In the discussion of what makes a Franchisee Winner, as opposed to a Franchisee Loser, I must establish that I’m NOT talking about the underlying “person”.  Yes, I absolutely subscribe to the spiritual notion that everyone is wonderful & whole in God’s eyes, and this writer isn’t going anywhere near that heavenly debate.  BUT when it comes to operating a franchise business, the issue of what makes a Winner and what makes a Loser DOES lend itself to Providence.  When Franchisees assume the mindset of a Winner, they are automatically placed on the path to franchise success, and they have a much greater chance of leading abundant and fulfilling lives.  But when Franchisees bring the mindset of a Loser to their franchise business, they are almost predestined to experience pain, frustration and even franchise business failure.  Many times, the franchise Winners & Losers don’t even know which way their orientation is leading them.  That’s why a firm understanding of how Winners behalf and how Losers behalf can give Franchisees a powerful tool in focusing their energy in the proper direction.  It’s all a mindset, and realizing that how we do anything is usually how we do everything.  Approach every franchise business task with the following perspectives, and you will find yourself on the preferred path.

• Winners subscribe to Company standards & consistency.  Losers only care for product cost and shop independently for short term savings.
• Winners ask: “How can I make customers happier?  Losers ask “How can I make more money?”    
• Winners look inward to solve problems, make PLANS & execute.  Losers look to others for solutions, make excuses & blame.    
• Winners understand that advertising is an investment.  Losers think advertising is an “expense.”
• Winners know they have to “get out” and promote their franchise in order to lure customers.  Losers are shy, stay confined to their business and HOPE that customers will walk in.    
• Winners look for the BEST location for their franchise.  Losers look for the cheapest & most convenient location.
• Winners are more concerned with offering customers VALUE!  Losers are only concerned with business efficiency and cost savings.
• Winners “push” the biz at every opportunity and are constantly SELLING.  Losers only “manage” the biz.
• Winners understand their product & labor costs and monitor continuously.  Losers have only a general notion of their cost structure.
• Winners truly APPRECIATE customers and let them know at every opportunity.  Losers believe that customers are constantly trying to “beat them” and they look to protect themselves
  

So, be honest – Do you have the mindset of a Franchisee Winner?  If not, you can easily change your path.

Mark Kaplan is the Franchise Coach, and editor of BestFranchiseInformation.com. Mark is also the CEO of Great Wraps, Inc., a rapidly growing Franchisor of Hot Wrap & Grilled Sandwich Shops. Mark has spent over 20 years in Franchising, and he has a no-nonsense way of showing Entrepreneurs how to be successful in Franchising. Prior to Franchising, Mark championed major, national Brands for Corporate powerhouses like Coca-Cola, Nabisco Brands & Colgate Palmolive.