By: Darlene Vise Sure Start Franchise Consultant, Glass Doctor®
Think about professional sporting teams. They go back to the basics once a year for pre-season training. Why? Coaches know that old adage “practice makes perfect” is incorrect. The correct statement is “perfect practice makes perfect”. That happens by continually going back to the basics.
Whenever a new Glass Doctor franchise gets started it seems there is so much to do. There is. We find, though, that the basics of getting started are often lost with experienced franchisees–as with experienced, independent business owners as well. When this happens, as a Franchise Consultant, I encourage these experienced business owners to assess the foundations of their businesses.
Remember when you started your business?
There are so many things that must be done to get a new business started. At the top of the task list is preparing a budget and a business plan. For Glass Doctor Franchisees, it is the focus of one of the very first meetings with a franchise consultant. Identifying current assets, projecting anticipated sales revenue, listing staffing requirements and, of course, itemizing the expenses necessary to produce that revenue are the future predictions that draw the picture of the business we envision. These are tangible things: the people, the paychecks we will write, the money we will deposit in the bank, the vans, the signs, the furniture, the equipment and supplies. We set goals to acquire these things and achieve the benchmarks that measure them.
Are you still making time to plan?
This planning process is a vital step toward the success of any endeavor, at the beginning and moving forward. Time to plan must be scheduled and given a place of primary importance. Planning, evaluating, making necessary changes and taking action are primary responsibilities for any business owner . . . it’s what leadership is all about. Have you scheduled your “planning” time for this week?
Taking the time to assess your business and plan might also include an evaluation of the intangible, internal things needed to achieve what is envisioned. Often the intangible costs are overlooked, assumed or just plain taken for granted. Improved lifestyle, financial security, a flexible schedule and opportunity to control our own future are usually included in the reasons why to start a business. Taking assessment of things like: the number of hours to be spent at the office or shop (and away from family), the physical stamina needed—changes in lifestyle, health habits, sleep schedule—new skills to be acquired and personal weaknesses to overcome, will broadens one’s perspective to realize that it’s not just a business we are building . . . it’s a life.
Along with the things you want to accomplish and the items you wish to possess, also set goals that describe the person you want to become in the process. Envisioning the results will be the confirmation we need that the investment in our business and ourselves is worth it. Counting the cost ahead of time will prepare us for the commitment it will take to actually do it. Then just do it! After all, “Leadership is defined by action, not position.”
Glass Doctor provides business systems that assists franchisees in obtaining their personal and financial goals and a better quality of life. For more information on Glass Doctor or one of the company’s sister brands–Aire Serv®, The Grounds Guys®, Mr. Appliance®, Mr. Electric®, Mr. Rooter®, or Rainbow International®–visit www.LeadingTheServiceIndustry.com.