Finding the right franchise to fit your needs is hard work-there
are so many issues to consider, choices to make, questions to ask.
How can you be sure you haven't missed a step? Here, we ask
five franchisees the questions you might or should be asking about
selecting and running a franchise.
QUESTION: How did you know this franchise was the right one
for you?
ANSWER: I took an
opportunity to work for my friend who owned a Fastsigns just to see
if I would like it. I immediately enjoyed servicing customers,
designing signs and the overall management operations of the
franchise.
-Barbara Ellifritis, 36, Fastsigns franchisee in National City,
California
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ANSWER: We explored several
franchises before choosing Visiting Angels. The fact that they were
a start-up appealed to us, because we felt they had the energy and
the vision to do something different. While their marketing
materials weren't as glossy or fancy as other franchisors',
their message was clear and fit our business
goals. -Nate Murray, 49, Visiting Angels
franchisee in Marshfield, Massachusetts
QUESTION: Do you consider yourself an entrepreneur?
ANSWER: I am a pretty
independent person and enjoy being in control of my own destiny, so
from that perspective, I fit the most widely accepted definition.
However, I don't take big risks without closely analyzing the
challenges. In that regard, I'm not a daring type of
entrepreneur. I'd say I'm more a cautious, thoughtful
type. -Ken Higgins, 43, Heavenly Ham franchisee
in the Baltimore area
ANSWER: I didn't at
first. As soon as I started setting up my business, though, those
feelings changed. I guess it was largely due to necessity. It's
sink or swim. I was still in my 20s and was instantly thrust into a
position of having to make decisions every week that would test
every aspect of my personality: tenacity, intelligence, creativity,
resourcefulness, common sense, salesmanship and physical endurance.
Since my business has survived and ultimately thrived for 14 years,
I would consider myself an entrepreneur.
-Tedd Wein, 43, Mail Boxes Etc. franchisee in Pittsburgh
QUESTION: What's the best part about being a
franchisee?
ANSWER: My relationship with
corporate leadership. I have opportunities to relay vital
information and opinions to the president and the vice president of
the corporation, and am assured I can have an important part in
directing the future of the business. -Matt
Turner, 32, Metal Supermarkets franchisee in Tallahassee,
Florida
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