For YEARS I thought there were just two types of entrepreneurs.
Product and Service.
But when Diane Pleuss, a “Franchise Matchmaker,” reached out to me to be a guest on my podcast, I soon figured out I was so wrong!
I had NO idea the full spectrum of franchise options, and all the amazing opportunities available to those who want to be in business for themselves, yet might not want to start from scratch.
If you think franchises are only “fries, burgers and chicken,” or that they’re only for the wealthy investor, and you’re not a candidate… read on, my friend. You’re about to have your mind changed too!
Diane opened my eyes to a whole new world of possibilities - next level business ideas, even - that just might have you looking at your future in a whole new light.
I learned SO MUCH in this interview, so I’m sharing a brief summary of the main categories and questions that came up for me.
First, a definition - or a contrast and comparison of what a franchise is like and what it isn’t.
Of course this is NOT an exhaustive list, and talking with Diane will get you the real details you need, but these are good, broad examples we discussed.
A Franchise is LIKE:
Franchise is DIFFERENT from:
Additionally, she mentioned a couple of franchise MODELS:
They will then train you to hire the right people to do the work of the business. For instance, if you’re interested in a plumbing business you don’t need to be a plumber. You need to have skills and experience that will allow you to learn how to run that business when you hire those skilled workers.
What does this mean for you?
In my last post, I demystified what it means to be empowered, and put simply, it means you have the knowledge, ability and means to make your own choices and decisions.
There is no ONE way to take your future into your own hands and do that. However - I’m an unapologetic advocate for entrepreneurship, and Diane put into words my beliefs about being employed by someone else. She said “so many people think of a JOB as security, but the reality is a job is INSECURITY! When you are an employee, you can be downsized, laid off, and held back by someone else.”
This is the story of the majority of the women I have interviewed. Several have been laid off (some more than once), and many (like myself) have found that being held back, instead of being allowed to truly flourish and benefit the organization, was so stifling they were compelled to make the change.
A business of your own (in this case a franchise), will allow you to BE THE leader of your own team!
Literally, empower yourself to be and do what you are either called or gifted to do.
So, what Green Flags did Diane share to help you determine whether or not a franchise option might be for you…
When you have a passion for something or someone, or a process, this could be the opportunity to capitalize on that with a franchise. Perhaps you see a real need in your community for a specific product or service, but may not know how to offer it up, a franchise could be the answer.
There are tradeoffs for not being an employee. If you need a guaranteed paycheck, this might not be the road for you. But if you’re willing to take the time and get curious and ask questions, you can probably find a franchise with an acceptable risk level. If you want the freedom to write your own paycheck, to grow a business or team to any size YOU want, you should be able to find one that will offset whatever risks are inherent in the process.
Yep, you might have ideas and be a guru in process improvement, but they have a system for a reason, and you need to be willing to “use the recipe” first, learning the current system and then offer enhancements. If, like me, you’re fairly averse to having others tell you what to do and how to do it… well, you notice, I don’t own a franchise.
If you’re on board so far, and you think these green flags apply to you, here’s her advice.
Advice, if you’ve never thought about a franchise option before.
She remarked “they’re looking for someone with a HEAD for business and a HEART for clientele.” They’re NOT selling you here, this is an opportunity to rule each other IN. I experienced this through my adoption process. While it can be daunting and unnerving to walk through the process, talking to each birth mother, and figuring out if we’re a good fit, we ALL want to make a plan that is best for the child. So we’re all looking to “rule each other IN,” not out.
There is a full vetting process they walk you through, in which they will share their infrastructure. Marketing, IT, HR, etc. They interview you, you interview them, and you get the opportunity to interview other franchisees.
It is in THEIR best interest for YOU to succeed! So, keep an open mind.
Keep this little nugget in mind: The VALUE of the franchise is you get further down the road faster. Talk about a kick start.
I left this interview so excited, I was walking on my tipy-toes! I absolutely LOVE learning new information that I KNOW will help so many people, and this topic most certainly will. I realized, as I was listening to her, that women kept popping into my mind as perfect candidates for her services, and I would love to connect you!
Are you wondering if you’re one of those “women who popped into my head?” You just MIGHT be!
I know SO many women who have a“head for business and heart for clientele” that franchises are looking for. You’ve sat in my office, chatted with me on zoom, shared concerns or wins in my Facebook group.
I know you’re there.
I see you.
I hear you.
Has all my “cheerleading” about being an entrepreneur, or just taking control of your future sparked something in your own soul?
Has this information encouraged, emboldened and empowered you to begin the conversation?
I’d love to help you figure out a strategy for your future. Hop on my calendar for a free 30 minute consultation and let’s get you a strategy in place.
Here’s my consultation link!
Stay tuned! Next week I’ll be reflecting on how I love curating opportunities and helping women see possibilities, and then you’ll hear from a fabulous woman who is making a franchise her life’s work and purpose.
Don’t miss it! Subscribe today!
Listen to the full conversation here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1282826/10365218
Where to find Diane: Franchise Matchmaker
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There are events in life that define our journey. Once they happen, we begin describing everything else as “before X” or “after X”. For me,it was the day my mother died. Suddenly, I became aware of my own limited timeline. The drive to find my voice, purpose and place became urgent. I dove in, head first, and discovered the desire to help myself fueled a greater desire - to help others. Soon, I stopped defining myself in terms of roles (wife, mother, manager), but in terms of qualities: curious, determined, happy, adventurous. I've come to understand, that the qualities that make us who we are, are what we must celebrate. We each have a special purpose, unique perspective, and unlimited potential. Better yet, we can both discover and develop them.
I do this through speaking, training, coaching and writing - with a focus on helping women grow into the leaders they truly are. Intentional Optimism is my philosophy of life, and includes these five pillars:
Optimistic - Hopeful, Positive Proactive
Present - Seeking Wonder, Generous, Kind
Courageous – Leading Others, Adventurous, Resilient
Energetic - Industrious, Excitement, Life-focused
Wise - In Respect, Words and having Understanding
Intentional - Purposeful, Planning, Growth Mindset
I'm building a global community of women helping women. A place where we foster leadership from every stage or position in life. A place where we celebrate wonder; move forward with hope and openness; share wisdom and encouragement; offer each other a helping hand; ask freely, and share lavishly; and celebrate our differences as avenues of growth and expansion.
Let’s change our understanding of what it means to work, provide for our families, have financial stability, and be a leader in the community. Life is an adventure - let's live it to the fullest!
It’s time to laugh at the days to come! - Prov. 31:25
Won’t you join me on the journey?