Since this issue is all about WOW: Women of Wonder, I will focus on female founders and franchisees. As you read more, you will hopefully realize there is opportunity for everyone. Showcase your diverse range of talents as an exceptional franchise founder or local franchise owner. By Dawn Abbamondi
Since this issue is all about WOW: Women of Wonder, I will focus on female founders and franchisees. As you read more, you will hopefully realize there is opportunity for everyone. Showcase your diverse range of talents as an exceptional franchise founder or local franchise owner.
Multitasking Abilities
Running a franchise means juggling many responsibilities simultaneously – from managing staff and keeping franchisees and customers happy, to staying relevant and creating innovation. Women are often excellent multitaskers, a skill that is invaluable in this fast-paced franchise environment. While thinking about many things at once, women are able to answer franchisee and customer inquiries, support, and empower their staff to deliver consistent results.
Interpersonal Skills
Excellent communication is key to running a successful business. This skill gives women an edge at team management, customer service, and networking. The success of a franchise often hinges on long-term relationships; those who are naturally adept at relationship-building earn loyalty, trust and expand quickly.
Emotional Intelligence
Women often score higher in emotional intelligence, including self-awareness, motivation and empathy. These are all particularly useful in today’s ever-changing cultural world, showcasing how much they care about their franchisees’ and customers’ needs.
Organizational Management
Doing more with limited resources – especially managing a team – can help women to take advantage of a diverse set of backgrounds, competencies and unique perspectives to serve franchisees/customers better. If you want to grow exponentially and have long term returns on your efforts, bring on franchisees/employees who can build on your talents.
Ready to Take a Risk
Many entrepreneurs seem to be risk-takers, but it isn’t always true. Franchising allows you to start with eyes wide open. It is easy to conduct thorough research, plan ahead and leverage prior success to attain sustainable business growth. Knowing the initial investment and having a high-level understanding of the industry helps, but focusing on what you enjoy is key to help you attain your goals.
Regardless of your background and interests there are many options which take full advantage of your unique talents. Remember, if you’re a woman interested in franchising, know that your skill set isn’t just compatible – it’s ideal.
Dawn Abbamondi
Dawn Abbamondi, vice president of marketing and brand development at SMB Franchise Advisors, has over 20 years of extensive franchising experience in the coffee, food, convenience, gift and floral industries. Abbamondi leads the areas of marketing, social media, public relations, web development and lead generation. SMBFranchising.com, 215-370-7998, Dawn@SMBFranchising.com