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Yes, you can run a business and stay in love
Business and pleasure do mix, apparently. According to a new survey by Manta, 25 per cent of small business owners work with their significant other, and more than half say they would recommend it.
In fact, a third of those polled say their family life and relationships have actually improved as a result of running their business together. This is especially poignant given a recent WSJ article chronicling the hurdles of starting a business on your own, while also trying to sustain a romantic relationship.
Maybe starting a venture as a couple is a way to get around the 'no time to talk' conundrum? Just make sure you ask yourself these three questions before taking the entrepreneurial route together.
But it's not all roses: Apart from the fights that are bound to happen – especially if you're bootstrapping – intimacy behind close doors can also suffer. Of all the areas in their lives that have improved as a result of owning a business together, SMBs say sex life ranked at the bottom according to the survey.
While small business owners' sex lives may be taking a hit, their personal relationships are strong. Sixty per cent of the small business owners polled are married – nearly 10 per cent higher than the national average and an overwhelming majority (80 per cent) rank friends and family as the most important part of their life (above their business).
Artisan, fair trade, truffles - you name it, Canada's got it
As far as chocolate goes, Belgium still reigns supreme. But it doesn't mean there aren't incredibly delicious options here in Canada. If you're hunting for the perfect box of chocolates this Valentine's Day, there are a number of shops across the the country. From chocolate caramels in P.E.I. to Banofee-flavoured artisan creations in Winnipeg, the Huffington Post rounds up the best of the best.
But if chocolate is your life's passion, and simply sampling these scrumptious delights isn't enough, here's information on starting your own chocolate business.
KEY EVENTS AND DATES
Business Innovation Summit 2013: Innovation for the Corporation
On Feb. 19 and 20, the Conference Board's Centre for Business Innovation (CBI) is hosting a major two-day summit on how to re-think, re-new and transform firm-level innovation in Canada at The Fairmont Royal York. For more information, click here .
2013 Toronto Entrepreneurs Conference
On May 30, the Toronto Entrepreneurs Conference is taking place at 75 Derry Road W. in Mississauga. The event is designed to provide entrepreneurs, whether budding or experienced, with the opportunity to expand their professional network, hear from experienced and successful entrepreneurs on tips and opportunities and learn what it takes to become successful and stay thriving.
EDITOR'S PICKS FROM REPORT ON SMALL BUSINESS
How to create an effective office romance policy
Banning romantic relationships could be more trouble than it's worth - and ineffective. Here are some ways to keep employees in line.
FROM THE ROSB ARCHIVES
Red-hot dating apps to spice up your love life
Sick of spending Friday nights alone? Eager to get back in the saddle, but turned off by traditional dating sites, like eHarmony, Plenty of Fish and Match.com? This lineup of cutting-edge mobile apps , which use real-time, GPS and push notifications, can help you meet new people, and maybe even score a date for Valentine's Day
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