Throughout my 20 years of experience as The Franchise Guide, I’ve learned that the primary hurdle when transitioning to business ownership is the fear of losing that reliable paycheck. The initial period without a steady income can be daunting, leaving many hesitant to make the leap. Read along to discover insights on overcoming challenges when considering your financial future. Overcoming Fear and Embracing Change Gone are the days of lifelong employment with a single company. Job security has evolved, leading to increased job changes and layoffs, especially in the technology sector. Protect ..read more

As a franchise veteran with over 20 years of experience, I’ve helped more than 1,000 corporate executives achieve financial, career, and time freedom through my expert franchise consultation. Franchising isn’t just about a popular product; it’s about finding the right fit for sustainable success. In the early days of my career, I delved into the world of investments, obtaining my Series 7 license. However, the corporate landscape left me feeling like a mere number, working long hours with diminishing returns. The realization struck that I needed a change, a path to ownership where I could dic ..read more

If you’ve found a franchise you’re interested in potentially buying, franchise discovery day tips are good to consider. Discovery day is an important step in your research process. It comes after you’ve done your preliminary research and are focusing in on one or a small number of franchises. What is a franchise discovery day? During a typical discovery day, you travel to visit the franchise and its staff. You’ll gather information to help you assess whether the franchise offers what you’re looking for and whether you’re a good fit. Typically, you get a chance to meet corporate staff, tour the ..read more

Buying a franchise business can be like going on a road trip. And anyone who has ever taken a long car trip with small kids is familiar with the question: “are we there yet?” It is usually posed in a frustrated voice — because kids don’t care about the journey, they just want to get to the destination. Well, we can’t blame them, can we? After all, who among us had any patience at that age? In many ways, we face this same dynamic with people interested in buying a franchise business. Once someone decides they want to grab their piece of the American Dream by owning and operating a fra ..read more

Some people who have considered becoming franchise owners miss out on the opportunity because they let anxiety overtake them. In fact, fear of failure is the factor most likely to prevent a potential franchise buyer from moving ahead with a franchise purchase. It’s true that buying a franchise is one of the biggest decisions you will ever make. But keep this in mind: feeling fear is not only normal, but it’s also entirely appropriate when it comes to a life-changing decision. The only problem with fear is when you allow it to stop you from making a well-informed, well-considered deci ..read more

When they embrace their strengths and push beyond their comfort zone when needed. What is the definition of an introvert? While many people think of introverts as being shy and timid, that’s a misconception. To determine whether someone tends toward introversion or extroversion, look at the way they recharge and draw energy. Introverts do so by spending time alone, while extroverts gain energy from being around others. For more insight on introverts, check out Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking, by Susan Cain. What strengths do introverts bring to a franchis ..read more

Whether you already own a franchise or you’re thinking about buying one, you may be wondering: is multi-unit franchising for you? Buying multiple units requires a significant investment, so it’s a good idea to first take a close look at this model. What is multi-unit franchising? Multi-unit franchising has increased in popularity over the past few decades. With this ownership model, a single franchisee owns and operates more than one unit, traditionally within the same general region. Frequently the owner buys multiple units and begins by opening a single unit, before eventually opening the ad ..read more

Considering investing in a franchise? You’re already on the right track to success! You probably have some questions in your head, so we put together 7 things to know about investing in a franchise.  1. Money Acquiring capital is easier than you think. Most people think you need tens, hundreds, or millions of dollars to invest in a franchise. The truth is, yes you do need capital, but you would be surprised at how much capital you have access to. There are multiple sources of capital that you can use to open a franchise. • Savings • Retirement accounts. • Lines of credit. • Small Bus ..read more

Although franchising is a great opportunity, choosing the best franchise is a huge part of how successful you can make your franchise. With over 4,000 franchises to choose from, here are 5 major red flags to look for when deciding which franchise to own.  It seems “too good” If the franchise seems too good to be true, chances are that it is. If a franchisor neglects to point out the flaws and disadvantages of their franchise, this stands out that there may be a major unlying issue in the franchise. Every business has its downfalls, but being transparent about them is necessary in a well ..read more

As a franchise owner, there are benefits that come from your franchise’s marketing efforts. Owning a franchise means you do not have to heavily worry about focusing on marketing. However, these are 4 tips that you can take into consideration when trying to build your business on a local level. #1 Be present online and on social media Social media is the way a majority of marketing takes place now. Making sure your franchise location has their own Instagram and Facebook page is a great way to get online and be present on social media. Being active on social media is important to see what custo ..read more