In this time of uncertainty, you’d think people might want to sit tight and wait it out. But, many think now is exactly the right time to invest in a franchise.
A lot has changed since early 2020. Many of us are working from home, balancing Zoom meetings, ordering groceries and household staples online, and trying to helping our children with schoolwork. (In my household, we also decided to follow the trend and get a new puppy — a subject to explore another time!)
Much of my day-to-day work is helping prospective franchisees navigate the initial steps to see if investing in a Great Clips walk-in hair salon is the right decision for them. Because of the situation these days, I anticipated things might slow down a bit. Actually, quite the opposite. I have been on the phone more than ever answering inquiries from new prospective franchisees. The interest from prospects who were already talking to us has also been at a fast clip.
I thought in this time of uncertainty people would want to sit tight and wait it out. But, those I’ve talked to recently feel right now might be exactly the right time to invest in a franchise.
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A couple of months ago, one of those individuals—a business professor—took a big step toward becoming a Great Clips franchisee. I asked him what made him think this was the right time to invest. He said, “I have faith in this business model and by jumping in now, I can leverage opportunities that will position me for the next growth stage when the economy recovers.”
I agree with him. There currently are several indicators that historically have been an advantage for new business owners, such as a softening real estate market and government funding programs. And, investing in a franchise business, as opposed to stepping out on your own, comes with a built-in network of fellow franchisees and corporate staff to help you launch your new business.
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I’m extremely proud of how Great Clips has lived up to its promise to support its franchisees. Even before last spring and early summer when local governments started requiring non-essential businesses to close their doors, Great Clips, Inc. was preparing a strategy to evolve the business model to survive and thrive in a COVID world. A COVID-comeback plan was in place long before salons began re-opening.
As part of this plan, we set up a Coronavirus Resource Center on the internal website, with resources to help franchisees communicate with their employees, customers, and vendors. CEO Steve Hockett and President Rob Goggins began recording video messages to answer franchisee questions and reinforce the message to all of our franchisees: We are here for you.
As one franchisee said, “Going through this reminded me how great it is to be part of a franchise organization. I knew I wasn’t doing it alone.”
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Once salons reopened, Great Clips benefited from having the foresight many years ago to invest heavily in technology. Customers used the Great Clips Online Check-In app (adapted for social distancing precautions) and patiently waited up to three hours for their turn to get a haircut in those busy early days of re-opening.
Great Clips has successfully weathered many storms in our 38 years, and we continue to thrive. That is why so many are recognizing that now is the time to seriously consider an experienced franchise brand.
Beth Nilssen
Director of Franchise Development| Great Clips, Inc.
800-947-1143 | [email protected]
As Director of Franchisee Development for Great Clips, my job is to help prospective franchisees figure out if investing in a salon franchise is a good match. Even in the middle of a pandemic, that work doesn’t stop. Right now, we’re working with dozens of prospective franchisees who are going through the initial steps of exploration. I’d love to hear from you, wherever you are on this journey. Give me a call!