Do You Have the 5 Characteristics of a Successful Franchisee? Most successful franchisees know there's no such thing as being an absentee owner. Investing in a manager-run business can help them manage their time and their investment.

In the world of franchising, there are several ways franchisees manage their businesses. Some are full-time managers, either because their franchisor requires it or because of personal preference. Some are part-time managers, running their businesses while keeping their "day jobs" or enjoying retirement or raising children. And some are absentee managers, running their businesses with on-site managers and general managers.

This last description—absentee manager—implies that the franchisee can be absent from the business, which is rarely the case in a successful operation. Instead of being absent, many franchisors use a manager-run business model that doesn't require the round-the-clock presence of the owner on site. This can allow the franchisee to keep their current job or be focused on other business ventures while the daily operations of the franchise location are run by a manager who is responsible for everything from managing employees to ensuring quality control.

Great Clips franchisees often cite the fact that their industry—walk-in hair care salons—and specifically this company, is a manager-run business, and it's a big reason they chose to invest in the Great Clips brand. But, the most successful Great Clips franchisees would be the first to say they are not absentee owners. While their focus is not on managing their salons, they know the importance of managing their salon managers. This can require wearing multiple hats when juggling franchise ownership with a full-time "day job."

It is possible for franchisees who have a flexible full-time job to keep that position and still be involved and engaged in the success of their franchise business. Doing that well often means sharing the franchise duties with a spouse or business partner or finding creative ways to balance the time commitment of having a full-time job with being a new business owner.

Great Clips franchisees are aware that they are the drivers of their positive results. That's why solid business backgrounds and people-management skills are the traits of this brand's most successful franchisees.

So, what makes for a successful franchisee? Great Clips has found that their most successful salon owners have these five characteristics in common:

1. Willingness to follow a system. Franchisees don't need to reinvent the wheel with Great Clips. The ability to follow a system is essential for success in any franchise.

2. Entrepreneur and leadership skills. Great Clips wants franchisees who have the desire to be their own boss, understand the basics of business, are skilled at hiring and motivating staff, and appreciate the benefits of a manager-run business. (And, no, Great Clips franchisees don't need to have any experience cutting hair!)

3. Engaged in operations. Franchise ownership is not an absentee business. While ownership doesn't require a daily presence in the salon, franchisees do need an understanding of what goes into running a great salon and be engaged in business operations, marketing, community outreach and their market co-op.

4. A growth mindset. Multi-unit ownership is common among successful franchisees because it's one of the best ways to build a financially successful business.

5. Focused on people and community. Great Clips believes the best franchisees know that "doing good" for their staff is good for business. They care about their employees and customers, show kindness in big and small ways. They share their expertise with other franchisees and focus on making the Great Clips brand a positive force in their communities.