While I don’t like to focus on the negatives, it’s still important to consider all the potential risks and obstacles that could arise when building a franchise. Ultimately, this could be the difference between a successful franchise and an unsuccessful one. So what are the biggest potholes you could face when getting your business off the ground and, crucially, how can you overcome them?
Finding the right support
Of course your family and friends support you but they will have an emotional interest in you personally rather than a pragmatic, transparent and objective interest in your success. That’s why it pays to surround yourself with business mentors that will be there to provide impartial guidance, whether that’s a positive business advisor, a forward-thinking accountant or a legal expert.
And, as much as other franchisees in a network will welcome you with open arms, you need to remember that they have their own plans and agenda. It sounds harsh but very few are genuinely happy for the ones doing really well, as they secretly wish it was them. So be mindful of this at all times and don’t get caught up in it. A wise franchisee knows what goes on and will remain stoic, run their business professionally and stick to the terms laid out in the franchise agreement. Remember why you bought the franchise in the first place, what you want from it and stay true to this.
Taking care of your employees
The money will flow if you tap into the power of your employees; they will ensure the product or service is the best that it can be. Suffice to say, if they are not happy, the outcome for your customers will be devastating. On the other hand, if your employees are looked after, respected, supported and given responsibility, your customers will be happy and become loyal to the brand.
It is all about what your employees and your customers need to feel. If cracks start to appear and you don’t repair them properly, relationships will fall down. This will have a catastrophic effect on your bottom line. So if you become great with employees then customers success is sure to follow.
Overcoming the fear
Fear is debilitating, negative and gets you nowhere. We spend our lives looking for danger and avoiding risks but the problem is that when you look for them, they come your way. You can steer clear of this by looking ahead and focusing on what you want to happen. Look past the fear to where you want to be because there’s something bright and warm on the other side of that journey – experience, knowledge, empowerment, wisdom and success.You already know how to get there and what you have to do, so go and do it.
There are always going to be problems and challenges but look to overcome them. Don’t dip too low that you cannot recover. And look to the franchisor for help and support.
Jane Maudsley
Maudsley is founder and managing director of Little Voices, a national performing arts organisation that nurtures talent and builds confidence through drama and singing; it's something she knows a lot about as a former opera singer. Out of the office, Maudsley enjoys being mother to her young daughter, walking, running, cooking, learning and reading.
Jane Maudsley
Maudsley is founder and managing director of Little Voices, a national performing arts organisation that nurtures talent and builds confidence through drama and singing; it's something she knows a lot about as a former opera singer. Out of the office, Maudsley enjoys being mother to her young daughter, walking, running, cooking, learning and reading.
