Abstract
Family is a strong network tie, and being related is about kinship, but family businesses can draw on kinship ties and ties that extend beyond the family system. In this chapter, kinship ties and networks are discussed more broadly within the context of family businesses. The discussion emphasizes the importance of understanding networks, their ties, and how they can support family businesses. Moreover, the discussion also considers the darker side of networks and how family ties, conflicts, obligations, tradition, and being socially bound to the past can limit the ability of a family business to act on opportunities.