On-the-Job Passion

During my 15 years in the professional world, I have worked for 5 different employers in positions covering sales to account management. Some of those jobs were merely a way to pay the bills while others were positions that I was truly passionate about. I think as we all enter the New Year, we need to ensure that one of our resolutions is to not just get up every day and go through the motions, but to jump out of bed and attack the day with passion.

How does this fit into the world of franchising? As many prospective franchisees look to embark on the American dream of owning their own business, I believe that first and foremost they need to ensure that they begin by finding an opportunity that they can be passionate about. Sure, everyone is passionate about a new opportunity through the first year or so, but once the honeymoon is over, will the passion still be there? Passion is what will drive you in year two and beyond. It is the passion that will ensure you create a positive experience for every new customer that visits your retail store, restaurant, etc. It is your commitment and positive interactions that will create an atmosphere that will ensure visitors become repeat customers.

So as you look at the thousands of opportunities the world of franchising offers, I hope that you will first take a look at what things you are passionate about in your life. What are some of the things you take part in because you choose to and not because you have to? What is it that you truly enjoy? Once you have this figured out, you can start narrowing your search to concepts that not only match your budget, but also match your passion. At the end of the day, we all want to make money and be successful. However, when you're putting in endless hours a day to make your concept work, I think most would agree that it takes more than just money to keep pressing on.

Passion is also one of the most important characteristics a franchisor can relay to franchisees. Current franchisees want to know that you believe in the concept and will be there for them. When they look to you for guidance, your passion will help these franchisees see that they are more than just royalty checks, but respected members of the team. Your enthusiasm for their success and empathy when they hit a bump in the road will create a sense of family, and we all have an innate sense of wanting to be cared for.

In today's current marketplace, many franchisors are competing for a limited number of potential franchisees. Every franchisor can regurgitate countless points about why their concept is the best. How can you differentiate yourself? It all comes back to passion. When you engage someone with real excitement about what you do, it becomes contagious. The prospective franchisee starts to feel the enthusiasm and envisions him- or herself owning a unit and being successful. What can be better than that?

So, as we venture into 2010 with the optimism and opportunities a new year brings, let's not roll over and hit the snooze button. Let's throw off the covers, jump out of bed, and embrace it with passion for what the day may bring.

--Troy Schwehr (For more info about me, visit my LinkedIn page.)