We all love the feeling of a weight being lifted off our shoulders. It usually comes with a sense of relief or accomplishment. Sometimes, we hit a wall. We get fear. Many times that fear is the fear of the unknown—of uncertainty. Franchisees and entrepreneurs experience this like anyone else. Often, that fear of uncertainty means we choose unhappiness instead.

The second big step in franchise investigation is receiving and reviewing the franchise disclosure document. Before you think about owning a particular franchise, you need to review this document. After the introductory call, the franchisor will offer to send you a copy. This document is essential to your investigation process.

The first thing you need to keep in mind in your franchise investigation is that it is a process of mutual elimination for both you and the franchisor. It’s like dating. You might find exactly the franchise you’re looking for on the first try, but that is highly unlikely unless you are using a consultant like us to narrow the search for you. You have a ton of options, but only one will be the best choice for you.

People are often surprised to find franchising is a diverse industry. There are a ton of options out there for aspiring franchisees. We encounter franchises all the time, but we often think of them as them roadside businesses sprinkled across the nation. 

There are plenty of ways to find your path to franchise investment. You might drill down by way of Google until you find something that speaks to you. You might march yourself straight to the sales department of a business you like. You might be introduced or shepherded by a friend or family member who’s already involved. Or you might work with a franchise consultant.

Ford Motor Company founder Henry Ford once said, “The whole secret of a successful life is to find out what is one’s destiny to do, and then do it.” Ford’s own destiny was one that would have a profound impact for generations to come. He brought cars to businesses and families, and in doing so made the world a little more accessible for everyone.

What does it mean to be 50 in America—this monumental age where we’re no longer young but not yet old? For some, it means an empty nest (and not coincidentally a raft of tuition bills from the universities hosting our fledglings). For others, it means saying No More Excuses and starting the novel, taking the trip, or making the key career move that’s been a growing dream for years. And other feel it means reaching new heights on the corporate ladder.

Some of the things we fear and despise are inevitable.

You have decided to follow your dream and own your own business. You opted to buy a franchise concept. Now you have to decide if it is going to be your full-time job or your gig on the side. You know the gig economy is in full swing today with more than a third of Americans working within it.

There are many ways to fund a franchise. Using cash is the easiest and most straightforward option, but if you have no other liquidity, that is a bad move. Burdening yourself with an unneeded or incorrectly structured loan can also wreak havoc on your business plan.