This is the most overlooked factor when evaluating a franchise. Yes, profit and growth are great…..but the satisfaction can be greatly diminished if you find yourself doing things you don’t enjoy. The great news is that when you follow the right process to select a franchise you can have the best of both worlds: a profitable and growing business that you enjoy. Below are some things to consider as you go through the process of finding the right franchise for you. Not liking certain activities does not mean that the franchise is not for you…..it simply means that is a role that you would hire for, or even outsource. 

1) Do you (or would you) enjoy prospecting for new customers? 

A common reason people buy franchises is to build the business, increase its value, and eventually sell it for a profit. If this is your goal, focusing on profitable growth will be key. Fortunately, franchises use proven business models and provide strong support. By following the guidance provided, you can increase the value of your initial investment and build significant capital. 

2) Is consultive selling something you enjoy?  

Franchising is one of the safest ways to start a business, especially compared to launching a new venture from scratch. It’s an excellent option for new entrepreneurs who may lack experience in running a business. Operating a franchise allows you to develop valuable skills and gain important lessons that could prepare you to start your own business one day. From managing staff and ordering inventory to handling finances and attracting customers, running a franchise can provide a strong foundation for future entrepreneurial efforts.

However, keep in mind that your franchisor must protect its intellectual property, so your franchise agreement will likely include non-compete clauses. While you can use the business knowledge you’ve gained to start a new venture, you may not be allowed to operate in the same industry as your former franchisor.

3) How do you feel about providing quotes or estimates? 

Many people may not consider the option of buying a franchise with the intention of eventually passing it on to a family member. A long-term franchise agreement, whether five, ten, or even twenty years, can provide a sense of security and stability. However, over time, you may decide to step down and prefer to transfer the business to a family member, rather than selling it to a stranger. Keeping the business within the family is an appealing idea.

If this is your goal, and your franchise agreement allows it, you can involve your family in the business during your time running it. This will give them the opportunity to learn the ropes from you. When it’s time to pass on the business, the process will likely be similar to selling it to someone else. The franchisor will likely want to approve the transfer, and they may offer support, training, and advice to help your family take over the business smoothly.

4) Is designing and executing marketing plans something you would like to do? 

One of the biggest draws of franchising is the opportunity to be your own boss. When you buy a franchise, you get to run your own business, with the freedom to make many decisions on how to operate. However, this freedom comes with the responsibility to follow the guidelines in your franchise agreement and the operations manual. The level of control you have can vary depending on the franchise, so it’s important to read the fine print carefully and, if possible, speak with current franchisees to understand what decisions you’ll need to consult the franchisor about. Regardless, owning a franchise means you will be in charge of running the business—you’ll be the boss!

5) Would you prefer to network or focus on the back office? 

Franchising can offer a better work-life balance, whether you’re looking to semi-retire, spend more time on caregiving responsibilities, or simply reduce your working hours. However, it’s important to choose your franchise carefully. Don’t expect an easy ride right away—starting a franchise requires a lot of hard work, and there will be times when you’ll need to put in more hours than you’d like. That said, once your business is up and running, you may be able to manage your time more effectively, possibly by hiring staff to help. If improving your work-life balance is a priority, consider looking into part-time franchise opportunities, as these can provide more flexibility than full-time options.

6) How do you feel about hiring and firing employees? 

Maybe you’ve always dreamed of striking out on your own—selling cupcakes, leading a team, or opening a restaurant. Perhaps you’ve wanted to run a profitable business with the goal of retiring early. For many people, buying a franchise is the chance to finally pursue a long-held dream and achieve personal or professional goals. It may take a few years of hard work to reach that goal, or it could be something you work towards over time. Often, our biggest ambitions can’t be realized while working for someone else. The great thing about franchising is that it gives you control over your future—it’s your path to follow.

7) Are you good with numbers? Would you enjoy accounting and bookkeeping? 

A common reason people give for leaving a job in exit interviews is that their skills were underutilized. Fortunately, one of the first things you’ll learn from a franchise guide is that matching your skills to the right business is crucial for success. Regardless of the industry, if you have the right skills, you can succeed in any sector. If you’re looking to fully use your abilities, it’s important to be open-minded when considering which franchise to buy. The right opportunity might not be available in the industries you’re familiar with, so consider exploring options in new fields that could make better use of your skills.

To summarize, when considering buying a franchise, it’s essential to have a clear end goal in mind. If you’re not sure what that is yet, here are some steps to help you figure it out:

Define your goal: Before you start exploring franchise opportunities, take time to identify your primary goal. You might initially come up with a few different ideas, but keep refining them until you settle on one main objective. To help clarify your thoughts, try making lists of pros and cons, or talk to friends and family—they might have a clearer idea of what you truly want.

Stay focused on your goal: Once you’ve defined your goal, keep it in mind throughout the entire franchise-buying process. For example, if your goal is to work for just a few more years, look for a franchise with a shorter agreement. Your goal should guide every decision you make. Consider even creating a long-term plan to help you stay focused and motivated.

Don’t overlook short-term goals: While your end goal is crucial, don’t neglect your short-term goals. These are just as important for the success of your business and will likely help you reach your larger objective. Achieving small milestones along the way can contribute significantly to your overall satisfaction and success.

So, what’s your end goal for franchising?