How Semi-Absentee Franchising Works

When you have accumulated the financial backing and industry knowledge to purchase a franchise, it isa good idea to take a good, long look at the commitments you already have on your plate each day tohelp determine how much availability and control you want to put into your franchise. Should you findthat you’re not quite ready to quit your day job, you might consider a semi-absentee franchise model.

Those ready to dive in with complete control may opt for the owner/operator route, but for the personthat wants to continue working at a salaried position or who desires a more flexible schedule, the semi-absentee model can be a great option.

The semi-absentee franchisee is one that generally requires only a part time commitment or possibly asmuch as 25-30 hours per week. Franchises that follow this model will allow franchisees to keep their dayjobs and avoid taking on the complete burden of daily operations by themselves.

A semi-absentee franchise owner does not need detailed knowledge of the business model he/she isinvesting in. Most times a basic understanding of the industry can get you started. The real goal of thistype of franchise model is to hire management that has the business specific knowledge to effectivelyrun the company on a daily basis.

When you install personnel that can effectively manage the workers, your role is reduced to managingjust the managers, which can still be a daunting task, but is generally less demanding on your time andgives you the flexibility to make business decisions from a higher vantage point.

So you might be wondering – what exactly are those other decisions that you will have the time to makesince you’re not at the franchise full time? Well, for starters you can work on marketing the franchise.You can also secure contracts with vendors and work on human resources-type issues when they arise.

Another key area of interest for the semi-absentee franchisee is adding additional units. As you learn thedetails of the business, you will become more adept at managing it from your limited role.Owner/operators have their hands full with daily operations and until they can find the time to reachnew suppliers, scout new locations and spread their managers, it is difficult for them to grow past theinitial franchise.

Investors who are looking at the bigger picture often choose semi-absentee franchises. Of course thatdoesn’t mean you’ll be completely hands-off – the term “semi-absentee” indicates that you will bepresent from time to time and learn the business model as you go. You do not need to fully comprehendthe business model to get started with this type of franchise, but you do need to know what it is on abasic level. For the most part, a semi-absentee franchise gives you the best of both worlds when itcomes to managing the company. You can assume as little or as much control as you wish while enjoyingthe other business and personal plans you have in mind for the future.