Everyone starts out in business expecting to be successful but it can be a long hard road to reach the top. However there are some ways to give yourself a head start. To be a great franchisee there a few key characteristics that will help you become successful, such as the skills of communication and relationship building.

For many franchisees employing people is a necessary part of the business and if this is where you are heading, it will be essential to manage and motivate your team.

You will need to work with and build relationships with your franchisor and their team. You will need to work with your suppliers and make sure you are able to get good trading terms.

You will need to make connections and network within your local community to build a loyalty bank. Your interpersonal skills are one of the most powerful assets you can have as a franchisee.
 
To be successful as a franchisee you need to follow the system. You buy into a franchise because it has a brand and a proven system with most of the bugs and issues worked out already. All you need to do is follow your system better than anyone else and be willing to learn from others.

One of the often quoted strengths of franchising is that you are in business for yourself but not by yourself. There is strength in the collective group which has a strong support network of field managers and operations managers – they are willing to come into your business and stand shoulder to shoulder and help and train you.

There are also your fellow franchisees who are willing to give assistance, yet many franchisees simply don’t raise their hands and ask for that help.

A great franchisee will let their franchisor, field managers, operations managers and fellow franchisees support and guide them.

The other major key to success is attitude! This comes down to doing whatever it takes to make your business succeed.

A franchisee must have a determination to never give up, however difficult the journey. It is going to take a lot of hard work and long hours in the first year to head along the path to success, and a franchisee needs to set the best example to their team.

To be a successful franchisee also requires long term vision for the business, passion, having your values aligned with your business and focusing daily on results-oriented activities.

Avoiding risk is important for franchisees yet starting any business venture entails some risky elements, and there are no guarantees of success – even with franchising. However buying a franchise reduces some of those risk factors. In fact, many franchisees are typically risk averse – that’s why they choose franchising over and above independent business opportunities. New franchisees want to minimise their risk as much as possible and so they choose a franchise system with either a strong brand, unique offering, credible people or a proven track record.

There’s nothing more exciting than owning your own business and franchising is a great way to start. All you need to do is follow the system, have a positive attitude, ask for help and avoid silly risks. I wish you the best of luck.

If you have any queries please this article please do not hesitate to contact me directly at franchise@cococubano.com or on 1300 094 764.

Tony Melhem, FCA deputy chairman, chairman of National Franchisee Forum and founder of Coco Cubano.