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Personal Readiness & Self-Assessment
Before you look at a single brand, answer these questions honestly.
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Financial readiness
I know my exact liquid capital (cash + accessible investments)
I know my total net worth (assets minus liabilities)
I have checked my credit score within the last 30 days
I have at least 10–20% of my target investment available as a down payment
I have 6+ months of personal living expenses in reserve SEPARATE from investment capital
I have identified my primary funding source (savings, SBA, ROBS, home equity, or combination)
I understand the difference between liquid capital and net worth requirements
I have spoken with a lender or financial advisor about my borrowing capacity
I have reviewed my debt-to-income ratio and understand how it affects financing
I am prepared for 6–18 months before the business reaches break-even
Skills & experience
I have honestly assessed my management and leadership experience
I have identified industries where my skills give me a competitive advantage
I have assessed my comfort level with direct sales and customer interaction
I understand my tolerance for operational, hands-on daily work
I have evaluated my financial literacy and ability to read a P&L
I have identified gaps in my skills that I will need to hire around or develop
I have considered whether I am a builder/operator or an investor/manager
Lifestyle & personal priorities
I have defined my target annual income from the business
I have defined how many hours per week I am willing to work, especially in Year 1
I have had an honest conversation with my spouse/partner about this decision
My family is aligned and supportive of the risks and demands of ownership
I have identified whether I want an owner-operator, semi-absentee, or passive model
I have defined what 'success' looks like for me personally — not just financially
I understand this is a 5–10 year commitment, not a short-term investment
I have considered the impact on my current career or income during the transition
I have defined my geographic flexibility — am I tied to a specific market?
I have considered my personal energy level and what daily environment I thrive in
Mindset check
I can follow a system and rulebook without needing to redesign it
I understand that I will own the business but NOT own the brand
I am prepared to pay ongoing royalties as the cost of the proven system
I understand that franchising reduces — but does not eliminate — risk
I am prepared for a difficult first year and have set realistic expectations
I am doing this because it is the right decision, not because I am desperate or in crisis
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Financial Preparation & Funding