Date Updated:02/05/24
At this stage, you have researched the pros and cons of a franchise business and are now seriously considering franchising as a way into business.
To be a successful franchisee you would have to be the type of person who can accurately stick to someone else's system, without wanting to make changes. You will be starting your business using someone else's know-how and expertise gained over years of running a mirror image business and on top of it you don't have to worry about developing the system, the franchisor does that. You will however have to manage, promote, market and sell as well as millions of other tasks that have to be done in running small businesses.
In this second step we look at whether franchising is the right route into self-employment for you? We provide questions to help you to self-evaluate your personal circumstances and give you access to our franchise self-test. We also look at the benefits of becoming a franchisee and what a franchisor looks for in a franchisee.
If you’re looking to start your own business and you want to mitigate the risks involved when starting from scratch, franchising is for you. With a proven business model, an established brand, and ongoing support from the franchisor, you have a higher chance of success than if you go it alone.
However, success in franchising requires more than just signing a franchise agreement and paying the franchise fee. It takes determination, resilience, adaptability, a go-getter attitude, and passion to run your business. If you embody these characteristics, you could be tough enough for franchising.
What does toughness mean?
Running a business requires a lot of effort and hard work. There will be times when things don't go as planned, and it can be easy to give up. You might experience a dip in sales or lose a couple of key employees in quick succession. If you can persevere through difficult times, and remain focused on your goals, you are more likely to achieve success in business. Sometimes, this will mean working long hours and taking on additional responsibilities, but this will come easy to you if you’re determined to make your business a success.
You will also be a leader, instilling your determination in your staff. You and your staff should embody a drive to give your customers and clients top quality service. Embedding this culture of determination in your business will undoubtedly drive you forward.
Success comes more easily when you’re proactive, motivated, and always looking for new opportunities to improve your business. Sitting back and waiting for things to happen will benefit no one. If you show initiative, ask questions of your franchisor, and work together to increase profits while maintaining customer satisfaction, your business will go from strength to strength.
Having an open mind is important too because you’ll be subscribing to someone else’s ideas. This shouldn’t stop you from suggesting and trying new things. Starting a business is always a gamble, but if you’re willing to take calculated risks in order to achieve success, this will benefit your business in the long run.
Understand your Target Market
Being determined and driven is all well and good, but if you don’t have a deep understanding of your target market and their needs, you could struggle.
Your understanding of the sector you’re buying into will help capitalise on sales and marketing opportunities. If you have a strong desire to continue after thoroughly researching your target market, you should push ahead.
Who can buy a Franchise?
It goes without saying that regardless of your race or sexual orientation, if you embody the drive and determination to succeed, paired with a deep understanding of your customer-case, you have the potential to succeed in franchising.
You should feel confident enough to draw on your own lived-experiences to help you grow your business, no matter where you’re from or who you are. Diversity in franchising makes life more exciting, more cosmopolitan and enables us to connect with customers from anywhere and everywhere!
Becoming a successful franchisee requires more than just enough money to afford to buy a business. It takes a combination of traits, skills, and positive habits that enable you to overcome challenges, seize opportunities, and grow your business. While the franchisor provides a solid foundation, it's up to you to build on that and inject into your business your creativity and personality and your own background and culture. If you’re willing to develop these qualities and have the courage to take on the challenge of running a business, you might just be tough enough for franchising.
Find out more about opportunities with Walfinch...
Just because you want to run your own business doesn’t mean you are capable.
You may have the funding to buy into a franchise BUT do you have the ‘mentality’ to do yourself and the business justice?
Whilst you’ll be researching your chosen franchise business and speaking to banks, advisors, existing franchisees and doing your due diligence, the franchisor should at the same time be doing their due diligence on you.
YES, the franchisors assessment of you is important but even more critical is your own assessment of yourself, your strengths/weaknesses and above all your mentality.
I pulled together this ‘cheap and dirty’ Q7A for prospective franchisees to assess if they have the ‘make-up’ to be a franchisee.
