Franchise

How to Grow Your Business

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Starting your own business is no easy feat. If you are starting an independent business without the support of a franchise system, it can be tough to get your feet off the ground. Once you are on the path to success and you’ve made it over that hump of uncertainty, the next step is to grow your business. When franchising, it may take less time to get where you want to be, thanks in part to proven systems, the vast number of contacts in your newly founded network, as well as the support of your fellow franchisees and franchisors. But, there are still steps you can follow in order to grow your business accordingly.

  • Target Other Markets
    • Now that you’ve got a handle on the basics, why not consider expanding? When it comes to franchising with Weed Man, investing in an additional territory is often simple and the natural next step in growing your business. Doing so will allow you to target other, potentially lucrative markets and gain more market share. In addition, Weed Man offers a declining royalty structure, which rewards franchise owners for growing their business. If you are an independent business owner, consider opening up another location in a different area, but ensure the location you choose is a suitable market for your company and product.
  • Form an Alliance
    • Partnering with another business owner is a great way to generate more work, additional customers and a larger community presence. First, ensure that the other business’s product and/or services mesh well with your current product or service offerings. For instance, if you own a pest control company, you could partner with a lawn care company to contract out their services to your existing customers, and vice versa – countless cross-marketing opportunities exist. Another option is diversifying your services and forming an alliance with a national franchise, or doing it on your own. For example, if you own a landscaping company, why not offer lawn care services to meet the growing needs of your customer base?If you are considering a franchise to help grow your business, Weed Man currently has several franchising opportunities available throughout the U.S. For more information, visit weedmanfranchise.com.
  • Focus on Your Online Presence
    • In today’s day and age, the Internet is a terrific resource for free and/or inexpensive marketing. If you’re not online, you’re missing out on a lot of potential business. Invest some time in bettering your web presence by working on your website’s SEO, as well as getting onto social media outlets and engaging your customers. This is a great way to see what people are saying about your business, too! If you’re not comfortable doing it yourself, analyze your budget and hire someone to do it for you.
  • Sell, Sell, Sell
    • Focusing on sales, whether you’re a new business or an already-established one, is imperative. According to Forbes, if you own a new business, 80 per cent of your day should be spent on sales – reviewing, recording, customer retention, etc. If you are already established, you should still be spending 30 per cent of your time on selling. After all, without those sales, where would you be?

 Business Growth

Starting your own business is not a get-rich-quick solution. However if you are fortunate enough to own a successful venture, expansion and diversification are great options for bettering your company. Franchising gives you the security of working with a business model that has been proven to be successful, removing much of the risk for aspiring entrepreneurs. If you or someone you know is interested in franchising with us, feel free to visit www.weedmanfranchise.com for more information.

A Day in the Life of a Weed Man Franchisee

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When you’re an entrepreneur, you’re usually in a career and field that you enjoy. You take pride in your business and look forward to each day, as you get the chance to participate in something you’re passionate about. You don’t have to answer to anyone, you make your own hours and the success of your company is in your hands. You get the chance to contribute to your community and leave a legacy for your children (especially with Weed Man’s family-friendly model). Once you become successful, you reap the benefits; but that’s not to say that entrepreneurship isn’t hard work. This is a typical Day in the Life of a Weed Man Franchisee.

  1. Arrive at the office to start your day.
  • Coming into the office to enjoy a coffee and get your day started is something a lot of people do to start their day on the right foot. This is the perfect time to review paperwork and prepare for the day or week ahead. Before your day gets busy, this is a great time to check up on your customers as well. Answer your messages and schedule new appointments. Great customer service contributes to your overall success, so this part of a franchisee’s day is imperative.
  1. Check-in with your technicians.
  • Safety and communication are important for all Weed Man franchisees. Once your technicians arrive, holding a daily tailgate meeting is a great idea. This will give you the chance to go over the day’s schedule, discuss proper procedures and give your team a pep talk to get them motivated for the day ahead.
  1. Prepare the shop for a busy day.
  • After your daily tailgate meeting, franchisees and technicians can spend some time tidying up the shop, getting equipment ready and preparing themselves for a full day’s work. Perform a vehicle check to ensure technicians will be safe on the road. This will ensure quality service, with no unexpected hiccups throughout the day.
  1. Time to get to work.
  • One of the great things about owning a Weed Man franchise is you get the opportunity to get out of the office and work outside. Turf care applications are the foundation of Weed Man’s service. Franchisees and technicians alike are well-trained and state-certified chemical applicators. Technicians will inspect soil quality and thatch samples and explain their findings to the customer.
  1. Practice great customer service.
  • Of course, practising great customer service is imperative at all times, in any industry. Between jobs, franchisees and technicians take the time to meet with prospective customers. Gaining new customers is easy, as the results of our services are so visible. Weed Man owners create greener spaces for families to live and play.
  1. Return to the office to wrap up your day.
  • After all of your customers’ lawns have been serviced, franchisees return to the office to catch up on afternoon paperwork, check in with their office staff and update records of production for the day. Weed Man systems are built to provide predictable results based on accurate information. If franchisees ever have questions, local franchisors are only a phone call away; and even if there aren’t questions to be answered, they love to hear about franchisees’ progress in the field.
  1. Love your lawn.
  • After a long, yet satisfying day, it’s time to love your own lawn and spend some much-deserved time with your family and friends!

