All the training in the world still isn’t enough to prepare a person for the challenges and excitement of becoming a restaurant franchisee. Sure, it helps to have a solid grasp of economics and how to run a business, but franchising is a wholly unique model that requires entrepreneurs to get right into the thick of it, and learn as they go.
Sometimes, the best teachers are others who have made it big in the franchise world, and can pass along some tips and tricks. These fellows have made a go of it, and they understand the unique challenges that will pop up throughout your journey. By emulating the success of other franchisees, you can accelerate your own success at a much faster rate.
VISITING OTHER FRANCHISEE LOCATIONS
It’s always handy to do some homework before moving into the franchising business, and the good news is that there are real-world examples of success that you can see for yourself. Restaurant franchises that have made inroads across the country are usually only a stone’s throw away, and you can visit them to get a feel for how the operation runs.
Of course, visiting a franchise as a would-be patron isn’t going to give you all the answers, but you can get a feel for how the operation runs on a daily basis. Watch the behavior of the staff, note the cleanliness – or lack thereof – of the establishment in question, and gauge the level of service. Do the employees look genuinely happy? Is there order and discipline across the board? These are all good indicators of how franchisees run their establishments.
Of course, you may also approach a franchisee to ask them specific questions about the business, but this requires a bit of finesse and some charisma. Many franchisees are proud of their accomplishments, and they may view your questions as a sign of a potential threat muscling in on their territory. Thankfully, this is usually not the case, and many franchisees are happy to discuss the nature of the business with you, provided you won’t make them regret it later on.
HOW TO APPROACH A FRANCHISEE
If you can manage to secure a face-to-face conversation with a franchisee, it’s important to be humble. They know a lot more than you do, and you should immediately demonstrate that in your demeanor and approach. You’re the student, and they are the teacher. Once you’ve established this dynamic, the franchisee will feel much more at ease, and may even be flattered that you chose them for advice.
Never act presumptuous, boisterous, or most importantly, defensive. Make sure your demeanor is calm and friendly, your body language is relaxed, and you’re acting like the everyman curious about dipping their toes into an exciting new business.
WHAT TO ASK
Successful franchisees have probably seen and done it all, but they’re still learning. The knowledge they’ve accumulated can be passed down to others seeking to enter the business, but you have to know what kinds of questions to ask, in order to get the right answers.
Ask about the day-to-day operations before anything else. It’s wise to talk about work/life balance, how long it took the franchisee to become profitable, and how sales are affected throughout the seasons. Asking a franchisee about their hiring practices is also a good way to get a sense for how they run their business, and they no doubt have some fun stories to share. As your mutual rapport becomes more comfortable, you can ask about the process of how they got started, recommendations when it comes to securing funding, or what to watch out for during the development process. As always, a great relationship is built on mutual trust and a down-to-earth approach.
THE BENEFITS
The objective of visiting and speaking with a franchisee is to try and get vital information from those who have already been through the process, and can potentially steer you away from pitfalls that may arise. This is how humans work as a general rule, and it’s why we have teachers and mentors who guide newcomers with a better way of doing things.
The more knowledge you can soak up before entering the franchising business, the better off you’ll be when it comes to getting set up, hiring your staff, and turning a profit. When that day comes, it’s important to think back to the franchisee that gave you valuable advice, and pass it on to the next enthusiastic entrepreneur eager to get into the business. Paying it forward is the mark of a healthy and strong society, especially in the business world.
CONCLUSION
St. Louis Bar & Grill has experienced monumental growth, and we continue to penetrate new markets, including the United States. We attribute this growth to our positive attitudes, friendly personalities and enthusiasm for the restaurant business. If you want to join our family as a franchisee with your very own location, it’s high time we talked!
Contact us today to learn more about our exciting franchise opportunities, and who knows? You could be setting up your very own St. Louis location, and bringing smiles to the faces of the patrons in your area.