12 questions with two points for each answer (rules for marking are at the end). If I took the test, then I would want to get to 20 points to be comfortable that I have the right mind set to be a franchisee.
Take the test – it will only take you five minutes. There are 12 questions – all binary – agree or disagree.
ANSWER THE QUESTIONS HONESTLY.
- I sometimes feel I’ the victim of outside forces - AGREE/DISAGREE
- Generally, I work later than I plan - AGREE DISAGREE
- Some days I feel I’ve achieved nothing - AGREE /DISAGREE
- I will always try to get something positive from a poor situation - AGREE /DISAGREE
- I like order and regular hours - AGREE /DISAGREE
- I don’t like relying on other people - AGREE /DISAGREE
- I will take risks if I’ve weighed up all the potential issues - AGREE /DISAGREE
- If I start something I will see it through - AGREE /DISSGREE
- I will generally consider other people’s views - AGREE /DISAGREE
- I temper my ambition to avoid disappointment - AGREE /DISAGREE
- I get real satisfaction leading a team - AGREE /DISAGREE
- I only care how much money I make - AGREE DISAGREE
If you answered YES to questions 2,4,7,8,9,11 then give yourself two points for each.
If you answered NO to any of the others, then also award yourself two points each.
The above is not sophisticated BUT frankly if you only scored 10 points would you be confident of running a business? No, nor would I.
About Nigel Toplis
Nigel Toplis is Managing Director of The Bardon Group stable of franchises which includes Kall Kwik, Recognition Express and Techclean. The Group specialises in developing and growing franchised businesses in the UK.
Without the right attitude you will fail – simple!
So, you’ve done all your research, you’ve done your due diligence and you’ve decided that you want a franchise. All good so far, except you may simply not be cut out for it.
You might seem to have all the right attributes – you’re intelligent and highly skilled with enough cash behind you. But all of these things count for nothing unless you have the right attitude for franchising.
Let’s be honest, as a franchisor it is very tempting to take on people who are skilled, bright, keen with plenty of cash. But I’ve learned over the years that to do so is dangerous, foolhardy and brings only short-term benefits. In the long run the downsides for both the franchisor and the franchisee are irrecoverable.
So, what is the right attitude? And how do you know if you have it?
The five attitudinal traits of a good franchisee
In 30 years of franchising, I’ve had the pleasure of working with some fabulous franchisees – from ex-greengrocers to BA stewards to a cattle rancher from Patagonia to ex-nurses – all of whom have built prosperous, fulfilling businesses.
That said I’ve also worked with plenty of people who ticked all the right boxes, but never really seemed to take off and over these years I’ve come to realise that there are five core characteristics that distinguish a great franchisee.
- Wholehearted commitment – buying into a franchise is not like starting a new job. There’s no ‘9 to 5’, no ‘switching off’ and no ‘leaving it to somebody else’. It requires serious 100% commitment, and it could change your whole lifestyle. You need to recognise this, and so do your family.
- Realism – it’s good to be ambitious, but you also need to be brutally honest with yourself when assessing your skills, work ethic and financial resources. A broad skill base is more important than specialist knowledge. It’s also important that you are organised, disciplined, hard-working and personable. Please don’t stretch your finances too far when buying a franchise – if you start out with a huge debt it will add too much pressure!
- An enterprising personality – franchisors don’t want entrepreneurs. Franchising is about following a proven system, not inventing a new one. But we do want people who are energetic and outgoing. If you have a positive disposition, enjoy being active and solving problems, the chances are you’ll make a good franchisee.
- Drive – you need to be a self-starter and a team player. You should be goal-oriented and able to handle responsibility. Yes, you’re buying into an existing business idea and model, but it is still your business – you’re the one who has to make it work. If you’re committed, realistic, enterprising and driven then you may well have what it takes to be a successful franchisee. But there’s one attribute that trumps all the others:
- Collaborative – franchisees who recognise the value of working closely with the franchisor will always be more successful than those who ‘plough their own furrow’. The franchisor has created, tested and run a successful and proven business model. So, work with the system. Don’t waste your valuable time reinventing the wheel.
