The truth is, you don’t need to be a natural salesperson to succeed at franchising. However, a bit of sales ability can definitely give your franchise a flying start. Let me tell you what this looks like for future franchise owners.
Why Sales Skills Can Help Your Franchise
When you succeed at selling your products or services, good things begin to happen. You’re going to see more revenue coming in, which means more money in your pocket and faster business growth. And it’s not just about the money.
Being a salesperson makes you more sensitive to what your customers actually need and want. This naturally leads to better customer service, and happy customers turn into repeat business brought in by others as well.
There’s also a bonus that few are aware of: franchisors like franchisees who produce sales. When you’re selling, you’ll usually have an even more favorable relationship with your franchisor, something that can offer greater support and opportunities.
The Flip Side: When Sales Focus Is Overemphasized
But here’s the catch. Being always in sales mode can be draining. I’ve seen franchisees tire themselves out being “always on” about selling. It’s draining and unsustainable in the long term.
There’s also the risk of tunnel vision. When you’re so focused on sales, it’s easy to let other aspects of your business go by. Employee training, customer service quality, and even basic marketing can get left behind.
Maybe most of all, if you come on too strong or are too pushy, you can actually harm your business. Nobody likes to feel rushed, and a negative reputation for being too salesy can drive away prospective clients.
How to Know if Franchising is for You
If you’re unsure about franchising, this is how you can find out for sure:
Start off by conducting your research on the specific franchise that you’re considering. Don’t just read the sales material – talk to actual franchisees who are currently running the business. Ask them what their daily experience is like, including how much selling actually occurs.
Ethical self-reflection of your strengths and weaknesses. Are you comfortable talking to people? Can you handle rejection? If sales is not your strong point, that doesn’t necessarily rule you out, but you should know what you’re getting yourself into.
Think about what you’re really looking for. Are you looking for flexibility, autonomy, or maybe some respite from things? Your objectives should align with what the franchise actually provides.
Finally, sit down with the franchisor and be honest. Question them directly about the sales expectations and be open with your own degree of experience. A quality franchisor will work with you to set realistic objectives.
The Bottom Line
Franchising is an excellent way to become a business owner, but it’s not simply about being a super salesperson. The key is finding a franchise that leverages your strengths and interest level and is a realistic fit.
There are a few franchises that are very sales-oriented, while others are operationally or customer-service focused. The key is research, integrity to your abilities, and choosing a franchise where you can truly thrive. Finding the right match will require you to be much better off building a successful business that complements your lifestyle and goals.