Hindsight is always 20-20. But it’s how we learn from it that makes the difference.
Don’t just take our word for it, take it from our actual Franchise Partners. We spoke to WOW 1 DAY PAINTING franchise owners with various levels of experience to get their perspective on what they would do differently if they were to start all over again.
Networking locally
We encourage our Franchise Partners to become 'five-mile famous'—well-known within a five-mile radius for who they are and what they do. But it’s not just about visibility; it's about building a strong reputation by delivering exceptional service that people can’t resist.
Word of mouth remains the most powerful marketing tool. Networking effectively can be a game-changer for generating referrals and spreading your reputation through personal connections.
“I would have started networking a lot earlier,” says Leigh Adler, Franchise Partner, Fraser Valley. “In the beginning we did more online marketing, door hangers and lawn signs. But finding good networks, we started that later than we should have. You need to start that from day one, because that takes time. As you grow over time, you build that network and then you start to get more and more business referrals.”
Spend more time talking to trade partners
Many of our Franchise Partners have found trade partners to be a powerful source of referrals. Start by establishing a presence in your area so people know you're available and ready to work.
Reach out to local flooring companies, plumbers, contractors, and other professionals. Build relationships with those you trust. By exchanging referrals, you create a mutually beneficial network that helps grow both businesses.
“The very first thing I would do is get yourself a bunch of trade partner friends,” says Amy Van Wanseele, Franchise Partner, Denver West. “I don't know what that looks like in your market, but go find people who can help connect your business with their customers.”
Take the time to understand what it takes to fix drywall, flooring, and siding, and identify who excels in these areas. Learn from the experts by spending time with them in their businesses. This not only enhances your own knowledge but also enables you to give more informed and confident referrals.
Get more involved at schools
Engage with teachers and professors to highlight the value of the trades and how they can benefit students.
Consider setting up referral programs with local universities to get students involved during the summer when they have free time and are looking for work. This can lead to consistent seasonal business, with students returning each summer for jobs and leaving just as your slower season begins.
Don’t wait to hire the right people
When you’ve exhausted every possible way of networking in your community, it’s time to start hiring.
“Two or three months before [you] put any paint on the walls, get people trained,” says Tyrone DeBrouwer, Franchise Partner, Kitchener-Waterloo. “Find people who want to grow with you and make them understand what you are building. Don’t just hire to fill a void. Get them on board and have them understand what you're doing so that you can all start going in the same direction.”
Market more aggressively during start-up
The good thing about marketing is it pays for itself when it’s successful.
Building a business takes time, but marketing is the fuel that accelerates growth. As you expand, you'll eventually reach a point where you can focus more on managing and scaling your business, rather than being involved in the day-to-day operations.
“I would have doubled down when I felt nervous at certain phases in the business,” says C.J. Welch, Franchise Partner, Nashville. “I would encourage my old self to really just lean in, and continue to lean in. Don’t give up! There are hard days and good days but you just need to keep moving and building.”
Set boundaries between work and personal life
At first, it is incredibly easy to get completely overwhelmed. But it's crucial to set healthy boundaries where you can unplug and say, “This is family time.”
As your business grows and matures, it becomes much easier to secure consistent weekends and holidays off, allowing for a better work-life balance.
“When you first start out there’s this feeling of frantic misery,” says John Barrows, Franchise Partner, Kalamazoo. “You're like, ‘Oh my gosh, I'm overwhelmed and I have to work every second of every day.’ But it’s just not true. You don’t have to. That's the benefit of it. You can control your own destiny and your own schedule, so you don't miss out on important things in your life.”
Have an expansive business plan
Plan for your business beyond the first year. Many people adopt a 'try your best and see what happens' approach, but having a clear strategy from the start will lead to greater success and less stress.
Understand your numbers: How much do you need to sell to be profitable? What level of marketing investment is required? How much growth is necessary to pay your staff well? Stay on top of your finances, ensuring everything is aligned, so you can grow sustainably and navigate seasonal slowdowns with confidence.
Start sooner
When we asked the right time to start your franchise, our Franchise Partners unanimously responded with NOW.
There’s never a good time to start a business. There’s never enough money or enough security to take that leap of faith and trust in yourself.
“I waited way too long to believe in myself, to get out and do this and experience all of this,” says Welch. “It's the one thing I wish I had done sooner. If I could go back in time and do this all over again, I would have done it five, ten years sooner. It's been an incredible opportunity for me and for my family. And I would absolutely do it again. And even sooner. The worst case scenario is you call and get more information, the best case scenario you change your life and invest in yourself.”