Very few people possess the full spectrum of attributes and skills that any given franchisor is looking for. But some things are more important than others.
As a franchisor we will work with you if you are shy; we will teach you new business skills if you lack in certain areas and we will give you the tools and the ongoing support to enable you to build your business.
A franchisor is like your spouse. They care, they want you to be successful - so take advantage of their experience, knowledge and support.
if you believe that your way is better or the franchisor just interferes, then the relationship is likely to lead to an early divorce or certainly poor business development – so better you don’t buy a franchise if you think you know better or if you have a ‘maverick’ disposition.
A good franchisor wants you to succeed and will help you do so. Choose your franchise well, work closely with the franchisor, and get ready to roll your sleeves up!
About Nigel Toplis
Nigel Toplis is Managing Director of The Bardon Group stable of franchises which includes Kall Kwik, Recognition Express and Techclean. The Group specialises in developing and growing franchised businesses in the UK.
Is experience required in franchising?
Franchising presents an enticing opportunity for aspiring entrepreneurs to own and operate their own business under an established brand.
One common question that arises for those considering franchising is whether prior business experience is necessary. The short answer is: it depends.
While experience can be beneficial, many franchises are designed to welcome newcomers to the business world. Let's explore this topic in more depth.
The Appeal of Franchising for Newcomers
Franchising has long been touted as a path to business ownership that's more accessible than starting a company from scratch. One of its key selling points is the built-in support system that franchisors provide to their franchisees.
This support often includes:
- Comprehensive training programs
- Proven business models and systems
- Marketing and advertising support
- Ongoing operational guidance
These features make franchising an attractive option for individuals who may lack extensive business experience but have the drive and determination to succeed as entrepreneurs.
When Experience Matters
While many franchises are open to inexperienced operators, there are certainly situations where prior experience can be advantageous or even required:
Complex Industries: Some franchises operate in industries that demand specialised knowledge or skills. For example, automotive or technology-based franchises might prefer candidates with relevant technical backgrounds.
High-Investment Opportunities: Franchises that require significant upfront capital may scrutinise a candidate's business acumen more closely to ensure they can manage the financial aspects effectively.
Management-Heavy Concepts: Franchises that involve managing large teams or multiple locations often seek individuals with prior leadership or management experience.
Rapid Growth Plans: If you aim to become a multi-unit franchisee quickly, having a track record in business expansion can be a significant asset.
The Franchisor's Perspective
From the franchisor's standpoint, the ideal franchisee possesses a mix of qualities that go beyond just experience. These often include:
- Alignment with brand values and culture
- Strong work ethic and dedication
- Financial stability and access to capital
- Willingness to follow the established system
- Good communication and interpersonal skills
Many franchisors believe they can teach the specifics of their business model to the right individual, even if that person lacks prior experience in the industry.
Success Stories of Inexperienced Franchisees
The franchising world is full of success stories from individuals who entered with little to no prior business experience. These newcomers often bring fresh perspectives, enthusiasm, and a willingness to learn that can drive success. Their achievements highlight that with the right attitude, work ethic, and support system, inexperienced individuals can thrive in franchising.
Overcoming the Experience Gap
If you're interested in franchising but worried about your lack of experience, consider these strategies:
- Start with a Franchise that Welcomes Newcomers: Many franchises, particularly in the food, retail, and service sectors, are structured to accommodate first-time business owners.
- Leverage Transferable Skills: While you may not have direct business ownership experience, skills from previous careers or life experiences can be valuable. Leadership, customer service, and problem-solving abilities are highly transferable to franchising.
- Do Your Homework: Thoroughly research the franchise opportunities you're considering. Understand the day-to-day operations, challenges, and success factors for the business.
- Seek Mentorship: Connect with experienced franchisees or business mentors who can provide guidance and insights as you navigate your new venture.
- Embrace the Learning Process: Be prepared to immerse yourself in the franchisor's training programs and ongoing education opportunities. A willingness to learn and adapt is often more valuable than prior experience.
The Verdict
While experience can certainly be an asset in franchising, it's not always a prerequisite for success.
