Why would someone buy a franchise from us when they could just do it themselves? Well we asked some of our franchisees just that. We asked them what led to their purchase of a franchise. We asked what parts of the system in place were attractive. We asked them what set us apart from a stand alone business model. Several of our franchises were PEO brokers already, so they were familiar with the industry. Here are some of the responses we got.
Turnkey Operation
Several responded that they were glad that all the processes were defined and either in place or rapidly getting there. The automated matchmaker portal and associated back office were mentioned as a huge plus. “I can monitor all my clients’ progress through all the associated processes. The home office, and back office support staff are there to help when I need them” was one of the comments from our South Carolina franchise.
Our training staff has implemented a program that can take a franchise from zero knowledge to generating enough business for a steady, residual income.
Training is Excellent
Between PEO Sales Training and the contracted training from Sandler Training of Orlando all of your salespeople can start from knowing nothing about the industry and begin placing clients almost immediately. “What I really liked about the sales process is that we don’t need to be experts in the industry” Michelle tells us from another Florida franchise. “All we need to do is go collect information. The back office can handle the Employer’s Risk Assessment (a great tool), the underwriting, the quoting and even the enrollments. It was strange to start out selling something without being an expert, but the support is excellent. Of course, with the training, I’m starting to feel like I understand the business and am on my way to becoming an expert after all.”
Lead Generation
The advanced, organic SEO program, along with several other sources, is generating a significant lead source for our franchises. In addition, the training encompasses advanced networking techniques, and how to prospect for quality referrals.
“The leads were not that great at first, but the quality has improved greatly.” says another franchisee in Florida. “I’ve noticed a much better closing rate recently. Of course, this could be because I am getting better at closing, due to the ongoing training.”
Industry Reputation
Several franchisees told us they had heard “good things” about EmployerNomics. Our ethical selling system was praised in several statements. “EmployerNomics was praised by several people I knew in the industry.” Michael tells us (from SC) “Even though other broker houses didn’t but franchises, or at least not yet, they saw the value and were positive about the effect the franchise system has on the broker community. There’s a bit of an image problem with PEO Brokers and the standards and practices brought in by EmployerNomics do a lot to improve client confidence.”
Sense of Community
Several stated that having a list of other franchises to contact when a situation cam up was an unforeseen, but huge advantage. “Even though at times we may compete, we are on the same team.” we heard from our CA franchise. “The information exchange is huge. We hear what’s going on before everyone else. We don’t get as surprised by industry happenings as we did before.”
EmployerNomics always promotes franchises working together, rather than in competition, when territory lines are blurred. The outcome has been very positive.
Protecting Our Money
“The money is taken care of, the contracts are favorable and enforced on our behalf”, we got from one of our FL franchises. “There are some teeth in the provider contract that protect us from common pitfalls in this industry, and business in general.”
Nothing is more frustrating than spending time developing a relationship, turning that in to a reliable client, and have the commissions stop because of something beyond your control. Our provider contract has protected our franchises from losing residual income time and time again.
Summary
All the features and benefits described here point to The System. Founder Will Tenney sums it up best. “Everyone wants to know the features and benefits of being a franchise. It’s not about that. Yeah you can point to the advanced technology, the leads generation, the sales training etc, but what it is really about is The System. Our franchise consultants at IGC have helped us create a teachable, transferable system that can be duplicated and expanded. It is possible to buy this business, hire people to run it, and if you have the staying power, be very successful. And that, comes from The System.”