Building your business

I’m Jo, Head of Franchise at the Family Holidays Franchise Company.

I wanted to share my experience of creating and setting up the Family Holidays Franchise business.

If you would have asked me “Do you have what it takes to set up a business?” a few years ago, my natural instinct would have been “I wouldn’t know where to start!” I’ve got years of travel industry experience but setting up a company would surely be above my skill set, luckily, I never listened to my doubts and have gone on to help create two companies.

In my current role, I have created and launched an extremely appealing business proposition which is attracting a lot of interest in just eight months.

So where do you start?

I’m not ashamed to admit I do have a certain level of OCD, so my first point was research, research, research!

I’ve explored what other franchise business are out there and what they offer, organisations who can offer help and support. I then created a project plan which detailed every minute action I needed to take, at every step, from conception to launch. I found this really made me focus on the end objective, whilst enabling me to set interim deadlines which kept myself on track and motivated as I could see how much I had achieved, not just what was left to do. It also meant I could turn my brain off at the end of the day, rather than having sleepless nights worrying that I wouldn’t remember everything!

What skills do I need to be successful?

You don’t have to be an expert in every field to be successful and honestly you can’t be, so I have highlighted some key skills I feel played a part in my journey:

Research.

I’ve mentioned it already but you need to know your industry and competitors to help shape your own offering and know what makes you unique.

Networking.

Identify key people, companies and groups who are subject matter experts and can offer you support and guidance. Don’t overlook people who have gone through the same journey, even in different industries, you can learn so much from people who have done it themselves. Build yourself & business a support network.

I have two fantastic business mentors, our Directors Richard Dixon and Charles Duncombe, who share their knowledge and experience and help me see situations from different angles.

Determination.

Setting up a business is a journey. There are going to be challenges, highs and lows, you must stay determined and focussed on your end goal. If something doesn’t work one way, try another.

Promotion.

Take every opportunity to promote your business, you will be surprised how many people you talk to that may not be interested themselves but know someone who is.

I could go on!

I’m looking forward to sharing more of mine and the businesses experiences with you through our blog.

If you would like to explore setting up your own travel business, let us help you.

The difference with us is you are not alone, we have done all the hard work and learning so you don’t have to.

To start your journey call me today on 0121 200 5561

Jo

Joanne Aldridge

Head of Franchise

 

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