Many franchise systems are designed to provide comprehensive training and support, enabling individuals from diverse backgrounds to become successful business owners.
The key is to find a franchise opportunity that aligns with your skills, interests, and goals. Be honest about your strengths and weaknesses and choose a franchise that offers the level of support you need.
Remember, every experienced business owner was once a beginner. With the right franchise partnership, dedication, and willingness to learn, you can overcome the experience gap and build a thriving business.
Ultimately, franchising opens doors for individuals from all walks of life to become entrepreneurs.
Whether you're a seasoned business professional or a newcomer to the world of commerce, there's likely a franchise opportunity out there that's right for you.
The question isn't so much whether experience is required, but whether you have the passion, commitment, and willingness to learn that are the true foundations of franchising success.
Evaluate yourself for franchising
Though franchising is a very appealing business start-up option, it is not, however, for everyone. Before you decide to go down the franchise route and start to consider which franchises are a good fit for you, you first need to identify and be absolutely sure that franchising is right for you.
Below is a list of questions you can ask yourself. Asking these should give you a better understanding as to whether you could be a franchisee. You should also discuss them with your partner or family members as their input could be invaluable.
What physical condition are you in? Are you healthy? Do you suffer from any illnesses that could affect your ability to run your own business?
Franchising is more than a 9-5 job. It is your business so you will need to put in long hours and work weekends if required. If you are not in good health or suffer from an illness that could affect how you perform as a business owner, then franchising may not be for you.
How much of your assets are you willing to risk in a franchise business?
You need to calculate the value of your assets including savings, redundancy pay, car, house etc, and then work out how much you can risk losing. You will need to put a lot of your own capital into the business; can you afford to lose this? Can your family afford to lose it? What will happen if you do lose all your money? This is the worst case scenario but one you need to consider.
How much working capital can you afford to put into the business? What are your current financial commitments i.e. do you have a mortgage, loans, bills etc. If you had a drop in income, which can be common at the start of a business venture, could you afford this?
During the early months of new business cash flow problems may result in income from the business being lower than expected. Are your financial commitments such that you could manage on less income than you have now?
Is your partner or family willing to give you full support? Are they happy to share the risks with you?
There are always problems and difficult periods even in a successful franchise, and it is during these times that you may need a bit more family support than usual. It may be an idea to ask them to list their concerns so you can look at them in more detail.
Is your partner or family aware of the disruption to the family life that starting a new business can bring?
This disruption could range from a few missed meals to the abandonment of an annual holiday and the working of long hours. Ask them for reactions to these possibilities.You should of course have discussed the franchise idea fully with your partner. Many franchisors positively encourage the involvement of spouses or partners in their discussions with franchisees. But you should also ask yourself whether your relationship would stand the strain of the sacrifices, which are inevitably involved in starting your own business. Be sure your partner is not going along with your ideas just to make you happy; make sure he or she is as committed as you are.
How many extra hours above a standard 40 hour week would you be prepared to work as a franchisee?
As you will be aware, running a franchise could involve you in much more than a 9.00am to 5.00pm, weekday job. You may have said that you would be willing to work 20 or more hours extra. Is this realistic - what would you give up in a week to work those extra hours? If you said 2 or 3 hours or more, do you really have the commitment necessary to succeed in a new venture? It is your business and you will be responsible for all your decisions you have to spend all of the hours necessary to make the business work.
What reaction would you have to receiving strict guidelines by the franchisor on how to run your business?
If you value a high degree of autonomy and want to make your own decisions on how to run and develop business, then franchising is possibly not for you. The franchisor is in ultimate control and resentment of this in your part will make the relationship very difficult.
What involvement would you expect from the franchisor in resolving problems encountered in running the franchise?
Although the franchisor should help you with certain types of problems, do not expect assistance with all your minor difficulties. If you expect a large degree of assistance you should choose a franchise very carefully, selecting one which is well established and with well-defined systems for operating the business.
If you see improvements could be made to the environment in which you work, how determined would you be to change them for the better?
