What Qualities Do Franchisors Need?

When I got into business I wanted to build a company, which helped people and provide a product and service that people loved and were willing to pay for; one I would not have to sell or convince anyone of. Something that people truly wanted to extend and enhance their pursuit of happiness. I found the perfect service that everyone wanted and where sales were not really needed at all. In addition I found a way to allow my team to reap the rewards of delivery of that service to the masses.

Franchising accomplishes all those goals for me. Franchising is the hardest business in the World. You have to be a coach, a psychologist, a lawyer, a strategic planner, a king, a marketer, a janitor, a grandfather, sounding board, and a mentor. The pressure is on and if you make a mistake there is no one to blame, it is all on you. People give you their life savings; real people who have real families, real needs and need to make money. If you underestimate your competition, miss a market opportunity, pick the wrong franchisees, you can destroy everything you've created. The stakes are high; but it is rewarding and challenging. Do I have any complaints, no? Would I do it again? HELL YES. For the right Team I will go to hell and back. And I may have to, judging by the incessant litigation and over regulation in our civilization today.

Ray Kroc was right to name his book "Grinding it Out" because that is exactly what its about. My hat goes off to those greats who came before me. Most people will never experience what they have, what I have, or have the perseverance to see it through. As I read their biographies, the similarities are so close to home it is scary. Most people give up right before they succeed. I can't because I am not allowed to quit, I promised myself that early on in my sports career as a long distance runner, later in fundraising for non-profits, in college again in business.

I remember once I rode a bicycle from OR to Mexico to raise money for Special Olympics. I did it in six days. I remember being so tired, so cold in the rain pushing my bike because I couldn't ride any farther until I made it to my goal for that day. Later in that ride I nearly froze shaking so bad I could not hold the bike straight, but again refused to quit. Refused to give up. I think I froze the inside of my throat that early morning after riding non-stop through the cold at 20 degrees plus the wind chill factor created by peddling at 30 mph, it still hurts to this day. I would not give up then or ever again. I kept remembering my favorite quote "Winners never quit and quitters never win." I later added to that quote "You can never lose if you never quit." This is similar to the saying; If at first you don't succeed, try, try again. It makes you proud of our past leaders with their famous quotes of "Perseverance," "Press On" and "Never, ever, ever, ever, ever give up."

Why did I start my franchise company? Because I saw something no one else saw. I see a market everyone else denies exists; went out to prove it exists. We helped others reach their dreams to own their own business. Without having to endure what I have. I already did it for them. Our team would not let down those willing to go the extra distance. We will help them find a way if they are serious and they want in, we will figure it out. And so our mantra became literally "to boldly go" and to never surrender. In this day and age those are the qualities you need if you wish to franchise and you probably need a million in start-up capital too. There is no easy way. Think on this.

"Lance Winslow" - If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; www.WorldThinkTank.net/wttbbs

---

Business Ideas

Richard Branson, billionaire founder of Virgin Records and Virgin Atlantic... Read More

The 5 Senses of an Entrepreneur

If you have seen me speak you will know that... Read More

The Magic of Thinking Small

Hey!Many of you might disagree and I'm prepared for that.Many... Read More

Entrepreneurship Story; Over Regulation in Franchising Final Chapter

Sally and Jim have launched their automotive franchise business and... Read More

The Cockroach Test

Let me ask you a question? Imagine I would offer... Read More

If It Was Easy Everybody Would Do It

Q: I started my business about a year ago and... Read More

Customers - Why Should They Buy From You?

There are a whole range of reasons why customers buy... Read More

Competing With The Big Dogs

You run a small consultancy. You're well qualified, experienced and... Read More

Do You Have What It Takes?

I think it's fair to say that not everyone is... Read More

Entrepreneurs Just Get Better With Age

Q: I'm thinking about starting a business after I retire... Read More

Making the Financial Transition

Making the financial transition from paid employment to earning a... Read More

My Nemisis

Living in the twilight zone has its advantages. In the... Read More

New Rules

Last week I was working with one of my small... Read More

Abstract Business Marketing Strategy for the Entrepreneur

If you look at those Corporations in franchising today you... Read More

Three Cs - What Startups Need to Get a Business Loan, Part 1

You want to get a good, solid overview of what... Read More

Business Name - How to Choose One

It's very important to get your business name right. You... Read More

Do You Have What it Takes to be a Successful Entrepreneur?

Print off this page, take the quiz and find out... Read More

Territory Limitations Policies for Franchised Companies

All franchised companies must have Territory Limitations to maintain the... Read More

Definition of Entrepreneur

EntrepreneurAn entrepreneur is a man who organizes and manages the... Read More

Lets Not Forget About The Little Guy

Every business has to start somewhere. What truly makes this... Read More

Financing Your Business

Anyone who is serious about making some money is already... Read More

Work On, Not In Your Business

Are you busy? Everyone's busy! Ask anyone they'll tell you... Read More

Can You Make Money Without Money?

When I ask why you don't start your own business,... Read More

Part-Time/In-Home Business - Low Expense and Low Risk

As a first time entrepreneur, there are a variety of... Read More

A Dorm Room With A View

As a senior in high school, he paid cash for... Read More

Entrepreneurs - 9 Top Mistakes to Avoid

1. Isolating Yourself When setting up a business, you can... Read More

Ancient Warrior Secrets For The Modern Entrepreneur

The words you see onscreen trigger subconscious responses. Dark images... Read More

Bonsai Marketing

Site location analysis of regional service areas and planning for... Read More

Could a Non-Profit Structure Be Right for Your Business?

If you have a business idea, or an idea for... Read More

The Business and Life You Want to Build

In the early days of my first consulting business, I... Read More

What Part of Handwriting on the Wall Dont You Understand - They Dont Hire People Over 50

In a recent talk to the Detroit Economic Club, President... Read More

Franchising Companies Need New Franchisee Checklists

When franchise companies are moving fast in the market place... Read More

How A Woman Became A Successful Bill Collector In A Mans Industry And How You Can Too!

I have worked in the credit industry for over 17... Read More