Holiday gatherings are always a whirlwind, aren’t they? The sparkle of decorations, the warmth of family and friends, and of course—the food. Lots and lots of food. I was recently invited to a holiday dinner and asked to bring a dish to pass. For most people, that’s no big deal. For me, though, it’s a different story. You see, I have a Bachelor’s degree in Home Economics, but I don’t like to cook. Yes, you read that right. The irony isn’t lost on me.
So there I was, scrolling through recipe ideas, trying to find something that would make me look like I spent hours in the kitchen without actually spending hours in the kitchen. Finally, I landed on a foolproof dish: my “go-to” pasta salad. Easy, quick, and always a hit.
The problem came when I started making it. Somewhere between chopping the vegetables and boiling the pasta, I realized I had no idea how many people were coming. A dozen? Twenty? More? Panic set in. Did I have enough? Should I double the recipe? Triple it?
In a flurry, I decided to double the recipe—just in case. The result? A mountain of pasta salad. It barely fit in the serving bowl, and I still had leftovers spilling into smaller containers. But here’s the thing: the moment I walked into the party, my fears vanished. That pasta salad was devoured. People loved it, and some even asked for the recipe. I had more than enough to share, and I didn’t have to stress about running out or disappointing anyone.
Reflecting on that moment, it hit me how much this experience parallels franchising.
When you invest in a franchise, you’re essentially preparing your business for “more.” More customers. More demand. More success. Franchising provides a proven system—like doubling a recipe—that ensures you’re prepared to scale up when the time comes. You don’t have to worry about whether your systems can handle growth because they’ve already been tested and refined.
Just like I leaned on my trusty pasta salad recipe, franchise owners lean on the tried-and-true business models of their franchisors. From operations to marketing, these systems help you scale with confidence. And just as I brought enough food to feed a crowd, franchising helps you prepare for opportunities you may not even see yet.
The best part? You’re not doing it alone. Much like the compliments and recipe requests I received at the party, franchisees benefit from the support and collaboration of their franchisors and fellow franchise owners. It’s a built-in community of people who’ve been there, done that, and want to see you succeed.
So, whether it’s a holiday gathering or the next chapter in your career, remember: it’s always better to have more than you think you’ll need. Franchising helps you prepare for those “what ifs,” giving you the control, freedom, and flexibility to create something amazing.
Here’s to preparing for more—more success, more opportunities, and yes, even more pasta salad.
Let’s chat about how franchising can help you get ready for your “more.”