Starting a New Business like being a Stuntman?
You're probably wondering what being a stuntman has to do with starting a new business...
Starting a New Business is like being a Stuntman!
Sounds pretty crazy, right? So, you're probably wondering what being a stuntman has to do with starting a new business...
Recently, I was reading an article in a men's fitness magazine regarding a guy named Bobby Holland Hanton who is a professional stuntman. In the article, he describes what it is like being engulfed in flames for a stunt in a movie:
"You feel like you're in a radiator. All you see is orange," Hanton Says. "It's a psychological battle. You have to believe in yourself, believe in your boss, believe in what you rehearsed."
That last part? It could describe success in any field. It got me thinking about how it feels when starting a new business, and specifically, a new franchise.
In franchising, you have many advantages over a starting an independent business and I like Hanton's comment as it correlates well to the learning curve that most new franchise owners experience:
Phase 1. Unconsciously Incompetent - You don't know what you don't know! This is how you may feel when exploring a franchise opportunity and do not recognize what you need to know. The good news about a franchise is that you are able to go through a structured learning process to educate yourself and talk with other franchise owners about what it takes to be successful BEFORE you sign an agreement. You will feel fear at some point - we all do - it's something new. I'm sure overcoming fear is a big part of Hanton's success. The key is to gather information to determine if it is right for you and a franchise gives you that opportunity.
Phase 2. Consciously (In)competent - Don't worry, it gets better! Now that you've been through training, you will have a good idea of the KPI's and activities to launch a successful business. Unlike an independent business, franchise owners enjoy comprehensive training, franchisor support and a proven "playbook" for success detailing the key aspects of owning and operating the business.
Phase 3. Consciously Competent - Now, you've got some experience under your belt doing the things you need to do according to the franchise "playbook." However, as with anything new, you will still be a novice when starting your new business, so it will take more of a conscious effort to achieve results. The key will be to give yourself the 'safe space' to enjoy the learning process and be OK with making mistakes. Most importantly, keep doing what you need to do as practice makes perfect and will lead to better performance. Remember, as Hanton says - "believe in yourself, believe in your (franchise system), believe in what you rehearsed!"
Phase 4. Unconsciously Competent (expert) - Now things get fun! Through repetition (rehearsing), you've fully developed your business muscles and what took effort in the beginning now comes easily and you can perform those tasks 'unconsciously' with greater and greater results.
In summary, starting a new franchise is like being a stuntman - you may feel like you are in a radiator engulfed by flames - but you can believe in the research you did to evaluate the business, then - "You have to believe in yourself, believe in your (system), believe in what you rehearsed" and you will be well on your way to success!
About Chris Otter....Chris Otter brings over 20+ years of experience in franchising and business ownership.
"I believe we are successful when our clients are successful."
You can check me out at www.thefranchiseconsultingcompany.com
Chris Otter, The Franchise Consulting Company, PH: 912-635-2928, EML: chris@thefranchiseconsultingcompany.com
