It seems a little like diving into a pool without knowing if it’s warm or cold when you franchise my business.  You know there is water, which is nice.  But what about the temperature?  That’s the secret.  Franchising isn’t for the weak, but it’s not a mystery either.  Let’s get to work.

 First, make sure everything is in order.  Your brand needs some sparkle—a way to transform strangers into enthusiasts in every neighborhood.  If your burger place only does well because Uncle Larry runs the grill, stop.  Your business should run well even if you’re at home watching reruns.

 Next is the paperwork.  You will need operations manuals, brand rules, and a recipe for your secret sauce (both figuratively and physically, if that’s your thing).  This is like getting ready for a trip: if a stranger can’t follow your directions and ends up in Paris instead of Peru, something isn’t clear enough.

 Here’s a curveball: the law.  You can’t just go into franchising.  Different places need different kinds of papers.  There are contracts, the Franchise Disclosure Document, and other legal stuff.  Talk to someone who reads the fine print for a living.

 Even if you don’t like rules, you should make some.  Everyone is on the same page when there are rules for quality control, training, and customer service.  If you don’t plan ahead, things will get messy.

 Check out potential franchisees like you’re interviewing babysitters for your first child.  Look closely at applications.  Talk to the candidates.  Look for red signals, such those who speak a big game but don’t have any money or people who want to be entrepreneurs but can’t focus for more than a few seconds.

 Support is the key to your success.  Don’t be the boss who haunts people.  Check in, answer questions, talk about what’s doing well, and sometimes complain.  Keep in mind that your franchisees are putting their money (and sanity) on your vision.

 Let’s talk about money.  Set explicit upfront fees and ongoing royalties.  Explain every cent.  If your fees are a mystery, potential partners will leave.  Being open pays well, in cash.

 Marketing packs a punch.  Talk about campaigns and strategies.  Use your buying power to advertise.  When you talk about prices for supplies, stand together too.  Every dollar you save is a dollar toward your future achievement.

 Last piece of advice: pay attention, change, and stay sharp.  When you franchise, you learn as you go.  One crazy story: someone tried to open a franchise of a taco shop with a petting zoo (don’t ask—goats and guac don’t mix).  Listen to what people say, make changes when necessary, and never lose the spark that made your idea effective in the first place.

 The pool is calling if you’re still excited and ready.  Get in and make those waves.  Just bring a towel.