e x pert advice
Due Diligence for Solo-Zees r Determine your OHSE obligations for your home office and mobile vehicle.
r Ask past and current franchisees the following: — What are the top five benefits of being a solozee? — What are the top five challenges? — What does their daily schedule look like? handling work challenges and crisis on your own can seem daunting, but you have the blessed benefit of being able to pick up the phone and speak with someone who truly understands. Checking in daily is an essential ‘to do list’ item for all solo-zees. Debriefing your day, asking for help, discussing ideas and shooting the breeze with your franchisor and peer franchisees on a regular basis keeps you sane.
AND THE EXITS ARE HERE, HERE AND HERE... Occasionally escaping day-to-day routines is essential, as it allows you to work on the business (rather than working in it). Finding a local business coach, hanging out with local business people and forming a band of local franchisees provides you with a business community – a space where you can bounce ideas, ask advice and learn stuff. You need to develop these relationships yourself and build your own network. Being a solo-zee places greater emphasis on learning and prioritising different skills – such as being organised and being
disciplined around your plans; focusing on mental and physical wellness; setting boundaries so that everyone at home is happy and maintaining constant connection with the network. Being a solo-zee works for some, it doesn’t work for others. To make it work for you, refer to the checklist of additional questions and tasks to complete during your due diligence. At this stage, please ensure your tray table is up and your seatbelt fastened. It’s time for take-off. Let’s go! Julia Camm is the founder of Corven, a research and education consulting firm. Julia has been consulting to the franchise sector since 1995, helping franchisors achieve more from their education and training activities. She is currently completing her doctorate on franchisee education. Contact Julia at: Phone: 1800 65 15 45 Email: julia@corven.com.au Web: corven.com.au
82 Business Franchise Australia and New Zealand
— How do they plan their day? — How have they dealt with isolation and working on their own? — Do they have any hints and tips for maintaining fitness? — What boundaries did they create, why and how? — Any advice for managing friends and family who live at home? — How do they connect with the franchisor and other franchisees? — What local business networks and relationships have they formed? — What is required to set up a productive and ergonomic home office?
r Get a health check from your GP.