Tuesday, February 24, 2009

How to Franchise?

Can You Franchise Your Business?
Whether or not to franchise isn't an easy decision. You'll need to consider the business issues and weigh the pros and cons from an informed perspective.
Franchising as a rapid expansion tactic is one of several options you should consider for it's tremendous potential to grow your business quickly.
How does franchising work? The key is in the creation of systems which can be duplicated through training and support.
Other characteristics attractive to potential franchisees include businesses:
with a good track record of profitability.
built around a unique or unusual concept.
with broad geographic appeal.
which are relatively easy to operate.
which are relatively inexpensive to operate.
which are easily duplicated.
A good place to start is our overview of franchising. You may also access comprehensive information on how to franchise.
Despite the impressive merits, franchising is not for every business.
There is high risk in franchising any new, unproven business.
Established companies that should probably not franchise include businesses:
difficult to monitor from long distances.
requiring large numbers of employees.
with complex operations.
with low profit margins.
And being franchisable doesn't guarantee your success. Franchising the right way will help you to avoid a number of costly mistakes.
How to tell if your small business (or large business) is a prime franchise candidate.
You can quickly assess whether you are ready to franchise by taking our basic online quiz. Or, you can download our comprehensive worksheet and determine your company's franchisability for yourself at your convenience.
If you're ready to franchise, our checklist will guide you through the process.
If you're still not sure, a Francorp Franchise Analyst will discuss with you the franchisability of your business.
Other frequently asked questions about how to franchise a business:
How much time should you reasonably expect to spend in order to successfully build your franchise?
How much should you expect to pay to build a successful franchise?
What other resources are available to educate yourself about franchising?
Why Francorp? Our track record is solid. We've consulted with and provided franchising information to over 10,000 companies. We’ve helped more than 2,000 companies to successfully franchise their businesses.

Francorp Process

Our Proven Franchising Method
Franchise Your Business Seminars
Want to know how franchising works? Want to know how it stacks up to other forms of expansion and what controls are in place to protect you? Attend a Franchise Your Business Seminar, held in cities across the country. Conducted by a Francorp Senior Consultant, this seminar is designed to answer your questions and provide you with a better understanding of costs, time frames and working capital typically needed to grow through franchising.
The Francorp Tour
As business owners and executives examining franchising as an expansion strategy, you are encouraged to visit Francorp's headquarters in Olympia Fields, Illinois, a Chicago suburb. Here, you are invited to tour through all of our departments, meet our staff and senior officers, and review the documents needed in effective franchise growth. Your time spent with us will allow you to gain a detailed understanding of Francorp's unique process and how this process fits your needs for expansion.
Consultation
Is franchising right for your business? How long will it take to transition your business into a franchise? What kind of costs should you expect? These are just a few of the questions that are answered when you meet with a Senior Consultant. The Francorp consultation is typically a face-to-face meeting that allows you the opportunity to obtain an impartial evaluation of your business and its readiness for franchising from a professional with strong business experience and exceptional expertise in franchising.
Franchise Development
Franchise Development is our area of expertise. Whether you are developing a brand new franchise, reworking an existing one, or converting company-owned operations, Francorp has extensive experience across a wide variety of industries. Franchise Development includes designing a strategy for expansion, legal documents, operations manuals and marketing materials. These documents are created by a team assigned to your program that works closely with your company and staff to create materials that meet your expectations and deliver franchise sales.
Franchise Sales Training
While Francorp doesn't function as a broker for our clients, as part of our Franchise services, Francorp provides franchise sales training to new and existing franchisors. Attendees are taught by industry experts with numerous years of franchise sales experience, receive a "how to" manual and personalized instruction on how to sell effectively. On an ongoing basis, Francorp provides implementation consulting to ensure that the lessons learned in the classroom work effectively in achieving sales.
Franchise Management Training
Francorp conducts a two-day Franchise Management Training course designed to educate the Client's management team on the complexities of operating and managing a growing franchise organization. Detailed and comprehensive manuals are provided to all attendees on all course segments:
Building the Franchise Organization
Training Your Franchisees
Providing Effective Field Support
Marketing as a Franchisor
Franchisor Compliance
Franchisee Relations
Franchisor Services
While franchisors have specific needs that differ from one company to another, there are some basic needs that remain the same for all franchise organizations. Franchisors need both speed and accuracy in keeping their documents in step with the current marketplace. Experience and flexibility are critical. Francorp is structured perfectly to meet these needs. From a singular document revision to a whole system audit, Francorp adapts to meet the needs of each of our clients. We have the resources and experience to assess a problem, offer solutions and implement them in a timely manner.

