If you are considering starting your business and the franchising seems like the best option for your needs, then you may have the odds in your favor already, because by choosing to franchise you have access to a successful business operating system, which significantly lowers your risks.
However, as many successful (and unsuccessful franchisees) will tell you that the franchising world comes with its challenges. After all, running a franchise is the same as running any other business.
In 2107, franchises UK contributed £15 billion pounds to the UK economy, and this number has grown in the previous year. According to the experts, franchising in the UK will continue to grow at a rapid pace in the coming years as more and more people into the prospect of starting their own business and are choosing the franchising route to escape the mundane loop of their 9-5 corporate jobs.
If you are ready to take on the biggest, most challenging yet rewarding step of your life, here are some expert tips that will help you succeed in the franchise world:
Find the Right Match
The first step of starting your new franchise UK business is to choose the right company that matches your skill set and interests, to ensure that you do not end up with a new business that is also out of your element. A great way to find out the right type of franchise for you is to look for something that you like to do so, you can channel your passion and turn into a successful venture.
If food is your thing, go for food franchises UK or coffee franchises if you are into technology then find a franchise that focuses on that niche. In addition to your interests, consider your skill set and previous experience if you have any so that you can use that knowledge and understanding to your advantage. Combining your managerial skills and your interests with the right franchise will yield much better results.
Prepare For the Road Ahead
As you consider starting your own franchise, you will need to prepare yourself for the road that lies ahead, which could mean surrounding yourself with the right people and equip yourself with the proper knowledge.
Franchise UK experts suggest that the Franchisees that feel that they lack in one area of business, for example, accounting, they can go for training or courses that will increase their knowledge of the subject and improve their skill set so they can manage their own franchise.
Having the right team is also crucial, look for people with a similar passion and excellent skills, who are also great team players.
Trust the Process
As a franchisee, you must appreciate the time and effort that goes into developing a successful business that is scalable on a national, or even international level.
Their success signifies that the processes and systems designed by the brand have worked and are continuing to be fruitful for the business so why not trust them and implement them in your own franchising business. Otherwise, you will be wasting the very advantages that a franchising business brings.
Financial Planning For Your Franchise
Like any other business, franchising businesses need money to run on before it starts returning profits; therefore the word of the wise is to prepare the financial aspects well in advance, so you are not blindsided by the climbing expenses a few months after opening.
Besides the franchising fee, the royalty or service fee and the cost of starting the business, you will have to be ready to bear the weight of the finances needed to keep the business alive for the next few months.
A good idea here would be to make your business plan before you start so you and your team will have an outline of your goals, finances, and challenges ahead.
Become an Incessant Marketer
Marketing your business will play a crucial role in the failure or success of your franchise business. After all, your success relies heavily on the number of sales you generate so it would make sense for you to be relentless when it comes to marketing your business, products, and services.
Identify the right target market and use different mediums, especially the most popular online marketing to get noticed by your target market.
Remember as the owner of your franchising business that responsibility of marketing your business effectively lies upon you. Develop a marketing plan as soon as you start the business and dedicate most of your time and effort in marketing your business.
Familiarise Yourself with the Playing Field
Learn everything you can about the industry you will be working in. Your knowledge about the industry, its ins and outs, and the franchise market trends will prove to be extremely helpful for your success.
Educate yourself about the different associations and boards in your respective industry. Make connections with fellow franchisers and the old and new business people in your sector.
Prepare To Master the Juggling Act
As the owner of your franchise, you will have to bare multiple responsibilities. You will have to become a salesperson, a marketer, an accountant, and always be ready to assume the cleaning responsibilities, handle the taxes, open and close the business daily.
You will have to be a leader and a team player; you will need to delegate responsibilities effectively and outsource tasks where necessary.
To familiarise yourself with what challenges lie ahead try to talk to other people with franchise businesses and conduct your research.
Learn From the Community
People who are running their successful franchises will serve as your experienced mentors that have valuable information about the experience that you may not find anywhere else.
This will provide you with the perfect opportunity to learn from their mistakes and experiences. Try to become a part of a franchisee or franchising community because it will serve as a highly beneficial resource of learning.
Try to nurture a positive strategic partnership with your franchisor because both parties rely heavily on each other for their long-term success.