Taking care of your mental health is just as important as taking care of your business. Learn how Orlando, a Jim’s Group franchisee, found success by prioritizing his mental health and taking the leap into entrepreneurship.
Starting a business can be a daunting prospect, especially if you have been in the same job for a long time. But sometimes, prioritizing your mental health can lead to the best decision you ever make.
This was certainly the case for Orlando, who had spent 22 years working in finance before he decided to make a change. Mental and physical health problems, including depression and anxiety, had taken their toll on Orlando, and he knew he needed to do something different.
Orlando didn’t have any specific trade skills, but he did have an interest in cleaning. He was inspired by a friend who had started Jim’s Cleaning franchise and had seen great success. So, he decided to take the plunge and become a Jim’s franchisee himself.
And he hasn’t looked back since.
The transition from finance to cleaning was a big one, but Orlando found the whole process surprisingly easy. He received great feedback from friends who were already successful in the industry, and he found the support of Jim’s community to be invaluable.
While the start of Orlando’s Jim’s franchise was focused on getting his mental health back on track, he soon found that the business was thriving. He had forecasted that it would take a year before he could hire anyone, but the opportunity with Jim’s Group was different. Once he started operating, he saw leads coming in and tapped into unserviced leads, which meant that he was able to hire staff sooner than he thought.
Orlando has also experienced significant improvements in his mental and physical health. He is now the healthiest he has been in 15 months, and he has found satisfaction in generating revenue for his staff and helping them to develop new skills.
Jim’s Group offers a very supportive community and also prioritizes your mental health for success, so don’t be afraid to take that next step toward entrepreneurship. It could be the best decision you ever make.
How Jim’s Group Supports the Mental Health of Franchisees
The stress from Orlando’s previous job took a toll on his mental health, leading him to make a career change. “I had mental health problems like depression and anxiety, about four episodes,” he says during a Jim’s Podcast interview. “And the last one, I thought, I’m not going into another face of depression, I’ll just say quits to my current job, and then do something different.”
At Jim’s Group, mental health is a top priority for both franchisees and the company as a whole. Jim Penman, the founder of Jim’s Group, recognizes that being an entrepreneur can be challenging and stressful, and he emphasizes the importance of building a sense of community and providing support for franchisees. “Though being in business for yourself has many benefits for mental health, not least a flexible lifestyle that allows time for family, it can be hard at times,” he says.
To support franchisees, Jim’s Group offers regular phone calls and meetings with franchisors, mental health training for franchisors, free professional counseling from qualified psychologists, and resilience training as part of the induction program.
Jim’s Group also has a network of volunteer mentors and emergency numbers for franchisees in need. At Jim’s Group, mental health is not just a buzzword or a token gesture. It is a serious issue that the company takes seriously, with a range of resources and support available to franchisees.
As Orlando can attest, prioritizing your mental health can be the key to success as an entrepreneur. “The priority at the beginning of my franchise is to get my health back,” he says. “And since I left the corporate world, I’ve been the healthiest that I can be.”
Orlando’s First Weeks As A Franchisee
Orlando’s first weeks as a franchisee was filled with a mix of emotions, as anyone starting a new business venture would experience. But his experience was unique in that he had just completed his training online, which presented its own set of challenges.
Orlando admits that the online training of Jim’s Group was a bit tougher than being in person. Sitting in front of his computer for three full days with no interaction except for group exercises was a bit challenging. But despite the challenges, Orlando did not let them get in the way of his learning and growth.
Orlando’s first couple of weeks as a franchisee were filled with uncertainty, but they were also filled with excitement and hope. When he received his first lead from the pay-for-work guarantee, he wanted to celebrate. He made his first call to the client and started scheduling a consultation to do a quote.
Winning his first job was a huge milestone, and he felt proud and accomplished.
In the beginning, he was not sure how to price his services, but he eventually learned how to do it properly through trial and error. Because of this, he also learned a lot about price quotes, which is something many franchisees struggle with.
Orlando’s success as a franchisee can be attributed to his hard work, dedication, and willingness to learn and grow. He started working seven days a week and taking on as many jobs as he could, both residential and commercial. He also leveraged social media and community pages to find new clients and grew his business through referrals.
Another factor that contributed to his success was his ability to put employees on and manage them effectively. Finding the right employees can be a challenge, but Orlando was able to do it by looking for people who had good credibility.
Perhaps most impressive of all, Orlando has managed to build a team of 11 employees in just his first year in business. He also maintained a five-star rating, a source of inspiration and pride. This is a testament to his leadership skills and his ability to manage and motivate his team effectively.
He says that he does not necessarily look for cleaning experience when hiring his employees. As he could provide training for it, his staff would work with him for about two weeks to a month until he was comfortable with the quality of their cleaning.
