Be Your Own Boss, Fall 1999
Virtually all the business media have been guilty of glamorizing
the positive side of owning a franchise. Unfortunately, the
negative aspects are sometimes either glossed over or simply
ignored. As a result, many people go into business with blinders on
. . . and end up well on their way to failure before they've
even begun.
In my 18-year history of franchise marketing, I've
identified the kind of people who do or don't become successful
franchisees. I've also identified many common misconceptions
that may ultimately lead to business failure.
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For starters, most people are used to working an 8-to-5 job,
with a "boss" directing them. When you're in business
for yourself, you must have the discipline to work independently.
You can never say "Gee, I don't have anything scheduled
this morning, so I'll sleep in." You must maintain the
same work schedule or the same number of hours virtually every day.
If you don't have anything scheduled, you should read
educational materials to further your business knowledge and
capabilities.
In addition, prospective franchisees who come from a corporate
background may be used to putting in their eight hours, then
putting their work behind them. Many people actually assume that
when they own their own business, they'll be able to work less
and take more time off for recreation. Unfortunately, the opposite
is true. When you run your own business, you usually have to work
more hours, not fewer. You have to be willing to put in long hours
and, if necessary, work weekends as well. This is especially true
in the start-up stage.
Stuart J. Dizak is president of Video Date Services, a
247-unit videotaping service franchise based in Rochester, New
York.
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