Our first step is to talk about you and your goals. I’ll also tell you more about myself and how I can help you. This call is usually about 30 minutes but can run longer.

Our call will be very interactive. I’ll ask you a lot of questions. I strongly encourage you to tell me as much about yourself as you can, and ask me anything you want. It’ll all help me build a picture of the kind of person you are.

By now, I’ve got a pretty good idea of the kind of person you are, and will probably already have some possible franchisors in mind for you. This is our chance to go into more detail and apply everything we’ve learned from all our previous conversations. It’s from this Consultation Call that I’ll start presenting some franchisors to you.

I’ll now share several different concepts with you that match who you are and can help achieve your goals. There could be several on the list, but at least one is going to pop out at you during the review. During this stage, I’ll get a deeper understanding of your like and dislikes. More importantly, we’ll discuss why you have those opinions. This will help narrow the options, leading to direct franchisor introductions.

Once you’ve decided to take a deeper look at one or more franchisors, the next thing we’ll do is reach out to the franchisors themselves and start a conversation. You’ll have the chance to ask them all of the important questions about the business and how you might fit into it. You may participate in more than one conversation.

If you agree that the fit is there, you’ll be presented with a Franchise Disclosure Document. Every franchisor has filed this document with the Federal Trade Commission to have the legal right to offer a franchise to people like yourself.

As you’re diving deeper into things like your Franchise Agreement, some franchisors will also invite you to visit them at their home office after the call to experience the business and meet senior members of their management team.

You’ll also likely get in touch with some of their franchisees so you can learn about their experience and what you should expect should you join the franchise. These are very helpful conversations.

One of the most important things we’ll do at this stage is take a good look at whether or not your values align with those of the franchisor. In my experience, this is as important, even more important than liking the business! After all you’ll be working with this franchise team for a number of years and we want to make sure you’ll fit in with the group.

Again, you’re in charge of this journey, so you only need to take this step when you’re absolutely sure you’ve found the right franchise for you. I’ll never pressure you into making a decision before you’re ready.

However, if you’re happy you’ve found the right opportunity for you, I’ll guide you through the final stages of signing an agreement with the franchisor.