We use this every day, and we’re used to using this every day. This game changer has impacted the entire world. This game changer has impacted the franchise business world too, but a lot of franchise executives don’t seem to notice it. (It’s kind of big not to notice it)
It’s relatively new, and more and more people all over the world are using it now. It’s a little scary at first. One has to learn how to use it. It can be used for good, and it can be used for evil doings.
It has made many people wealthy, and it has the potential to help others lift themselves out of poverty. It speeds everything up, but slows everything down, once in awhile.
Can you guess what it is?
You knew it right?
It’s
It’s
It’s
The internet.
In 1995, would any of you thought that you would be able to even remotely understand megabits, HTML, or email? Did you ever think that going to the local library to do some “research” would ever able be done without using books to do so?
Get some bliss.
Now, since this blog is focused on “Helping The Franchise Industry Become More Transparent,” I’m going to allow all of you non-small business-franchise types to go into a corner for a little while, and meditate about the impact of the internet since 1995. I hope you reach some level of bliss. (Need help? Follow @shashib on Twitter. He’s a Swami of sorts)
Before the advent of the internet, a prospective franchise owner would have to hire an attorney to do some investigative work, in order to learn about the franchise company. That required an investment. (Of your money!)
With the internet, information like that can be found fairly easily. And free. (Usually)
The Internet has significantly impacted the franchise industry in several important, and in what I consider, game changing ways. I’d like you read an article I wrote in March of last year. It’s called “Franchises Are Becoming More Transparent.” In hindsight, I would have changed the title to “Franchises Need To Become More Transparent.” But my head was certainly in the right place when I wrote it. The franchise industry does need to become more transparent about everything the business model of franchising involves. Including…here it comes…here it comes…hold on folks…including the risks involved in franchise ownership.
That’s right. Did you know that buying a franchise doesn’t guarantee success? Yes….it’s actually true. You could lose your money.
Now, I love franchising! I love helping people not find jobs. I really enjoy the fact that I can actually help change the lives of the people that I help find great franchise for. I can move the folks that I work with in my franchise consulting business from employee to employer. I’ve been relatively successful doing so. (Disclosure; Some of the folks that I’ve helped get into business have closed their franchises. It happens. It sucks.)
Here’s what I don’t love;
Franchise associations, franchisors, and fellow franchise consultants and brokers who don’t tell potential franchise owners that it’s possible that they’ll fail!
That’s what this blog is all about. Being transparent enough to tell people the positives and negatives about becoming a franchise owner. Just tell them. They’re adults. They can handle the truth. And they can decide what to do about becoming a franchise owner…
fransparency
In case you wanted to learn more about my franchise consulting business, here’s the link to the website.
