The Discovery Process: You Are Not Being SOLD

When you embark on your journey to find the best franchise FIT, we will begin what we call the Discovery Process. This is a 6-8 week journey to finding the perfect brand for you.

The word “journey” might sound a little bit out there… but trust us on this one. The Discovery Process really is a journey, one during which you will explore different brands, learn about funding options, validate with franchisors you are interested in, and perhaps even attend a Discovery Day (also known as Meet the Team Day). 

Today, we’re going to take a deeper dive into the Discovery Process, talking about what to expect, its goals, and more. Plus, we’ll be debunking one of the key myths surrounding this part of the path to franchise ownership: The Discovery Process is not about being SOLD. 

What Is the Discovery Process?

The Discovery Process begins after our introductory call, during which our team learns more about you. Our first call is all about gathering information and understanding your goals, wants, and non-negotiables. It sets us up for success during the Discovery Process. 

Let’s break down the Discovery Process into a few sections so you get the full picture… 

Franchisor Pairings

The Discovery Process truly kicks off when we pair you with 3-5 different franchisors. You will have introductory conversations with each brand. 

How do we know which brands to pair you with? We turn to all of the information we collect during our introductory call. Using that info and our extensive knowledge of the franchise space, we choose a selection of brands that we think might just be the right fit for you. 

FIT Tip: The most important part of the Discovery Process is learning. Keep an open mind and learn as much as possible about each franchisor. The time for making decisions comes later. 

Debrief Calls

Don’t worry – you’re not alone during the Discovery Process. We’re here with you every step of the way. 

Throughout the Discovery Process, you will participate in weekly calls with us at The Franchise Fit Company. We will discuss franchisor conversations, answer questions you have, and prepare for next steps. Our goal? Helping to ensure that you get the most out of your franchisor conversations. 

Funding Exploration

Now that you’re learning more about a few different franchise brands, those tough questions are going to start coming up. Most pressing… How am I going to afford this? 

First of all, we’ve got your back. 

At the beginning of the Discovery Process, we will discuss your funding options in detail. We will ensure you feel comfortable with your investment range, the timeline to getting funded, and what choices are available to you. We can also help set up conversations with lenders. 

Conversations about money might seem awkward, but being honest and straightforward about your financial situation is the best – actually, the only – way to make sure that you are investing at an appropriate and comfortable level according to your personal risk tolerance. 

We are not going to pair you with franchises that are way above your investment range – so go ahead and scratch that worry off of your list. 

Of course, exploring and understanding your funding options is a key part of investing in a new business. Even when you are working within your comfortable investment range, you will likely be considering options like SBA (Small Business Administration) 7a loans, the ROBS (Rollover as Business Startup) program, and more. 

We have a wealth of experience supporting our clients through the funding process – and your journey with us will be no exception. While we’re not financial professionals, we can absolutely help you gain a better understanding of the funding choices available to you. 

The Validation Stage

You will have numerous conversations with franchisors, during which you will speak to other franchise executives and existing owners with the brand. You will talk about mapping out territories and locations as well as many other topics. 

The Validation Stage is a key part of the Discovery Process. It gives you the opportunity to learn more about a brand with insider perspectives. 

We’re here to help you make the most of the validation stage with advice and support around the best questions to ask, who to talk to, and how to get the best information. 

We have even written a blog about the Validation Stage – check it out right here!

FIT Tip: This vetting, or “validation” process is mutual! Existing franchise owners are trying to learn more about you just as much as you are trying to learn more about them. Make sure to put your best foot forward during this stage. 

Discovery Day

The final step in the Discovery Process? Discovery Day, also called Meet the Team Day. 

Meet the Team Day is a chance to meet the franchisor’s team and is normally located at their headquarters. You will get a complete picture of all the ways brands support their owners and how their systems work. Typically, this is the final step before a franchise is awarded and you decide to accept. 

Don’t worry, we’ll help you prepare to shine during this moment. 

FIT Tip: Remember, franchises are awarded, not sold. More on this in just a second… 

So, Am I Being Sold? 

Okay – we’ve covered the basics of the Discovery Process. Now that you have a solid understanding of what the process looks like, you might have a common question. 

Am I being sold? 

The short answer? No. 

The long answer? Well, you asked for it… 

Am I being sold on becoming a franchise owner? 

Here at The Franchise Fit Company, we are not here to convince you to become a franchise owner. We are here to educate you about the process and help you determine whether or not this journey is right for you. 

We are committed to offering impartial information to help you decide whether or not you want to move forward at every step of the way. 

It can be tempting to ask these questions to AI, or artificial intelligence. But remember, there are some risks there. AI bots can “hallucinate,” or come up with information that sounds real but isn’t actually based on anything. 

When you work with us at The Franchise Fit Company, we leverage decades of experience in the franchise space and even franchise ownership experiences of our own to give you the most perspective and real world information possible. 

We don’t want you to sign on for a career change that isn’t right for you – not at all. We want to help you learn more about a potential next step and fully understand the risks and rewards of franchise ownership. 

Am I being sold on a particular brand? 

Remember what we said earlier: Franchises are awarded, not sold. 

During the Discovery Process, you will speak to multiple different brands and learn more about their franchise systems. Of course, they will emphasize their strong points – they are not stupid. Who wouldn’t? 

At the same time, you have numerous opportunities to investigate those claims. Remember the Validation Stage that we mentioned? That’s where you double check all of the info from the franchise. 

You will talk to existing owners to learn more about what it is really like to invest in a franchise. And trust me, these people are not trying to sell you on becoming an owner. 

In fact, the Discovery Process and the Validation Stage are both very mutual. The franchise brand and its owners want to ensure that you will be a good fit for the brand just as much as we want to ensure that the brand is a good fit for you. 

They are looking for people who will succeed, who will represent the brand strongly, and who will thrive in a franchise ownership role. The question is… is that you? 

The Discovery Process – It’s Mutual

The Discovery Process is not about selling you on a particular brand – or even selling you on becoming a franchise owner. 

Our team at The Franchise Fit Company takes a neutral position. We’re here to be your advocate, advisor, and sounding board. We’ll support you as you sift through information from the brand itself, existing owners, and others to find the decision that works for YOU. 

Here, it is all about finding your FIT. That’s our #1 priority. 

Kickstart Your Franchise Ownership Journey

Are you ready to get started on your path toward becoming a franchise owner? Investing in a franchise is an amazing opportunity that can set you up for long-term success and even generational wealth. We’ll support you at every step along the way as you learn about different brands, systems, and perks. In short, we’re here for you.  

Schedule a free meeting right here. I can’t wait to chat with you and discuss franchise opportunities, building your business, and starting a new chapter in your career. Working with me is always 100% free, 100% of the time. Talk to you soon!