Franchise Brokers Association BLOG

It’s pretty remarkable how many different types of franchised businesses there are available.  When most people think of a franchise, images of McDonald’s, Burger King and Subway come to mind.  But less often do people think of the other business concepts the franchising industry has to offer, like:

• Clothing boutiques
• Day Spas
• Hair Salons
• Business Services and Coaching
• Childcare and Development
• Tutoring and Education
• Financial and Loan Services

There are thousands of franchise and business opportunities to invest in.  And, while many people initially say “I want to own a restaurant” or “I want to own a gym” there are important factors than can help you choose the very best business option for you.  Are you looking for:

• Flexible schedule
• Home office based operations
• Low investment level
• High return on investment
• Quick start up
• Small office or small number of employees

This is where a franchise broker can provide you with valuable guidance and assistance.  Their purpose is to not only match you with the best industry for you, but also the best business model.  Your work-life balance and your business goals are taken into consideration when researching your franchise options.  Do you want to:

• Make a difference
• Operate a green company
• Work with other businesses and professionals
• Provide job opportunities

It is important to take all of these items into consideration when investigating franchise and business opportunities you are interested in.  While these things can be daunting, having an experienced partner in your research process can prove immensely helpful (and stress reducing).

If you’re interested in talking to someone about your options or want to learn more about the benefits of using a franchise broker, click here and fill out an Information Request Form.

Throughout the 2011 Franchise Broker Conference and Expo, Dan Durney and the wonderfully accommodating owner at the Woodhouse Day Spa in Orlando, Allison Murphy, provided tours of the spa to conference attendees.  38 brokers and consultants participated in the tours; tours not only gave a peek inside the plush and luxurious treatment rooms but also provided a look inside the day-to-day life of an owner and why they decided to invest in the Woodhouse franchise.

The Woodhouse Day Spa is a lavish and well-appointed, resort-style spa with unique services, including the only Shirodhara massage in Orlando.  The spa offers franchisees multiple streams of revenue, including upscale spa services, private party packages, and retail sales.  The scent filling the spa caught everyone’s attention, a signature scent developed by Woodhouse Day Spa’s corporate company that is a big seller and a must-have for many clients after their initial spa experience.  Incentive programs encourage clients to make follow-up appointments before they leave the spa, further promoting multiple visits per client.

The location of the Orlando spa is placed within an affluent area of the city, but also conveniently located near upscale tourist hotels and attractions.  The franchisee uses a third-party company to encourage customers of local hotels and resorts to become clients of the spa, and they highly recommend that practice to other franchisees.

Allison spoke very highly of the brand, the training and support offered by the franchisors as well as the marketing collateral and branding efforts they’ve put into this concept.  She knew she wanted to open a spa, but once she came across Woodhouse and flew out to meet the team, she knew this was the franchise for her.

This is a wonderful concept that provides their franchisees with everything they need in the expanding and popular spa market.  The FBA is very much looking forward to working with Dan, Brandchise and the Woodhouse Spa team.

Shirodhara Oil Pot and Stand	Facial Treatment Table
Massage Treatment Room	Vichy Shower Treatments

Seeing a franchisee’s operation first-hand is truly eye opening.  You get to see the day-to-day life of a franchisee in a given system and can give your clients an honest description of what they can expect when they invest in this franchise or business opportunity.

The FBA is so pleased to announce this opportunity to franchise brokers and consultants who are attending the FBA’s upcoming Convention.  Signworld has graciously invited 2011 Convention attendees on a private tour of a local Signworld operation.  The tour will take place November 9^th from 12:00 – 2:00 pm, travel between the Convention hotel and the licensee’s location and lunch is provided.

This is an excellent occasion to see the operations of the notable Signworld opportunity, meet and ask questions of a Signworld licensee and see why this is a fantastic investment for your client.

 Registration for the Convention and an RSVP for the tour are required. 

For details on the event click here.

For questions or to RSVP, please contact Andrea at andrea@franchiseba.com.

Franchising Means Support

What do the most successful people in business have in common?  Each one became successful by surrounding themselves with people that are more successful than they are.  It makes absolute sense, you must surround yourself with successful people, those who can support you, assist in the growth of your business and share their knowledge. 

With a franchise you are awarded the opportunity to work with hundreds of successful franchisees and the team that supports them.  We always explain to our clients that if they want to be successful, they must use the support of the Franchisor.  They are busy working on the business.  They are developing it and creating the tools, resources, systems and staff that is necessary to make the business run smoothly and effectively.

When choosing a franchisor, always pick the one that gives you the most support and then use it.  There are countless stories that come across our desks daily of all the successful franchisees that we have placed in solid, thriving franchises.  That could be you!  If you are or become a franchisee, use the support of your franchisor, the tried and true systems, tools and resources available to you.  They are there to make you successful!

Contact us to learn about successful and supportive franchise companies and to discuss which franchises match your entrepreneurial goals.

Get to Know Your Client to Ensure Their Success

My goddaughter wrote something on her Facebook page profile, she said, “Be kinder than necessary, because everyone you meet is fighting some sort of battle.”  This statement was really profound to me.  As I thought about it I thought of a visual representation.  Imagine a huge balloon.  This balloon is filled with all the memories, challenges, suffering and joy a person has known.  These things are swirling around constantly inside the balloon.  The outside of the balloon is what we let the world see of ourselves.  At any one moment, all an outsider or even a friend can see is the spot where the balloon is tied.  We are only seeing a very small fraction of the whole and yet that tiny spot is where we make our judgments and assessments of another.  It’s particularly astounding that we believe we have the answers and know exactly what someone else is doing or feeling and, in reality, we don’t even have a clue.

This is the exact same experience that happens when you work with your clients.  You get a few hours worth of phone calls in and you think you know the person, but the reality is we only get to see a tiny spot of the total picture.  This is why it is extremely important that you stay on the calls with the client through every aspect of the franchise purchase process.  You never know what hurdle may appear that you need to be there to help them handle.

You are just like a coach that is there to help his team members to succeed and win the game.  The more you allow your client to wander in the research and data the more lost they will get.  Buying a franchise is one of the biggest decisions of their life.  It can be scary for them and overwhelming.  They enlisted your services to protect them and to keep them safe.  It is your responsibility as a franchise consultant with the FBA to do just that.  Now be that coach for them.  Help them to handle their own fears and struggles, advise them on the ways to become the best player they can be.  This way everyone wins the game and that’s how we like it!

Learn more about using a Franchise Broker here.

Learn more about becoming a Franchise Broker or FBA Member here.