As a co-chair of the International Franchise Association’s Women in Franchising Philadelphia Chapter, I make an effort to advocate for women in franchising and mentor younger – or less experienced – up-and-coming franchise leaders. This includes those people who are in roles as franchisors, franchisees and suppliers, helping to foster great relationships for existing and aspiring franchisees in local communities across the country.
There are a lot of things that hold us back from achieving our goals. Most often, if we look truly into ourselves, it is our own internal voice.
Be inspired by this issue, Women of Wonder. I too want to encourage those of you who want to do more, to be more and to achieve more. If needed, reach out to those who can guide you, whether or not they are women.
If we want to have more women and minority business owners, if that’s the goal, then we need people to step up and fill those roles.
Step out of your comfort zone. Reach out to someone who can guide you. Ask what can I do? And then, trust that you can own your own business… whether as a franchisee, as a supplier to the industry, or as a founder who will take the initiative to start another different, but related, business.
Make no mistake. It isn’t easy. You have to make sacrifices. You have to work harder than you might if you were working for someone else.
If you look toward your future, and who isn’t thinking ahead to 2021 and what lies beyond – what (and who) do you want to be?
If you are a woman and want to know how to get there, turn to the mentors – family, friends, colleagues and franchise leaders. Connect on LinkedIn, reach out with your email and start the process now. You should also look through this issue and take the first step.
Be inspired. Set a goal. Imagine your future.
Nothing should hold you back.
– Dawn Abbamondi
Dawn Abbamondi, Director of Brand Development & Marketing at SMB Franchise Advisors, has over 20 years of extensive franchising experience in the coffee, food, convenience, gift and floral industries. Dawn leads the areas of marketing, social media, public relations, web development and lead generation. Contact her at 215-370-7998 or Dawn@SMBFranchising.com. Visit www.SMBFranchising.com