Change your life but take your skills with you
As General Manager of FranchiseMart , Kirkland’s skills as a former a HR manager with an IT systems technology background was perfect to develop the FranchiseMart Smart Match Q&A which helps match a franchisee with a suitable franchise system. Researchers at the Franchise Relationship Institute suggest that “both parties often rely more on emotion, myth and gut feel than they do on good business practices or any form of science.”
With over 960 franchise systems operating in Australia today, selecting the right one can be a daunting prospect. Franchise businesses employ 600,000 people in 70,000 work places, and with an encouraging success rate estimated at some 2½ times that of a non-franchised business, it’s a structure that launches both new and experienced investors into an established and successful business environment.
In an industry first, FranchiseMart is matchmaking people in a similar way that a HR company will analyse a candidate for a job. Kirkland can assess why a person would be better suited to one franchise business over another.
“By using a range of recruitment and self evaluation tools, we developed a unique Q&A process to understand a potential franchisee’s background, personal interests, and investment levels,” says Kirkland. “From there we can narrow down from over 100 franchises to only four or five businesses that may suit.”
As opposed to starting a new business, a franchise already has the structure in place. A franchisee works with a set of systems and guidelines to leverage off existing branding, utilise training and network with fellow franchisees to be successful. “And like in most things, success often comes down to having the right attitude and motivation plus to work in an industry that is best suited to you to start with,” states Kirkland.
Franchise opportunities range from mobile businesses like 1800-Got-Junk, Oven Clean to retail ventures such as, Cookie Man, Sleepy’s The Mattress Experts and Sign*A*Rama, where Kirkland was one of the most successful Account Managers from 2003 to 2006.
As a matchmaking tool FranchiseMart not only saves time but is also crucial in helping make the right decision says Steve Bianchini. Currently a PE teacher from Northern Beaches, Bianchini is looking to make the leap into being a franchise owner but was finding it difficult while still working full-time.
“We started by first clarifying what I wanted in a business, so then I only saw franchises that are relevant to me rather than looking at 50. It fast-tracked the research process so I could then go into in-depth details on only a couple of franchise systems before meeting with the franchisors themselves.”
After only 6 months of looking, Bianchini this week has made an offer on a franchise. “I think that if anyone is serious about starting a franchise then it’s definitely the way to go,” says Bianchini. Following on from the initial free consultation a client receives ongoing guidance and access to a FranchiseMart consultant for a flat fee of $150. 29.11.2007
Contact FranchiseMart
Suite 1, Madison Place
385-389 Pacific Highway
Crows Nest
NSW 2065
Tel: 1300 761 157
Fax: 1300 761 158