The Francorp Difference

The Francorp Difference
Our first step is always to determine your franchisability. Francorp differs from other companies that are focused on selling their services. It's important to us that we work only with companies that are franchisable . We want you to be educated about the franchising process, and about how long you should expect the successful franchise offering to take .
Do you own one of those companies? Is your company ready to succeed? We can fast track the process without interfering with your potential to succeed.
And if you don't yet have a company, but do have the necessary funds, Francorp can help you develop a franchisable idea from the ground up.
All Under One Roof
Successful systems create successful franchises, and our unique Proven Method maximizes your chances of success and minimizes costly mistakes. We also offer an array of resources that speak to our leadership in the industry.
In franchising as in so many other fields, there is no substitute for experience. Francorp's professional staff is the largest and most experienced in franchising, and you get the benefit of our collective credentials. It's no accident we're considered the industry leader.
As a result, your services and franchise help are performed "in-house," not delegated to outside contractors who may have no expertise in franchising. We employ a full-time staff of professionals to create franchise structure, franchise documents, marketing strategies and materials, operations manuals, sales training, video presentations, and general consulting.
Information about each client is shared among the professionals involved in order to keep the work product consistent from department to department.
A Comprehensive Franchise Program
It's normal to be nervous about what to expect when you've never done this before. Francorp has developed a step-by-step procedure to support you through the franchising process.
When you first contact Francorp, you won't get a sales pitch. You won't be pressured at all. But by time you leave your first meeting with one of our consultants, you'll walk out with an action plan to either become more franchisable, or to start the franchising process.
Franchise structure - As a first step in creating a franchise program, Francorp consultants prepare a written franchise analysis based upon your business, its competition, and the franchise industry at large.
Franchise agreement - Francorp's in-house attorneys, with input from Francorp's operations, marketing, and strategic consultants, will draft the principal agreement that binds you to your franchisees.
Franchise offering circular - Francorp's legal department will draft an offering circular which will meet both Federal Trade Commission requirements and those of the states in which you intend to sell franchises.
State registration materials - Requirements of the states differ, and Francorp personnel will gather the proper materials and prepare the necessary forms required by each state where you wish to sell franchises.
Operations manual - Everything from company philosophy to advertising, from franchisee reporting to employee recruitment, from inventory acquisition to day-to-day operating procedures is included in your operations manual.
Marketing plan - To aid your franchise sales lead generation, Francorp's marketing department provides the media strategy, media budget, and media schedule. We also develop advertising copy and layouts, and/or direct mail materials, to generate interest among your target franchise prospects.
Franchise brochure - Because the prospect's first impression of your franchise is often created by a brochure, Francorp will design a brochure with special emphasis on exciting graphic design, and will describe in detail the elements of your franchise which make it attractive to prospective franchises.
Franchise sales training - During a two-day seminar, Francorp will instruct your franchise sales staff on all elements of the process, from legal considerations to closing techniques.
Implementation consulting – you'll always have ready access to professional assistance in all of Francorp's specialties during the critical period of franchise development.
Whenever problems or questions arise during this period, you may consult at no charge with any member of our project team.
Plus, you'll also receive a copyrighted 400-page manual covering all topics introduced in the franchise sales seminar in even greater detail.
Francorp's Track Record Of Success
Francorp has the most success stories of any franchise consultant. See our proven track record of client references who've succeeded with Francorp, and how we made a difference in their success. Learn the story behind our success to understand how Francorp came to be the franchising leader, and why it matters to you.
Attend an upcoming event to spend some time with Francorp's consultants. Or, visit our Chicago headquarters to see where it all takes place.
Every company is different, so we give you options for getting the process started. If you think you are franchisable, and that we can make a difference for you, call us to speak directly with one of Francorp's senior consultants. Perhaps you'd prefer to ask a question or inquire about our services online. Contact us and see how Francorp can assist your franchising efforts.
Francorp's difference can also be seen in our pricing structure. We understand the financial concerns of owner-operated companies, and offer you pricing and payment options to fund the future.

