As an entrepreneur in any business, to be successful, it is vital to invest in yourself. Starting a new staffing agency brings risks as well and rewards. Owning a franchise gives you a significant advantage over other entrepreneurs because a lot of the groundwork has been laid for you already. The franchisors blazed the trail and identified the potential and pitfalls. The franchisees who preceded you revealed additional issues to overcome and other benefits of the program. But, what you bring to the table can make all the difference. Your skills, experience, relationships and place in the community cannot be replicated. It’s essential that you take that synergy between you and the staffing franchise and invest in yourself to take your business to the next level.
Here’s what savvy staffing franchise professionals recommend before starting a staffing business.
Build Your Network
It can be tempting to skip conferences and networking events when the travel and event costs are coming out of your own pocket rather than going on an employer’s tab, but growing your base of industry or customer relationships is an investment that will pay dividends. For one thing, you get to spend one-on-one time outside the office with people who can have a positive impact on your business. For another, your presence shows that your business is active and growing. Don’t forget, no matter how much you’d rather go back to your room with a good book after the official events are over, some of the best relationships are forged after hours over a couple of drinks or a good meal.
Educate Yourself
While most staffing franchises are generous with the amount of training they provide on their product and processes as well as the staffing industry, it never hurts to augment that training on your own. Take some time to assess your weaknesses and address them. Enroll in online courses or take classes at a nearby or online university. Attend talks with thought leaders. Read books and magazines that will help you to be better informed. We’re living in a time when information has never been easier to get. Build the time into your schedule to learn.
Hire to Fill the Gaps
Know your worth and don’t waste time. As a business or franchise owner, it’s good to show your employees that you’re not afraid to get your hands dirty. Analyze what an hour of your time is worth. If It’s worth $100 or more, why are you wasting it doing $15 tasks? Time is the one resource you cannot make more of. Add people to your staff that can take care of the items on your do-to list that you can easily delegate. And as the owner of a staffing agency, what better way to assess a temporary employee than having them work in your own office for a while.
Take Care of Yourself
When you’re already stretched thin, the first thing that can go is your physical and mental health. This is an unwise choice. Some of the most successful people in the world make time for exercise, meditation, and sleep and make stress management a priority. Keeping yourself in peak condition is one of the most valuable things you can do for your business. So, take your vacations, make time for friends, family and hobbies. It’s one of the best investments you can make in yourself and your company.
Be informed and prepared
Investing in a staffing franchise is investing in yourself. Take the time for due diligence before making any commitments. Do not hesitate to ask plenty of questions. It is not enough to ask, “What’s the franchise fee?” because that’s just part of the picture. A franchisor you can trust will be willing to answer any questions you may have – in fact, they will be happy to! They succeed when you do, so they will be eager to provide all the information you need to decide if the opportunity is the right fit and to make a real go of it! Why a staffing franchise?
Want to Learn More About Starting a Staffing Agency with NEXTAFF?
Contact us today! We would be happy to answer any questions you may have. At NEXTAFF, we help staffing entrepreneurs achieve their dreams.