A Woman's Day in Franchising
My 2005
- Lost all equity/savings via failed (earlier) joint business venture
- Joined Big Dad's Pies when we had 6 sites (we now have 15).
- Mum had a stroke and died unexpectedly within two days
- Managed first franchise sale whilst interstate, organising funeral
- Travelled to: Whitsundays, Perth, Melbourne, Cairns and Adelaide
- Son broke arm at school, ambos had to call in paramedics
- Expanded my own 'personal growth' by 10 kilos.
- Family dog had 2 operations (and put on 4 kilos too)
- Our growing Franchise Operations Manual reaches 243 processes
Franchising Moments
- Franchise Enquiry: "Does the $245,000 include the building?"
- Reward: Franchisees about to launch, giving me a "thank-you cake"
- Work-Life Balance: Finishing urgent email, gas being refilled, dog noisily protecting house, both home & mobile phones ringing, bookkeeper arrives early, sons fight over baseball bat
- Hindsight: The potential Franchisees who turned down what is now our best performing site.
- Family Friendly: When Franchise Management Meetings are on before or after school, we meet at my home office rather than Head Office.
Skills Required:
The knowledge I've used in my franchising work has come from many years of past experiences, including – waitress, exchange student, paralegal, brickie's labourer, human resource manager, volunteer, student tour leader, and the school of hard knocks
Personal Touch:
For me, success in my personal life is reflected in everything I do. Each part of my life regularly teaches me new things that I can also utilise in my work. Some parts include being a; friend, wife, lover, mother, daughter, sister and an in-law. This personal side not only provides responsibilities & expectations, but welcome rewards like unconditional love, respect, thank-yous, hugs and support The important others that help me along are: diet coke, reading, chocolate, cheese & port, and rare quiet times.
Work:
Home & Franchise Manager: As with every working mother I know, I wear many hats. Just some are – colleague, salesperson, customer, big stick wielder, mediator, finance specialist, coordinator, dresser, taxi driver (paid in empty wrappers) universal nag, storyteller, list maker, spelling tester, pie-man, audience, facilitator, rubbish collector, marketer, typist, clothes picker-upperer, tutor, cleaner, cook and more.
Supports:
My partner is my main support, as a mentor, best friend, great Dad & a better cook than me. My energetic sons are wonderful, they bring interesting challenges & fun to my life. Inviting their friends to play is the ideal way to keep everyone happy & occupied. A good home office set up means that with broadband, a mobile, fax and a USB memory stick, I can accomplish many things from home. I stay social 'through; caring friends, extended family & being on the school's Parents & Friends Association
Guilts:
Whether working at franchising, blue collar, corporate industries or managing a home, guilt is a mother's lot. My personal "big ticket" guilt's are:
- Letting my boys access too much PlayStation & DVD's
- Pre-packaged food
- Too little sleep
- Not playing enough card, ball and board games with my children
- Dog regularly missing his daily walk
- Minimal housework policy
- Time away from family on work
- Time away from work on my family
- Taking time for myself
- Forgetting to pack the: sports clothes, guitar, swimmers etc.
Franchising 'Fit':
As a woman, working in Franchising suits me perfectly! I no longer work to unreasonable corporate expectations, but still likely do similar hours to my previous career roles. The difference is control; it's me planning my time around Big Dad's Pies work and personal needs. I have found my niche! I have a rewarding role in Franchising as:
- I can fit work around my family
- I now accept I can't do everything
- My partner & children rate 10 out 10 in their love and support (as long as I don't miss the bedtime story)
- The 'Big Dad's Family' including our Franchisees, recognise it's important to look after themselves & their personal life. They might not do it but at least they understand it!
Reality Check:
I believe there is no such thing as a 'Superwoman'. However, there are many super women making their own choices & finding their 'niche'.
Ideal World:
I wouldn't change a thing! 24.07.2007
FCA Member
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Contact Big Dad's Pies
26 Railway St
Southport
QLD 4215
Tel: 1800 067 619
Fax: 07 55 9190 21