If you or someone you know is interested in receiving additional information on franchise opportunities with Weed Man, please visit us at www.weedmanfranchise.com. We’d love to hear from you!

Frequently Asked Questions

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The opportunity to franchise with Weed Man is an exciting one. Of course, there are always preliminary questions candidates must ask before making the decision to go forward with the process. See below for a list of common FAQs.

Is Weed Man a franchise system?

Yes, it is. Franchises provide many advantages. Among them are proven systems (training, marketing and business planning, to name a few), processes and support. In the business world, smaller players are often swallowed up by larger corporations, causing many small businesses to struggle without the proper systems in place. Franchising, on the other hand, allows you to enjoy the stability of a larger organization, while still maintaining independence.

You can learn more about Weed Man’s commitment to training and proven systems here.

What services do you offer?

Weed Man specializes in lawn fertilization and weed control, as well as a wide variety of other optional services (varies by location). And great customer service, of course!


How does it work when I am already offering those services in my existing business?

The companies that we bring on that already offer our main services within their existing business(es) set up lawn fertilization and weed control as a separate division of their current company, but under the Weed Man name. Doing it this way allows our franchisees to continue to offer their other services under their existing name, as well as utilize the national brand recognition we have.

What does it cost?

This is a question we get a lot. At the end of the day, it’s less about the cost and more about the investment. The exact number depends on the size of the market area/number of territories that the interested candidate wants to service.  Our franchise fee for a single territory is $20,000, plus training fees and start-up costs.

You can learn more about capital requirements and what your investment includes here.

What sets Weed Man apart from other lawn care franchises?

Although we are in the same industry and offer similar services to other lawn care franchises, there are several factors that set up apart from the competition:

  • Our exclusive, golf course quality slow-release fertilizer
  • The best support in the industry in the form of regional sub franchisors and a dedicated corporate team
  • Low start-up costs
  • A successful direct marketing approach that truly helps our franchisees grow and develop their businesses
  • Locally owned and operated franchises

To add to the list, Weed Man was recently named one of the top 10 “Best Franchises to Buy” in our investment category, by Forbes. We were the only lawn care franchise that made the cut. Weed Man has also been honored by Entrepreneur Magazine as the number one lawn care franchise in the country.

Do you offer discounts to veterans?

Yes, we provide franchise fee discounts and various financing options for qualified veterans. Weed Man believes in military personnel, past and present, and strives to help them transition back into the business world. Many veterans possess qualities such as assertiveness, leadership, and strong judgment skills, making them the perfect candidates for Weed Man franchise ownership.

Learn more about our military opportunities here.

If owning a business is something that you’ve seriously considered, or if you already own a business and are looking for an additional profit center, Weed Man is a great option. We would be happy to meet you, guide you and help you form a strategic partnership! For more information on franchising with Weed Man USA, visit www.weedmanfranchise.com.

Making the Decision to Franchise

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When looking into franchising opportunities, it’s imperative that you develop a good feel for the company and the brand itself before making your final decision. Franchising is not a get-rich-quick solution, although if you work at it, you can certainly be successful. Just like starting any business, though, it is an investment – one that could change your life. So, do your research and get your feet wet before jumping right in! Here are some tips to review before taking the plunge.

1. Speak to existing franchisees (as many as you can). Even pay them a visit if it’s feasible. Make up a list of questions that could help you determine whether the franchise is for you or not. Ask questions like, ‘Why did you choose to franchise here?’ or ‘What did you do before you started with the company?’ or ‘How has this choice affected your day-to-day life?’ And lastly, one of the best questions to ask is, ‘If you could do it all over again, would you?’ This will allow you to get to know the franchise owner on a personal level, so you can relate to him or her and get a feel for whether or not the franchise brand in question would suit your lifestyle, values, and direction.

2. Next, talk business. Ask about franchise costs and revenue, how long it has taken other franchise owners to get where they are now, how they deal with their employees and what they are paid, etc. These are all questions that you can reference if you decide to buy into the company in the future; and the answers you receive will allow you to get a sense of how successful you could be.

