Autosheen

What makes a successful Autosheen franchise owner?

If you think that running your own business within the framework of a franchise is equivalent to 'buying a job' then it's probably not for you! Although franchising gives you tools and the model of a successful business, you still need the mind of an entrepreneur and plenty vision as this makes all the difference between a lifestyle business and a successful profitable one.

It also helps if you show promise early on as Steve Gladwin has, having made the transition from retailing to establishing his own Autosheen valeting business just over a year ago and already is one of the leading lights.

In uncertain economic times, Steve was backing his own success when he started operating in April 2011. From a lively start, he can already see the business constantly evolving and growing as a result of his own efforts.

Not one to wait for the business to drop into his lap, he has been actively marketing his service through multiple formats – leaflet drops, online marketing, demonstration valets – all to engage a series of new clients to establish a core base for his business.

Ensuring that the business continues to grow and to increase margins, he has reached a position where he is focussing his efforts on targeting high end business with prestigious detailing services. Meanwhile, he has taken a step back to look at ways to improve his operating efficiency to bring down overheads.

As an extension to his services, and to further enhance profits, Steve has done some business planning and is gearing up to tackle the marine and leisure vehicle sectors by year three.

Of course one of the secrets to Steve's success is the love of the job. As he says: "It's great working outdoors and I really enjoy the variety. I have worked on some of the most exclusive vehicles on the market and gained myself a reputation which has enabled me to build a great business network across a variety of sectors. I see opportunities everywhere and it's vital you act on them or they will simply slip away. As a single operator, you are on your own for long periods but the close relationship you build with your customers through transforming their cars with a professional service, more than makes up for this."

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