Thursday, February 18, 2010

What to Know when Working with a Franchise Consultant

You’ve convinced yourself that owning a franchise business is your goal. Now you are wondering, “Where do I start the process of finding the right one for me?”

More than likely, your best resource may not your brother-in-law, or old high school buddy or golf partner, but rather a professional franchise consultant. It is the franchise consultant’s role to make you aware of the multitude of opportunities and to match you, the client, to the best selections of companies that fit your objectives, interests, geographics and wallet.

Stop for a minute and think how you would go about trying to weed out your franchise choices, contact all of those companies and complete all of your franchise due diligence. The internet is a great tool, obviously, in your search, but still, you have your work cut out for you. Days, weeks, months of research and frustration could lead to overwhelming disillusion in your quest for the right opportunity.

Since the consultant is acting as a matchmaker, consider this role to be somewhat like that of popular, on-line dating sources. Another way to look at franchise consultants would be as an executive recruiter. The consultant is acting similarly, that is, trying to arrange a marriage between two parties that have similar interests and goals, and who want to get involved in a long-lasting, beneficial relationship.

Furthermore, the franchise consultant can also introduce you to other resources that you will likely need, such as attorneys, accountants and financing sources. Let’s recap why it is important that you find and use a good franchise consultant:

• Works for you, gets paid by the franchisor
• Provides a wealth of knowledge and experience
• Knows industry trends
• Has awareness of markets, regions
• Saves you time and money researching
• Offers insight into franchises that match your interests, goals and finances
• Provides referrals to other key resources

Another good reason to find a franchise consultant to help you in your search is that the consultant can connect you with literally dozens of potential franchisors. Simply trying to work one-on-one directly with a company franchises its units limits your choices and consumes an extraordinary amount of your time.

Bottom line is that you have come to the right place—FranFinders. When you work with us you receive the benefits of knowing that we are in your corner:

• Professionally trained consultants
• No cost or obligation for you
• Contacts with hundreds of major franchisors
• Trustworthy source of valuable insight in franchising
• Simplification and time optimization
• Authentic commitment to help you succeed

Contact a FranFinders expert Franchise Consultant today to meet us and decide for yourself how we can help you fulfill your dream as a franchise owner.

Friday, February 12, 2010

2010 Snowstorms in Atlanta are Good for Small Business.

Snowstorms in Atlanta and the Southeast are Good for Small Businesses.

With the down pouring of flakes, cities like Atlanta in the Southeast seem to freeze-up. Consumers likely to go to the mall or run a few errands are deciding to stay safe and keep inside.

How does this effect the local business economy? Well, if you own a small, home-based franchise, it does not effect you at all. By eliminating the need for customers to travel to a location, home-based businesses have an advantage during stormy weather. They can continue normal business operations without sacrificing sales.

Additionally, with consumers stuck indoors during a snow storm, it gives them additional time to “surf-n-shop” the internet. Having a retail-based retail concept would capture this “captured” market.

Finally, if roads are unsafe for traveling, your home-based business can stay active. As the owner, you would not need to get out and travel. Unlike a route owner or delivery service.

For the home-based small business owner, during Snowstorms in Atlanta and the Southeast, the phrase that pays is, “Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!”

If interested in finding out more about small business, especially franchises, visit www.FranFinders.com.