This post is part of a series asking top franchisors a commonly asked question by prospective franchisees. Today's question is: How can the biggest mistake you see from your incoming franchisees be avoided?
Bob Titus
President & CEO of Minuteman Press International, a B2B printing and marketing services franchise
The biggest mistake is not getting out there and promoting the business soon enough. One of the biggest benefits of owning a B2B business is the fact that you can actively go out and market the products and services that we offer because every business in the area is a potential customer. They all need and use marketing and promotional products on a daily basis so the fact that we can go out and meet other business owners and talk to them about how we can help them gain new customers is a huge plus. You just have to do it.
Michael Riley
Senior Vice President of Ziebart, an auto appearance and protection franchise
One of the biggest mistakes incoming franchisees can make is not giving enough time to think through one of the main principles of franchise ownership, being able to follow a structured business model. We believe our franchisees are in business for themselves, but not by themselves. They can decide their level of involvement and commitment, but they must follow the business model to ensure their breakeven and ultimate profit opportunity as soon as possible.
Mike Reeder
Vice President & Brand Leader of Archadeck, a home services franchise for outdoor living spaces
Simply stated, if you follow the system provided…..you will be successful. If you don’t follow the system, you will not be as successful.
Boyd Huneycutt
Founder of Mosquito Squad, outdoor pest control franchise
Mosquito Squad works diligently to bring the right people into the business, but as we know, the leading cause of business failure is undercapitalization – which means marketing suffers. You have to be properly capitalized to be successful, and understand you must work “ON” your business, not just in it.
Ray Fabik
President of The Growth Coach, business & sales coaching franchise
Our franchisees come in years of experience and leadership. There is a tendency for them to want to come in right away and want to add their own twist on the business. We encourage them to follow the system at the outset and learn the product and the brand before branching out. Working with their own coach and following the process first will set them up for success.