Driving Miss Daisy Daisy Kings Lynn is one of our most successful franchises and is run by Natalie Bressani and Melanie Beardmore. Natalie answered some questions on their reasons behind opening the franchise, their experiences and what’s worked well for them so far.

Driving Miss Daisy Daisy Kings Lynn is one of our most successful franchises and is run by Natalie Bressani and Melanie Beardmore. Natalie answered some questions on their reasons behind opening the franchise, their experiences and what’s worked well for them so far.

What attracted you to Driving Miss Daisy?

We were both attracted to Driving Miss Daisy as we realised it was a service we would like for our parents and grandparents, particularly in challenging times when we were juggling the stresses of caring for sick relatives in different parts of the country with a busy family life of our own.

Has there been anything unexpected that’s surprised you?

Surprises have come in abundance!

We were shocked with how close we would become to our clients and them to us. It was surprising to realise, when hearing a client the night before an outing on the phone telling you how much they have been looking forward to the trip all week, that you have been looking forward to a catch up with them too. That was something that surprised us both.

Also, when we have gone that little bit further for our clients and created the ‘wow factor’ it really does make their day or week! We’ve run errands for a client whilst they’ve been at an appointment, dropped some apples from our trees round, potted up plants from our gardens, sent a photo of their outing to them, given them a list of plants that would grow in their garden (they had been having difficulty with their new soil), helped them write cheques, taken the bins out, given them flowers on their birthday and surprised them with a visit and sing-song. The reactions of our clients make us want to do more!

What’s your experience been like so far?

Our experience so far has been exciting; during the early days we were desperately looking for ways to get customers and panicking it would never happen. More recently, things have become so busy that we have found it difficult to ensure we allow enough time between jobs in order to give everyone the service they deserve and we continue to love what we are doing.

What’s worked well in promoting Driving Miss Daisy in your area?

We have spoken to every social group and organisation who would listen to us. We have pushed how truly flexible we can be and how clients must use us like family. Initially we used examples of what has been done by other franchisees until we had our own examples. Speaking to so many groups in our immediate area, we have become ‘mini celebs’ and everyone calls out to us in town or stops to ask us how the business is going.

What would you say to someone thinking about opening a Driving Miss Daisy franchise?

To those starting out I would say, spend time really getting to know new clients and think hard about creating a ‘wow experience’. Go out of your way for people, they soon realise we are not taxis. The courtesy phone call the night before is essential for you and them. If family book you for a relative, give them a follow up email or call to tell them how well the trip went and thank them for their business.

Anything else you’d like to say about being a Driving Miss Daisy Franchisee?

Our biggest tip is that you don’t need an expensive advert in a paper; speaking to groups is free but the best advertisement is a great story. Take a client somewhere as a surprise or treat and let the local papers and magazines know in advance, asking them to send a photographer. There is never a charge as local newspapers tend to be looking for positive stories to publish.

Driving Miss Daisy Kings Lynn has a very active Facebook page with over 1000 followers. Be sure to check this out for the latest updates on their activities and to hear some of their fantastic testimonials.