Unleash your go-getter attitude in 2017

There’s an old joke that constantly does the rounds in our industry. “A bad attitude is like a flat tyre: if you don’t change it, you’ll never go anywhere.” Admittedly it’s not so funny when you hear it for the 27th time but nonetheless it conveys a serious message, one that’s extremely relevant in the franchise industry today. Ambition, hunger, tenacity, desire, passion, grit and self-motivation – no, I didn’t get a thesaurus for Christmas – are all equally important for obtaining franchising success.

But while these are just some of the attributes a franchisee has to be armed with, the onus is also on the franchisor to grab hold of a good opportunity – in this case a focused and determined new franchisee – and welcome them into their business. These are attributes that need to be demonstrated by both sides.

It’s often said that finding the right franchise is like finding the perfect partner. For this reason, it’s important that those who are interested in joining our team also want to meet us halfway to demonstrate their desire and commitment to our business. But as in a traditional courtship, it’s also up to us to make them feel wanted. And while mutual attraction and passion are great starting points, compatibility and willingness to pull together are what make the relationship last.

Following up calls and emails sounds basic but forwarding on marketing initiatives – such as monthly customer e-shots and even internal newsletters – only takes a few minutes and can convey the message that the franchisor holds its nationwide network in high esteem. Inviting prospects for meetings in your head office so they can see how the operation works or even catching up in their region helps to create a firm foundation to build on. And offering assistance with creating business plans or seeking funding are two tangible ways to demonstrate how both sides can work together to achieve a common goal.

The economic climate is tough at the moment: redundancies, zero-hour contracts and a fiercely competitive job market all make carving out a rewarding new career much harder. Equally, there’s a cautiousness about investing a large lump sum – whether that’s a redundancy package or savings, in a bold new venture. This is why franchisors have to go the extra mile to demonstrate their desire to get new franchisees on board.

Nothing in life just falls into your lap, whether it’s your dream franchise or your ideal franchisee. You have to go out, find and grab it. So let 2017 be the year you unleash your go-getter attitude and reap the rewards.