![CHECKLIST - 20 Signs a Franchise Is Actually a Zombie](https://cdn.magzter.com/1422355276/1679989986/articles/Xb-7KB7T71680067707792/CHECKLIST-20-SIGNS-A-FRANCHISE-IS-ACTUALLY-A-ZOMBIE.jpg)
Beware the zombie franchise.
It's the one that has stalled out, but still markets its opportunities as if nothing is wrong. Its brand relevance is typically shrinking; the number of open units is wilting. Previously loyal customers are being siphoned off by more innovative concepts. Underlying demographics may have shifted. Market trends could be working against the brand, yet management hasn't created a new path-and that managerial inertia or denial may be compounding the brand's problems. Unit-level economics are weakening, and an undercurrent of franchisee discontent is scaring away new franchise buyers and lowering franchise resale interest. Many existing franchisees would like to get out, if only they could-and expansion-minded franchisees look beyond the brand for better options.
From the outside, the zombie franchise may seem alive, but it's really dead.
New franchisees who miss those signals eventually realize their mistake. They may feel disclosures were inadequate or misleading. They often look back on conversations with franchisees and wonder how they didn't hear the negative feedback. They may remember sunny conversations with consultants, brokers, and the corporate team and feel duped. Or perhaps corporate is truly out of touch and doesn't even realize there is a problem! And if they do realize, often these brands spend significant money on branding and advertising to try to convince potential franchisees that they are still worthy of investment. They try to reinvigorate franchise unit sales, but not the underlying business. All the while, franchisee trust gets destroyed.
この記事は Entrepreneur US の Startups - Spring 2023 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です ? サインイン
この記事は Entrepreneur US の Startups - Spring 2023 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です? サインイン
![Doing Good Is Good for Business](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/8754/1728519/G6Ur63s1I1718106888942/DOING-GOOD-IS-GOOD-FOR-BUSINESS.jpg)
Doing Good Is Good for Business
Want to grow your franchise? Invest heavily in your community.
![You're Never Out of Options](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/8754/1728519/Cx4jOwzS11718109895107/YOURE-NEVER-OUT-OF-OPTIONS.jpg)
You're Never Out of Options
An entrepreneur's path is never simple or easy-but you have more opportunities than you think.
![YOUR NEXT RECRUIT COULD BE A ROBOT](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/8754/1728519/VuLFj1TF11718109555472/YOUR-NEXT-RECRUIT-COULD-BE-A-ROBOT.jpg)
YOUR NEXT RECRUIT COULD BE A ROBOT
Across the franchise industry, brands are putting AI to use in all kinds of novel ways. From customer service to better marketing and quality control, here's how brands are taking the leap into automation.
!['MY JOB IS TO KEEP THIS BRAND HOT'](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/8754/1728519/o13DwM3Mg1718108997294/MY-JOB-IS-TO-KEEP-THIS-BRAND-HOT.jpg)
'MY JOB IS TO KEEP THIS BRAND HOT'
Taco Bell's new CEO is, in his words, \"not the dictionary definition of a CEO.\" But he has a vision for how to keep their winning streak going.
![These Franchise Trends Are Hot!](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/8754/1728519/H6wJMYwNx1718107021085/THESE-FRANCHISE-TRENDS-ARE-HOT.jpg)
These Franchise Trends Are Hot!
If you're looking to buy a franchise, start with this list. We break down 10 of the industry's hottest trends, and more than 400 brands to choose from.
![How He Opened 10 Franchises in 10 Years](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/8754/1728519/sI398iqWv1718106797136/HOW-HE-OPENED-10-FRANCHISES-IN-10-YEARS.jpg)
How He Opened 10 Franchises in 10 Years
After being laid off twice in two years, Josh Grinstead became a GYMGUYZ franchisee and now makes more than $1 million in annual revenue. Here's his playbook.
![Busting 3 Major Franchising Myths](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/8754/1728519/a8RDEarez1718106489315/BUSTING-3-MAJOR-FRANCHISING-MYTHS.jpg)
Busting 3 Major Franchising Myths
Is franchising really just for the affluent looking for a turnkey, \"easy\" path to success? No, no, and no!
![Which Franchise Model Is Right for You?](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/8754/1728519/JrPiJyKxN1718106241646/WHICH-FRANCHISE-MODEL-IS-RIGHT-FOR-YOU.jpg)
Which Franchise Model Is Right for You?
There are two big ones: You're either a location-based business, or you're service-based. Here's how to decide between them.
![Ready to Own Your Own Business?](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/8754/1728519/qsobsazXX1718106135327/READY-TO-OWN-YOUR-OWN-BUSINESS.jpg)
Ready to Own Your Own Business?
This magazine is designed to help you. Here's how.
![Charities Are Getting Down to Business](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/8754/1682502/YFdhgFdpY1716814221932/CHARITIES-ARE-GETTING-DOWN-TO-BUSINESS.jpg)
Charities Are Getting Down to Business
Nonprofits are struggling. That's why more charitable leaders are taking a page from their for-profit peers-and learning how to make money.