EDITORIAL

Super achievers reveal what it takes to hit business goals.

What appeals to you about the franchising model? The power of branding – the opportunity to develop your own business under an established marque – could be the number one benefit. Or it could be the ability to learn from a team of experienced business owners and the franchisor, who have found out the best ways to maximise investment and implement best practice.

A fear of marketing is a common sensation for many would-be and existing franchisees, who view the presence of a marketing department with strategies and templates on hand as nothing short of a blessing.

There’s also the advantage of buying power and access to suppliers that can make a franchisee’s job easier.

For many first time franchisees, running a business is both a dream and a totally new experience, a step into the unknown. And so it helps to have company on the way.

The franchisor – and that includes the support team at head office and in the field – is on hand to provide guidance and advice. However there’s an onus on franchisees to operate and drive their businesses and not rely on the franchisor to deliver results for them.

Business is risky – a franchise business is no different. Solutions to problems are as likely to come from fellow franchisees as from the franchisor, and the access to a network of business owners who share the same concerns and challenges is often cited as one of the best reasons to buy a franchise.

While it would be unrealistic to suggest that each franchise purchase is a success, and every relationship between franchisee and franchisor is positive and empowering, there’s no doubt that for many franchisees the benefit of taking on a franchise has outweighed any negatives.

It helps to get off to a good start with the right site for an outlet, or the appropriate territory for a service business. Read more about what’s involved in our ‘Franchise Basics’ section on page 84.

In this issue, Inside Franchise Business showcases high performing franchisees (page 42), tales of innovation, fresh ideas to invest in, and brands celebrating their longevity.

In October the Franchise Council of Australia will announce national winners in its Excellence in Franchising Awards – in this edition, Inside Franchise Business puts the spotlight on the franchisee finalists who have each won a regional award.

Look out in the next issue for the national champions.