How to think like a franchise owner – NOT an employee

If you’re nervous about running a franchise because you’ve only been an employee up to this point, don’t worry. Most franchise owners were employees themselves once. In fact, being an employee can help shape your leadership skills and help you understand what it takes to be a good boss. The only difference between other franchise owners and you is that they learned how to think like business owners to make their franchise a success. You can, too!

Here are some of our best tips on how to get in the driver’s seat and think like a franchise owner.

Delegate the tasks

The best bosses know that running a business is a team effort. But as an employee, you may be used to being assigned certain tasks and completing them on your own. And you still have to complete important tasks as a franchise owner. It’s just that now, delegating other tasks is a big part of doing your job, too. Don’t try to do everything yourself. Hire a qualified team with specialized skills. With your team in place, you’ll know who to delegate certain tasks, too.

For example, you might want to hire a marketing professional. They can handle all the marketing and communications for your company. Hiring someone with specialized skills allows any of those tasks to be completed more effectively and frees you up for other tasks on the list!

Lead your team

If you’ve ever had a sub-par boss, you probably know that part of their lack of appeal came from the way employees were treated. As a boss, you know how to motivate your staff while always gaining their respect – skills that will serve you well in franchising. Make sure to use positive language and reward your team for doing well. You may also want to start initiative programs or rewards, such as employee of the month. Public recognition is a great way to motivate and lead your team.

You should also set company or team goals. These give your staff something to work toward and give clear expectations. Make sure to set up clear lines of communication as well so your goals are communicated and your staff can communicate with you.

Truly take ownership

When you run a franchise, you don’t just own a business – you own all the PROBLEMS that come with that business. Employees may be able to get away with saying “I don’t know” or “It’s not my job” to customers and clients. Not so with franchise owners. Because when it comes to quandaries, the buck stops with you.

What else do YOU think it takes to be a franchise owner?