Business Management
www.landscapeirrigation.com August 2014 Landscape and Irrigation 37
M
ore and more aspiring business owners are
realizing their dreams of starting a business
or solidifying and expanding an existing one
through franchising.
Franchising — an arrangement where one party grants another
party the right to use its trademark or trade name as well as cer-
tain business systems and processes to provide a good or service
according to certain specifications — provides local business
owners with instant, national brand recognition and an immedi-
ate, competitive edge.
The benefits of becoming a franchisee
A new business can enter the marketplace, or compete at a
higher level if it's already in existence, through franchising.
It can be a lonely world out there for independent small busi-
ness owners. They must not only manage employees, customers
and operations, but also develop brand recognition, differentiate
themselves from competitors, and acquire and retain profitable
customers. Juggling all areas of a business can be an overwhelming
task, which can, in turn, hinder growth.
From day one, franchise owners have answers at their disposal,
instead of the uncertainty, inexperience and challenges that can
plague small, stand-alone startups. Franchise owners have access to
proven systems and best practices to run a successful business; a vast,
national network of support and fellow franchisees from whom to
build relationships and to learn; and, the national buying power of
a major brand for purchasing vehicles, equipment and supplies.
Steps to becoming a franchise
The entire process for winning a franchise award requires a
healthy investment of time. The franchise recruitment process
typically takes between eight and twelve weeks.
Joining a National Brand
through Franchising
By Brandon Moxam
All
photos
provided
by
U.S.
Lawns
