Thinking about becoming a franchisee? Excited about the opportunities out there but overwhelmed with what you need to know? We’re here to help: The Great Clips Leadership Blog is presenting a series of informational posts about how franchising works. This one is about how franchisors find and attract franchisees.
Franchise businesses aim to attract top talent to their systems, seeking franchisee candidates who not only possess the right business skills and financial profiles but also align with the business model and culture. That’s why franchisors spend so much time and energy on the process of identifying, evaluating, and qualifying prospects.
But before you can qualify a candidate, you must find the right people, in the right place, at the right time. For Great Clips, this critical task occurs through three paths: referrals, brokers, and advertising.
Referrals: It’s who you know
Ever had a friend rave about their job or a service? That's the power of referrals, and it's how 60% of our new franchisees find us.
Referrals are golden in the franchising world because they come from people who already know and love our brand. Whether it's through a friend, a stylist, or someone who frequents our salons, referrals mean you're already connected to Great Clips before you even make the first call.
Why do we value referrals so highly? Because they're more than just a recommendation; they're a testament to the trust and satisfaction franchisees and customers have in our brand. When someone who knows our business suggests you'd be a good fit, it speaks volumes about your potential success as a Great Clips franchise owner.
MORE: For a comprehensive look at our onboarding process and the support provided to new franchisees, visit our website where you can explore the technology and support and training available to every franchisee.
Brokers: Franchising matchmakers
Sometimes known as a franchise consultant or coach, a broker acts like an executive recruiter or a matchmaker—bringing together a prospective franchisee with a franchisor. Good franchise brokers educate their clients on the franchise industry in general and determine what might be a great business fit based on your skills, desires, and financial qualifications.
One caveat: Not all franchise brokers are created equal. Some brokers will only present options to their client that are included in their “inventory”—franchisors who have an agreement to work with that brokers’ group, so make sure you’re working with someone who’s presenting options that are a great match for you, not just companies that would benefit them.
Advertising: Making an impression
Paid advertising is one way we ensure our brand stays top of mind for potential franchisees. Whether it's online ads, print media, or targeted marketing campaigns, we strategically place our message where it will resonate with aspiring entrepreneurs. Many people experience an ‘aha’ moment when they realize one of their favorite businesses could be a perfect fit for them. It’s critical to educate consumers about opportunities they may never have considered before, and paid advertising allows us to do just that.
We also leverage unpaid advertising channels to amplify our reach. From storefront signage and community involvement to trade shows and social media, we're always finding new ways to engage with prospective franchisees and showcase opportunities available in our system.
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If you have any questions or want to start your franchising journey with Great Clips right now, feel free to reach out to us. We're here to support you every step of the way!
Beth Nilssen
Director of Franchise Development | Great Clips, Inc.
800-947-1143 | [email protected]
MORE: A detailed description of onboarding and support of new franchisees is on our website. Start here to read about the technology and support and training every franchisee—both new and veteran—has access to.