Why I Want You To Speak To As Many Of My Franchisees As You Can

By Danie O’Connor – Franchisor

If you are reading this, it is highly likely that you are considering taking a very exciting leap into the world of business ownership with us. It is a significant step, and I want you to feel as confident as a preschooler who has just mastered their first high five. One of the first and most important pieces of advice I give to anyone looking to join our family is this: please go and speak with our existing franchisees. In fact, do not just speak to one or two. I want you to speak to as many as you possibly can.

I also encourage you to start by speaking with franchisees who are in a position similar to yours and with your neighbouring franchisees. You might wonder why a Franchisor would be so insistent on this? Many people in the corporate world want to control the narrative, but that is not how we operate here at Ready Steady Go Kids.

The Value of the Real World Perspective

When you are thinking about starting a new business, it is easy to get caught up in the excitement of the brochures and polished websites. While all that information is accurate and helpful, there is nothing quite like hearing from the people who are out there on the ground every single day. Our franchisees are the heartbeat of our brand. They are the ones setting up the equipment, cheering on the children, and managing their own local communities.

By speaking with them, you get a genuine look at what your life could look like if you choose to join us. I want you to ask them the hard questions. Ask them about their biggest challenges, their proudest moments, and how they manage the daily operations of a kids sports coaching business. It is vital that a clear understanding of the physical and emotional demands is established early in the process. When you visit a class, you will see the energy in person. You will hear the laughter and see the focus of the children, which is something that a website can only describe in theory.

Sharing the Parent Life Struggles

I know exactly what it is like to be a parent. I am a proud mum of four children and I completely understand the feeling of needing another cup of coffee before you can even think about starting your day. I know the struggle of trying to have a shower or even go to the toilet in peace, only to have a little person knocking on the door or sliding their fingers underneath it. Most of our franchisees are parents themselves, and they understand these pain points better than anyone else.

When you chat with them, you are not just talking to a business owner; you are talking to someone who likely dealt with a toddler tantrum or a lack of sleep before they arrived at their morning classes. They can tell you how they balance the demands of running a business with the beautiful chaos of family life. This is why our community is so special; we all speak the same language of parenthood and passion for children’s health. We understand that some mornings involve reheated coffee and last-minute snack packing, and that is perfectly okay. Our business model is designed to work alongside the realities of modern parenting.

The "No Filter" Policy

I believe in total transparency. I do not want you to have any surprises when you sign your agreement. By encouraging you to speak with our franchisees, I am giving you access to a "no filter" version of our business. Our franchisees will tell you that it takes hard work and dedication. They will tell you that some days are physically tiring and starting a franchise takes some blood, sweat and tears.

However, they will also tell you about the incredible joy of seeing a shy child gain confidence or the feeling of being your own boss. We want you to be absolutely sure that this is the right fit for you and your family. Success is not guaranteed by the brand alone; it is earned through the consistent application of our systems by dedicated individuals.

Understanding the Support Network

One of the greatest fears of starting a business is the feeling that you will be all alone. I want to reassure you that this is never the case at Ready Steady Go Kids. When you speak to our existing franchisees, you will quickly realise that there is a massive support network behind you. It is not just me as the Franchisor providing guidance; it is the entire community of franchisees helping each other.

They share tips on everything from marketing to how to keep the children engaged during a particularly energetic session. They are a wealth of knowledge and are genuinely very happy to share their experiences with potential new franchisees. This sense of belonging is a core part of who we are. We are a family, and we want to make sure you feel welcome before you even begin. Guidance is provided continuously, and a collaborative environment is maintained through regular communication channels.

The Importance of Due Diligence

Research is your best friend when it comes to making a big life decision. I always suggest that you look through our news section to get a feel for our history and our mission. However, your due diligence should not stop at the screen. Speaking with franchisees is a vital part of your research process. It allows you to verify the information you have been given and to see the consistency of the brand across different locations.

All contact details for our current franchisees are available in our Disclosure Document, which makes it easy for you to reach out and have those important conversations. Whether they are in a metro or regional territory, you will find that the passion for our program remains the same. A thorough investigation is required to ensure that your goals align with the operational requirements of the franchise. This process is documented to provide security and clarity for all parties involved.

Managing the Practicalities

Running a Ready Steady Go Kids franchise involves a lot of moving parts. There are locations to organise, classes to schedule, coaches to hire etc. When you speak to our franchisees, you can ask them about the logistical side of things. How do they manage their time? What is the best way to interact with parents?

How do they ensure they are following the franchisee policies and procedures? Hearing how others handle these practicalities will help you visualise your own routine and give you a head start on your planning. Efficient systems have been developed to assist with these tasks, but the execution relies on your local leadership. Questions regarding operations can often be answered through the lived experience of those already within the network.

Building Lasting Friendships

Beyond the business side of things, our franchisees often form deep and lasting friendships with one another. They meet at our Annual Conferences and stay in touch through social media, emails and telephone calls. They celebrate each other's wins and offer a shoulder to lean on during the busier times. This community helps to solve the loneliness that can sometimes come with working for yourself.

When you join us, you are joining a group of like minded individuals who value health, fitness, and family just as much as you do. The atmosphere at our national gatherings is consistently described as one of the highlights of the year. It is a time when the collective energy of the network is harnessed, and long-term professional bonds are established. Being part of a team means that your successes are shared and your challenges are understood by peers who have faced similar circumstances.

Why Your Success is My Success

As your Franchisor, I am deeply invested in your success. If you are happy and your business is thriving, then our entire brand is stronger. I do not want people to join us who are not a good match for our culture, and I do not want you to join if you are not going to be happy. This is why I am so open about you talking to our current team. I trust my franchisees and I trust the quality of the system we have built.

I also feel that my biggest asset is the Ready Steady Go Kids Franchise Network, and I take great pride in finding the perfect blend of personalities, experiences, and life journeys. I want you to have all the information you need to make an informed choice. I want you to feel the energy and the excitement that we all feel every single day. A successful partnership is built on the foundation of mutual respect and shared objectives.

Final Encouragement

If you are curious about what it is like to be a part of the Ready Steady Go Kids family, reach out to someone in the network today. Ask them if they ever regret their decision to join. I am confident that their answers will inspire you and perhaps even give you that final push to start your own journey with us.

We are here to support you every step of the way. Remember, we are all in this together, from the very first cup of coffee in the morning to the final high five of the day! We look forward to potentially welcoming you into our community and helping you build a business that brings joy to children and families across Australia.