What Qualities Do Franchisors Need?

When I got into business I wanted to build a company, which helped people and provide a product and service that people loved and were willing to pay for; one I would not have to sell or convince anyone of. Something that people truly wanted to extend and enhance their pursuit of happiness. I found the perfect service that everyone wanted and where sales were not really needed at all. In addition I found a way to allow my team to reap the rewards of delivery of that service to the masses.

Franchising accomplishes all those goals for me. Franchising is the hardest business in the World. You have to be a coach, a psychologist, a lawyer, a strategic planner, a king, a marketer, a janitor, a grandfather, sounding board, and a mentor. The pressure is on and if you make a mistake there is no one to blame, it is all on you. People give you their life savings; real people who have real families, real needs and need to make money. If you underestimate your competition, miss a market opportunity, pick the wrong franchisees, you can destroy everything you've created. The stakes are high; but it is rewarding and challenging. Do I have any complaints, no? Would I do it again? HELL YES. For the right Team I will go to hell and back. And I may have to, judging by the incessant litigation and over regulation in our civilization today.

Ray Kroc was right to name his book "Grinding it Out" because that is exactly what its about. My hat goes off to those greats who came before me. Most people will never experience what they have, what I have, or have the perseverance to see it through. As I read their biographies, the similarities are so close to home it is scary. Most people give up right before they succeed. I can't because I am not allowed to quit, I promised myself that early on in my sports career as a long distance runner, later in fundraising for non-profits, in college again in business.

I remember once I rode a bicycle from OR to Mexico to raise money for Special Olympics. I did it in six days. I remember being so tired, so cold in the rain pushing my bike because I couldn't ride any farther until I made it to my goal for that day. Later in that ride I nearly froze shaking so bad I could not hold the bike straight, but again refused to quit. Refused to give up. I think I froze the inside of my throat that early morning after riding non-stop through the cold at 20 degrees plus the wind chill factor created by peddling at 30 mph, it still hurts to this day. I would not give up then or ever again. I kept remembering my favorite quote "Winners never quit and quitters never win." I later added to that quote "You can never lose if you never quit." This is similar to the saying; If at first you don't succeed, try, try again. It makes you proud of our past leaders with their famous quotes of "Perseverance," "Press On" and "Never, ever, ever, ever, ever give up."

Why did I start my franchise company? Because I saw something no one else saw. I see a market everyone else denies exists; went out to prove it exists. We helped others reach their dreams to own their own business. Without having to endure what I have. I already did it for them. Our team would not let down those willing to go the extra distance. We will help them find a way if they are serious and they want in, we will figure it out. And so our mantra became literally "to boldly go" and to never surrender. In this day and age those are the qualities you need if you wish to franchise and you probably need a million in start-up capital too. There is no easy way. Think on this.

"Lance Winslow" - If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; www.WorldThinkTank.net/wttbbs

In The News:


AgentShield.com selected as Finalist for ITFlorida's Innovation ...
PR Web (press release), WA - Oct 4, 2008
Agent Shield, Inc. has been recognized as one of only four finalist statewide for the "Innovation and Entrepreneurialism Award" in the annual ITFlorida ...

Where to offshore (and why not here?)
Computing, UK - 13 hours ago
Perhaps the global downturn may actually encourage more regional talent and entrepreneurialism in countries like the UK, where the conventional wisdom has ...

A study on entrepreneurialism shows the field is not just for men.
UM Maneater, MO - Oct 2, 2008
"Entrepreneurialism is definitely viewed as having masculine characteristics such as aggressiveness, especially with today's economy," freshman business ...

