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View Full Version : Qualities of a Successful Franchisee



KristineS
08-12-2008, 08:36 PM
What does it take to be a successful franchisee? Do you think it takes different personality traits and skills than it would take to start a business from scratch?

vangogh
08-14-2008, 02:54 AM
I have no idea, but I suspect whatever qualities it takes I don't possess. I can't really see myself owning a franchise. One of the reasons I went into business was to take on the responsibility and be able to make decisions for myself. I realize that in a franchise you're still making decisions and taking responsibility, but you do have to follow certain rules by the parent company. That's not something I see myself wanting to deal with.

I think it does take differently personality traits to run a franchise as compare to being your own unique business. You have to be willing to do things a certain way at times regardless of whether or not you agree.

It's mostly autonomous instead of being fully autonomous. Some people like myself want the full autonomy.

Steve B
08-14-2008, 05:44 AM
I agree with VG. When I left the corporate world, I decided I wanted to be 100% independent. I know guys that have franchises and they aren't even allowed to have their own website or design their own brochures. If they run an ad - they have to get it approved first. Not for me.

KristineS
08-14-2008, 04:25 PM
I think franchises do, in some cases, have more restrictions, but that might work for some people. I'm wondering if a franchise might not make starting your own business feel a little less scary, since you will have someone to give you advice and guidance. I'd guess that would be the case.

vangogh
08-14-2008, 05:51 PM
Oh I agree it might work for some people and I think it's a good point that it can be less scary for some. You do start with a known entity with a franchise. You already know the business can be a success and you're going to get an education on how to make your business a success.

You have branding and marketing built in and you can start with standard sets of procedures that have proven to work well. There really is a lot to like about owning a franchise.

But I do agree with your original point that their are certain personality traits that are better suited to running a franchise. All the help you get with a franchise does come with some restrictions about how you can run things. For many that's no big deal, but for others it could be.

KristineS
08-14-2008, 09:25 PM
Some people will always be mavericks and want to do things their own way. I'm guessing those people wouldn't do well with a franchise. Other people might feel more comfortable with some structure and something that is at least a bit of a known quantity. I imagine franchises would work better for them.

journalist55
03-10-2022, 10:19 AM
I think to grow a franchise being creative is a great trait to have to be successful and to continue to grow throughout the years.