| |
| 4. Who are LINK Agents & Franchisees
? |
LINK Agents & Franchisees are independent self employed businesses,
but they are not alone.
They work independently within an office, are self- funding and
operate on a very high commission split. The structure of commissions
ensures that every agent is motivated and driven to market themselves
and their customer's business to the maximum. Agents & Franchisees
can count on the support of the entire LINK organisation and network,
and develop their business with autonomy.
All LINK Agents own and run their own small business. This is essential
so they are acutely aware of needs of other small business owners.
They need to be knowagable from experience in virually every facet
of running a business inlcuding premises, stock, operations, employee
and finances. It actually best if you are not formally qualified;
LINK Agents are people who have "walked the walk", and don't just
"have the T-shirt", but have a cupboard full of them.
What are the Character Traits that make a Good Agent or
Franchisee ?
From experience the most successful agents and franchisees have
certain qualities that enable them to excel in our business.
- desire to work for themselves
- desire and ability to learn.
- passionate about meeting and helping other people
- has drive and initiative.
- wants to be an entrepreneur
- has the time and energy that success demands.
- has the financial means to start their own business.
- Willing to follow a business operating system
- Motivated by risk/reward opportunities
| Traits |
Why
an agent needs this |
| Previous small
biz management ownership experience |
Needs to understand
the concerns expressed by business owners in regard to the operation
and the sale of their businesses |
| Good business
acumen |
Needs to be
able to see the business reasons why a customers should advertise
in the production and how it will benifit the customer |
| Strong communication
skills in both group and individual settings |
It is essential
that a 2 way exchange of information happens. Agents must listen
with their minds to what is being said (and what is not said) |
| Highly developed
people skills |
Selling can
be a difficult, emotional & time-consuming task. You need
to be able to handle all parties including the spouce, partnets
and family. |
| Confident |
You need to
exude confidence in their business, in your product and give
them confidence in their decision. |
| Extravert personality |
Practical realities
require pragmatic decisions. You to be clear, concise and authoritive
in your accessment of the business and it's probabilty of selling.
|
| Adaptable |
Equallly comfortable
advising SME business owners as CEOs and presidents |
| Think on feet,
extemporaneous |
You will be
impromptu situations; Your need to be prepared in advance and
deliver answers without notes or calculators: |
| Organised with
good record keeping. |
Information
must be timely acted upon, and information collated centrally.
|
| Enthusiastic
& tenacious |
The job can
involve long days and long out of hours working |
| Sales |
Good Agents
keep their mouths shut and their ears & eyes open. Agents
should LISTEN to what is being said and ask why? & how does
the products solve this issue. |
|
|
