The Whole Franchise Thing
Photograph by katmere
The coffee is in a to-go mug and I am already half-way out the door. All sorts of craziness.
Anyway, since I have to do this at a quicker pace than I would prefer, I have been thinking about the whole idea of a hypnosis franchise (yes, I am thinking of Positive Changes). My partner has been privy to my comments about the whole Positive Changes franchise issues. He asked me an interesting question, though.
“Why didn’t you go the franchise route when you opened your practice?”
Good question. First, I admit it never occurred to me. I always knew I would study the arts and science of hypnosis and when I was comfortable with my abilities, I would begin building my own business with my own credentials, my own style, my own way of doing what I do. And maybe I am a bit dim here, but I had never heard of a hypnosis franchise.
There is a part of me that abhors the idea of a hypnosis franchise, but that may be me being judgmental and righteous (and that sucks). I guess I feel it makes it all business, and the business is foremost (or making money) and hypnosis or helping people make positive changes is secondary. I suspect I could be wrong here. I think of the place with the golden arches - why else would you open a one of their franchises? The money, of course. And maybe that is why I am not wealthy - because it is hypnosis first and business second.
What are your thoughts?
September 3rd, 2008 at 7:09 am
Leaving the ‘all about business’ idea aside, Ellie, perhaps you never considered a franchise because you were looking to build your own business, do things your way, be your own boss. When you sign up with a franchise you get all the responsibility of a business owner plus you’re accountable to the franchise company, so you’re not really your own boss and you don’t necessarily get to do things your way.
Maybe it’s about freedom. ;^)
I didn’t know such franchises existed either when I started, but I wouldn’t have fit the mold anyway because I started part-time on a shoestring. I’m still part time, practicing out of my home, and I like it that way for now.
<MR>
September 3rd, 2008 at 11:59 am
The first questions I would be asking myself would be along the lines of “Why did I choose to study hypnosis and start a business as a hypnotist?” and “What values are most important to me in my business and my life outside of business?” Do you want to do hypnosis your way or their way? Do you value your independent voice?
Also, have you actually read through the franchise agreement for Positive Changes and gone through the details with a business attorney? My anecdotal understanding is that the contract limits the ways you might choose to do business and is loaded with a few ‘hidden’ fees.
September 3rd, 2008 at 4:38 pm
I like that “Maybe its about freedom.” Very poetic. Thank you both for your viewpoints. I’m definitely on the page for remaining independent (especially after all the bad press).
September 3rd, 2008 at 9:28 pm
Yes, my concern with a franchise would be how closely the quality of a service could be monitored.
Having a franchise, or having a partner (or five) in your own business, are two different things.
It really all about valuing the provision of high quality service.
If a franchise can demonstrate its ability to do so then there’s no problem with that structure, or any other.
My feeling about it all, is best reflected in this one of my favorite business quotes:
“If you would spend 80% of your ad money making your existing customers feel like kings, you could get one customer to bring you another customer just like them - by Word-of-Mouth advertising. That would double your business and keep your customers loyal - what a concept.”. ~Jeffrey Gitomer~
Cheers,
Thea
September 4th, 2008 at 4:33 am
One reason is hypnosis is very interesting. I have taking a few classes on it. I think it can help someone in any buisness . I really dont know much about franchise
September 4th, 2008 at 9:03 am
Thea - I love the quote! It is soooo true!
September 5th, 2008 at 2:39 pm
I am the owner of a company which is part of a franchise. No one my company started. I can tell you having the responsibility of being a owner of the franchise name would take a huge amount of time. I often think about my company and how many hours I spend with it. I cannot imagine trying to help lead, govern, and control other companies. Whew…what job.