To celebrate International Women’s Day, we’ve caught up with one of our hugely inspiring franchisees, Adele James, to find out how she finds running her own Barking Mad franchise

What did you do previously to joining Barking Mad?

I was a travel agent for 15 years, I also worked in recruitment and prior to Barking Mad I was the Sales Support Manager for the Radisson hotel group in the UK.

What appealed to you most about Barking Mad when you first started considering franchising as a route to self-employment?

I wanted to work with dogs and while researching for the future I found Barking Mad. The Barking Mad franchise stood out because of the great reviews, the training that’s provided and it was an opportunity to work with dogs straight away knowing I had full support and great earnings potential.

Would you encourage more women into franchising with Barking Mad and why?

Absolutely! Barking Mad Dog Care offers a fantastic opportunity for women to enter the franchising world. Here are a few reasons why:

• Flexibility: The franchise model allows for a flexible work schedule, which can be particularly appealing for women balancing work and family commitments.
• Support and Training: Barking Mad provides comprehensive training and ongoing support, ensuring that franchisees have the tools and knowledge they need to succeed.
• Community: Joining Barking Mad means becoming part of a supportive network of franchisees who share a passion for dogs and business.
• Proven Success: With over 25 years of experience, Barking Mad has a proven business model that has helped many franchisees achieve their entrepreneurial dreams.

If you're passionate about dogs and looking for a rewarding business opportunity, Barking Mad could be a great fit!

What support is there from Head office - national marketing, franchise support etc? 

Barking Mad offers a comprehensive support system, including training, marketing assistance, and ongoing guidance. This support helps you navigate the challenges of running a business and sets you up for success.

What is the best thing about being a Barking Mad franchisee?

One of the best things about being a Barking Mad franchisee is the joy of working with pets and their owners. A few highlights include;

• Passion-Driven Work: If you love dogs, running a Barking Mad franchise allows you to turn that passion into a fulfilling career. You'll get to spend your days caring for and playing with pets, which can be incredibly rewarding.
• Community Connection: You'll build relationships with local pet owners and become a trusted part of the community. Knowing that you're providing a valuable service to your neighbours can be very gratifying.
• Impact: Providing high-quality care for pets while their owners are away brings peace of mind to pet owners and ensures that their furry friends are happy and well-cared for.

Overall, being a Barking Mad franchisee offers a unique combination of passion, community, support, flexibility, and impact. It's a great opportunity for anyone who loves dogs and wants to make a positive difference in their community! 

How is your life different now compared to before being self-employed with Barking Mad? 

Running your own business offers a sense of entrepreneurial freedom, allowing you to make decisions independently and steer your venture in the direction you envision. The potential for growth is another significant advantage, as your earnings are directly tied to the success of the business, meaning dedication and hard work can lead to substantial financial rewards.

Additionally, leaving the corporate world can be a major motivator, especially if past experiences involved feeling undervalued as an employee. Escaping that environment provides an opportunity to create a business culture that aligns with your values and aspirations.

What's the most valuable piece of advice you could give someone (and specifically women) looking to buy their first franchise?  

1. Understand the Business Model: Make sure you fully understand how the franchise operates, including the business model, revenue streams, and daily operations. Speak with current franchisees to get their insights and experiences.
2. Financial Planning: Ensure you have a clear understanding of the financial investment required, including initial costs, ongoing fees, and potential hidden expenses. Create a detailed business plan and consider seeking advice from a financial advisor.
3. Seek Female Mentors: Find successful female franchisees or entrepreneurs who can offer mentorship and advice. Their experiences can provide valuable insights and support.
4. Confidence and Assertiveness: Be confident in your abilities and assertive in negotiations. Don't hesitate to ask questions and advocate for yourself.

In your opinion, what makes a successful franchisee? 

Passion and enthusiasm play a crucial role in running a successful franchise, as genuine excitement for the business and its products or services leads to better customer service and a more positive work environment. A strong work ethic is equally important, as dedication, hard work, and a willingness to go the extra mile are essential for success.

Franchisees must also be highly adaptable, ready to adjust to changing market conditions and evolving customer needs. Flexibility and a continuous willingness to learn are key to long-term growth.

Additionally, maintaining a strong customer focus is vital, as providing exceptional service and building lasting relationships help retain existing clients and attract new ones, ensuring sustained business success.

What are the positives/negatives of running your own business - are there any specific to being a female?

Owning a business comes with both positives and negatives. On the positive side, autonomy allows you to make decisions and guide your business in the direction you envision. Flexibility enables you to create a work schedule that suits your lifestyle, which is particularly beneficial for those with family commitments. Additionally, the potential for growth means your earnings are directly tied to your efforts and innovation, making success highly rewarding. Passion also plays a significant role, as working in a field you love can be both fulfilling and motivating.

However, there are always challenges as well. Financial risk is a major concern, as starting and running a business requires investment and comes with the possibility of failure. Stress and pressure can also be significant, as the responsibility for the business's success rests solely on your shoulders. Running a business is often time-consuming, demanding long hours that can encroach on personal time. Moreover, uncertainty is always a factor, as businesses face unpredictable challenges.

For women, there are additional considerations, particularly regarding work-life balance. Many women juggle multiple roles, and business ownership can provide the flexibility needed to manage personal and professional responsibilities.

Despite the challenges, numerous support systems and resources are available to help women succeed. If you are passionate and determined, running your own business can be an incredibly rewarding journey.