Sunday, February 22, 2009

Franchising in India

Franchising in most parts of the world is well established and part of everyday life. In the U.S. over $1 trillion is spent per year in franchised outlets, 1 out of every 12 retail locations is a franchised operation. Now franchising is moving into other parts of the world, most notably India.
India now presents and enormous opportunity for franchise organizations. The country has over 12 million retailers which surpasses even China. This makes India the country with the highest retail outlet density in the world.
Indians have taken to franchising like the U.S. Already in this young and undeveloped franchise environment there are over 600 franchisors franchising in the Indian marketplace today. Along with that comes over 40,000 franchisees spread out across the country and across different sectors, over 300,000 Indian employees are employed directly by Indian franchise companies there. The market is enormous with almost unlimited potential. Currently the education sector of franchised businesses is the leading franchise model, but retail is catching up. The size of the consuming class means big opportunities for more franchise development.
The potential downsides of the new Indian market are what comes along with any developing market. For one the lack of regulation can still be an issue, real estate can be tricky and skewed in some cases and financing can be difficult. But if you can deal with those, this market has loads of potential.
There are a lot of companies in the services sector that are actively looking at India to set up their franchise operations today and will continue to be in the future. The growing popularity of the franchise model among Indian business men is evident in and around the country of India. The same issues that are taking place in the U.S. are also happening in India today. More people are losing their jobs, the big companies are downsizing with the slowing the economy in many sectors. This puts more people in the franchise market who would otherwise be working in a management position at a salary.
A franchise is a way for someone to earn a living without the risk of starting their own business. The other side of the equation is that as is the case in the U.S., investors are becoming more and more wary of putting their money into the stock market today. Earning the kinds of returns that were possible 2-5 years ago are extremely difficult today. This prompts more and more Indian business people to invest in themselves through a franchise model. Overall, the Indian franchise market represents one of the largest franchise opportunities in the world today.
Franchise organizations with applicable concepts and good planning will absolutely take India into account when planning their franchise system expansion for the coming years.
Christopher J. Conner
Vice President
Francorp, Inc.
708-481-2900
http://www.francorp.com

Thursday, February 19, 2009

Don Boroian and Francorp to Hold Francorp Annual Conference in Washington D.C.

Dear Reader,

Francorp would like to invite you to our Annual Client Conference. This is an opportunity for you to get a "Behind the Scenes Look" at how we continue to coach and provide assistance to our clients.

This event will be held in Washington, DC at the Marriott at Metro Center, 775 12th Street NW, on Friday, March 20th from 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM. Our conference will be held in conjunction with the International Franchise Expo (IFE) held on March 20th, 21st, and 22nd. The IFE is the largest franchise show in the United States. The IFE show features nearly 300 franchisors who are set up in booths and who are presenting themselves to over 10,000 attendees and visitors who are intersted in buying franchises. We would suggest you plan on arriving in Washington, DC on Thursday evening, March 19th, attending the Francorp Annual Client Conference on Friday and then attending the IFE on Saturday and Sunday. When you notify us of your attendence, we will arrange for you to receive free admission tickets to the expo.

Our client conference will be featuring an outstanding presentation by our Executive Vice President, Tom DuFore, on "How to Exhibit in a Franchise Show or Tradeshow", and a presentation by Francorp's International offices on some of the exciting opportunities for U.S. companies to sell their master licenses in foreign countires. Represented in the program will be the heads of Francorp's operations in India, Argentina, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, Middle East, and the Phillippines. There is no charge for your admittance to this meeting and you are free to send as many people as you like from your company.

Reservations for the event are required in order to reserve a seat to our annual conference and to allow the necessary time to send you the information for obtaining your tickets to the IFE. To reserve seats for your company, please contact one of our Franchise Anaylists at 1-800-372-6244 or tradeshow@francorp.com by March 11, 2009.

If you have not doen so already, please take a few moments to review our video on Selling Franchises in a Challenging Economy at www.francorp.com/economy.

We look forward to seeing you at the show!

