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I’ve spent many years as a enterprise and management speaker, presenting to leaders about efficiency, management and constructing robust groups. However early in my profession, I began to really feel somewhat uneasy.
I used to be providing recommendation to audiences full of managers and skilled business owners, lots of whom had way more hands-on expertise than I did. I did not wish to be perceived as one other speaker who talks concept however lacks real-world credibility. I needed my insights to be grounded in expertise, not simply inspiration.
Then in the future, flipping by means of an airline journal, I noticed an advert for Edible Preparations. One thing clicked. Franchising intrigued me as a result of it is a mannequin that mixes consistency and variability. Everybody follows the identical system in related markets, however efficiency varies. That meant there needed to be a variable. If I may establish it and make it work for me, I would not simply construct a enterprise — I might acquire insights I may convey to my shoppers.
My objective was by no means to depart my talking profession. It nonetheless is my main ardour. However I needed to complement it with a enterprise that might sharpen my message and grow my income. That is how I ended up opening an Edible Preparations franchise in 2006.
Let me be clear: there was nothing “part-time” about this enterprise. Opening a franchise meant taking out a mortgage, signing a 10-year lease, investing in a buildout, managing workers, and serving prospects. It required full dedication—even when I could not be there on daily basis.
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We confronted our share of challenges, particularly early on. However finally, we constructed one of many highest-volume places in California. Later, I acquired a struggling second location and made it profitable inside a yr. We gained awards for greatest customer support and supervisor of the yr out of greater than 1,000 shops worldwide — all whereas I used to be nonetheless touring for talking engagements.
So, how did I do it? Listed below are six key methods that made it attainable:
1. Select the fitting franchise mannequin
Not each franchise is fitted to absentee possession, it doesn’t matter what the gross sales group says. I selected a model that allowed for it, however rapidly realized that success nonetheless requires deep engagement. You do not have to be bodily current on a regular basis, however you do must be mentally current.
I appeared for a enterprise with clear programs, model requirements, and robust company help. I additionally spoke with different franchisees to make sure my dual-career setup was real looking. I wasn’t simply an investor—I used to be nonetheless a frontrunner, only one main from a distance.
2. Construct programs that work with out you
If I weren’t going to be within the retailer on daily basis, I wanted programs to keep up visibility and accountability. Every evening, the closing worker despatched me an in depth report on gross sales, points and suggestions. I put in safety cameras to observe the shop remotely and confirm open and shutting occasions. I may additionally log in to our system from anyplace to overview dashboards and efficiency knowledge.
Cross-training was one other key technique. Each group member may deal with a number of duties, giving us flexibility and defending in opposition to staffing gaps.
3. Rent (and preserve) the fitting individuals
Discovering the fitting supervisor modified all the pieces. My first two hires have been strong however did not stick. The third, Jennifer, joined 9 months in and stayed for the remainder of my possession. She even labored with the brand new proprietor for a yr after I bought the shops.
Jennifer and I have been in day by day contact, even after I was on the highway. After I was house, I might go to at the very least as soon as per week to remain linked with the group. I did not work shifts, however I maintained presence. I wasn’t micromanaging — I used to be tradition managing.
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4. Lead the tradition — even remotely
Tradition does not simply occur — it should be formed. We talked typically about who we have been as a group and what sort of surroundings we needed. We skilled slowly, coached constantly and gave workers the possibility to steer. Their enter helped us innovate, meet objectives and keep aligned.
When group members proved themselves, we gave them extra autonomy. That funding paid off in loyalty and efficiency. The shops did not simply really feel like mine — they felt like ours.
5. Let go of management (strategically)
Nobody ran the enterprise precisely like I’d have. Nobody bought as a lot or cared as deeply. However they did not must. I realized that if the group may function at 80% of my private normal, that was sufficient for fulfillment, and it gave me house to maintain talking and open a second location.
Letting go gave others room to step up. It made Jennifer’s job simpler. And it allowed me to deal with rising the enterprise, not simply operating it.
6. Handle by the numbers
If you’re not on-site, metrics change into your eyes and ears. I watched weekly gross sales, common ticket dimension, bills and buyer opinions religiously. I studied each P&L. I additionally tracked particular person worker efficiency so Jennifer may coach in actual time when wanted.
She managed the ground. I managed the numbers. That construction saved all the pieces shifting, even after I was out of city.
One of many proudest moments of my franchise journey was successful the most effective customer support award. It wasn’t nearly gross sales—it was concerning the tradition we would constructed. That award confirmed what I might come to consider: franchise success is not about working more durable. It is about working smarter, creating programs and rising individuals.
The expertise did not simply strengthen my talking content material — it remodeled it. I had actual tales. Actual wins. Actual setbacks. All of it added authenticity to my message. You do not want to surrender your day job to construct a profitable enterprise. However you do must take that enterprise severely. Put programs in place. Lead your individuals. Watch your numbers. And above all, belief the group you have constructed.
That is the way you develop one thing nice — even while you’re not there to see it.
I’ve spent many years as a enterprise and management speaker, presenting to leaders about efficiency, management and constructing robust groups. However early in my profession, I began to really feel somewhat uneasy.
I used to be providing recommendation to audiences full of managers and skilled business owners, lots of whom had way more hands-on expertise than I did. I did not wish to be perceived as one other speaker who talks concept however lacks real-world credibility. I needed my insights to be grounded in expertise, not simply inspiration.
Then in the future, flipping by means of an airline journal, I noticed an advert for Edible Preparations. One thing clicked. Franchising intrigued me as a result of it is a mannequin that mixes consistency and variability. Everybody follows the identical system in related markets, however efficiency varies. That meant there needed to be a variable. If I may establish it and make it work for me, I would not simply construct a enterprise — I might acquire insights I may convey to my shoppers.
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