5 Things to Look for in a Franchise Business Consultant
Becoming a business owner is a dream that many people hold. When it comes time to decide what type of business you want to own, you should consider whether owning a franchise is for you. Buying a franchise gives you a proven and effective business model along with a credible brand, eliminating many of the risks that come with opening a non-franchise business of your own. But how do you decide which franchise to purchase? A franchise purchase is a significant decision that should not be taken likely. This is where a franchise business consultant comes in.
They can positively impact your decision to become an entrepreneur. They should be your first stop on your path to owning a franchise. There are many things to consider when hiring a franchise business consultant because you’ll want to be sure you pick the right consultant to suit your needs.
They Have an Extensive Franchise Development Background
The first thing you should look for when selecting a franchise business consultant is how extensive their background in franchising is. Do they have personal experience as a franchisee, or have they directly served on a franchisor’s leadership team? How long was their tenure? What industries do they serve?
Knowledge of multiple franchises is preferred. Knowing these details can help you make an informed decision concerning your future in franchising. You should always ask for proof of their experience in the form of reviews or client testimonials.
Do They Understand Digital Marketing and Social Media?
There is no marketing in this era without social media. It’s just the truth. For a business to expand and thrive, you must utilize social media. A considerable percentage of franchise development occurs online, which is why understanding digital marketing is so important when selecting a franchise business consultant.
You must have substantial knowledge and control over SEO and learn how to manage your brand and image online. Because of this, you need to work with someone who has an understanding of the marketing realm.
They Have Proven Results
Having verifiable proven results goes hand in hand with a franchise business consultant’s reputation. Their reputation is crucial. A successful franchise consulting agency will be transparent with its customer reviews and success stories. At Hundred Acre Consulting, our success stories and testimonials from previous clients are viewable by the public on our website.
While considering if they are a good fit for your business goals, look at how many clients they’ve placed in the last few years. Check and see how successful those former clients are in their respective industries. How many franchises they represent also speaks to their reputation in the business world. A company like Hundred Acre Consulting wouldn’t represent more than 15% of North American Franchise opportunities if we didn’t have strong business ethics and a proven successful business model.
They Have Multiple Franchise Options Available
Having experience with various franchises is essential, and so is offering a large selection of franchises to your potential clients. After all, finding the perfect franchise for you is vital. Your optimal choice is a consultant who has carefully vetted the franchise companies they represent, and they represent a good variety of industries, investment levels, and business models.
For example, our consulting firm offers 550 different franchise and business opportunities in 21 sectors and has been in business for more than 25 years. Here, you aren’t limited to one or two franchises or a small sample of business models. You have enough options to choose the right fit for you.
They Are Attentive and Listen to Your Needs
Entrepreneurs are looking to invest their savings into profitable business ventures. They aren’t looking for it to go up in smoke. A first-time franchisee should be concerned and nervous when selecting a franchise business consultant.
You’ll know you’ve found the right consultant when they spend time asking the right questions and listen to your ideas and goals. This should occur before they offer any franchises to you. The right consultant cares about matching you with the perfect company, not just making a commission.
Hundred Acre Consulting: Next Steps
The path to becoming a franchise owner is closer than you think! You can start your journey to finding the right franchise business consultant by first considering our list of things every consultant should have. At Hundred Acre Consulting, we have more than 500 franchises to choose from in various industries. Let us lead you down the path to becoming a successful franchise owner.
Ready to work with a franchise consultant? Contact me today, and let’s get started!
