Street Smart Franchising [Paperback]

Joe Mathews (Author), Don DeBolt (Author), Deb Percival (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 12, 2006 | ISBN-10: 1599180219 | ISBN-13: 978-1599180212 | Edition: 1

The truth you need to know before you buy a franchise

This straight-shooting franchise guide goes beyond the “how-to” to teach you what to expect when starting a franchise. Real-life stories from the trenches illustrate to you how to cope with the difficulties a franchise presents. Smart Franchising reveals the personality types most likely to succeed at franchising and warns you about the character traits that may increase the risk of failure. Plus, it offers an in-depth look at what happens during the research and investigation of a franchise, something glossed over in most franchise books.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Vital reading for our franchisees. I'm so convinced that I've purchased 2000 copies to give a copy to each! -- John Hewitt, CEO of Liberty Tax Service

About the Author

McGraw-Hill authors represent the leading experts in their fields and are dedicated to improving the lives, careers, and interests of readers worldwide

Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Entrepreneur Press; 1 edition (June 12, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1599180219
• ISBN-13: 978-1599180212
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (26 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #610,279 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #21 in Books > Business & Investing > Small Business & Entrepreneurship > Franchises
  • #68 in Books > Business & Investing > Small Business & Entrepreneurship > Retail Businesses

More About the Author

Mathews has over 20 years franchising and management experience with such national chains as Subway, Blimpies, Motophoto, and Entrepreneur's Source. He specializes in the area of franchisee recruitment, sales, and franchisee performance. Mathews is a regular presenter at IFA conferences and is an instructor with the ICFE (Institute of Certified Franchise Executives). Mathews is author of two books, Street Smart Franchising with Don Debolt and Deb Percival and Meaning of Life Project.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

42 of 45 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Waste of Money -- Suspicious of Other Reviews, May 11, 2008

By 

N. Carter - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Street Smart Franchising (Paperback)

I have read four or five books on purchasing a franchise and this is clearly the worst. The books from Nolo are the best and the Better Business Bureau are second. This book is mostly hype about how great the franchise experience can be with pep talks and nonsense about how you are good enough to be in the 1 percent of successful franchise buyers. The information is neither objective nor balanced. I encourage people to always look at who the writers are to see if the source can be trusted. In this case it is consultants who make their money training people who sell franchises, helping people franchise their existing business and selling coaching services to existing franchisees. They have no vested interest in discouraging you from buying a franchise. Spend your money on a different book. I am suspicious of the other rave reviews, it looks like a marketing campaign to me. It is hard for me to believe real people found value in this book.

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This book combines "street smarts" with "book smarts!", February 19, 2007

By 

Diane Pleuss "Franchise Consultant" (Northern California) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Street Smart Franchising (Paperback)

Even though I'm not a teacher, I give it an A+! This is a well written book based on first-hand experience and industry knowledge. It truly is a "must read" for anyone wanting to go into franchising. As a franchise consultant, I have a "recommended reading" list for the candidates I work with and "Street Smart Franchising" is at the top of that list! New franchisees will be at the "head of the class" with information garnered from this book.

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Joe gets franchising, July 17, 2006

By 

Daniel M. Green (Belchertown, MA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Street Smart Franchising (Paperback)

I've been a franchise business manager and coach for two national franchisors and now own my own franchise.

Despite all the best programs, processes and business plans, why do so some franchises fail, both on the unit level and as a concept?

Joe explains why, with insight, humor and passion.

Anyone buying a franchise should read it. Those selling franchises should feel obligated to read it.

Dan Green

TruePresence franchisee