if you are in the area.

Family-Run Small Business Resources - Lists of articles and links to other sites dealing with business owners who are related by blood or marriage and the issues they face.

Family Business Magazine - The articles on this site are not available without a subscription - or for $10 a piece. One piece of research that is accessible lists the top 250 family businesses. If you think family-run means small... this should enlighten you!

Family firms: avoiding pitfalls - BBC guide to recognizing typical problems and how to avoid them.

The Family Owned Business - A detailed discussion on how to avoid the three major pitfalls when operating a family-run business.

Operating Your Successful Small Business - This site has a good article on the topic supplemented by links to sites that focus on family business issues.