Boost Juice founder Janine Allis released her second book, The Secrets of My Success – the story of Boost Juice, juicy bits and all on April 15.
She talks to Franchising about the contents of the book, her motivations behind producing it and how it will benefit both potential and current franchisees.
THE BOOK
Allis explains the book reflects on the Boost journey, offers tips business owners can adopt, and it also contains a personal element.
“[It contains] a brief overview of some of the things I have done in my life and then a real insight into the Boost journey itself, really why it started, how it started and some of the ups and downs along the way.
“It also really narrows down on some of the things I wish I had known before I started,” she adds.
To ensure readers do not only learn about the Boost journey from Allis’s perspective, the book features a number of contributors.
“My husband has contributed some copy, along with one of my first corporate councils and one of my partners – so throughout the book I tell a bit of the journey from my point of view and then there might be a section [that reads] ‘this is Jeff’s view of the same situation.’
“It’s not just all about ‘this is my view,’” she adds.
MOTIVATIONS
Allis says she decided to write the book for a number of reasons.
“A lot of people come up to me and they have a perception of the journey, so I wanted to tell the story of how I got here.
“It really does enable people to look at the journey and the story and go, ‘you know what, I can do that. Janine isn’t necessarily that special, she hasn’t come from money, she hasn’t been given any gifts, so why can’t I do it?’” she says.
She explains it gives people the inspiration to quit the job they don’t like or change the things in their lives that are making them unhappy and take on a new challenge.
“I think the other reason I did it was for me – writing it was a real step back down memory lane, watching this 30 year old young mum who was really winging it at the start.”
“It was really quite therapeutic actually, and it was really good to remember all the laughs and fears I had,” explains Allis.
HOW WILL THE BOOK BENEFIT FRANCHISEES?
While Allis says the book may not contain specific pointers that will make readers go “oh my god that is a light bulb going off” it is filled with “basic common sense” advice.
“It reminds us what we need to do along this journey to make sure we are successful and don’t go down the tube because we focus on the wrong areas, or do not have the right attitude, or put up with the wrong employees.
“Hopefully those tips can really give people something they can hook on to and realise ‘I can do better in that area’ or ‘she is right, if I do this, this will have a massive impact on my business’,” adds Allis.
Most importantly, she anticipates the Boost journey will “give people a bit of a smile and [she hopes] they find it interesting.”
ADVICE FOR POTENTIAL FRANCHISEES
If Allis could offer just one piece of advice to people looking to invest in a franchise, it would be to do your research.
“Don’t skimp on that area. You are buying into a franchise, but you are obligated to the make that business work.
“Ensure you are passionate about the product you are delivering, call every other franchisee in the network and find out the things they are happy and not happy about, ensure you do the numbers and make sure the business is delivering the profit or return you would like to consider,” explains Allis.
She says the culture of the business plays an integral role in the research process.
“Ensure the business is the right cultural fit for you – see it if has the same ideas, philosophy and passions that you have.”
She also stresses the importance of researching the brand yourself.
“When you are given that site make sure you do your own research and don’t rely on anyone else because at the end of the day it is your money.
“Don’t be a blame person. It is works great, if it doesn’t work, don’t point the finger. Look at yourself and fix it,” she says.
Franchising has three signed copies of Janine Allis’s latest book to give away. For your chance to win a copy, make sure you check out our Facebook page!