In running a franchise business, you will be expected to go by the rules, not change them. A franchisor will object vigorously if you try to 'personalise' the business. If you will be unable to resist making changes, then think again?
What would be your reaction to do tasks, such as serving food or cleaning tables?
You may need to do a lot of the dirty work yourself, particularly in the early days. If you don't want to get involved, make sure that profit margins are sufficiently high to enable you to take on staff.
In your present employment are you used to taking financial decisions?
The franchisor will be concerned if you have had little or no financial experience. Are you convinced that you have the necessary financial skills and knowledge?
Do you think you have the talent and skills that is required to market and sell your service or product?
Similarly, are you capable of selling and marketing your business? Are you sufficiently creative? A franchisor will be reassured if you have had some experience.
How good do you think you are at motivating staff?
If you have had problems with staff in the past and have blamed them, are you sure the problems were with the staff and not in the way that you dealt with them? Again, some franchisors may be concerned if you have had no experience of staff management.
Have you had frequent changes in jobs?
If the answer to this question is yes, are you sure that franchising is something you really want to commit yourself to and that you aren't just looking for yet another change? On the other hand, if you haven't moved jobs a few times in your career, are you sure that you are suited to the different lifestyle, which you may face?
What are your feelings on job security?
Some people like a lot of job security, whilst for others this is not important.Think carefully if you don't like insecurity, are you prepared to give up the comfort of receiving a regular wage.
The Benefits of Becoming a Franchisee
Have you ever dreamed of owning your own business but felt overwhelmed by the risks and challenges?
Enter franchising – a business model that offers aspiring entrepreneurs a unique blend of independence and support.
As a franchisee, you can harness the power of an established brand while building your own success story. Let's explore the compelling benefits that make franchising an attractive option for budding business owners.
Proven Business Model
One of the most significant advantages of becoming a franchisee is access to a tried-and-tested business model. Instead of starting from scratch, you're stepping into a system that has already overcome initial hurdles and refined its operations. This proven framework significantly reduces the risk of failure and provides a clear roadmap to success.
Brand Recognition and Established Customer Base
Imagine opening your doors on day one with customers already familiar with your brand. That's the power of franchising. You benefit from the franchisor's established reputation and marketing efforts, giving you a head start in building your customer base. This instant recognition can be a game-changer, especially in competitive markets.
Comprehensive Training and Support
Franchisors have a vested interest in your success and provide extensive training to ensure you hit the ground running. From initial business setup to ongoing operations, you'll receive guidance on everything from management techniques to customer service best practices. This support continues throughout your journey, helping you navigate challenges and capitalise on opportunities.
Purchasing Power and Economies of Scale
As part of a larger network, franchisees often enjoy significant cost savings. Franchisors leverage their size to negotiate better rates with suppliers, passing these savings on to you. This purchasing power can make a substantial difference in your bottom line, allowing you to compete more effectively with larger businesses.
Marketing and Advertising Support
Creating effective marketing campaigns can be both expensive and time-consuming. As a franchisee, you benefit from professionally developed marketing strategies and materials. Many franchisors also manage national or regional advertising campaigns, boosting your local efforts and increasing brand visibility.
Faster Ramp-Up Time
Time is money, and franchising can help you get your business up and running faster than if you were starting independently. With established systems for everything from site selection to grand opening procedures, you can focus on growing your business rather than reinventing the wheel.
Easier Access to Financing
Banks and investors often view franchises as lower-risk investments compared to independent startups. This perception can make it easier to secure funding for your business. Additionally, some franchisors offer in-house financing options or relationships with preferred lenders, further smoothing your path to business ownership.
Ongoing Research and Development
Staying ahead in today's fast-paced business environment requires constant innovation. Franchisors invest in research and development to keep their products, services, and systems competitive. As a franchisee, you benefit from these advancements without bearing the full cost or risk of innovation.
Built-In Network of Peers
Franchising offers a unique opportunity to be part of a community of like-minded entrepreneurs. This network provides invaluable support, allowing you to share experiences, best practices, and solutions with fellow franchisees. It's like having a built-in advisory board for your business.
