How to Give Your Franchise a Leg Up

Too many people think if they simply invest in a franchise they will succeed. This just isn’t true. Yes, there are successful franchisees, but for every success story you hear, you also hear about the failed franchise.

1851 talked with Sean Fitzgerald, chief development strategist of No Limit Agency*, to find out what separates the winners from the losers.

What is the worst mistake franchisees make?

I’ve seen it a million times. As stupid as it sounds, so many franchisees don’t heed the advice, “follow the system.” It is a simple mantra to start the path toward success. Franchisees, over and over again, try to buck the system, not follow it or think they can do it better. If you are joining a franchise, follow the system. If you want to start your own business then follow your own system.

Have any best practice tips?

Yes, seek out top producing franchisees in your system and get in with them. Talk to them about their success, what made them successful and emulate their ideas in your own business. Too many times I see franchisees that are discouraged band together with other bad operators. This is a mistake. You will only get bad advice and practices from the worst performers in the system. Seek out the best and learn from them.

Why do seemingly good franchisees fail?

There are so many factors, but one that I’ve noticed is franchisees that aren’t prepared to work hard usually fail. You don’t start a business to slow down. If you are looking to retire, a franchise might not be the right fit for you.