Meger Mania

Are you caught in the aftermath of merger mania?  The fallout of corporate mergers can be disastrous for the executive talent pool.

Ninety percent of people exploring franchise / business opportunities are corporate casualties.  They come from Management, Marketing, IT departments, Supply Chain and HR.  They have typically been searching for their next position for 12-18 months with very little success.  These merged companies have fewer positions and the requirements are more specific and demanding.

Often, after months of fruitless searching, many executives decide to explore business ownership.  This could be an existing business or a franchise.  Naturally, the franchise model offers a more palatable solution for the risk adverse.  You could compare this to wading into the river of opportunity versus jumping or diving in as you would in starting your own business.  Both are startups; however your chances of success are much better with a proven model.  The franchise model offers initial and ongoing assistance and maintains some measure of control.  This measure of control and the "brand" marks allow the franchisor to charge a royalty.  The royalty is considered your rental fee for use of the marks and to be a part of the "brand."

Why are some franchisees with lots of corporate experience and talent not as successful as others?  Part of the reason could be the personality of the franchisee and the franchise model are not a match.  Matching the personality of the individual with the franchise is paramount in the ultimate success of each franchisee.

For example, it is extremely important that any individual considering franchise ownership determine if they would be willing to follow as system, pay royalties and be willing to upgrade and/or add new products or whatever might be required by the franchisor.  Some personalities would not be willing to give up that much control.

On the other hand, for the talented corporate executive, his/her skills are often easily transferable into the franchise model.  Because these experienced individuals have not yet actually owned their own business, becoming a franchisee can be a great segway into an exciting and rewarding new career path.  These days most people progress through four to five different careers as they journey from their first job to retirement.  For Baby Boomers and many personalities, 75 has become the new 65.  Boomers are staying in the workplace and remaining active.  They are creating a new model of retirement as they often cycle between periods of work and leisure.  Many Baby Boomers expect to retire from their current career and launch into a new career.

Opportunities are plenty for the experienced executive who is willing to think outside the box and consider a new career path.