Franchisees are the pillars of success of any franchise brand. It is this clan of the partners who take the business to the next level and new horizons.
Here, below we unfurl the saga of motivational journey of unpopular franchisees of the popular franchise chains that have helped in expanding the brand's reach in length and breadth.
Chartered accountant by professional, Sanjay GoyalValued Business Partner / (Franchisee ), Lakme Salon took his first Lakme Salon franchise at Sarbha Nagar, Ludhiana when he was 34 years old. Due to his diligence and meticulous business acumen, he today owns nine Lakme Salon units pan- India and eyes on to bring great laurels to his business as well to the brand in the future.
Does age make a difference to exist in the entrepreneurial ecosystem?
No, age does not make any difference in the entrepreneurial ecosystem, which is this big democratisation of innovation where everybody can potentially be an entrepreneur. So long as you have the passion for the industry you want to venture in, and the right business partner who values you, you don't have to worry about how old or young you are to start a business of your own.
Why did you opt for Lakme Salon?
Lakme Salon was a preferred partner when I decided to start off as an entrepreneur; their Lakme Entre-PRO-neur programme helps partners, like me, to build a successful business and an image for ourselves. They believe that any potential franchisee has to view Lakme Salon and the beauty industry as a profession and not just a business. They mentor and support the franchise partners at every step and help them become successful entre-PRO-neurs. Their comprehensive six P support model for franchisees which handholds the partner across - Place, People, Portfolio, Process, Promotion and Personality, ensures early success in a competitive market and their mentoring programme helps refine leadership skills and build your image.
Your business journey with Lakme.
Since, taking up my first Lakme Salon franchisee to date, me and my team, have been devoted to delivering the best service and experience to our consumers. Over the years I have realised how satisfied and happy customers, help with the success of your business by becoming your brand's evangelists; in the beauty service industry, word-of-mouth is the most effective promotional tool and critical to determine if you are here to stay or not. I am happy to be able to empower my wife Navita to become a business woman, operating and managing the Lakme Salon's franchise business who was earlier a house wife.
No of franchise units you own.
9 Lakme Salon franchise units (two in Ludhiana, one each in Patiala, Jalandhar, Ambala, Delhi , Hoshiarpur , Ferozepur and in Nawanshahr).
Your mantra to grow a blockbuster franchise biz.
People are at the heart of any service business and hence it is critical to start with a strong and branded People strategy.We have to ensure that each one from the salon teams lives and breathes the Lakme Salon brand and delivers the promise of Runway Excellence Everyday consistently across every touch point to the consumers.
Being your own boss means.
That you 'own' the business you are working for, with help of a valuable business partner like Lakme Salon, is the most exciting feeling. This means that you get to decide a road-map for your aspirations, dreams and successes.
HAVING associated for almost eight years with Chennai-based salon chain, Preethi Menon, Franchise Partner, Naturals Salon today owns franchise rights of its two units in Nungambakkam and in Ashok Nagar, in Chennai.
Is age of the investor, criteria to become a successful entrepreneur?
I don't think age makes a difference to be an entrepreneur. Certain qualities are required to be one, and this can be attained at any age. For example, I find I need to be extremely patient in this business, but there are many franchise partners my age or younger who are very impatient. Sofor me, age did not play a great differentiating factor. I find my maturity to be a big plus. Staff look up to me, and are more inclined to listen to what I have to say.
What's been the remarkable change since you became a franchisee?
My journey with the brand has been full of moments, but my greatest learning has been that I have learnt to handle many things women are normally content to leave to their husbands. From handling government agencies, to problems in the salon, to salary negotiations, I can handle all this with ease today. I find I have a standing in society today, as taking this franchise has resulted in a big leap in my career.
How do you justify your time for your multi-unit business?
Though running two salons is challenging but there are ways to surmount all difficulties. Today, technology plays a huge role in helping me run both my salons. I do not have to be on the spot for business to run. The brand also provides me with excellent technological support without which I would not have been able to manage. I can check through WhatsApp if the salon is cleaned, if staff have come on time, if clients are being handled wellthanks to improved technology multitasking has become a breeze.
Most franchisees switch or add brands. Why have you stuck with the same one?
I have been associated with Naturals in some form for the past 15 years. In a simple way, I have grown with the brand. I have seen it grow from one salon to 500+ salons and I have grown with it. I don't see Naturals as a business partner but feel it is my brand! I am very comfortable here and have full confidence that the brand will not let me down.
Mistakes you have made in your business journey & what have you learnt from them.
Quite a few mistakes! Every day is a learning process and what is more important is not the mistakes I make, but what I learn from them and whether I repeat them or not. Life in the salon is an ongoing learning and I love every day I spend there.
Elements that grew your franchise business.
The customer should not be seen as a tool to bring in your RoI, but as a means to provide him or her with good service. If I give the customer the service he or she deserves, my business will automatically grow.
Being your own boss means.
I can do my work when I feel like and not be stuck to a rigid schedule. I have the freedom to multi-task which I might not have had if I had gone in for a regular 9 to 5 job.
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