4 Ways to Find Great Franchise Partners

A franchise can have the best product or service, outstanding training, marketing, and public relations support, but without dedicated franchisees in the network, the brand can’t grow. And when things get stagnant, sometimes it’s helpful to go back to the basics and look for the franchise partners who are excellent fits for the concept.

Here are four ways we’ve found to attract great franchisees who are passionate about the brand and perform well, ensuring a mutually successful relationship for years to come.

1. Use existing relationships to make new connections.
As a franchisor, chances are good that you’ve had the opportunity to meet some of the franchise community that makes the industry what it is colorful, innovative, diverse and growth-focused. Take advantage of these professional relationships and look for new connections. In some cases, a broker might come in handy. Find a broker that you trust to communicate to prospective franchisees the heart and soul of your business – they can be excellent tools for reaching a wider audience. Also, be sure to equip the broker with the facts – hard statistics that speak volumes about your trajectory as a company.

2. Look at online networking tools
Many people nowadays use LinkedIn for more than networking. The business-focused social media platform has active job postings that make it very easy for people to apply for jobs using the information they already have on LinkedIn, somewhat of a living resume. This draws in individuals who might be tiring of their careers and looking for something more fulfilling, such as business ownership. Make sure that your company’s franchise development page is up to date, truthful, accurate and engaging. Ensure that all links work and that your keywords are effective. Supplement text with photos when appropriate to engage people visually. Take a look at the page of your competition and see what you can do better- and make that your focus.

3. Go to the source.
Digital franchise lead portals, while they can be costly, are extremely targeted and, when used appropriately, can certainly be effective. Most of these sites are pay-per-lead and are cross-utilized through social media as well. We have worked with digital portals many times and have attained some quality leads through this medium. Make certain that your pages are all free of spelling and grammatical errors, consistently branded and formatted in an aesthetically pleasing way. This can go a long way to separate you from the competition.

4. Talk to your customers
Who better to get on board with your brand than existing loyal fans that are already familiar with your concept, services, and products? Make sure your in-store and online messaging provides adequate opportunities to learn more about franchising. Engage your customers in person and create lasting relationships. Not only will this translate to better customer service and loyalty, but you just might find your next best team member.

Randy Wright is the President of Cottman Transmission Systems, LLC, franchisor of the “Cottman Transmission and Total Auto Care” brand that provides transmission and auto repair services for almost any make or model vehicle, foreign or domestic. Cottman Transmission and Total Auto Care centers specialize in complete transmission service, brakes, suspension air conditioning service and much more. Cottman’s headquarters is based in Horsham, Pennsylvania.

As featured in Franchising USA Magazine,  see link for full articles: https://issuu.com/cgbpublishing/docs/august_2016_franchising_usa-4_10.

  • Gail Parker
    Gail Parker
    2021-06-15
    Google

    The customer service was concerned about the parking area for my vehicle for overnight early bird service.They called me to inform me they were gonna check back with me before any services on my vehicle were done with my approval which, made me comfortable to know they showed responsibility in their work.

  • Leslie Meyers
    Leslie Meyers
    2021-04-09
    Google

    Fast, friendly, reliable and fair. I ended up having to get my town & country transmission repaired/replaced & my spark plugs replaced right before Christmas this past year & they said they could do it the next day if I could leave it that day. Well I didn't have a ride home & my other car needed a jump start since we hadn't driven it much. The owner not only offered to drive me home, but also jump start my other car so I could of get my niece from school. If that's not service, I don't know what is. They also ened up doing my 2014 escape transmission the yr b4. They were recommended by a friend & I would recommend them as well.

  • Hina K. Huynh
    Hina K. Huynh
    2021-03-18
    Google

    I purchased a "newly" used vehicle and was concerned about transmission issues and they made sure I was taken care of. The staff was extremely friendly and polite, and not only did they provide me with all the necessary services I needed, they also educated me. I would highly recommend this location.

  • Miriam Green
    Miriam Green
    2021-03-12
    Google

    The service was great. Someone recommended them to me. They took care of the issue I was having with my vehicle with no issues. I’ll be going to them from here on out! A very satisfied customer

  • Samuel Jones
    Samuel Jones
    2021-02-04
    Google

    Staff were all professional. Manager was a saint, gentleman, and scholar. Great company with excellent values. I would highly recommend them.

  • K. Raymer
    K. Raymer
    2020-11-20
    Google

    Kevin and his entire staff are the best. I had a brake caliper fail and they took care of very quickly and for a great price. Since then, I had new flare fenders with led lights installed on my Jeep Wrangler. Same great service and value.

  • Loren Vann
    Loren Vann
    2020-11-18
    Google

    I have been taking my vehicles to Cottman for the last year and I have never been disappointed. Kevin is the General Manager and I have known him personally for several years. This is an honest shop with quality work and great, trustworthy employees. Law Enforcement friendly, which is a major plus. It is hard to find a reliable place for vehicles now and days so skip the stress and take your vehicles here.

  • Stephanie Besos
    Stephanie Besos
    2020-10-28
    Google

    I love this place. came here a few years back, great work. just came in recently, wanted to wait a few days for the review.let me tell you Vicki was amazing and as helpful as can be and kevin did repair and excellent job on my transmission as well as work with me . had a world of trouble with my warranty place but they did their best to help with it all and my car is running excellent. will be back soon for oil change and any future repairs. thanks guys.

  • Stephanie Besos
    Stephanie Besos
    2020-10-21
    Google

    I love this place. came here a few years back, great work. just came in recently, wanted to wait a few days for the review.let me tell you Vicki was amazing and as helpful as can be and kevin did repair and excellent job on my transmission as well as work with me . had a world of trouble with my warranty place but they did their best to help with it all and my car is running excellent. will be back soon for oil change and any future repairs. thanks guys.

  • Conley Smith
    Conley Smith
    2020-10-20
    Google

    My experience at Cottman was awesome! The waiting lounge was very clean and looked great. The front desk staff was kind and personable. My wheels got aligned very quickly and they did a great job for an awesome price! The owner is extremely professional and quite handsome as well.

  • Randall Vann
    Randall Vann
    2020-10-18
    Google

    Best shop to have your vehicle repaired. Professional and timely. Owner gives fair prices and easy to work with. I would highly recommend to anyone.

  • Mike Villegas
    Mike Villegas
    2020-10-15
    Google

    The work was excellent and done in a timely manner. Found the best pri ce for the work needed!!!

  • Justin Davis
    Justin Davis
    2020-10-10
    Google

    Great customer service!! The staff was very attentive. A issue arose while they were working on my vehicle, and the mechanics diagnosed it and where back on track in no time. What I liked the most was that they kept me in the loop while they tried to find a resolution.

  • Steve Lilley
    Steve Lilley
    2020-09-17
    Google

    Fast and efficient service.