This lesson is part of our free Franchise 101 course.

In developing the right mindset to run a franchise, professional forums can be a great tool. So when you’re setting yourself up to take on a franchise, how can you make the most out of them?

Recommendations

Franchise forums are a great source of insight into the options available to you. Where else are you going to find so many people who have worked directly with the franchises you’re considering, and who can tell you what they’re like to work with?

Listening to other franchisees’ recommendations isn’t just about whether they think a franchise is good or not. Pay attention to why they do or don’t like working with a specific franchise. That can tell you a lot about how it works and whether it’s a good fit for you.

Advice

The other participants on franchise forums will often be veteran franchisees with years of experience under their belts. Some of them will have set up branches of multiple franchises, and all will have some insight into how to get started.

Use their advice to work out what you need to do from the very start, and what preparation you can make before you even sign up with a franchise. That will help you to get organized and motivated, ready to hit the ground running.

Being Part of a Community

Running a business can be a strangely lonely experience. Sure, you’re working with other people all the time, but as the boss, you’re not connecting to them as peers. Franchise forums provide you with access to the people who will be your peers, who you can share the joys and struggles of franchising with.

Knowing that you’re not alone, that you have a network for support and guidance, will help make you more positive and resilient as you head into franchising and tackle its initial challenges. Don’t be afraid to connect with the people who can help you through.

And if you’re looking for another source of support and guidance at the start of your franchising journey, check out Franchise Chatter’s detailed data on the franchises available to you. Together with advice from forums, it can really help you to understand the businesses you’re considering and the mindset you’ll need to work with each one.

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