Work and Family Don't Always Mix

The next big Lohan drama will appear on the small screen.

That's because Lindsay Lohan's mother, Dina Lohan, and sister, Ali, 14, are set to star in a new show for E! (CMCSA). The reality show, which is tentatively titled Living Lohan, will depict the manager-mom’s attempt to launch the teenage Ali's singing and acting career. The show is scheduled to air this summer. So far, there are no plans to have The Parent Trap star, Lindsay, appear with her mom. Not a big surprise: Lohan family relations are far from smooth. "Seriously, I was just running away from what my home had become," Lindsay said recently, alluding to her ongoing substance abuse struggle.

Going into business with family can go one of two ways: fabulous or terrible, and the outcome is completely dependent on the family. Some family businesses are very successful and others tank almost immediately.  While it can be hard to determine what will and won’t work, there are a few things to keep in mind that may help keep the business afloat.

“Go into a family business with your eyes open,” says David Javitch, president of Javitch Associates.  It is important that everyone in a family business understands their roles in the company.  It is also important to understand the difference between a work relationship and a family relationship, says Martin Lehman, marketing director for SCORE, which provides consultations for small business owners. “Business is business and family is family.  During the day it’s business but when the door to the office closes at 5 p.m., the relationship goes back to being family.”