Why a friend's advice could be your best franchise decision

Most of us have been there: standing at a family barbecue, catching up at the school gates or chatting at a birthday party, when a friend just can’t stop talking about their business. Maybe they’ve recently joined a gym franchise, opened a coffee shop or launched their own lawn care business. They’re full of enthusiasm, eager to share what they’ve learned, and before long they’re suggesting that you think about franchising too.

For some, it might feel like small talk that’s gone too far. But what if it’s not? What if your friend is handing you a genuine insight into a business model that could transform your career and financial future?

Here, Cheryl Harper, MD at Greensleeves Lawn Care, explores why these casual conversations can carry more weight than you might think – and why listening to a friend’s recommendation could be the first step towards something life-changing.

Honest insights you can trust

A brochure can be glossy. A sales pitch can be persuasive. But a chat with someone you trust goes straight to the heart of things. These conversations often happen in the most ordinary of places – at the kitchen table with a cup of tea, while waiting in the playground for the kids or during that family gathering where one person’s excitement bubbles over into every conversation.

The reason they matter is simple: friends rarely sugarcoat things. They don’t have a marketing script to follow, and they’re not under pressure to close a deal. Instead, they’ll tell you how it really is – the good, the bad and the in-between. Yes, they’ll share the successes proudly, but they’ll also admit to the challenges. That unfiltered honesty is worth its weight in gold when you’re trying to decide whether franchising is right for you.

Seeing success first-hand

There’s also the benefit of seeing results up close. When your friend is flourishing in their franchise, you can’t help but notice. It might be the confidence they’ve gained, the new energy in their voice when they talk about work or the lifestyle shifts they’ve been able to make.

Sometimes it’s practical: more time carved out for family, or the financial stability that brings peace of mind. Other times, it’s subtler: the sense of pride, the renewed motivation or even a healthier work-life balance. Whatever the change, it’s visible and tangible in a way no case study or statistic can ever really capture.

A recommendation that’s personal

Franchisors can (and should) tell you all about their systems, training and the support they provide. They can show you financial projections, explain the business model and share inspiring success stories. But only a friend knows you.

They understand your personality, your appetite for independence and your capacity for hard work. They can gauge whether you’d thrive on the challenge of building something from scratch, or whether you’d value the reassurance of following a proven system. When a friend recommends a franchise, they’re not ticking a box on a sales target. They’re making a personal judgement call – and that’s powerful.

Proof in practice

At Greensleeves Lawn Care, we’ve seen how a simple recommendation can spark real business success.

Take franchisee Sam Thwaites. After four years running Greensleeves Clyde Coast, his strong results caught the attention of his long-time friend – Dan Murfet. Seeing how well Sam was doing – and how the model delivered steady, repeat income – Dan decided to look into the opportunity himself. He soon launched his own franchise in Surrey.

Since then, the two have been in regular contact, with Sam sharing advice and guidance to help Dan settle into the business. “Since he joined, we probably talk more than ever before,” explained Sam. “At least once a week on the phone, plus lots of WhatsApps. It’s great to have someone you trust to bounce ideas off, and I’ve been able to pass on tips from my own experience.

“If I had another friend with the right attitude and work ethic, I’d absolutely recommend Greensleeves to them too. You do need to be dedicated and prepared to put the work in, but for the right person it’s a fantastic opportunity.”

What began as one friend noticing another’s success has grown into two thriving businesses – and a professional support system that helps them both.

Turning advice into action

So, what should you do if you find yourself on the receiving end of this kind of encouragement? The key is to lean into the conversation rather than dismiss it as idle chat.

Ask questions. Listen closely to the answers. Find out not just about the highlights, but about the difficult moments too. What hurdles did they face in their first year? How did they balance work and family life? How did they know they were making progress? These insights are invaluable – they give you a candid picture that no marketing material can provide.

But don’t stop there. Your friend’s experience is just one perspective. The next step is to broaden your view: talk to other franchisees in the network, speak directly with the franchisor, and look into the culture and values of the brand. Every franchise system is different, so it’s about matching what you learn with your own skills, ambitions and circumstances.

The bottom line

Friends might not always get it right when recommending a restaurant or suggesting a new holiday destination. But when it comes to franchising, their advice can be worth taking seriously. They’re living proof of what’s possible – and they genuinely want you to succeed.

So next time a friend brings up franchising over a slice of cake or a summer drink, don’t dismiss it as small talk – because that conversation could be the start of your own journey into something truly rewarding.

Interested and want to know more about Greensleeves Lawn Care?

The Greensleeves Lawn Care profile outlines all aspects of their franchise opportunity and allows you to contact them for further information or to ask a question.

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