3. Create a rating system. Another way to gauge their experience with the company is to ask franchisees to rate, on a scale of 1 to 10, how they feel about various aspects of the business. This could include anything from how useful initial training was to how effective the systems are. If you speak to a handful of franchisees and their ratings are similar, you can begin to rely on the numbers and develop a well-researched picture of what to expect. You can also do some digging to see if there are any reports, such as this one, where Franchise Business Review rates Weed Man.

4. Use the tools at your disposal. In today’s technology-driven world, the Internet is a great resource for doing research. Aside from speaking with franchisees, get online and check out the company website, customer reviews and how they compare to their competitors. Be thorough when reading over any important documents, such as the business plan and what your investment includes, so you can grasp where your money is going and what you’ll get out of it.

5. Don’t forget to reflect. Lastly, when all of your research is done, take some time to reflect on your findings. Determine whether you can relate to the company and the franchisees, whether you see yourself being successful with the material provided and whether or not you would enjoy owning a franchise with the company. If you are confident that the company can help you achieve your dreams and goals, you’ve got a winner!

If owning a business is something that you’ve seriously considered, or if you already own a business and are looking for an additional profit center, Weed Man is a great option. We would be happy to meet you, guide you and help you form a strategic partnership! For more information on franchising with Weed Man USA, visit http://www.weedmanfranchise.com.

How to Succeed as a Franchisee

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When it comes to owning your own franchise, there are many factors you should consider. Franchising is not a get-rich-quick solution – it requires work and determination to reach your goals and become successful. Sure, there are several perks to franchising, but you need the skills, the attitude and the passion in order to succeed.

Weed Man USA has several success stories to tell – and that’s something we take pride in as a company. Our franchisees know what it takes to be successful and they do their best to achieve their goals. At the end of the day, it’s the small stuff that separates the top performers from the mediocre results.

Check out these 8 tips for success for more information on how to be the best business owner you can be!

Passion

You must have the passion for the product you’re selling or the industry you’re working in, otherwise the novelty of owning your own business will wear thin fast.

People Skills

You must have great people skills and provide excellent customer-service. This is imperative in any business. If you do not treat the consumer with respect, they will not come back. In fact, they’ll go buy from your competition and then, you’re not only losing their business, but you’re also giving your competitor the upper hand.

Follow the System

In a franchise, the systems are there for a reason. The company has invested money in perfecting the business model and that is essentially what you’re paying for, so if you decide not to follow the system, you are likely not to be successful.

Marketing

Don’t sit back and just expect success with no work. Marketing is a huge aspect to any business. The more marketing, the better. Offer new customers a discount for their service, sponsor a local event or throw a barbeque for your existing clients. Have fun with it!

Network

Be active in your community and make as many connections as you possibly can. The more people you know, the more business you’ll get. Word-of-mouth means a lot.

Sub franchisor, Phil Forgarty discusses Weed Man‘s company culture of giving back to the community in big and small ways through events. Check it out!

Ask for Help

Don’t be afraid to ask for help. When you buy into a franchise, the company wants you to succeed. If you have a question, ask it! Fellow franchisees can also be a great resource.

Attitude

Having a positive attitude in life (and in business) will help you in any situation. Nobody wants to work with a Negative Nancy. Put a smile on that face!

“Attitude is everything” is a phrase many of us have heard before. Click here for tips on how to coach yourself and your team to stay positive and enjoy coming to work!

Employee Relations

Your employees are the face of your company. Make sure you treat them right and they will be loyal to you.

When it comes to learning styles, no two employees are alike. Click here for more information on pumping up your team and acknowledging your employees’ needs.

If owning a business is something that you’ve seriously considered, or if you already own a business and are looking for an additional profit centre, Weed Man is a great option and we would be happy to meet you, guide you and help you form a strategic partnership! For more information on franchising with Weed Man USA or to read our many Success Profiles, visit http://www.weedmanfranchise.com.

Franchising – Is It a Strategy That Fits You?

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Have you ever thought about owning your own business? Well, if you have, you are right alongside the 70 per cent of others who have also considered it. There are many reasons people may think seriously about becoming an entrepreneur and starting a business. Owning a business, if successful, allows you to control your own financial freedom and create more time for yourself and your family. The two go hand and hand, don’t they? In addition to these perks, owning a business can create emotional fulfillment of building your own dream, help build a legacy for your kids, create opportunity to work with family, remove threat of job loss and so much more.

Not everyone is as business-minded as Donald Trump and not everyone has a business idea worthy enough to be featured on the TV show Shark Tank, but that’s where franchising comes in. Franchising is not a business or industry itself, but instead a business strategy, designed to penetrate and dominate a marketplace. With franchising, people can receive all of the perks we listed above, as well as all of the business support, systems and proven models. It’s a package deal!