Sincerely,

The Francorp Team

Own Your Own Business

"Own Your Own Business" SEMINAR
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MARKETCORP in 2009, presents the most powerful, educational Business Opportunity seminar nationwide! FREE ADMISSION to the public, with No Cost to attendees. Check below for schedules, cities, dates, location & time nearest you. There are 16 major cities (TBA), beginning in Atlanta, GA USA. Our Mission is to help people "GO TO WORK DOING WHAT THEY LOVE.......Creating more and more jobs". More on this page................OUR SEMINARS ARE RSVP ONLY. Due to the overwhelming popularity and availability, you will need to register well in advance, to reserve a FREE seat for these events. (REGISTER BELOW AT BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE)MarketCorp and Francorp, the largest Franchise Development Company worldwide, consulting over 10,000 companies, team up to bring you a (2) Hour, 100 Slide Video presentation, highlighting the Advantages and Disadvantages of the three major ways of owning a business: 1. Starting a Business from Scratch. 2. Buying an Existing Business. 3. Buying a Franchise Business. All critical components of running a business are covered, such as advertising, taxes, payroll, licenses, employees, state & local laws, financing, sales, accounting, vendors, market trends, business statistics and much more. This is the most powerful learning tool in the industry! Even people who've been in business for years, learn things they didn't know, from this presentation of material, given by well known experts with years of experience.Buy A Franchise Opportunity in your area and Own Your Own Business!Also, you'll be introduced to several successful Franchise Business Opportunities in the areas of Healthcare, Restaurant, Professional Services, Business Services, Auto Service, Home-Based businesses and more. Take advantage of SPECIAL INCENTIVES AND DISCOUNTS, that are available only during the seminar attendance. These aren't your normal opportunities!Opportunities range from $25k - 2 Million. We require that you have at least 25k in liquid cash and a Net Worth of at least 50k or more, in order to attend the seminar. If you're serious about owning your own successful business, then you'll need cash to get started. Financing may be available for some of the total investment, but in today's business climate, lenders require liquid cash and tangible assets to secure business loans.The caliber of this seminar IS NOT for the occasional tire kicker who doesn't have any money or isn't that serious about owning and running a successful business. Our Franchise Business Opportunities are successful businesses, searching for successful partners who want to grow and expand. These are NOT start-up companies - they have a successful track record.You'll meet Kent Boxberger, President & CEO of MarketCorp, with over 25 years experience in major business expansion, as well as, many other professionals who bring years of experience for your use. Please BE ON TIME, as you won't want to miss this presentation from beginning to end! Doors will close 15 minutes after start time.Don't miss this event! Remember, the seminar event is FREE at No Cost to You, but you MUST RSVP early in advance to get a reserved seat! Otherwise, you will be charged $125 per person, the day of the event, to attend. There are a limited number of seats and when these are filled, unfortunately there are no more reservations available.
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SEMINAR SCHEDULE
(16 Cities TBA)February 25, 2009
Atlanta, GA, 7:00 p.m. Evening,
Crowne Plaza Hotel - Ravinia
4355 Ashford Dunwoody Rd., Atlanta, GA 30346
Gardenia Room
888-444-0401

Sunday, February 15, 2009

Don Boroian Client Success in 2009

Francorp Client Success in 2009.

Francorp Clients continue with great success through difficult economic times! Recently in the past months Entreprenuer has again released the coveted Franchise 500 list, which is a documented list of the fastest growing 500 franchise systems in the U.S. Each year companies and professionals in the franchise industry wait anxciously to see who has made the list, which industries are growing quickly and how all the top franchise companies are doing currently.

Francorp is acknowledged as the industry leader in franchise development and consulting work in launching and developing new and existing franchise concepts and organizations. Francorp has been in business for over 33 years with almost 20 offices around the world. Clients have included McDonald's, Kentucky Fried Chicken, Auntie Anne's, Omni Hotels, Jimmy Johns, 800-Flowers and many others. This year on the Franchise 500 list, Francorp has 112 clients with whom the firm has worked with at some point, or continues to work with.

112 of the top 500 fastest growing franchise systems have worked with Francorp Consulting.

Francorp works with companies of all sizes and years in the franchise business. Here are some of Francorp's more recent clients who are experienceing success right now in 2009. These are franchise systems that will in the years to come gain more and more exposure, but for right now are just getting a foothold in the market.

Patrice and Associates, www.PatriceandAssociates.com - 3 franchises sold in 2009
Hot Box Pizza, www.gethotboxpizza.com – first franchise sold
Play Party, www.playparty.net – first franchiseAdvanced Maintenance, www.advancedmaint.com – 7th location
Sofi’s Crepes, www.sofiscrepes.com – 3rd location -1st franchise in 2009
Al’s Beef and Nancy’s Pizza, www.alsbeef.com - 6 Franchises sold in 2009

For more information on other great franchise concepts and on how to franchise a business, visit Francorp's corporate site, www.francorp.com.