Should I turn the clock back? I am disappointing people!

Dear Aunty B,

I decided to develop a franchise model last year and what a great idea that was! It totally distracted me from my business and took key staff away from the day-to-day.

The specialist franchising consultants we engaged did not really prepare us for the amount of time and resources it would take to implement the systems and we launched before we really had it all sorted out.

This has resulted in us disappointing a few franchisees which I HATE doing. This has been a huge amount of effort, like an IPO or trade sale, yet I feel like it is not working to best practice. It has huge potential but at the moment I feel like turning the clock back.

Any perspective Aunty B?

Dear Any perspective,

I have perspective coming out of my razoo today courtesy of too many drinks last night at our Christmas party.

First, you are midway through a painful process and have learnt a great deal.

Second, you are going to come through this. You ARE! So get on with it.

The best thing you can do at this point is to hire someone in who has direct franchise experience and who understands your business. You make it clear to them that their first, second and third priority is to liaise with the consultants to set up best practice.
Thirdly, you refocus your staff back on the business. This does not require genius. It requires focus, discipline and hard work. You can do this!

Good luck,
Your Aunty B

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