Joel LibavaHow will you know if you’re ready to buy a franchise?
Could you get a sign from above? Maybe.
Could a bunch of “coincidences” start happening that lead you to believe that it’s time to become your own boss? Potentially.
Could it be that you’re sick of looking for a new job every couple of years, and you know in your heart that you need to be the one running a business-your own business? You’re getting warm.
One Thing Stands Out
I’ve noticed (working with prospective franchise owners over the years) one thing that stands out. One thing that motivates people to make the move towards owning a business. That one thing is pain. Career pain.
I’m talking about the pain experienced by those who’ve been downsized, or who have just “had it” with “working for the man.”
The frustration, aggravation, and depression I hear in their voices when they reach out to me has an effect on me-in a big way.
That’s because it brings back unpleasant memories. Because I, too, have been downsized. And I still have powerful visuals of the last time it happened to me-back in 2000.
I distinctly remember getting told that “my services were no longer needed.” I remember the room where it happened. The desk I was sitting at. The face of the person who fired me. I can actually see all of that now.
But most of all, I remember walking next door to McDonald’s, with my briefcase in one hand, AND MY LITTLE GIRL’S CAR SEAT* in the other one, to wait for my dad to come pick me up.
(Pictured: Not my daughter. My daughter was way cuter)
*The reason I had my daughter’s car seat was because I worked in the automotive franchising business, and because of it, I had a company car. Had, being the significant key word here. That’s why I needed a ride home.
During the 45 minutes it took for my dad to get to my location, I had some time to think. To feel. And I didn’t feel very good.
As a matter of fact, I felt like a total loser. After all, there I was, sitting in a McDonald’s (franchise), by myself, with a briefcase and a car seat across the table from me, waiting for dad to pick me up.
Then something happened.
I Said No
As I was sitting there feeling sorry for myself, going through the things that lead to me getting fired, something happened. I had a revelation of sorts. A sign.
Although I had no idea what I was going to do, I knew right then and there what I didn’t want to do.
I didn’t want to work for someone else ever again.
And I’ve been my own boss ever since.
Your Sign
Have you had a career-related sign yet?
In other words, are you in serious career pain?
Have you had it working for others?
If so, if your aggravation + pain level is at an all-time high, it may be a sign that it’s time to buy a franchise, so you don’t have to work for others.
Or maybe it’s time for you to totally go out on your own and start your own business.
Where do you stand? Are you ready to be your own boss?
