A franchise business consultant for more than 30 years, Mark Siebert is the founder of the iFranchise Group and author of Franchise Your Business: The Guide to Employing the Greatest Growth Strategy Ever (Entrepreneur Press), as well as the author of numerous articles on franchising. He has worked with hundreds of franchisors from a variety of industries. His expertise is in evaluating companies for franchisability, structuring franchise offerings and developing franchise programs. During his career, Siebert has personally assisted over 30 Fortune 2000 companies and over 500 startup-franchisors.
The iFranchise Group’s consulting services for both emerging and established franchisors have earned the firm international renown. With more than 500 years of collective expertise in franchise strategy, operations, marketing, and sales, Siebert and his team of franchise consultants have worked with many of the nation's top franchises.
He holds a B.S. in Advertising and an M.B.A. from Northern Illinois University, and has taught undergraduate and post-graduate courses in business and in franchising at several Chicago-area universities.
The Perpetual Franchise Question: Can Losing Money Today Pay Down The Road?
A franchise sale is more than a one-time revenue generator. If all is well, it’s a virtual annuity that can last for decades. Franchisors draw fees, royalties, advertising dollars, renewal fees, and other sources of revenue from each franchisee, over the term of their franchise agreement.
The Golden Rule of Franchise Sales
Here are some things to keep in mind when determining how many franchises you should sell, despite knowing how many you can.
The Power of “No”
Identifying the types of candidates who will help your system thrive is only half the battle. The real challenge involves knowing when to turn down those who don’t fit the bill.
Developing Your Franchise Strategy
Whether you want to expand in stages or pursue large-scale growth, there are plenty of ways to tailor your franchise offering. You may even start with one strategy, and you will have a much greater chance of success with your chosen strategy.
The Franchisor’s Formula for a Calculated Exit Strategy
When you’re calculating the specifics of your franchise growth plan, the pursuit of sustainable expansion only makes up part of the equation.
Weighing Your Options For Franchise Sales
Franchisors in every stage of growth know that converting prospects is a daunting task. And, for good reason the franchise sale is unlike any other.
Lessons on Franchise Quality Control
All this means is that the prospective franchisor is focused on the right things. Maintaining quality in your franchise system should be a focus for a franchisor, and separates great franchise brands from those that don't succeed.
Determining the “Franchisability” of your Business
Not every successful business can be franchised. But for those that can meet the criteria set out above, franchising can provide one of the greatest growth vehicles ever.
Architecting Your Franchise’s Marketing Strategy for International Expansion
According to a recent global survey conducted by the International Franchise Association on behalf of the World Franchise Council, “the penetration rate for non-domestic brands in some countries can be as high as 80 percent or more.
