Thought to be the most depressing day of the year, Blue Monday is a term first coined by life coach, happiness consultant and psychologist, Cliff Arnall, in 2004. Seventeen years on, it’s widely accepted that 2020 was possibly the most challenging and depressing year our generation has encountered. So, it stands to reason that more people than ever are enquiring about investing in a franchise, shunning the rat race and opting for a new endeavour.
Here, we talk to two brands about why that dreaded Blue Monday feeling is hard to find in franchising; and the strategies franchisors implement to ensure it stays that way.
Ditch the blues
Flying halfway across the world from Oz in 2009, PACK & SEND has firmly cemented themselves as the UK’s leading logistics franchise. At the helm in the UK is Mike Ryan, who is responsible for overseeing the next stage in its development – opening the first of six larger Logistics Centres in Reading and signing the lease on a second location in Bristol, which will sit alongside service centres to provide a broader range of services to customers. The custom-built Logistics Centres will provide a hub for the franchisee network as they continue to pave the way through the post-Brexit world.
But even as these life-altering events happen right before our eyes, Mike is certain Blue Monday is not something that is experienced at PACK & SEND, by himself, franchisees or service centre staff.
“Franchisees make a difference to people’s lives. More often than not, franchising provides an ointment to the burn of employed life. Prospective franchisees are almost always looking to find something that pulls them from the corporate rat race to deliver more freedom and, crucially, more satisfaction. And franchise ownership can certainly offer both in bucketloads.
“At PACK & SEND, it’s important for us to ensure that, for both franchisees and staff, Blue Monday isn’t part of their vocabulary, let alone their minds. Although last year was tough, we committed to championing the team and encouraging them to be the best they can be. As we haven’t been able to come together in person, we have organised regular Zoom meetings with the entire network to help keep everyone focused and ensure everyone was in a good place to make their way through the pandemic. It’s those small personal touches that will make the difference between getting the January blues and kicking the year off with a bang. We strive to make it the latter each and every time and continue with the stellar performance that we delivered last year.
“This month is set to be a busy one, as all eyes are on UK franchisees for the answers to Brexit. We don’t expect the network to know every solution but, luckily, we do. We’ve ensured that our collateral and knowledge bank is up-to-date to allow franchisees to continue doing what they do best – providing a great service!”
Deborah Dudley launched her service centre in Salford Quays in October 2014. Over six years later, she still receives the same satisfaction as she did when she first opened her doors.
“My children were my main inspiration behind starting my own business and they continue to motivate me today. That’s one of the reasons why I don’t experience Blue Monday, but I don’t get that feeling on any other Monday in the year either. I know that I’m waking up with a purpose, so I have no time or room to have any doubts – as soon as I open my eyes in the morning, I know I’ve got a service to deliver.
“I think it’s helped that I’ve built a great team around me. They’re extremely hard-working, determined and passionate about what they do – seeing them love their work makes me so proud. My business is just as much about my staff satisfaction as my own, and it’s yet another reason why I don’t have any space for negativity.”
No room for negativity
After a mammoth year, Action Coaches across the country embody the antithesis of Blue Monday. For the best part of a year, they have been supporting business owners up and down the country, helping to tackle the consequences of the pandemic, and they are more determined than ever before. Julie Wagstaff, Managing Director of ActionCOACH UK, is positive that not one single franchise partner will experience the blues this new year.
“I don’t think there’s ever been a time in the last decade where world-class business coaches have been more in demand,” Julie said. “Not just in the UK, but across the world, Action Coaches have sprung into action to help business owners navigate the impact of the pandemic. Due to this, I say with confidence that every Action Coach is waking up with a real sense of purpose and drive to help business owners in their local community – it makes me so proud.
“Perhaps the best part of it all though, is how ActionCOACH can prevent others from feeling the effects of Blue Monday too. Coaches work with business owners on their profitability, efficiency and mindset – all things which businesses need to survive. By having the power to pass that knowledge and wisdom on, coaches get a double whammy of satisfaction through bringing the knowledge and skills to their own game and seeing the transformational results of their clients.
“In 2021, ActionCOACH is celebrating 20 years since arriving in the UK. We’re focused on creating even more success across the country, whilst not only championing our franchise partners to ditch the January blues but the thousands of clients we support too.”
Natalie Simms launched her Fleet-based ActionCOACH business mid-pandemic. In June, she attended ActionCOACH’s second-ever virtual new franchisee training, setting her off to a flying start. With a handful of one-to-one clients already under her belt, she is now determined to extend her reach and make a difference to a larger pool of business owners.
‘I’ve just applied for and been awarded the neighbouring territory of Winchester,” said Natalie. “Which now takes me up to three exclusive areas with ActionCOACH. I don’t think that would have happened if I didn’t have the utmost faith in the franchise model and support team to make my business a success – the stepping stones were in place, and all I had to do was take that step.
“Although the feeling I get from supporting clients is extremely rewarding, I think the best thing is the effect ActionCOACH has had on my personal life – it’s made a world of difference. I’ve swapped having to travel internationally and a two-hour commute into Central London each day for a seven-minute trip to my office. The jet-setting might sound glamorous, but it soon started to take its toll. Removing this stress from my life means the only time I’ll be getting on a plane again is to go to the Maldives, and the only blue I’ll be experiencing is the sea!”
Whether you’re motivated by the goal to strive for a more rewarding career, financial freedom or even early retirement, investment opportunities in franchising hold the potential to banish Blue Monday for good.
