My answer to this question is rather unique. Franchise consulting is a process. It's a process that requires expertise, insight, analytics, and empathy.

When someone is looking into franchise businesses, typically, it doesn't take much web surfing for most people to become overwhelmed, confused, and eventually, frustrated. It's not their fault. Despite living in a very technically advanced time, there are still many facets of life that require input from professionals. There are literally thousands of franchise businesses in North America. To help organize and represent all of those opportunities, Franchise Consultants gain professional expertise by spending time studying Franchises. Franchise Consultants invest themselves in this way, so they are able to offer insights about those Franchise Businesses to their clients.

There are a lot of questions that Franchise Candidates have, especially if it is their first foray into a franchise. This is the point where the Franchise Consultant demonstrates what their profession is all about.

It might feel a little invasive at first, but the Franchise Consultant needs to ask their clients a number of exploratory questions. They will ask their client about their; work experience, self employment experience, relationship status, family status, including pets, income level desired, financial health, projected involvement level in a Franchise, and more. Despite how comfortable or uncomfortable the client may be regarding this line of inquiry, the fact is; The Franchise Consultant needs to understand their client's reality as closely as can be ascertained. Just like the Consultant studies Franchises, potential Franchisees need to be studied as well.

Once the Franchise Consultant understands the Candidate, the Consultant can then use their analytical skills to match the qualities, and, attributes the Candidte is seeking, with the Franchise Business that aligns best.

While the process all seems to be reasonably straight forward, it isn't. Processes are procedural in nature. Procedures can be broken down, looked at from all angles, and, as is the case with many procedures, packaged in a digital program. The process of investing in a Franchise often requires empathy.

People have fears, anxiety, nervousness, and apprehension. They also have excitement, joy, initiative and passion. During the course of the relationship, the Franchise Consultant will often experience a range of emotions emanating from their Franchise Candidate. This is perfectly normal and an excellent source of vital, decision making information. The Franchise Consultant maintains an empathetic ear throughout the relationship with the Client. More likely than not, some of those emotions will play a roll in what Franchise the Client is best matched.

There is a lot of behind the scenes work that Franchise Consultant do for their Clients. Hundreds if not thousands of hours of research, communications with, and analysis of, the Franchise Models they represent.

In the end, It's all about the Client. Investing in a Franchise is one of the BIGGEST professional decision anyone can make. The Franchise Consultant dedicates their expertise to present the Client with BEST overall Franchise match.

The whole process can be summed up in the pictures below. There are 3 targets available. (Franchise Models). Only one is the BEST choice for the Client but the Client only knew about the Franchise on the Left. Good thing the Franchise Consultant was listening to the Client and knew where to look for the perfect match!

Have A Great Day!

Gord

ps yes I did make that on the first try.