Imperative Franchising Skills
One of the biggest reasons people abstain from buying their own business is skill level. They say they “don’t know how” to run a business. Or that they “don’t know what they’re doing.” A lack of confidence that is often misplaced. Because, more often than not, those looking into franchising actually have far more business experience than they realize. Being a parent, growing into an adult, any job you’ve ever held – all of those life skills contribute toward what’s necessary in business ownership. Background skills we were learning far before we knew we needed them. And just because someone has actually never ran a business before, doesn’t mean they aren’t qualified to move forward as a fully-fledged company owner.
Some of the most important traits needed (that you likely already have) include:
Common Sense
Without the ability to take the short route or make things as efficient as possible, a business will always be held back. It might still profit and still be moving forward, but when things aren’t going as smoothly as possible, the business could also be improved. This can branch out into other aspects of the profession as well, such as how to best deal with customers, what employees should be working on, and so on. Essentially, because common sense means finding the best way to complete tasks, every single aspect of your business will be ran at a higher level.
Knowing When to Ask for Help
Some of us can do it all, but sometimes it’s just easier to ask for help. Someone who’s an expert in their respective field and can do the task more accurately … and in half the time that you can. This will clear up more time for you to focus on other things (that do fall in your area of expertise), and finding even better ways to help the business flourish.
It’s Who You Know
The saying is true, sometimes it’s who you know, and what they know or who they can refer you to. Don’t be afraid to poke around and find out who’s the best person for each job. (Taxes, legal documents, soda deliveries – no task is too small.) And if you’re new to the industry or area, don’t be afraid to make friends. You might not get the best deals around, but you will be on your way to making some very important contacts.
Clerical Skills
These always come in handy. Whether taking notes, to filing, to hoarding away receipts until tax prep time. It’s good to have the basics under control so that paperwork isn’t a complete mess when it’s actually time to use said documents.
Working With People
You attract more flies with honey, and small business owners must be as sweet as they come. By being personable and working well with anyone who walks in the door, you can be positive that customers will be happy with their experience, and fellow professionals will be impressed with your decorum. It’s not a skill everyone is born with, but it is one that can be honed over time.
Following Through
When you’re in charge of everything, things are bound to slip through the cracks. But when you ensure that each of those tasks is fully finished before moving on to the next, there’s less to stress about on any given day. And because everything was completed, you’re working under a more efficient timetable, not one that requires you to go back and follow through with something that was half-checked. Tasks that get your entire attention are more likely to be accurate, too.
Even if you’ve never run a business before, there are plenty of life and work skills you already own that can contribute to your cause. Keep them in mind when planning your small business growth rather than selling yourself short.