For instance, when you decide to hop on the franchisee train with Weed Man USA, we provide you with a successful brand – one that’s widely known across North America, an effective operating system – all which have been tested, refined and ultimately proven to increase efficiency and profitability, as well as all of the support you could ever need – fellow franchisees and franchisors are just a phone call away. Your Weed Man franchise will still be yours, but you won’t be doing it alone!

Other advantages of franchising include: reduced risk – proof of success is already in place; the opportunity to collaborate – share your best and worst practices with your fellow Weed Man franchisees; systems continually being adjusted and improved, for your success; extensive training provided by the experienced and knowledgeable staff at Weed Man USA Headquarters; sales and marketing strategies and systems; manuals and other documentation for your reference, if you ever need a memory refresher; letters, contracts, agreements and documents all in place, meaning less work for you; and last but definitely not least, purchasing power – we get the best rates for the best products!

If owning a business is something that you’ve seriously considered, or if you already own a business and are looking for an additional profit centre, Weed Man is a great option and we would be happy to meet you, guide you and help you form a strategic partnership! For more information on franchising with Weed Man USA, visit http://www.weedmanfranchise.com.

From Golf Courses to Lawn Care: Finding Success with Weed Man

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Weed Man’s Terry Kurth recently spoke to us about his former role as a golf course superintendent and why he decided to embrace his entrepreneurial spirit and make a major career change.

  1. Weed Man FranchiseBriefly describe your educational background and early career.

I graduated from the University of Wisconsin in 1975 with a B.S. degree in Agronomy with a specialization in Turf Management. I worked at Nakoma Golf Course in Madison while going to college, which gave me incredible experience in caring for turf. I was hired upon graduation to become the Golf Course Superintendent at Peninsula State Park Golf Course in NE WI.

  1. Explain your transition into lawn care. Why lawn care? Why did you decide to leave the golf course industry?

After two seasons of being a superintendent, I realized that my chance for substantial advancement in that industry was limited and wanted to broaden my experiences. I was then hired by the Scotts Company in Ohio to give educational seminars around the country to golf course superintendents, landscape contractors and lawn care operators. While working for Scotts, I moonlighted in sales in the summer of 1977 for their former spinoff, Barefoot Grass Lawn Service in Columbus, OH. I had substantial success selling for them and felt I could go back home to the Madison, WI area and open my own Barefoot Grass franchise, which I did in March of 1978.  I grew it and my expansion areas to over $3,000,000 in sales and ultimately sold it to TruGreen in 1997 after they had acquired my franchisor.

  1. Why Weed Man?

Though set financially after selling my Barefoot Grass franchises, I was only in my mid 40s and certainly looked forward to more business challenges in my life. After I honored my non-compete agreement, I looked into starting anew with Weed Man. When I did my due diligence on their systems, branding, ethics and quality of people, I felt that it was a no-brainer in terms of joining forces with them. So I started over in January of 2001 with Weed Man in Madison.

  1. a) How has franchising helped you succeed?

Most people will spend way too many man hours trying to reinvent the wheel that a quality franchise system has already created. The training, systems, marketing concepts, support people and in-house consultants prove invaluable over time. I would bet that if a business study was done, it would be found that a franchisee in a given industry generally will outperform an independent in that same industry in the same market.

b) How has Weed Man helped you succeed?

It simply delivers what it says it will and goes beyond what it promises. The systems are unbelievable and the business planning is like no other. These two mandatory ingredients of success are exceeded by the people involved. The mentoring by all involved from the Weed Man franchising support staff is typified by great, caring attitudes and a desire to participate in your success. We now have reached about $5 million in sales for our franchise network in 14 years.

  1. What advice would you give to anyone considering making the transition into franchising?

Do your homework. See how the particular franchise you are looking at is rated by their current franchisees. Entrepreneur magazine does this for you. Talk with current franchisees and see if they are happy, are they buying more franchises, etc. Go to the headquarters of the franchisor and see if your culture and goals mesh with theirs. Once the decision is made, don’t look back. Bring a tremendous passion to succeed, make sure you can manage time well, compete with yourself in the initial year or two so you keep driving forward with your goals. The Brass Ring is there for most — you just need to have the intestinal fortitude to make the first step and then decide that failure is not an option.

To hear more from Terry, listen to his latest podcast HERE.

Looking to expand your current business or make a career change? Find out if Weed Man is right for you: call 1-888-321-9333 or visit www.weedmanfranchise.com. 

Giving Back to the Community

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Join sub franchisor Phil Fogarty as he discusses Weed Man‘s company culture of giving back to the community in big and small ways through events such as Renewal & Remembrance at Arlington Cemetery and GreenCare for Troops. These projects not only benefit the region or community, but also boost team building, camaraderie and overall business success.

For an in-depth look at our current franchise opportunities, visit www.weedmanfranchise.com.