Queen's Journal

Middle ground fertile for NDP
The Province, Canada - Oct 6, 2008
... supported by organized big labour and linked to the party's inherent hatred of big business, corporate profits and the spirit of entrepreneurialism. ...
Rick Downes: Working for the common good Queen's Journal
all 2 news articles

Maverick, not Marx
Daily Press, VA - Oct 5, 2008
... of dollars from successful business owners to redistribute wealth will reshape our society from one of entrepreneurialism to revolutionary socialism. ...

bbg allies with arab business angels network
Al-Bawaba, Jordan - Sep 27, 2008
“Through our alliance with ABAN, we continue to support the growth of entrepreneurialism, innovation and local knowledge creation. ...

Regional Economic Summit Announced
MarketWatch - Oct 6, 2008
Attendees will have the opportunity during the two-day summit to participate in general and break-out sessions dealing with entrepreneurialism, ...

Sarkozy calls for global crisis summit
Financial Times, UK - Sep 29, 2008
... but he has spoken several times of the need to encourage productive entrepreneurialism and to deter destructive “financial speculation”. ...

Self-confidence is key factor in business success
BCLocalNews, Canada - Oct 3, 2008
A lot about entrepreneurialism has to do with introspection. This involves taking a good hard look at ourselves and learning about how we operate, ...

Toward a new Mayfair
Ottawa Citizen,  Canada - Sep 29, 2008
The critics of the theatre's closing say the theatre just needs a bit of entrepreneurialism and maybe some expansion of its use to become financially viable ...
entrepreneurialism - Google News

How A Woman Became A Successful Bill Collector In A Mans Industry And How You Can Too!

I have worked in the credit industry for over 17... Read More

Entrepreneurial Traits that Drive Sales

Frequently overlooked and hidden deep within our marketing tool box... Read More

Franchises - Success and You

Many people believe owning a franchise will make them rich,... Read More

Designing a Comprehensive Franchise Company Computer System

One of the most important management tools a franchised company... Read More

PR That Entrepreneurs Often Overlook

If that sounds like you, here's what you may be... Read More

Entrepreneurial Excerpt from a Speech to Small Business

Having built a business from a bucket of water and... Read More

Hurricane Katrina, Death, and a Different Type of Entrepreneurship

I've seen terrible images today on the television and internet-bodies... Read More

Its Good to Know Your Banker

Recently my bank opened a new branch that is a... Read More

Lessons Learned from One Entrepreneur on Vioxx

For the past ten-months, I tried every drug from the... Read More

The Deal is in the Details

What Startups Need to Get a Business Loan, Part 2In... Read More

What Makes An Entrepreneur Tick?

It is only natural that when you start a business,... Read More

Entrepreneurial Ongoing Education Advice

I would like to give some advice to all the... Read More

For Business SUCCESS... Listen To The Voices of Experience

Discover the pitfalls of owning your own business BEFORE... [you... Read More

The Secrets to Becoming a Successful Creative Entrepreneur: JJK Secrets #19-21

Hello Creative Entrepreneurs!Welcome to the e-class on Creativity & Entrepreneurship:... Read More

History of Enterprise Car Rentals

So few really understand the drives and motivations of entrepreneurs.... Read More

Veteran Entrepreneurs Are Growing In Ranks

When I'm not running my own business, writing articles about... Read More

Are You an Entrepreneur That is Starved for Time?

Being an entrepreneur and running a successful home-based business is... Read More

Entrepreneurship: Insight and Closer Look At The Entrepreneur

Life as an entrepreneur is the American Dream. To be... Read More

Are You An Entrepreneur?

With all the buzz about everybody being an entrepreneur these... Read More

What is Entrepreneurship?

In discussing entrepreneurship and writing articles on the subject, I... Read More

The Six ?F? Words Every Entrepreneur Should Know

Start your own business, and soon enough, you find yourself... Read More

Franchises-Exit Strategy

At an International Franchising Symposium in London, Peter Holt made... Read More

Goals and New Venture Creation

More and more corporate workers are leaving their jobs to... Read More

Why I Should Go In To Business

Rohit Kochgaway was very upset with his boss for his... Read More

Can You Make Money Without Money?

When I ask why you don't start your own business,... Read More