by Kabira Dewan
As a new franchisee, I discovered that women are particularly under-represented in the fast food franchise world. So, if, as a women, you have ever wondered if a fast food franchise is for you, the following are my tips to help you with your entrepreneurial journey. These are not in any order of preference but more aligned to my personal exposure in the Franchise World.
1. Empowered Women, empower other women. Our male counterparts have their ‘Old Boy's Club’. Networking amongst women is gaining momentum. Constantly learn, up-skill yourself and network across industry sectors, which in itself is a fulfilling experience. Networks also become a crucial resource for the future.
2. Social entrepreneurship is as important for a Franchisor as it is for a Franchisee and can easily be embedded as part of one's CSI (Corporate Social Investment) goals. How, at a practical level, one goes about it can be determined entirely by your own creativity.
3. There is sufficient room in a franchise model that allows you to add your own creative space and creative way of doing things.
4. Don’t be afraid to take a calculated risk.
5. Obtaining finance/start up capital need not be a barrier to entry into the Franchise World. Do your research on funding options available and prepare accordingly.
6. Franchisee Entrepreneurs don't have to be a "Jack of all Trades". Understand where your strengths are and call in experts/outsource where functionalities are not your strong point.
7. Franchising and being an entrepreneur allows you the flexibility to have the best of family and work-life balance.
8. You don't have to have a detailed understanding of the industry you are entering to be a success.
9. New entrant = fresh perspective.
10. Women are known to be more intuitive thinkers. Our intuition serve as our “guiding compass", trust it.
11. Be hands on, don’t be afraid to learn.
12. Women excel over our male counterparts with our excellent communications skills. We tend to be better listeners and can understand the needs of our employees.
13. Women are much more team orientated and enjoy an inclusive approach to sharing of knowledge with staff members. Success for us is associated with having strong relationships.
13. Always put customers at the heart of everything you do.
14. The Franchise model provides a sturdy framework, a basis for which women enjoy the tried and tested model.
15. Women are great at multi-tasking, which is one of the reasons we do so well in franchising. Franchisees are often required to wear multiple hats, so to speak.
Kabira Dewan is a proud wife, mother, and serial entrepreneur. She is a Franchisee of a Famous Brands 3 in 1 Combo Store : Steers , Debonairs, Fishaways in Lenasia South in South Africa. She is a retrenched ex-banker with 20 years experience in Private Banking and Business Development, and is now taking her passion for entrepreneurship and women’s empowerment into her own business journey. Kabira’s second business is a craft wholesale business : Bead Expressions. Bead Expressions creates employment for local women by employing them as crafters and teaching them a range of craft techniques for a Unique range of handmade gifting items.