b'Keep the Family Dynamics Positive in Independent Businesses Its tough bringing new perspectives into a business. Doing it in a family business can be even tougher.Alex MartinFOR INDEPENDENT COMPANIES,theres one common theme among most: its a family business. One thing thats less frequently mentioned? Sometimes, it can be a challenge to manage family dynamics! But, for Chris Corneliuswhen she describes working with her family, shed use the term blessed.We are firm believers when you invite your children back to the businessyou must, without hesitation, offer them a competitive wage with an opportunity to make more, Cornelius, executive assistant at Cornelius Seed and president of the Independent Professional Seed Association (IPSA), says. As a young adult with a college degree, why would you go back to a family business and make less than your peers? In agriculture you need to encourage things to grow, including the nextgeneration.That means, if youre going to bring your children into the business, you need to make them part of the business, she says. Although it might be challenging, the next generation needs to have an opportunity to be owners to get skin in the game.The next generation brings different skills, and it helps you take your business to the next level, Cornelius says, adding that it was the same when she and her husband, Chuck, joined Cornelius Seed. Everyone feeds off each others strength, and if I have a weakness, thats someone elses strength. Each new generation takes the business to the next level.Having Skin in the Game Most independent companies have faced a similar story: while parents are running the family business, bringing in the next generation of leadership into the fold is important. While you might not start out in a leadership role right off the bat, bring-ing children and spouses into the mix means bringing in fresh, new ideas to keep the business innovative. For most parents owning businesses currently, that level of grace and understanding came as an example from their own parents as they entered into the family business. 20/ SEEDWORLD.COMJANUARY 2023'