Living and Working with the Ones You Love June 14-18 is Families in Business Week

Communication is key in every relationship, and family business relationships are no exception. Family businesses comprise nearly 95% of all businesses in the United States and approximately 35% of Fortune 500 Companies. When these companies combine family and business relationships, miscommunication is bound to occur.

(PRWEB) June 9, 2004 -- Communication is key in every relationship, and family business relationships are no exception. Family businesses comprise nearly 95% of all businesses in the United States and approximately 35% of Fortune 500 Companies. When these companies combine family and business relationships, miscommunication is bound to occur. Without proper communication strategies in place, numerous problems may arise as everyone has different ideas on various business aspects. Not sharing these ideas with one another can lead to increased tension, needless re-work, and hurt feelings.

With Families in Business Week" (June 14-18) here, its a perfect time for family business members to get together and eliminate communication problems. Author and family business consultant Laura Michaud states that scheduling family business meetings is the first step to improving family relations, both at work and at home. In any family business, the family meeting is an important tool to keep the lines of communication open, all family members on board with current goals and objectives, and relationships among family members strong," says Michaud.

In her book From the Kitchen Table To the Conference Table: Family Business Communication (Cameo Publications, $17.95, ISBN 0-9744149-4-8), Michaud outlines The Five Ws to Family Meeting Success" as a guideline to set up the most effective and beneficial family meetings. They are:

•Why the meeting is being held;

•Who should attend the meeting and their roles;

•Where to hold the meeting (pick a place with few interruptions thats away from the office);

•When meetings should occur and how frequently;

•What the agenda is and guidelines to follow it.

Regardless of the issue or challenge, whether its large and overwhelming or small and manageable, you can resolve the issue and move on, provided that you meet regularly and communicate well," says Michaud. And while working in a family business may be challenging, the rewards are well worth it and are easier to achieve with strong communication strategies in place. Families in Business Week" is an excellent reminder for all family business members to focus on resolving communication issues for enhanced business and personal success.

As a third-generation owner of Beltone Electronics, Laura Michaud, MBA, learned first-hand the challenges and importance of communication in family business. After selling Beltone in 1997, she founded the Michaud Group consulting firm to share her experience and knowledge with other family businesses and help them overcome their communication challenges.

For more family business communication strategies, information about Laura Michaud, or a review copy of From the Kitchen Table To the Conference Table: Family Business Communication please call 866-372-2636 or send an email to amy@cameopublications.com.

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