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There’s something about systems. Having a clear plan in place makes it easier to keep the guardrails up and avoid making costly mistakes. It feels good too. There’s less risk when you operate with a system because you know what’s ahead and how to pinpoint if things go askew.
One of the biggest allures to starting a franchise is having these systems already in place. Leveraging a franchise business model is desirable because guided independence is baked into every element. Here are some systems that often entice people to leap into franchise ownership versus entrepreneurship.
Combined Systems Create Balance
Every business is different. Whether you’re dipping your toe in the entrepreneurial and franchise space or a seasoned owner ready to open a new franchise, one thing is clear — having guidance about a specific business is valuable. What’s equally valuable is having the autonomy to decide what will work best in your local market and your schedule.
Franchise ownership allows you to have the best of both worlds using pre-set systems proven to work and your system for productivity. Because you’re not on the clock for someone else, you can choose how to work your franchise within a system of pre-determined success-building guardrails.
Onboarding Systems
Franchises come with unique benefits. Business plans are done. Financial projections are done. The brand building credibility is often done too. Owning a franchise means you can speed up the time to start because the business plan has been written, proven, and clarified. Without bulky guesswork in play, you can get your new business off the ground faster and with less stress and more credibility.
This efficiency level proves valuable to build your business faster and put more money in your bank account by not having to test the waters to see which marketing strategies stick and which don’t. By leveraging the franchise's systems, your new venture can take flight faster and more easily.
Operational Systems
You’ve likely heard the expression, jack of all trades; master of none. In the world of business ownership, that phrase rings true. Many people are particularly good at a few skills but not exceptional at every skill.
Being part of a franchise gives you and your team access to more training in those areas where you struggle. For example, you might be naturally inclined to know marketing but struggle with accounting. Having the systems in place by the franchise to help you with your bookkeeping and accounting needs allows you to avoid mistakes and shorten the learning curve so you can run a more successful business.
Ongoing Systems and Support
Getting support when systems go awry is difficult at best when you’re in a business for yourself and by yourself. Inside the world of franchising, you have layers of support that can help you get your systems back on track fast.
Franchise owners often stick together to navigate the world of franchising. Having other non-competitive business owners to lean on to grow helps franchisees gain more clarity and streamline systems faster and easier.
Likewise, corporate support lets you see first-hand what’s working and not. This kind of nationwide and fellow franchisee support can help you get answers and grow your business faster than if you were going it alone. Franchise owners can call, text, or ask questions in forums to get faster answers from others who are on this same journey alongside them or have a vested interest in their success.
Systems Help You Streamline
Ultimately, with your systems in place and an ongoing system for support, franchise owners can streamline their growth and get moving faster. Leveraging a clear business plan, corporate-specific training, and a group of others on the same path allows franchisees a unique ability to get started and grow faster than if they tried to go it alone.
Kimberly Crossland is the founder of Roadpreneur and Cruisin' + Campfires, two companies designed to keep families together and living in freedom through travel and entrepreneurship. The goal of both businesses is to inspire meaningful change through the power of a strategic, thoughtful approach to life and business. In her free time, you can find her looking for a new adventure together with her two boys.