The Educated Franchisee: Find the Right Franchise for You, 3rd Edition

Rick Bisio’s The Educated Franchisee is definitely an exceptional “how-to” reference guide for anyone who is considering pursuing a franchise business, or who is in the midst of that pursuit. The book is well-written, using everyday language to follow a very logical path from an analysis of the reader’s individual vision of success through the successful operation of a newly purchased franchise business.After being unexpectedly released from long-term employment, my first exposure to the book was through a franchise broker with whom I was discussing my choice between returning to a “normal” job vs. pursuing a business of my own through franchising. The broker gave me Chapter 5: “Why Own a Business When I Can Get a Job”. That chapter really crystallized the choices confronting me, as well as the long-term consequences for each potential path. After reading that chapter, I purchased the book and read it (or perhaps devoured it) voraciously.While actively investigating several different franchise opportunities at the same time that I was reading the book, I was given new insights, new questions to ask and clear strategies to follow in making my own decisions. The book was an invaluable aid to me as I journeyed down a road that was completely new to me. Rick acted as a guide, a mentor, a counselor to me through the pages of The Educated Franchisee.If you have ever considered owning and operating a franchised business, or if you are currently in the process of analyzing one or more franchise business opportunities, this book is a “must-read”!

I had been thinking loosely about becoming a franchisee for several years. As I became more serious about the opportunity, I was looking for a comprehensive book that would teach me about franchises and help me consider whether it was something that would work for me.This book does a great job of clearly outlining what a franchise is and the details around how to explore franchise opportunities. It also focuses on what makes a good candidate for buying a franchise and what type of personalities may not work as well.I found this book to be invaluable during my journey. It is also a bonus that the author makes himself available to directly answer questions and offer guidance. I highly recommend this book for anyone who is considering buying a franchise.

Though focused on franchise framework, I recommend this book for any wannabe entrepreneur irrespective of whether he or she takes franchise route.Many values and approaches that he discussed here like conquering fear, aligning business with a higher purpose, importance of evaluating skills and doing due diligence if skills match what you intend to do (Hint: Follow your passion may not be the right advice), self-assessment, leveraging support systems etc., are applicable for any businesses franchise, or not. Loved the fact that he started with the topic of fear. That's for sure the first thing to handle for any progress. Very nicely done in exploring that topic.There are times though I felt that people could mis-construct the intent of the book as talking from franchisor perspective. Writing from franchisor perspective is likely not his intent, however, could be easily mis-constructed that way because of repeated references to "following the instructions". He repeatedly talks about trusting franchisor process that you bought in to, which makes sense for established systems. After all mature systems are successful for a reason. Will the same hold good for new start up franchise concepts?Isn't there a risk in yet to be proven models? People may have bought in to such models based on their belief in end product or service concept. They may have genuine concern in process that is not mature. Once they are in, there is a possibility that, they may have access to more information, which, they haven't had earlier with respect to the process.Even in a mature process, disruptive technologies may make established franchisors obsolete. No processes remain foolproof forever. Every product or service or process have a shelf life. Remember RadioShack? Once loved, RadioShack is a perfect example of franchisor's inability to respond to changing market realities. Holding on to inventory, or service that people may not need anymore is toxic. In such cases franchisees should speak-up to change or flee. In franchisees and franchisors own interest shouldn't these type of process related interactions be encouraged, reviewed and vetted?I see AI as deeply disruptive to any working franchise model. A revised edition to address such risks and a topic for exit plan (in franchisee's interest) is also needed.All said, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. Very informative to cover your bases.

If you are even considering looking into buying a franchise DO NOT DO ANYTHING ELSE before you buy this book. I started my search before I bought this book and I wish I had read it before even taking the first step. That being said IT IS NEVER TO LATE to buy this book and read it. I was a month into looking and was swamped with FDD's and franchise offerings from all over the map. I did not feel I knew what I was doing and what I was looking at. I stopped ordered and read this book along with "Street Smart Franchising: A Must Read Before You Buy a Franchise!" and only then did I reach a comfort level with what I was doing and where I needed to go.This book helped me understand what I should be looking for, who I should be looking at, where and how to get the financing and most importantly how to say YES and when to say NO. It was helpful from the first read and I would urge you to read it cover to cover... digest what it says ..then go back for dessert and re-read it. There is so much information but it is presented in a clear, concise, easy to read and understand format.DO NOT WAIT ANY LONGER BUY IT...... NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My husband and I are interested in franchising and have read numerous books on the subject. This one was BY FAR the best and most informative. Could not recommend more.

Very insightful!

Excellent book about franchisee

Prefect book gives basic understandings of franchise. Recommend to all readers