Here's how you can navigate difficult decisions in franchising.

In my experience, jumping into franchising can be overwhelming without a clear sense of what you're looking for. Before you make any decisions, take a step back and think about your goals. Are you passionate about a particular industry, or is your main focus on financial gains? Identifying your personal and professional objectives is key to finding a franchise that aligns with your aspirations. When I started in franchising, I prioritized opportunities that had a strong track record and provided robust support and training. It's not just about choosing a successful franchise; it's about finding one that plays to your strengths and helps you reach your goals. This approach has been instrumental in my journey, allowing me to support owners.

All franchise systems are required to have a playbook. Most franchise systems have a capable support team and learning management system in place to guide you along the way. What may be more difficult to find in a franchise system is true partnership. Seek partnership first above all. And be sure to show up ready to partner as well. Remember, just because a franchise concept is proven, doesn't mean you are guaranteed success. And when problems arise, partnership is more likely to help you identify a solution.

This is a common stumbling block for many investors. Yes, making a profit is the goal, but it becomes much tougher if you A) adopt a semi-absentee mindset and expect the business to run itself, and B) choose a business you're not passionate about just because it has a strong item 19. Do yourself a favor: find a knowledgeable franchise consultant who will provide honest perspective and guidance without the hard sell.

In my experience most successful franchisors when caught in tough situation and had no option but to take difficult decisions then they narrow down their focus on two things 1) What is good for the brand 2) What is good for the franchisee So when focus narrows down to only on 2 things, a lot of clutter goes away. This enables them to arrive at a decision which definitely pays in the long run. Successful franchisors give preference to brand and franchisees even over profit because they realize that if they have intact brand value and franchisees with them then they would eventually make profit. Additionally they also know that if they value profit over brand and franchisees then their future is not bright.

1) Find an honest, experienced franchise consultant. They should never charge you a fee. 2) If your unclear about the FDD and would like a unbiased 3rd party review, contact a franchise attorney. The investment may prevent you from making the wrong decision. 3) Be thorough on your validation calls...and if its all rainbows and unicorns, be cautious. 4) If you talk to franchisee's in different industries, take their advice with a big grain of salt.

Always look for other franchisees who entered the franchise at a similar point as you and were able to scale to the point you want to get to. They will be a treasure trove of advice on how to navigate the system to achieve your desired ambitions.