Nearly every type of business needs staff, so if you’re thinking of investing in a new franchise, be ready to hire the right crew. But should a manager be on your hiring list? The answer depends on a few factors, starting with how you plan to run your franchise business.
One thing is certain: while hiring a manager isn’t required, there are scenarios where it makes good sense.
Are you going to be a hands-on owner, or an absentee?
Running a franchise tends to be a demanding role that requires a broad base of knowledge and expertise, as well as a willingness to work hard. Many franchise owners wear multiple hats at their business, doing both executive-level work while also handling less glamorous tasks, such as opening and closing the store.
However, that hands-on approach isn’t for every franchise owner. Some investors simply don’t have the necessary time to devote to their franchise business. Instead, they run it either as an absentee owner, or a semi-absentee one who’s around sometimes but not on a full-time basis. The more absent an owner you are (or plan to be), the more you’ll need a reliable general manager around to take care of any tough calls.
Of course, a franchise owner should never be truly absent. Even with a trusted, hardworking manager in place, most owners need to spend some amount of time around their business, especially in the beginning. Being there in person as an owner is important to ensure consistent quality control, maintain brand protocols, and build relationships with customers.
Do you own multiple locations or multiple franchises?
If you’re investing in a second (or third) location of your franchise, chances are you’ll be semi-absent from one or more of them on a regular basis and will need several good managers, especially at your newest business.
Or maybe you already own one kind of business and you’re planning to invest in a different kind of franchise. It could be something that complements your existing operation, but it could also be a business in an entirely new sector. Either way, having good managers in place will help things run smoothly at every location, even when you’re not around to answer questions and fix problems.
Are you hoping to grow in the future?
If you’re investing in a franchise business with the idea of growing over time, getting the right manager in place now will be a big asset down the road. When you expand your franchise footprint and need a trusted lieutenant to take the reins, that person is already in place and up to speed on every aspect of day-to-day operations.
Consider the investment
As a rule, managers earn more money than the people they oversee—that’s the reward for increased responsibility. If hiring a manager means stretching your salary budget to challenging or uncomfortable levels, it might need to wait until your business has grown more secure and established. You might also consider cutting staffing levels in other areas to make up for a manager’s bigger salary, but that could end up having a negative impact on productivity. Ultimately, a manager needs to be affordable without creating downstream dilemmas for your business.
Franchising with The UPS Store
If you are interested in learning more about our franchising opportunities, our FAQ page is full of key details. Ready to get your franchise journey started with The UPS Store? Please fill out our online information request form to learn more.
