Feeling fed up with the 9-5 grind? You might have been toying with the idea of starting a business for a while, but it can be difficult to know how to transition from a working routine as an employee to being an owner.
However, this is a leap almost all business owners have had to take at one time, switching their mindset to align with their new lifestyle. This is something I had to contend with during the early days of Ovenu, as at the time I was working as a mechanical engineering apprentice. Eventually, I had to step back from my traditional role so I could grow my business.
In this blog, we’ll discuss the differences between the employee and entrepreneur mindsets, along with my proven strategies to help you make the switch.
Key Differences in the Business Owner vs Employee Mindset
The core contrasts between an employee vs entrepreneur mindset can typically be broken into the following areas:
- Increased accountability – where you once operated within a defined role, owners have responsibility for everything in the business.
- Results-focused – progress is now measured by outcomes more than time commitments.
- Creating systems – you’re in charge of the operational frameworks that will help the business run better.
- Risk taking – calculated risks are an integral part of running a successful business, which can be unfamiliar for employees.
Don’t just take my word for it. Every one of our Ovenu franchisees was once working a regular job in a company or sector which wasn’t granting them the fulfillment they needed. While each had a different primary reason for making the switch to business ownership, all had harboured an entrepreneurial mindset.
How to Make the Switch to a Franchise Owner Mindset
Be ready to embrace the unknown
Many entrepreneurs spend months, sometimes years, sitting on the fence worrying if they’re 100% ready and trying to account for every possibility. Where employees might see new scenarios as a looming challenge, business owners welcome this variety, taking a flexible and open-minded approach.
Once you get started, you’ll quickly learn that situations rarely stay the same for long. The reality is that you will never be able to prepare for all eventualities, as no two weeks will look the same. Furthermore, the nature of your operation will need to evolve as your customer base grows and you expand into new areas.
Simon; Ovenu Wirral South – ”The freedom to manage my own bookings around my personal life has been terrific. No more missing the kids’ sports days or Christmas nativity plays! Honest advice, if you’re thinking about taking on a franchise of your own, take the leap! You won’t regret it.”
Put a plan in place
In the early stages of entrepreneurship, it can be easy to get swept up in the excitement of your new venture and overlook the importance of measuring success. Equally, it can also be difficult to get started working and earning because there’s so much to organise. In both cases, it’s important not to lose sight of the groundwork that needs to be laid to ensure a smooth transition. This includes financial forecasts, setting up internal processes, and setting realistic expectations. I kept the Ovenu pilot scheme going for FIVE YEARS before I was comfortable launching it as a franchise.
As well as planning their first steps, new business owners should establish clear goals they can work towards. These should be time-sensitive, easily trackable, and scalable. For example, “I’m going to secure at least 5 regular clients within my first 6 months of trading“. Having goals and business milestones is a core component of the entrepreneur mindset, as it helps to focus your resources in the face of external factors and gain an understanding of what you need to do to break even.
The oven cleaning business plan contains everything you need to create a profitable enterprise, including:
- The services you’ll offer, and to whom
- How to work out projected sales and profit forecasts
- Your target clients and others operating in the sector
- A clearly defined territory geographically adjusted for maximum potential
- How you’ll use automated sales & marketing systems to generate leads
Think long term
When I was an employee, I remember being conditioned to think in short-term cycles, working from one pay-packet to another. However, as business owners, we must have our sights set on long-term goals and adjust our expectations for returns much later in the business’s lifecycle. While business investments will take time to come to fruition, they should still be made early to set yourself up 2 or 3 years down the line.
Keeping the same mentality of quick gratification will leave you frustrated, and can risk you losing your drive. Rather than chasing quick wins, successful business owners build sustainable operations to stand the test of time. Joining a franchise helps new owners adopt this stance by providing practical training and ongoing support. Even if you’re new to the idea of business management, you’ll learn quickly with professional guidance.
“With over 12 years under my belt I can comfortably say I made the best choice in becoming an Ovenu franchisee. In 2013 I started Ovenu Maidenhead, hundreds of clean ovens (and satisfied customers) later I expanded and took over Ovenu Bracknell”
Know when to ask for help
Although you’re now your own boss, that doesn’t mean you have to go it entirely alone. Getting support, especially early on, will help set you on the right path and avoid the common mistakes many new business owners make. Having a mentor, someone who has been through the early stages of entrepreneurship before, is invaluable to ensuring you don’t fall into any of the usual pitfalls.
Joining an established franchise like Ovenu simplifies the process of growing your new business. You’ll receive a business plan tailored to your territory, with goals which can be adjusted based on regular check-ins with our team. What’s more is that you have a network of other franchisees who have been in your exact position, with the same support and resources at their disposal. If you’re ever unsure of your next steps, don’t hesitate to reach out.
“The support network is second-to-none, and this really showed for me in particular whilst going through the expansion process. They made everything so easy for me. There is a wonderful safety in knowing colleagues and the head office are always on hand if necessary.”
Embrace Entrepreneurship with a Franchise Opportunity
Changing your mindset after working for decades as an employee can be one of the biggest barriers to entry for new entrepreneurs. Joining a franchise enables you to get started almost immediately and with added security. You also benefit from a very advantageous position compared to those who start independently. Other benefits include:
- Low investment, high earning potential – Where starting your business from scratch can be expensive, joining a franchise lowers the financial barrier and provides a clear picture of your initial investment. Cleaning franchises avoid costs associated with premises, employees, and stock systems.
- Brand reputation and ongoing marketing – Benefit from the strength of an established brand in your niche. You aren’t building a reputation from nothing, but instead utilising an already recognised name.
- Franchise-specific training and support – This includes professional cleaning techniques, customer service, financial planning, and general management.
- Ready-made business plan – Instead of writing your own business plan and hoping it works, you get access to a model that already does. We’ve refined the Ovenu franchise plan over decades to reduce risk.
- Service your local community – As an Ovenu franchisee, you’re providing a valued service to people in your area. You’ll build relationships with returning customers, earn word-of-mouth referrals, and grow a loyal base over time.
Ready to take the plunge?
Shifting your mindset from employee to business owner won’t happen overnight, but if you’re prepared to start this new chapter, we’re here to help. Expert franchise support will put you leagues ahead of new business owners who have decided to do everything themselves.
Ovenu provides professional support backed up by decades of proven experience in business management and oven cleaning. There can be a great deal of satisfaction in building your business entirely yourself, but it doesn’t have to be entirely alone. Get in touch to arrange your initial consultation for joining the Ovenu franchise.