Building a successful franchise is like working on a marriage, because the franchisee needs ongoing support and trust from their other half – the franchisor.
Such is the verdict of Antony Tagliamonti, 27, who recently scooped the prestigious title Franchisee of the Year, by the industry association, the BFA.
The former part-time delivery boy has now climbed the ranks of Domino’s pizza, to run four of its stores in North London, earning him the accolade and a grand first place prize of £5,000.
According to the British Franchise Association, which sponsored the award, Antony has admitted it takes a distinct crop of skills to successful capitilise on franchising.
The business model, he says, needs its practitioners to be effective communicators, innovators, disciplinarians, team players and individuals who “respect boundaries,” for it to be successful.
During his 10 years, Antony realised business growth comes through tailoring it to local needs, a vital element he reflected by drawing up menus, price structures and flexible opening hours.
He also offered competitive salaries and got involved with the local community – his customers, to help his operation grow; a move the BFA applauded for its creativity.
However, speaking to the Mail on Sunday about his victory, Antony issued a cautionary note: “Yes, you can improve and add to it locally, but you must follow the [business] model,” he reportedly said.
Having marriage-like support and advice from a franchisor, such as through training, financial advice, marketing and product development, was cited as a definite plus over ‘going it alone.’
“At the end of the day you still have to have the passion and commitment to make it a success,” he said, saying the hard graft was certainly under the brief of a franchisee.
To Antony, the relationship with the franchisor is rather like a marriage: it is one built around hard work and trust yet individual freedom and a respect for boundaries, the BFA said.
In a statement, the Association hinted franchising was suited best to individuals who want “a relationship that promises help when needed, but also rewards individual flair and personal excellence.”
The very best franchisees need a blend of abilities, it added, particularly if like Antony they demonstrate a “mix of hard work, creativity and local knowledge.”
Franchising works, Antony claims, when both parties realise that greater combined effort leads to greater individual rewards.
Nov 13, 2006
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