Orlando also maintained a good relationship with his employees by understanding and providing them with benefits. He realizes how the workplace could positively influence mental health, and he is using it to promote the well-being of his employees.
Orlando’s vision for his business is to continue growing and expanding into new areas like aged care and NDIS. He is not refusing any clients at the moment and is happy to go and have a chat to see if there’s an opportunity for his business to provide a service. He hopes to grow his business to 20 employees and become the biggest franchisee on the Central Coast.
Orlando’s Lessons in Customer Service, Efficiency, and Team Building
One of the key differentiators for Orlando’s business is the emphasis on setting clear expectations with clients from the very beginning. According to Orlando, the first point of contact with a potential customer is critical in setting the tone for the entire relationship.
By establishing a clear understanding of the client’s needs and expectations upfront, Orlando is able to consistently deliver high-quality service that meets and often exceeds his client’s expectations.
Orlando also places a high value on open communication with his clients. He makes a point of addressing any issues or concerns that may arise during the cleaning process and always strives to find solutions that will leave his clients feeling satisfied and happy with the service they received.
This commitment to exceptional customer service has earned Orlando a loyal following of clients who refers him to their friends and family, helping to grow his business through word of mouth. He says that he may be just a cleaner, but he sometimes feels like a celebrity because he earned the trust and confidence of his clients.
Another factor that has contributed to Orlando’s success is his commitment to efficiency and organization. He has developed streamlined processes for everything from scheduling jobs to managing payroll, which has helped him to stay on top of his business operations while also freeing up more time to focus on delivering exceptional service to his clients.
Orlando credits his success in this area to his willingness to lead by example and his commitment to fostering a positive and supportive work environment.
Overall, Orlando’s success as a Jim’s Group franchisee is a testament to the power of prioritizing oneself and committing to excellence in all aspects of one’s business. By focusing on delivering exceptional service to his clients and investing in efficient business practices and team building, Orlando has built a thriving business that continues to grow and succeed.
If you’re considering becoming a franchisee with Jim’s Group, Orlando’s story is an excellent example of what is possible with the right mindset and commitment to success.
Advice for those considering entrepreneurship with Jim’s Group
If you’re thinking about making the switch from a corporate job to entrepreneurship, you’re not alone. Many people find themselves in a similar position, feeling unfulfilled or struggling with their mental health in a corporate environment.
But taking the leap to start your own business can be daunting, especially if you don’t have experience in running a business.
Orlando has some advice for those considering entrepreneurship. His first piece of advice is to do your research and reach out. Jim’s Group offers a variety of franchises, and there are many divisions that would fit with your goals and background. He also advises talking to other franchisees and hearing their stories, as they surely have valuable insights to share.
He also says that one of the biggest advantages of joining Jim’s Group is the supportive community. Orlando likens it to being part of a family, with plenty of resources available to help you along the way. From mentors to franchisors to other franchisees, you’re never alone in this journey.
Orlando also recommends persevering and staying focused on your goals. Cleaning may not be a glamorous job for some people, but Orlando says that it is very lucrative and incredibly satisfying. Seeing the satisfaction on a client’s face after cleaning their home can be a rewarding experience.
So, if you’re considering entrepreneurship, take Orlando’s advice to heart. Do your research, reach out to the supportive community, and stay focused on your goals. With the right mindset and commitment to success, you too can build a thriving business and prioritize your mental health at the same time with Jim’s Group.
Conclusion
Orlando’s story is a powerful reminder that prioritizing your mental health can lead to great things. By taking care of himself and making the leap into entrepreneurship with Jim’s Group, Orlando has found success and peace that he never could have imagined in his previous job.
Jim’s Group is not just a company that offers franchises. It is a supportive community that values the well-being of its franchisees and prioritizes mental health. With resources like mental health training, counseling, and resilience training, Jim’s Group provides the support and tools necessary for success in the world of entrepreneurship.
If you’re considering becoming a franchisee with Jim’s Group, take Orlando’s advice and reach out to the supportive community of Jim’s Group and stay focused on your goals. With the right mindset and commitment to success, you too can build a thriving business and prioritize your mental health at the same time.
Visit Jim’s Group’s website to learn more about the opportunities available and take the first step toward a brighter future.
Subscribe to the Jim’s Group Podcast Below
Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/502PU0ZUKtzFjGmcDoHDi4?si=4a9c353fb9154d77
iTunes – https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/jims-podcast/id1466721618
Video Episodes YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZLlOfY2ia2u5OyFx3RfmBN-zmZ9cvwGX
To enquire about joining Jim’s – https://jims.net/own-a-franchise/
Hosted by Joel Kleber