Chicken retail founder Lenard Poulter shares his top tips for being a successful franchisee.

Know the good and the bad: every business has its positives and negatives (Lenard’s is no different) so my advice is to find out what these pros and cons are from the very beginning so there are no surprises in the long run.

Talk to existing Lenard’s franchisees, particularly those with similar experience and backgrounds, to get a clear understanding of both the opportunities and obstacles that will lie ahead.

Don’t peak too early: both the franchisee and franchisor will have expectations of success, so be open about these from the moment you begin.

As the franchisor, we like to under-promise and over-deliver to our new franchise owners. The last thing you want is the day of signing a franchise agreement to be the high point in the relationship.

Personally invest in your own success: Lenard’s most successful franchise owners come from such a broad range of industries and professional backgrounds; dairy farmers, teachers, bricklayers and even our own sales staff. But the one thing they share is a positive attitude and a personality that carries their business success.

And success isn’t just about turning a profit: it’s also about working with people who share your passion, making the customer happy and finding new ways to add value to every aspect of the business.

Live the brand: in a recent survey, Lenard’s achieved 98 per cent brand awareness in postcode areas that contain a Lenard’s store. We have invested considerable time and money to build a lasting, recognisable brand. But above all else, Lenard’s success is built on our franchise owners who love the brand as much as I do.