Franchise consultants are often confused with brokers. While a consultant is paid a fee for their service a broker is paid a commission on the sale which tends to be the more common practice. In most instances, a franchise consultant acts as a broker that matches an independent business owner with a franchisor. The franchise consultant, or broker in this case, makes a commission from the money paid by the franchisee to the franchisor. The franchise consultant, much like a financial advisor or real estate agent needs leads in order to be successful. Leads would consist of successful independent business owners that may be looking to purchase a franchise. A successful consultant will turn to internet leads to grow their business. While many are successful through leveraging their natural market and referrals, the internet provides unlimited reach to potential franchisees. However, for the internet to be a successful lead generating platform the franchise consultant will need to use testimonials to establish trust.

For a franchise broker, internet leads can be a gold mine. Of course, the franchise broker must be careful as to not misrepresent what they do. Full disclosure, as with any profession is critically important, particularly when a commission is involved. If a franchise consultant wishes to build a long and profitable career they must establish a reputation as an honest and ethical professional. Once the franchise broker has been established as a professional, they can then acquire internet leads by utilizing testimonials on their websites and showing they have a track record as an honest individual not driven solely by profit. Most people have seen enough unethical business practices this day in age and can sense a fraud from a mile away. Credibility, integrity and a good name are priceless and will allow one to excel at almost any opportunity over time.