b"JOLANTAFRANCISWhat's the most valuable piece of adviceyou could give someone (and specificallywomen) looking to buy their first franchise?My biggest piece of advice for anyone looking to buy their first franchise - especiallywomen entering a male-dominated industry - is to believe in yourself and your abilities.Its natural to feel some hesitation when stepping into something new, but confidence,hard work, and a willingness to learn will take you far.Do your research and make sure the franchise aligns with your goals, values, andlifestyle. Take advantage of discovery days, speak to existing franchisees, and ask asmany questions as possible. Having the right support system in place - both from thefranchisor and your own network - can make a huge difference in your success.For women specifically, dont be intimidated by industries that may not have as manyfemale business owners yet. Your skills, determination, and approach bring value, andthe industry is evolving. If youre passionate and committed, theres no reason you cantthrive. Just go for it and trust that you have what it takes to succeed!What local marketing works well for you?Local marketing plays a huge role in growing my business, and Ive found that a mix ofdifferent approaches works best. Word-of-mouth has been incredibly powerful -delivering high-quality work and excellent customer service leads to recommendationsand repeat business.Social media has also been a great tool for reaching local customers. Posting before-and-after photos of repairs, sharing customer testimonials, and engaging with my localcommunity online helps build trust and attract new clients.In addition, Ive found that having strong local visibility is key. Branded signage on myvehicle, flyers in key locations, and attending local events or business networkinggroups have all helped to increase awareness. Being proactive, consistent, and makingsure people know about my services has made a big difference in generating leads Transitioning from a different industry into carIf Jolantas story has sparked your interest, come and join us on one of our regular,CALL US informal open days, where you can meet the team, experience the exciting ChipsAwayNOW TO repair was a big step, but knowing that I wouldBOOK YOURsystem first hand and chat with existing Franchisees. Call 0800 731 6914 or emailOPEN DAY ceive high-quality training and ongoing guidancere info@chipsaway.co.uk to book your place.made the decision much easier.8"