Franchising sounds like a great idea. Let’s be honest: the thought of your brand springing up like daisies in cities all over the world is really exciting. But hold on to your hat; it’s a crazy journey with turns you don’t see coming. Have you ever put together franchise my business without the instructions? That’s how it can feel if you don’t plan ahead. But hey, take a seat.

First, take a look at how things are going right now. Is your store more like a Swiss watch or a crazy tea party? Systems are very important. A franchise does well when things are done the same way over and over again, thus procedures should almost run themselves. Think of recipes for grandma’s cookies that are given to bakers all around the country. Put those steps down in writing. The more explicit, the better.

Let’s chat about the special thing you do. What about your gym or coffee business keeps both new and current customers coming back? You need to turn that into something that people can use again and over again and that people in other states want too. And branding, wow! Your logo, marketing message, and store design all need to be clear enough to fit on a notepad or a billboard.

Things that are legal. It’s like walking through quicksand with your shoes linked together. Don’t skimp on disclosure documentation, franchise agreements, or intellectual property rights. Getting by with cheap contracts will probably cause you problems later. A mess in court isn’t cheap, and neither is good legal advice.

When you market a franchise, it’s like setting up a wedding. You don’t want just anyone with a checkbook to say “I do” to your brand; you want the appropriate people to say “I do.” Talk to them. Do people understand what you stand for? Will they keep your brand’s reputation strong instead of ruining it? A clear vetting process now will save you a lot of trouble later.

Training should have its own float in the parade. Your ship will start to leak quickly if your franchisees can’t run their business like a pro. Make a program that includes films, handbooks, and face-to-face meetings. Do whatever it takes to get the word across. If you support them, they’ll help you go further.

Choose your speed. Franchising is a long race, not a short one. Starting small lets you make adjustments, address problems, and build up your knowledge. Have you ever tried to juggle? Better to start with one ball.

First and foremost, pay attention. Your franchisees are like your eyes and ears in locations you’ve never been. Your system will become strong, flexible, and maybe even legendary if you listen to both positive and negative feedback.

If you’re not brave, don’t franchise your business. But if you’re up for the task and prepared to put in the work and brainpower, it might just make your business the household name you’ve always wanted it to be. Why not take a chance? Just make sure they aren’t stacked against you.