Parents are often surprised when the kids don't want to follow in their footsteps, but the message conveyed is that being in business for yourself is nothing but aggravation, hard work, and disappointment. In Keeping It in the Family, professor James Lea boldly states that the most important marketing job family business owners have is that of marketing the business to the younger generation. You must give them room to choose their own career paths, but you can improve the way they view and appreciate your business. Help your children understand why you started the enterprise. Take them to work with you.
Children often have fond memories of going to work with dad.
In many instances, the love and passion for the business started with those early visits. Make time to explain to them what you do, who your customers are, and how they use your products or services. Without boasting, let them know you are proud of the business in which you are engaged and how it benefits others. Tell them success stories. Be careful how you talk about the business.