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How to Evaluate a Franchise Training Program

If you are ready for a career change via franchising, the training a franchise offers is one of the most important areas you need to look at when researching a franchise opportunity.

1. We no longer live in a one-career society

2. Franchising: novices welcome

3. Evaluating a franchise training program

4. Your future is in their hands

5. Franchisee training should include..

6. FranChoice

1. We no longer live in a one-career society

My friend’s grandfather had the same job his whole life. His father had two. I’ve already made four major career changes and have over 20 years left in the workforce. Studies suggest that my teenage children may have between six and 12 careers in their lifetime.

With the cyclical nature of the economy and the impact technology has on so many industries, there is no longer any certainty that a job will take a person from graduation through retirement. Besides – many people really enjoy the challenge of a taking on a new career.

Bankers take off their suits and become lawn care experts. Doctors become fried chicken moguls and teachers get remade as pet groomers. How do they make the transition? Many times through the power of franchising. And one of the bonuses you’ll discover about franchising is that they can train you to excel in a job you’ve never done before!

2. Franchising: novices welcome

If you are ready for a career change via franchising, the training a franchise offers is one of the most important areas you need to look at when researching a franchise opportunity.

You’ll find that a good franchise system will take pride in their training programs because, through the payment of royalties, your success becomes their success.

And guess what? Most franchises don’t require you to have experience in their field. In fact, many don’t even want a franchisee with previous industry experience. Because the systems of a franchise are structured for maximum success, previous industry experience often gets in the way when training a new franchisee.

3. Evaluating a franchise training program

As part of your due diligence when researching a franchise opportunity, find out everything about the training a franchise system provides. A good training program should cover not only the product or service but also setting up the business, marketing, employee management, business procedures, reporting, etc.

The best way to find out about the scope of the training program is to ask existing franchisees. Find out what stood out about the training they received and what they feel could have been covered more completely. Ask them how prepared they felt when they opened their business and what ongoing training they have been provided.

Keep in mind that the franchisees you talk with may have been through various versions of the training program. Problems that existed at one time may have been fixed. Or, you may find that a training program that was fine in a company’s early days is now out-of-date. Be sure to include in your research franchisees who have had the same training you will receive to get an accurate assessment of its value.

Training may have been adjusted over time as the business becomes more complex, so an operations manual is a valuable resource, particularly if the franchisor updates the information periodically. Find out if the franchisor has other training support sources like conference calls or intranet sites.

4. Your future is in their hands

Your number one reason for choosing a franchise business over creating your own concept is that studies show your chances for success are exponentially greater. The franchisor has done many things before franchising the business that you, as a franchisee, you won’t need to, including establishing and building the brand, testing a variety of marketing concepts, finding the best way to deliver a quality service or product, and researching the best value in suppliers.

The greatest merit of a franchise system is that you should be able to walk right into your new business after training and expect to have the tools needed to make it successful. It’s up to you, of course, to put in the hard work that will make that success a reality.

If, after your franchise investigation process is completed, you don’t feel the offered training will adequately prepare you to run your new business, it’s time to step back and look at other opportunities.

To get full value for your investment in a franchise business, the training should answer all your questions and set you up as a confident and successful owner.

5. Franchisee training should include..

Everything you need to know about the product or service

Everything about using/protecting the brand

How to find your business location

How to negotiate a lease

How you complete the permits and buildout

How to find, hire and manage employees

How to market your product or service

How to keep books and records for the business

The reporting requirements and processes

Where to get the equipment needed for the business

How or where to buy supplies and inventory

How to get help when you have a problem

6. FranChoice

FranChoice helps future entrepreneurs realize the dream of owning their own business. FranChoice will help you find that perfect fit; matching up your interests, talents, and investment level with a strong franchise business. We provide this valuable service for free. Pre-screened, high quality franchise companies pay us a fee for referring qualified, prospective candidates.

From the beginning, FranChoice has been committed to its Mission Statement: "Helping People Realize Their Dreams." By developing a unique and thorough system of candidate qualification, consultant training and franchise selection, FranChoice has helped thousands of entrepreneurs find a great franchise.

C.E.O. – Jeff Elgin
President - Lori Kiser-Block
Year Founded – 2000
Years in Business – 7+
Location – Corporate offices are in Eden Prairie, MN (15 minutes outside of Minneapolis). Consultants are located all over the U.S.
Experience Level – Consultants have over 2000 years of combined experience.
Market Share & Industry Position - #1 Deal Closer, we are recognized as the Premier
Franchise Consulting Firm. We place 20% of all new Franchise Owners in the U.S.

- Finding Great Franchise Team To Join

When you first begin looking for a franchise to invest in you may get a little overwhelmed. However, the first step you should take is to figure out what you want to do, what you want out of the experience and if you have the skills to be successful in the franchise.

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Advertising	Family	Home Services	Real Estate Resources
Business Services	Fashion	Industrial Goods & Services	Retail & Consumer Services
Career	Financial Services	Insurance	Software
Cars	Food & Beverage	Internet	Technology
Computer Hardware	Franchise	Legal	Telecommunications
Construction	Health	Miscellaneous	Trade Shows
Education	Holidays	Nightlife	Travel
Entertainment	Home Appliances	Online Database	Weddings
Environmental	Home Electronics	Pets	World History