Making the jump from being an employee to becoming self-employed or an employer is a big and exciting step. Ryan White, MD of We Love Pets explains what to expect and how to shift your mindset when becoming a new franchisee.
Instead of just showing up to work and doing your job, as a franchisee you’ll be involved in every aspect of your business – from advertising and marketing to sales, HR, PR, and everything in between. It’s an amazing journey where you get to wear all the hats and truly make the business your own.
With the exceptional training provided by all BFA (British Franchise Association) franchisors, new franchisees should have all the support needed to take on the new role as a franchisee. It’s always a positive surprise to new franchisees how much growth and adaptability happens as they step into the role of the boss triggering really inspiring stories about how this transformation positively impacts a franchisee’s relationships and overall life.
Preparing for changes
If you’ve been an employee for years, it’s completely normal to need some time to adjust your mindset into that of being a business owner. This is why some franchisors buddy up new franchisees with existing ones to help coach and mentor them in those early stages. But what do these changes really look like and how can you prepare for them?
Going from ‘Yes’ to ‘Why?’
For many of us, we’ve gone from being kids, through school, and into employment, where we’re used to saying ‘yes’ to parents, teachers, and employers. But as a business owner and employer, things change. It’s no longer about just agreeing, now you’ll find yourself asking ‘why’ and sometimes, the harder task of saying ‘no’!
Asking ‘Why?’
Being curious and asking ‘why?’ is what drives successful entrepreneurs. They’re always keen to understand why things are done a certain way and excited to explore new ideas. This curiosity helps them build thriving businesses and stay ahead of the game. As a franchisee, embracing this mindset and regularly questioning ‘why?’ can lead to new thought processes. It’s true franchisors may not always welcome constant questioning of their model but asking ‘why?’ in your day-to-day operations can spark creativity and drive positive change.
Saying ‘No’
Learning to say ‘no’ can be tough at first. One of the first things to realise is that you can’t be everyone’s best buddy anymore. Whether you’re the boss or a partner in a business, you just can’t say ‘yes’ to everyone. Sometimes it’s just a matter of not having enough hours in the day! As a leader, you’ve got to decide if a task is something you should handle yourself or pass off to your team. And sometimes, you just have to say a flat-out ‘no’ if something isn’t doable or in the best interest of the business.
Couples working together
Saying no to your partner, especially now that they’re also your business partner, can be a bit tricky, especially if you’ve always played a more supportive role in the relationship. But now you’re equals in the business, you have every right to discuss and debate ideas, even if it’s not always easy. Successful franchise couples often figure out early on which roles they excel in and stick to their strengths.
Navigating testosterone
In many cases, men are enthusiastic about starting their own businesses, often stepping in with confidence in their own abilities. However, when their wife or girlfriend is also a 50% partner in the business, it can sometimes be a challenge for them to adjust and see their partner as an equal. Learning to set aside the testosterone-driven instinct to take sole charge can be a learning curve for some.
Learn to lead
The most successful male franchisees are the ones who understand that running a business and leading a team are skills you learn over time, just like anything else. Some catch on quickly, while others might stumble a bit before they appreciate that being a boss goes beyond just giving orders and paying staff. Fundamentally, it’s about building relationships and creating a positive work environment.
On the other hand, women often start with less confidence in their abilities, but they often excel at management due to their strong communication skills and collaborative approach.
As franchisors, our job is to support all franchisees, helping them see their strengths and give them the training they need to thrive.
Be brave
Another key skill franchisees need to develop, like entrepreneurs, is real bravery. When you’re an employee, making bold decisions isn’t usually part of the job description. But as a business owner, it’s a whole different ball game. You’ll find yourself needing to take chances and grab opportunities quickly, even if things don’t turn out exactly as planned. The important thing is to take that leap, learn from the outcome, and keep growing- that’s what sets apart a successful businessperson.
Content employees – thriving businesses
Buying your franchise is such an exciting time, full of new things to learn. Here’s my advice: really listen to your franchisor, put your ego aside for the sake of your relationship and your business, and work on becoming a great leader. Chat with other experienced franchisees in the network to pick up some top tips. Before you know it, you’ll be running a happy, thriving business.
