2025 08 05 How to Get Your Partner on Board (Without Begging)
Have you ever had a bold business idea… only to feel completely deflated when your partner doesn’t see the vision?
I’ve been there and I wanted to share how I handled it.
Early in my business journey, I found it really hard to talk about money, growth, and investment with my hubby. I’d get excited about an opportunity - working with a coach, a course I wanted to do, or even just upgrading some tech. And as soon as I brought it up, I’d be met with hesitation. Sometimes even a flat-out no.
It felt personal. Emotional. Like he didn’t believe in me.
But over time, I realised the issue wasn’t belief… it was communication. I was coming in with passion, not a plan. And that made it hard for him to understand, let alone support, what I was trying to do.
What changed everything? A spreadsheet and a seat at the table.
Seriously.
I stopped “talking” about my ideas in passing moments and started presenting them like the CEO I am. I carved out time for us to sit down… just like we would if we were business partners. I brought numbers. Scenarios. Options.
Suddenly, it wasn’t emotional. It was factual.
He could see where the money would go, what the return might look like, and how it would affect our household finances.
And most importantly… he felt included, not blindsided.
If you're facing the same kind of tension at home when it comes to business decisions, I want to share what’s worked for me and many of the women I support.
So why might your partner hesitate? Your partner loves you. But they might not understand the world of business the way you do. Risk can feel scary when you're looking at it from the outside - especially if you’re the more financially cautious one in the relationship.
It’s not a lack of belief, it’s a lack of clarity. And maybe even a lack of context.
So rather than taking the hesitation personally, start by getting curious. Ask what they’re worried about. Is it the cost? The time commitment? The uncertainty?
When you listen without jumping into defense mode, you create space for real conversation.
My 4-Step Strategy to Gain Buy-In
1. Schedule a time to talk
Don’t bring it up while you're cooking dinner or half-watching TV. Respect the conversation. Set a time. Say, “Can we sit down tomorrow? I’d love to walk you through something I’m thinking about for the business.”
2. Come prepared
Show up with numbers, projections, and possible outcomes. Include how you’ll manage risk. Be ready to answer questions… without getting flustered.
3. Present it like a business proposal
Instead of “I really want to do this,” try: “This is what I’m planning, this is how it fits into my goals, and this is the likely return.” Show how it impacts the business and the household.
4. Ask for input, not permission
Frame it as, “I’d love to get your thoughts on this” instead of “Can I do this?” You’re not asking for approval, you’re inviting partnership.
Every decision you make (and follow through on) builds trust. When your partner sees you being strategic, thoughtful, and proactive (not reactive) they’ll become more comfortable backing you next time.
Credibility doesn’t come from getting it perfect every time. It comes from taking responsibility, communicating clearly, and showing you’re serious about your goals.
Now, if you’re struggling with the language here are some tips, because let’s face it language matters.
* Don’t say: “Can I sign up for this course?”
* Instead: “I’ve found a course that will help me with [specific outcome]. Here’s how I plan to cover the cost, and how I’ll make time for it.”
* Don’t say: “Do you think I should hire help?”
* Instead: “I’m ready to bring on support. I’ve done the numbers, and I believe this will allow me to grow the business faster. Here’s the plan.”
Whether it’s hiring, investing, or building your dream house, the real shift is moving from asking for approval to leading with inclusion. You don’t need to beg. You need a plan. And you need to show up like the visionary your partner can believe in.
Want help creating your own business proposal template for your partner conversations? Let me know, I'd love to share what’s worked for me.
