Vicki Prout from franchise consultants, Sherpa Group discusses her franchising experience

After more than a decade in the Royal Australian Navy, Vicki Prout decided to pursue her own business but found the information she was confronted with became increasingly confusing and sometimes painful.

Researching franchises businesses, information can be gleamed from government departments, the Franchise Council of Australia, franchise consultants and also the franchisor. Vicky said that while she found the information useful, the franchise advice was all about the numbers and overwhelmingly geared towards core business principles.

These included profitability, success of the brand to date, simplicity of the business model, systems and what her accountant thought. However for Vicki, the biggest differentiator in franchise systems was the culture, people and the passion from the owners entwined with the franchisee, in this case her own, passion about the culture, people, and brand.

Vicki’s litmus test was all about passion. After answering all the questions she realised that a franchise system would suit her best as a franchise business creates an opportunity for you to be in business for yourself, but not by yourself.

Vicki likened key elements in her time with the defence force to the key elements in the development of a franchise including culture, people, training, and tools; systems and processes.

“Owning a franchised business was an enlightening experience and definitely an avenue you should consider if you are looking to own a business,” Vicki said.

She lists the benefits of running a franchise as,

• reduced risk of failure
• proven methods and products
• start-up assistance
• on-going training and support
• local, regional and national advertising
• collective purchasing power
• research and development
• association and synergy with other franchisees
• easier to obtain financing

Franchises are compelling because they allow the sharing of triumphs, one vision, one goal and one passion.

Contact Sherpa Group  to find out more and receive a free Sherpa Guide which includes helpful tips on starting a franchise or buying a franchise.