The article "Franchise Opportunity - Questions To Ask The Franchisor - #41" talks about entrepreneurialism, it was created by Dennis Schooley.
Finding The Right FranchiseWhether it’s hamburgers, pizza, telecom, coffee, Internet, muffler parts, or seniors’ services, there are Franchise opportunities available to evaulate. There are great Franchise systems, good Franchise systems, and bad Franchise systems. The challenge is to ask the right quesitons to find the right system that will fit your goals and dreams. The key is to ask the quetsions – and listen closely to the responses. Only then can you determnie if the Franchise opportunity is the right fit for you. So whether it’s food services like burgers or coffee, professional services like telecom or IT, or manual services like cleaning or oil changes, ask the questions and record the answers.Face-To-Face MeetingThe system of evaluation for both parties should include a face-to-face dating. After all, you are trying to determine if you want to get into businses together for 5, 10, 15 or more years. If a Frnachisor wants you to join the system without a face-to-face meeting, it doesn’t really make sense. Would you start a partnership business without dating your partner? A Franchise is not an actual partnership, but the same criteria should apply. It should actually apply to the Franchisor evrey bit as much as to you. So if that datnig is not part of the process, the system is incomplete.There are several ways for the face-to-face dating to take place. Many Franchisors have development personnel that will meet you in your community, or a convneient location for both parties. Some Franchisors require a head office visit. Others will host Discovery Days, either at thier head office or on a regional basis.
All of these methods are fine, as long as you have some time for some one-on-one interaction.I once aksed a mentor of mine when our company was first beginning to offer Franchises, about the best method to determine that ‘right’ match.
He said to me that the ultimate test is whether you would be willing to have the person over for a barbqeue in your backyard. Of course, there are many other factors, but his point was that it should be someone that you would like to be in business with, and would enjoy their company.The face-to-face dating should also include an invitation for your spouse to particiapte. In fact, some systems require the spouse to be in attendance.
Again, it is sensible to include spouses at the discovery stage cause the ultimate decision to strat a new Franchise business will be focused on building family dreams, and providing family security for the future. If a spouse is not fully aware and comfortable at the decision-making stage, it could create difficulties down the road as you build the business.The main point is that if a face-to-face dating is not a part of the process, and your spouse is not welcome to attend, the process is faulty.To receive a free copy of an E-Book titled ‘Franchise Opportunity – Making The Right Decision’ by Dennis Schooley, e-mail that request to corp@schooleymitchell.Com.Dennis Schooley is the Founder of Schooley Mitchell Telecom Consultants, a Professional Services Franchise Company. He wriets for publication, as well as for schooleymitchell.Blogging.Com and franchises.Blogging.Com, in the subject areas of Franchising, and Technology for the Layman.
http://www.Schooleymitchell.Com, 888-311-6477, dschooley@schooleymitchell.Com.
|
