Opening a business of any kind is a fantastic
venture for anyone to experience, and so many people have the dream of being
their own boss and being in charge of their own destiny and fortune. However,
the early stages of business start-ups, if not done in the correct way and
following certain procedures can have devastating effects before you’ve even
opened your front doors…
Having worked in the hospitality industry
for 16 years before my current job, I had the pleasure (in some circumstances)
of working for some big branded high street breweries and restaurants, as well
as many independent businesses along the way. Along my journey I noticed a
clear differentiation between how independents do things, to how the bigger
companies operate.
The best way I can describe these
differences is to picture the giant brands as huge, intricate machines; built
and constructed from scratch by experienced, knowledgeable people who have been
working on the fundamental mechanics for years. Building strong foundations,
tweaking and perfecting each tiny intimate cog to turn and work smoothly
together to produce a consistent and compelling product and service. Literally
thousands of hours of work, thought, time and effort have gone into this
machine by a team of dedicated people and by Jove they’ve cracked it – It’s
insanely operational, doing exactly what it’s supposed to; it WORKS.
Now let’s picture the independent guys, the
dreamers who set up their own Food Franchises UK
Or
bar from scratch by themselves...
The best way I can describe this
circumstance is to picture a brave and courageous character that we can call
“The Hero”. They stand out from the crowd because they are have the strength to
think outside the box, they have the courage and drive to make on the spot
decisions for themselves, and they have the personality to draw in some fans
along the way. They set up their business and rely on their instincts, but
rarely do they plan for what is lurking around the next corner… why? Because
they don’t know what’s around the corner…
What happens with the majority of these heroes
is that they are sprung early doors by a few evil villain surprises; VAT,
rental prices, staff employment, training, health and safety, legalities – they
throw a few punches and suffer a few blows along the way… Next along comes
wastage management, supplier costs, profit margins and book keeping… they
survive again but this time are tired and have very little energy left… Just as
they’re about to take rest, along comes Mr Marketing, insurance costs, food legislation's, high rental rates, food hygiene and before they know it… it’s too
much for our hero to take… they’re down and out for the count.
Now don’t get me wrong, I love a punt on
the outsider and independent quirky venues are absolutely brilliant when
executed in the right way. I am a HUGE fan. But the ones that ARE successful,
the ones that DO generate a decent profit; these are your modern day Superman
or Wonder Woman! They are extremely rare and they have thrown a lot of punches
along the way to climb to a position of survival and genuine profit.
What most independent food business owners
don’t realize is that running a successful operation requires a system of
proven processes from the very start which create the cognitive workings of
their business.
If
you go back to our “Machine” or branded chain bars/restaurants – these guys
have created the perfect formula after all those hours of work and a lot of
blood, sweat and tears. AND they are constantly perfecting… all the time…
making the machine function and work better and better and more successfully.
For someone by themselves to come close to
what these guys have created is a near impossible task…
Now I want you to picture that stand alone
hero who wants their own business again… They have all the characteristics and
qualities to own and make a successful business. If only
they could get hold of the machine that was created by all those experienced, knowledgeably people. The machine with the ability to see exactly what’s around
the corner and which knows how to conquer any problems which arise because it’s
been perfectly programmed to do so.
Now picture the Hero being handed the manual
to that machine…
What you’re looking at… Jasper Catering
Franchise.