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I’ve spent a long time as a enterprise and administration speaker, presenting to leaders about efficiency, management and constructing sturdy groups. However early in my profession, I began to really feel a little bit uneasy.
I used to be providing recommendation to audiences crammed with managers and skilled enterprise house owners, lots of whom had way more hands-on expertise than I did. I did not need to be perceived as one other speaker who talks concept however lacks real-world credibility. I needed my insights to be grounded in expertise, not simply inspiration.
Then someday, flipping by means of an airline journal, I noticed an advert for Edible Preparations. One thing clicked. Franchising intrigued me as a result of it is a mannequin that mixes consistency and variability. Everybody follows the identical system in related markets, however efficiency varies. That meant there needed to be a variable. If I may establish it and make it work for me, I would not simply construct a enterprise — I would achieve insights I may convey to my purchasers.
My aim was by no means to depart my talking profession. It nonetheless is my main ardour. However I needed to complement it with a enterprise that will sharpen my message and develop my revenue. That is how I ended up opening an Edible Preparations franchise in 2006.
Let me be clear: there was nothing “part-time” about this enterprise. Opening a franchise meant taking out a mortgage, signing a 10-year lease, investing in a buildout, managing staff, and serving clients. It required full dedication—even when I could not be there day-after-day.
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We confronted our share of challenges, particularly early on. However ultimately, we constructed one of many highest-volume areas in California. Later, I acquired a struggling second location and made it worthwhile inside a yr. We received awards for greatest customer support and supervisor of the yr out of greater than 1,000 shops worldwide — all whereas I used to be nonetheless touring for talking engagements.
So, how did I do it? Listed below are six key methods that made it attainable:
1. Select the precise franchise mannequin
Not each franchise is fitted to absentee possession, it doesn’t matter what the gross sales crew says. I selected a model that allowed for it, however shortly realized that success nonetheless requires deep engagement. You do not have to be bodily current on a regular basis, however you do must be mentally current.
I regarded for a enterprise with clear methods, model requirements, and robust company assist. I additionally spoke with different franchisees to make sure my dual-career setup was sensible. I wasn’t simply an investor—I used to be nonetheless a pacesetter, only one main from a distance.
2. Construct methods that work with out you
If I weren’t going to be within the retailer day-after-day, I wanted methods to take care of visibility and accountability. Every night time, the closing worker despatched me an in depth report on gross sales, points and suggestions. I put in safety cameras to watch the shop remotely and confirm open and shutting occasions. I may additionally log in to our system from anyplace to assessment dashboards and efficiency knowledge.
Cross-training was one other key technique. Each crew member may deal with a number of duties, giving us flexibility and defending in opposition to staffing gaps.
3. Rent (and hold) the precise individuals
Discovering the precise supervisor modified all the pieces. My first two hires have been stable however did not stick. The third, Jennifer, joined 9 months in and stayed for the remainder of my possession. She even labored with the brand new proprietor for a yr after I bought the shops.
Jennifer and I have been in day by day contact, even after I was on the street. Once I was dwelling, I would go to a minimum of as soon as per week to remain related with the crew. I did not work shifts, however I maintained presence. I wasn’t micromanaging — I used to be tradition managing.
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4. Lead the tradition — even remotely
Tradition does not simply occur — it should be formed. We talked typically about who we have been as a crew and what sort of atmosphere we needed. We educated slowly, coached persistently and gave staff the prospect to guide. Their enter helped us innovate, meet targets and keep aligned.
When crew members proved themselves, we gave them extra autonomy. That funding paid off in loyalty and efficiency. The shops did not simply really feel like mine — they felt like ours.
5. Let go of management (strategically)
Nobody ran the enterprise precisely like I’d have. Nobody bought as a lot or cared as deeply. However they did not must. I realized that if the crew may function at 80% of my private customary, that was sufficient for achievement, and it gave me area to maintain talking and open a second location.
Letting go gave others room to step up. It made Jennifer’s job simpler. And it allowed me to concentrate on rising the enterprise, not simply working it.
6. Handle by the numbers
If you’re not on-site, metrics turn out to be your eyes and ears. I watched weekly gross sales, common ticket dimension, bills and buyer evaluations religiously. I studied each P&L. I additionally tracked particular person worker efficiency so Jennifer may coach in actual time when wanted.
She managed the ground. I managed the numbers. That construction saved all the pieces transferring, even after I was out of city.
One of many proudest moments of my franchise journey was profitable the perfect customer support award. It wasn’t nearly gross sales—it was concerning the tradition we would constructed. That award confirmed what I would come to imagine: franchise success is not about working more durable. It is about working smarter, creating methods and rising individuals.
The expertise did not simply strengthen my talking content material — it reworked it. I had actual tales. Actual wins. Actual setbacks. All of it added authenticity to my message. You do not want to surrender your day job to construct a profitable enterprise. However you do have to take that enterprise critically. Put methods in place. Lead your individuals. Watch your numbers. And above all, belief the crew you have constructed.
That is the way you develop one thing nice — even once you’re not there to see it.
I’ve spent a long time as a enterprise and administration speaker, presenting to leaders about efficiency, management and constructing sturdy groups. However early in my profession, I began to really feel a little bit uneasy.
I used to be providing recommendation to audiences crammed with managers and skilled enterprise house owners, lots of whom had way more hands-on expertise than I did. I did not need to be perceived as one other speaker who talks concept however lacks real-world credibility. I needed my insights to be grounded in expertise, not simply inspiration.
Then someday, flipping by means of an airline journal, I noticed an advert for Edible Preparations. One thing clicked. Franchising intrigued me as a result of it is a mannequin that mixes consistency and variability. Everybody follows the identical system in related markets, however efficiency varies. That meant there needed to be a variable. If I may establish it and make it work for me, I would not simply construct a enterprise — I would achieve insights I may convey to my purchasers.
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