f ra nchisee in action
Shaok ao Cheng, B oConcept
culture,” explains Cheng. He has learnt the importance of modeling the business. the couple learn the ins and outs of store operations. After that visits continued on an almost weekly basis. The couple has a number of training and franchisee tools to help them succeed in building their business: marketing tools, sales techniques, and employee management. Cheng recalls being very comforted by the thorough training manuals they provided that encompassed every aspect of the business. Additionally they have accessible experts in fields such as finance, and accounting so you have someone to show you how to manage these tasks. BoConcept is orchestrated on the values of respect (always showing you care), thinking smarter (always looking for the better solution), playing with the team (always using your freedom of responsibility), and loving city life (doing your best to know what’s going on in your community). “If you want to change something around you, you have to be that change first. If you want people to care about the company you have to care about the company. In that way you create a
Franchising USA
A Community Within A Career When the topic of a work/life balance arose Cheng’s attitude was very developed, “First and foremost, I don’t look at this as work. This is a new way of living, or a new lifestyle. This business in some ways is like a child of mine and so I treat it as such. There’s no such thing as ‘I’m not going to deal with you between the hours of five in the evening and eight in the morning.’ Whenever something comes up, I’m there. And so the balance is what you make of it.” As of late Cheng is learning the art of being a bit more laid back and doing his best to let go of aspects of the business. The couple has been in business for ten years. There is a strong engine in place and so the couple no longer needs to constantly be overseeing the entire operation. “There are still times when I have a crazy week, but overall I spend considerably less time on the business now. And I worry a lot less.” In the future, the couple is working towards further improving the efficiency of their operation. That includes the
efficiency of their employees “I come from a corporate background and at first I tried to create a process for everyone and run my business like a corporation. When you manage people by tasks, they’re just task executers. What you really want is people who go above and beyond on your team. I’ve learnt you have to treat employees and customers like family,” says Cheng. This is a business that is for people who love design and appreciate affordability. BoConcept offers designs and products that are modern and the perceived value is much higher than the actual price. “Something about this style is very New York; it’s high-design, with a great price point, and it felt very comfortable. In some ways, we feel that BoConcept was part of our destiny,” said Cheng. “Prospective BoConcept franchisees much know that this is going to be a new lifestyle. It’s not a job, it’s not work, this isn’t something you can do part time. For the first years, at least, a business is something you have to become a part of, and it has to become a part of you.” For more information: Web: www.boconcept.com