This post is part of a series asking top franchisors a commonly asked question by prospective franchisees. Today's question is: What advice do you have for potential franchisees?
Rob White
VP and Brand Leader of Renew Crew, an eco-friendly exterior surface cleaning franchise
As a former franchisee, I love answering this question! I have 4 main pieces of advice for first-time franchisees, but if I need to pick one, I would say “Embrace the training and support and then follow the systems and ask for help”.
When I was a franchisee, I thought that I knew and followed all of the systems and that I asked for help too often! When I moved on the franchisor side of the same brand, I realized that as a franchisee, I didn’t know or follow 70% of the systems and that I should have asked for help twice as often I had done.
Franchisees are paying for systems and support. Good franchise systems are good at providing systems and support….use the systems and ask for help! Not doing so is like paying for an all-inclusive trip to some exotic island, and never getting on the plane to take the trip! You are wasting the money that you spend on royalties if you don’t follow the systems and ask for help!
Sean Young
Director of Corporate Development for The Glass Guru, a home service franchise specializing in glass/windows
First, take the time to complete your due diligence. Make sure you are getting all the tools and resources you can from franchisors when you are searching for the right business.
Once you decide on a franchise, leverage the model, leverage the support staff! It’s likely that the startup model is the way it is because it’s been developed over time. In addition to having a really good relationship with the franchisor, make sure to have franchise mentors too. Usually, one can develop very meaningful relationships with 2-3 trusted advisors in the franchise network who’ve worked the model to build successful businesses.
Brian Swain
Managing Partner & President of Healthier 4U Vending, vending business opportunity for healthier eating choices on-the-go
If this is their 1st or 40th endeavor as an entrepreneur, I encourage them to research the companies they are thinking of becoming affiliated with. It is a significant investment to start a business, not just money, but time as well. Don’t believe the smoke and mirrors sales pitches the industry is littered with, dig deeper and really learn about the company and company founders and leadership. The internet has given everyone the opportunity to unveil those slick pitches to see there is no substance. If you choose the right partner in business and are willing to put in the work, success will follow. If you do that research you will see which companies really do stand out in their respective industries.
Colin Fitzpatrick
Vice President of Franchising & Development of School of Rock, a children’s music education franchise
Choose wisely. Choose a business that is purpose-driven and something you are passionate about. Generally, that is the number one thing that people who are considering leaving their current career are looking for, but often times they settle on something that doesn’t provide that. Without a passion for the business you are getting into, you’re essentially just buying yourself another “job.”
(…and do your due diligence!)
David Lavalle
Founder of Dryer Vent Wizard, a cleaning franchise specializing in dryer vents
Keep your chin up at the very beginning. The first year is always the toughest with any business you choose to start. Bear in mind everyone else has been through this, and they have been successful. Starting a business is like a rollercoaster ride. There are highs, and there are lows.
Also, never stop networking and marketing. A lot of our marketing is what I call “shoe leather marketing,” meaning you get your feet on the ground and consistently go out to spread the word about your Dryer Vent Wizard business. One of our top franchisees said a long time ago, “I work every day whether I have a job or not. Every day I get up and go marketing, and by spreading the word, eventually it will pay off.”
Finally, be coachable and don’t be afraid to get yourself out of your comfort zone. Everyone is not perfect in every aspect of the business. However, the ones that allow themselves to be coached and force themselves to get out of their comfort zones are the people who are successful.