You’ve done your research. You’ve found the best franchise opportunities available, in the right sector for you, and narrowed it down to the final few choices. You’ve found out all about their opening inventories, their franchise models, and what you will receive when you become a new franchisee, but what exactly does your journey to business success look like? How will your life change over the coming days, weeks, and months, and what support will be available to you as you navigate the world of franchising? 

Today we’re here to answer all your questions on what to expect during your first year as a new franchisee. 

The First Month

For most new business owners, the first month is the hardest. It’s a gruelling uphill battle to attract your first clients and establish a name for yourself in your local area, all whilst navigating the financial minefield that waits for all aspiring entrepreneurs. 

Starting any new business comes with a learning curve, but as a franchisee, you won’t have to do this alone. From the very first day as a new franchisee, you’ll receive your licence to trade under the brand that you have chosen, and access to their proven model for growth and success. 

Alongside this, most franchises also provide their franchisees with a starter pack of supplies, products, or digital services. These will differ from franchise to franchise, and from sector to sector, but most franchisees can expect the following: 

• Training in business management. 
• A bespoke marketing strategy, including a website.
• Contact details, such as an email address or phone number, set up on your behalf.  
• Equipment, if you offer services that will require this.
• Ongoing IT support. 
• Use of internal systems, such as CRM or invoicing. 

The First 6 Months

By the 6 month mark you should already have had the first of many meetings with your franchise team, and be settling into your role as a business owner. These meetings are a chance for you to tell your franchise partner about any challenges that you are facing, and for them to advise you in turn as you work to establish your business in your local area. 

During this time, it is also important that you keep making the most of the resources available to you. A big reason why many entrepreneurs go down the franchising route is for the wealth of additional support that is on offer, so take advantage of any: 

• In-house services, such as payroll or invoicing, to reduce the administrative burden. 
• EOY financial advice to help you meet your tax obligations and invest any surplus budget. 
• Additional training to keep up-to-date with best practices. 
• Franchisee forums to connect with other business owners operating under the franchise. 

After all, your franchisor only wins if you win. You share the same name, the same goals, and the same ambition, and their success is your success. It’s important that you commit to following the growth model, and you will unlock all the benefits of the franchisee lifestyle in no time. 

The First Year

Right now in the UK, almost 10% of new businesses fail within the first 12 months. It’s well known that if your business makes it past the first year months, then you have a better chance of long-term success, but why struggle and panic on your own when you could enjoy your life both in and out of work as a franchisee? 

Many franchise opportunities are offered on a part time or full time basis, and also allow their franchisees to set their own hours as suits them. Just think about all the family dinners, parents evenings, Christmas parties, lazy Sundays and personal commitments you’ll be able to fit in around your business hours, especially if you also take advantage of remote working opportunities too. 

After all, the only thing better than managing your own business, is managing your own business from anywhere you like!

Join MCS As A New Franchisee

Now that you know what to expect as a new franchisee, it’s time to get started with your very own business. 

Click here for low cost entry into the commercial cleaning sector, and a member of the MCS Franchise team will get back to you soon to discuss next steps in more detail.