These days, the news cycle is tumultuous at best. Headlines can sometimes cause whiplash, making it hard to know what’ll happen from one day to the next. Who will lead the country next? How will Canada’s relationship evolve with our neighbours to the south? Should you even consider starting a new franchise when executive orders are being signed and so much political change seems on the brink of unfolding?
As lovely as it would seem to be able to look into a crystal ball and know exactly what’s coming your way, the world just doesn’t work that way. And while that might make you feel even more out of control, the reality is that you cannot stop your pursuit of starting a franchise or making a big decision for your family out of fear of uncertainty. Fortunately, there are elements within your purview that you can focus on and leverage to make the best decision for you.
Knowing What to Pay Attention to When Starting a Franchise
When deciding whether to start a new franchise, it’s essential to filter out what deems your attention and what you can safely ignore.
Often, distractions can steal your attention away from what matters most. These distractions come in all shapes and sizes, from the headlines in the paper and on the news to the conversations you’re having with family and friends. Anxiety is contagious and can spread quickly if you let it, stalling progress or opportunities.
Filter out the noise and focus on what’s within your reach. For example:
- What value will the franchise you’re starting bring to the community?
- What could the impact of the headlines have on your customer base, and can the franchise help ease those pains?
- How vulnerable is the franchise really?
Answering these questions can help you to tame the fears and focus on what you can predict and control.
Focus on What You Can Control
While there’s a lot that might feel out of your control, there’s actually quite a bit of your new venture that you can control right now, even before signing the Franchise Disclosure Documents.
Talk to your community as you hone in on which franchise you want to start in your area. Attend local networking events. Get out and connect with your possible customer base. Talk to fellow franchise owners in your area and listen to what they’re hearing from their corporate office or experiencing right now.
The more you build your network, the more you’ll better grasp the reality of what starting your franchise will look like when you get the ball rolling. Better yet, the bigger you build your network, the more people you’ll be connected with who can help you get off to a strong start in your area.
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Lean on the Franchisor’s Growth Opportunities
One of the clear perks of starting a franchise is the consistent support from the franchisor. As you decide whether to start that franchise to well after you open your doors, the franchisor will help guide you through these uncertainties. The corporate office will help you understand how the headlines impact the forward momentum of your business. You’ll do less navigating alone and more chugging forward as a corporation while maintaining control over your region or area.
It’s impossible to shut out the fears that can stir up inside you as you hear the uncertainties on the news, but focusing more on what you have in your control will help. Build relationships. Talk to the franchisor. Learn what resources you have available through this new relationship. The more you look at what you can control and predict, the better you’ll feel no matter what headline pops up next.
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Kimberly Crossland is the founder of Roadpreneur and Cruisin' + Campfires, two companies designed to keep families together and living in freedom through travel and entrepreneurship. The goal of both businesses is to inspire meaningful change through the power of a strategic, thoughtful approach to life and business. In her free time, you can find her looking for a new adventure together with her two boys.