In Part 1 of this franchise series, I wrote that “travel burnout” was one pretty popular reason that folks tell me they wanted to move away from a corporate job, and move towards becoming their own boss.
Here’s Part 1, in case you missed it. It’s a quick read.
Now I’m going to share another popular reason for buying a franchise, and this one won’t be a surprise. At all.
Freedom.
I hope you enjoyed that little music break. Now, about that “freedom” thing…
Even though the business model of franchising doesn’t allow total freedom, it certainly allows more freedom than being chained to a desk somewhere in the corporate world.
The question is this;
If you’re going to be chained to a desk, or making sales calls all day, or managing employees, would you rather that it be;
- At Your desk
- Making Sales calls for Your company
- Managing Your employees
Another way to look at this issue of “wanting more freedom,” has to do with your time.
For example, if you end up becoming a franchise owner of a *retail establishment, once your franchise business gets up and running, will you be able to come and go as you please? Maybe. (Hint; if you want that kind of freedom, put in on your list of important criteria that would make you want to look at specific franchises that fall under your criteria…in this case, freedom-flexibility.)
(Part of the franchise selection process must include specific criteria…your specific criteria. I show you how to define your personal criteria in my “How To Carefully Select a Franchise” guide.)
“Joel,I just want some freedom in my life!”
It’s a popular statement heard during my franchise consults. Lots of folks that come to me for guidance are really sick of “working for the man.” More and more people are being asked to do more and more things, for the same amount of money. It’s simple; as corporations continue to downsize, someone has to pick up the slack. Does that hit close to home?
I’ve seen what good franchise choices, combined with proper franchise research can do. I love watching folks excel as franchise owners. They are able to have a certain amount of freedom.
But Not Fast Enough
Getting to that “freedom point” as a franchise owner may not happen fast enough for you. Patience is required.
It may take a while for you to find employees that are good enough (and committed enough) to be able to step up to the plate and take care of your business, so you can have that freedom that you so strongly desire. But it can be done. Just commit to it.
If you have a business with no employees, allowing technology to assist you, can enable you to have some freedom, too. There are companies that can help you with automation.
If you’re looking to move away from your corporate job because you want more freedom, owning a franchise may be the ticket.
There are a couple of hidden jewels in this post.
(Here’s Part 3)
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The freedom myth is one of the most pervasive in business.
You have to answer to your customers first, and then some variety of the following: your franchise parent company, your employees, your vendors, your lenders/investors. There’s not so much freedom in running a business, particularly a franchise.
Thanks for the great post, Joel.
Carol,
Thanks for stopping by!
I was hoping that someone would stop by after seeing Roger Daltrey run on the beach, shirtless-when he was a young stud.
And, it’s you!
Thanks for stopping by, and commenting.
There is freedom as a franchise owner. It just takes a while to get to the “freedom” stage.
As you know Carol, way too many franchise AND non-franchise owners don’t want to seem to put in the time needed to get to that stage.
It’s too bad.
It still beats a job.
The Franchise King®
I completely agree with your post Joel. It takes awhile for a franchisee to find freedom from their new business. Many franchisees approach us and want their franchise to run itself and unfortunately that’s just not how it works. No matter if you are starting a franchise or your own business there will be a time committment at the beginning of the business’ development to ensure that it matures into a money making venture. It takes time to become a successful franchisee/entrepreneur, but as Joel said, ‘it still beats a job’.
Hi David,
Thanks for the comment.
yes, as you said, it does take time to become successful.
I think its worth it.
The Franchise King®
I like the idea of a franchise giving one some element of freedom not found in a 9 – 5 job. But realistically, as you say above, how long is it going to be before you business actually allows that amount of freedom?
Hi Dave,
Thanks for commenting.
Realistically, it will be a while for someone to realize the fruits of their investment and labor, as a franchise owner.
Freedom will come to those who’ve earned it, and to those that are patient.
The Franchise King®