Flexibility and Work-Life Balance
While running any business requires dedication, many franchise systems are designed to provide owners with a better work-life balance than traditional entrepreneurship. Established processes and support systems can allow you more freedom to focus on strategic growth or personal priorities.
Exit Strategy and Resale Value
When the time comes to move on, owning a franchise can offer advantages in terms of resale value. The established brand and proven system can make your business more attractive to potential buyers, potentially resulting in a higher selling price.
Embarking on the franchising journey isn't just about buying into a business; it's about investing in your future.
While it's important to carefully research and choose the right franchise opportunity, the benefits of this business model are clear. From reduced risk and faster growth to ongoing support and built-in networks, franchising offers a unique path to entrepreneurial success.
If you're ready to take control of your career while leveraging the power of an established brand, franchising might be the perfect solution.
It's time to turn your entrepreneurial dreams into reality – one franchise at a time.
Find out more about TruGreen franchise opportunities...
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What a franchisor looks for in a franchisee?
When looking to recruit franchisees, franchisors consider the follow characteristics to be important in a franchisee:
- They should be highly motivated and with a strong desire and passion to be successful
- They should display confidence and enthusiasm for what they are selling
- They should have the ability to motivate themselves and others
- They should be a quick learner and be able to pass their skills and knowledge on to their staff
- They should be able to express a good knowledge of the business and the industry in which they would be operating
- They should possess excellent management and sales skills, and demonstrate a high level of customer service.
The franchisor tends to prefer finding someone who doesn’t necessary have experience in their industry or an entrepreneurial flair. This is due to them wanting to train the franchisee in all aspects of their business and how they do things, instead of inheriting processes and methods picked up elsewhere. If the franchisee does run the business differently from how the franchisor wants it run, then this could lead to conflict and problems.
How do you know when you’re ready to buy a franchise?
Much of Home Instead UK’s continued success is down to the effort, time and dedication of its franchisees in providing exceptional care for older people and running successful businesses. It’s really important to do your due diligence when looking for a franchise; you really shouldn’t go into something half-hearted. It’s so much better if you are genuinely interested in the brand, committed and in a great position to become a franchise owner. At Home Instead they are always delighted when people demonstrate they have done their homework and have all the signs of becoming a committed franchise owner.
But how do you know when you’re ready to invest in a franchise, and the right franchise?
Are you in a good financial position?
There are franchises for everyone and with very different entry costs, from under £10,000 to over a million. Consider how much you have available to invest. You will need to pay the franchisee fee, plus have working capital available to get started and to support you and your business. The good news is that the banks tend to look favourably on franchises because of their high success rate, so often lending is available.
How well do you understand the business?
You’re not just setting up a business; you’re also investing in an existing and often well-known brand. It’s essential to understand the ethos of the franchise, what they do, the quality of their products and services, the network and much more. Ask yourself, do I want to do this? Do I have the passion and drive to make a great success of this franchise? It needs to be something you can believe in and enjoy.
How well do you understand franchising?
Franchising offers the best of both worlds: you can own a business with a big name on a local level within your own community, with the added bonus you are not setting up alone. There is a business model for every franchise which is tried and tested. Franchisees follow the model and work within these guidelines, so it is important to understand that you are part of a network and the key is consistency for the brand and all it stands for.
Do you have the time?
Often people can think that owning a franchise is more like having a job, or they can have a job as well. It is unlikely you will be able to run a new franchise territory as a side project, especially the larger franchises. It requires full attention to be successful, but as you become established and employ more people, you can become more hands-off and work on the business, not in the business.
Are you open-minded when it comes to location?
Your chosen franchise brand may already be well-established and may not have territories available in the area you want. So, you may need to be open to travelling to your territory, or relocation to a new area might be required. All franchise territories are carefully mapped and selected in terms of their demographics, suitability for the business and their target audience, all of which support franchise owners in building a successful business.
Article by Luke Spellman, Franchise Development Manager, Home Instead UK, the No.1 home care franchise. Find out more about Home Instead Franchise Opportunity...
