FRANCHISE GUIDE

The Best Books on Franchising and Business Ownership: A Franchise Consultant’s Reading List

Short answer: If you are exploring franchise ownership, start with The Educated Franchisee by Rick Bisio for the buying process, and Franchise Vision by David Busker for a step-by-step guide to investigating brands. Then read The E-Myth Revisited by Michael Gerber to understand why systems are what you are really buying. For a quick start, download my free e-book, Franchising: How to Start.

Key takeaways

  • New to franchising? Start with the free e-book, then Franchise Vision.
  • Ready to evaluate brands? Read The Educated Franchisee.
  • Thinking like an owner: The E-Myth Revisited and Traction.
  • These are books I have personally read and share with my candidates.

Recommended franchise books at a glance

Book Author Best for
Franchising: How to Start (free e-book) David Busker A short introduction: why people leave corporate jobs, how franchising works, how to investigate brands and how to finance them
Franchise Vision: Transform Your Future Through Franchise Ownership David Busker A practical, step-by-step guide to the franchise investigation process, with real-world examples
The Educated Franchisee Rick Bisio A deeper, objective dive into the franchise-buying process and its history
The E-Myth Revisited Michael Gerber Understanding why systems matter, and the difference between working on and in your business
Traction Gino Wickman Running a business with focus and accountability once you are open
Purple Cow Seth Godin Standing out in a crowded local market
Rich Dad Poor Dad Robert Kiyosaki The mindset shift from working for money to having money work for you

Why I recommend each one

Franchise Vision (my book)

I wrote Franchise Vision as a motivational and practical guide to the path to franchise ownership. It includes real-world examples and step-by-step explanations to help candidates make decisions and move through the process with confidence. You can buy it on Amazon, or get a copy with a no-obligation introductory consultation.

The Educated Franchisee, by Rick Bisio

Written by my colleague Rick Bisio, this is one of the best books on how to approach becoming a franchisee. It goes deeper into the process, includes more history than my book, and is written objectively. I share it with my candidates.

The E-Myth Revisited, by Michael Gerber

Gerber follows a business from entrepreneurial infancy to maturity and shows how the lessons of franchising apply to any business. It draws the vital distinction between working on your business and working in it.

Traction, by Gino Wickman

A practical operating system for strengthening the six key components of a business. It helps once you have a team to lead.

Purple Cow, by Seth Godin

A quick read on how to stand out in a crowded, noisy marketplace.

Rich Dad Poor Dad, by Robert Kiyosaki

A classic on the difference between working for money and having your money work for you.

Amazon links are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I may earn from qualifying purchases.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best book for someone thinking about buying a franchise?

For the buying process, The Educated Franchisee by Rick Bisio is one of the best. For a step-by-step guide to investigating brands, read Franchise Vision by David Busker. If you want a quick, free start, download the e-book Franchising: How to Start.

Is there a free book on how to start a franchise?

Yes. Franchise consultant David Busker offers a free e-book, Franchising: How to Start, at franchisevision.com/free-e-book. It covers why people leave corporate jobs, how the franchise structure works, how to investigate opportunities and how to finance franchise ownership.

What is the book Franchise Vision about?

Franchise Vision: Transform Your Future Through Franchise Ownership, by David Busker, is a practical guide to the franchise investigation process. It includes real-world examples and step-by-step explanations for people considering franchise ownership.

Why do franchise consultants recommend The E-Myth Revisited?

Because it explains why proven systems matter, and systems are the core of what you buy in a franchise. It also distinguishes working on your business from working in it, a key mindset shift for new owners.

Talk it through with David

A free 30-minute intro call to see whether franchising fits your goals. There is no cost and no obligation.

Member of the FranChoice franchise consultant network
Entrepreneur Leadership Network
ifa international franchise association logo

SUBSCRIBE TO MY NEWSLETTER


By submitting this form, you are consenting to receive marketing emails from: FranchiseVision - David Busker, P.O. Box 8483, Saint Louis, MO, 63132, http://www.franchisevision.com. You can revoke your consent to receive emails at any time by using the SafeUnsubscribe® link, found at the bottom of every email. Emails are serviced by Constant Contact