Running A Franchise: Q&A With it’seeze Franchisee Suzy Perry
Welcome back to our ongoing series ‘Running A Franchise’, where we explore what it takes to run an it’seeze web design franchise through interviews with our current franchisees.
This week we have interviewed former teacher and successful business owner Suzy Perry. Take a look below at Suzy’s experience with the it’seeze franchise and find out more about how she’s developed her rapidly growing web design business.
Can you tell us a bit about yourself and what you were doing prior to buying a franchise business?
“From doing a Maths degree I worked at a large IT company, then became a Maths teacher and an education consultant. After having my kids, I spent time working with schools doing fundraising but then wanted something more challenging and with scope to expand.”
Why did you go down the franchise route? What made you choose your industry? And why did you choose your franchise?
“Having a blueprint for a successful business was the reason I chose the franchise route – I wanted to be self-employed but did not have hours to sink into setting up a new business from scratch and wanted the knowledge that it could work.
I chose a franchise in the web design industry due to my background in IT and the it’seeze franchise opportunity was just right for me – I liked the product; the team were professional and not too “corporate”. I wanted something that still allowed me to be me and it’seeze does just that!”
What training and support did you receive initially, and what ongoing support is available?
“My training started with one week at the it’seeze franchise head office – it was very intensive but really good. I always feel I am supported by the Head Office team when there are new things I need to learn – they provide really useful remote learning materials and weekly newsletters to keep us updated.”
How would you describe your day-to-day role as a franchisee?
“Busy! Most days consist of a combination of working on the business and in the business. My main role within the business is sales as I have an employee to do the ongoing customer care and production work. I also spend time planning for the future growth of the business.”
Has becoming a franchisee changed your life, if so how?
“It was a perfect fit for me as a single mum – it allowed me to run a business, gave me independence and the chance to be with my family when I needed to. I love the flexibility.”
What is the most invaluable piece of advice you could give someone looking to buy their first franchise?
“Make sure you can afford to survive on minimal income over the first few months while you get up and running. Be prepared to listen to those franchisees who have been there and done it before you.”
In your opinion, what makes a successful franchisee?.
“Someone who is prepared to follow the system, invest the time in their business, and does not expect customers to land in their lap! It’s hard work but rewarding. There is no point investing in a franchise business unless you are happy with the franchising business model though – you need to be working with your franchisor, not against them.”
What are your plans for the future?
“Build my turnover so I can employ more people and have more free time!”
If you had to do it all again, what would you do differently?
“Realise sooner that I needed to work on the business not just in the business, and spend time planning and working proactively rather than reactively.”
If, like Suzy, you are looking for the opportunity to run your own successful web design business by partnering with a franchise, then fill in the contact form below and our Franchise Development Manager, Alex Brook, will be in touch to answer any of your questions about the it’seeze franchise.
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Alternatively, contact us via the form below.
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