Americans are leaving their jobs in droves. Dubbed “The Great Resignation”, workers by the millions are saying so long to working for The Man in search of greater autonomy over their daily lives. Some of the reasons employees are turning in their notices in record numbers include poor working conditions, low pay, a desire to change careers to pursue waylaid dreams, greater work/life balance with more time to care for children and elderly parents, a preference for flexibility and remote work, and the ambition to start their own business.
You may be among the 3% of the U.S. workforce to say goodbye to a bad job or you may simply be badass enough to dive into the world of owning your own business. With 5.4 million applications for new businesses filed in 2021, up a million from the year before, you’d be in good company. Many of these entrepreneurs are becoming franchise owners. If you want to own more than your typical business, investing in a franchise may be the right move for you. Here are five ways to stand out.
Bring Your Passion
Successful business owners will tell you that in order to withstand the rigors of owning your own business, you must bring your whole heart and soul to work each day. That means choosing the right kind of franchise to invest in really matters. These days, there’s a franchise for nearly every area of business, from fast food and fitness to real estate and healthcare. Be honest with yourself about what kind of business you can not only invest in but will also be a good fit with the life you envision for yourself and your family. As a franchisee, you’ll lead your team of employees and set the tone for success with your level of dedication and enthusiasm. But you won’t be alone. Franchisees enjoy the support of the corporate team, which often includes training for employees so everyone can deliver quality and consistent service. Your customers will feel your commitment and the zeal you pour into your business, and they’ll keep coming back.
Choose a Familiar Brand
As a new business owner, you’ll wrack your brain for ways to stand out in a crowded market in a tough economy. But as a franchise owner, one of the major battles for customer eyeballs — branding — is already done for you. The importance of branding cannot be overstated, since branding gives your business meaning in the minds of your customers. Everything from your signage and logo to the types and quality of service offered is a part of what customers rely on with a familiar brand. By investing in a franchise business, you are buying into a well-known story, one the public knows and trusts. Some brands become so ingrained in popular culture, they become nouns or verbs, like Kleenex or Google. You can buy into that power as a franchisee.
Stand Out by Standing Up
You might think prices are top of mind for most consumers, but you’d be wrong. Only 44% of consumers cite price as their main reason for supporting a business. Far more consumers want to put their money into businesses that reflect their values. An estimated 71% of purchasers want to shop at environmentally responsible companies, according to a Clutch 2019 PR Corporate Social Responsibility Survey, while 68% say it’s important that businesses give back to their local communities and are socially responsible. As a franchise investor, align with a company that supports causes you believe in and shares your values for a healthy society
Give Your Business a Voice
Successful businesses have kick-ass websites, and your franchise business is no different. One pillar of a great website is a blog. Blogs give your business a voice, telling the story of your franchise to existing and potential customers. Blogs create opportunities for new and existing customers to find your business online as new content is added. Blogs can motivate consumers to participate in a promotion your business is running or direct them to products they might buy. Blogs establish your expertise and professionalism, providing information on topics your customers are interested in, building trust between you and your clientele.
Customer Service: Reign Supreme
As the saying goes, the customer is king. Satisfied customers that return time and again are key to a business’ success. A one-time customer is a wasted opportunity to build a relationship that grows over the years. One bad experience is all it takes to lose a customer forever. Taking responsibility and rectifying mistakes goes a long way toward keeping customers satisfied. Avoiding those errors altogether goes even further. A well-trained team of managers and staff are ready to handle any issues that arise with grace and patience. A team that is steeped in the culture of your business knows what’s expected in terms of quality and service. As a franchise owner, you’re buying into a trusted brand with employee training that strives for excellence, ensuring a great experience for customers. Happy customers are repeat customers.
Choose Your Own Adventure: Scissors & Scotch
By now, becoming a franchise owner might sound downright tempting. If another boring fast-food joint or convenience store isn’t your jam, consider something way cooler: a men’s haircut franchise. Scissors & Scotch has been cutting, shaving, styling, and pampering men since 2015, and we’re growing fast. Born in the Midwest, we are expanding coast to coast and have lots of prime territory available. Scissors & Scotch isn’t just another barbershop. We offer high-quality men’s grooming services in a sleek environment with a fully stocked bar. Our corporate team will support you every step of the way, offering marketing analysis, strategic site selection, project management and training, business systems, marketing and advertising. We’ve got the playbook. You take the ball and run.
Scissors & Scotch is a company you can be proud to be a part of. We offer top-notch training and support, along with highly competitive benefits and compensation packages to ensure high employee satisfaction with low turnover. Our fan base of regular customers grows daily, and we have a membership program with special discounts, member events, and VIP perks and services. We believe in being good community stewards, creating a Community Impact Fund partnering with local businesses and supporting local causes we can get behind. All in all, we think we’re pretty badass.
Apply now for more information on how to become a Scissors & Scotch franchise owner.