Franchise Exhibition: how it can change your life

If you're seriously thinking about exploring the possibility of becoming a franchisee, making a trip to a franchise exhibition could potentially put you on a life-changing path.  Here, Workingmums.co.uk gives tips on how to get the best out of your visit to an exhibition.

Do your research before you set off
Put yourself on a fact-finding mission before you book your train ticket or start the car. If you've only thought about franchising in the vaguest of terms, you won't gain as much out of visiting an exhibition as you would if you have really thought about your interests, skills and ability.  This is where you need to find out what sort of franchise opportunities you would specifically be interested in following up.  If you turn up to the event with no real idea of the type of franchise which would suit you, then you'll probably waste valuable time walking round without meeting the people who could be of most use to you.  Read franchise magazines or log onto to www.fdsfranchise.com or www.thebfa.org. ''There is a lot to be said for going to exhibitions at least understanding what franchising is about, so that when you are speaking to companies you have that little bit of background knowledge on the subject to be able to probe a little bit further,'' says Tom Endean, marketing manager of the British Franchise Association (bfa).  ''It's worthwhile doing research so you can look at the key questions and issues which you need to be aware of.'' However, if you really can't pin down the type of franchise you're interested in beforehand and have ruled nothing in and nothing out, then do use the exhibition as an exercise to dip your toe into the water and find out more.

Don't be fazed
When you arrive at a franchise exhibition, you will be greeted by colourful banners, promotional posters and people exhorting you to take an interest in their franchising business.  Don't be overwhelmed by this.  Remember, the franchisor is using the exhibition to find more franchisees and in some cases may be competing with other franchisors in the same room if their businesses are similar.  They are there to speak to as many people as possible, to outline how their business works and, ultimately, to make the best impression on you.  Make good use of the guide brochure and focus initially on three or four franchises you'd like to look into.

Making the most of seminars
Most exhibitions have seminars and workshops fronted by staff from franchise organisations, legal experts and franchisors.  The knowledge you can pick up at these talks can prove invaluable.  ''Seminars won't give you every answer that you may be looking for,'' says Endean,  ''but they can give you insight into the many considerations which you will need to know about franchising.''  The price of most seminars is within the ticket price for the exhibition.  Some of the seminars promote franchising for women.

First impressions
You're not going for an interview with a franchisor, but be aware that they will be evaluating you and wondering if you're the type of person who would make a good franchisee for their network.  You need to show you have done some research beforehand. ''If somebody hasn't taken the time to do this, the franchisor is going to wonder just how serious they are about this,'' says Endean.  The questions you ask are important.  It isn't just about money - you will make an excellent first impression if you ask about the franchisor's type of customer base and how their business operates.  Should you dress smartly to visit the exhibition? ''You are making a first impression,'' says Endean, ''and I think that if you are trying to show you are responsible, professional and dedicated, then appearance is part of that.'' 
But remember the onus isn't just on you - you are evaluating a franchisor as much as they are evaluating you.  It's a two-way process.

Don't sign anything on the day
The exhibition is primarily a fact-finding mission and you should not sign up to anything straight away - you cannot make a sensible decision after meeting a franchisor for a mere 10 minutes.  ''You are spending a short amount of time with that person,'' says Endean, '' so don't create any commitment on the day.  You need to set up a proper meeting with them separately away from the chaotic environment of the exhibition.  Take their details and prepare a set of questions.''

Afterwards
Think carefully about what you have seen and study the literature you will have picked up.  After a period of reflection, If you're still sure you want to go down the franchising route, make that call.

*  The National Franchise Exhibition, NEC, Birmingham, 1st - 2nd October.