FocalPoint ’s extensive and extremely effective mutual due diligence process is the system that helps ensure only individuals who are “right fits” for a FocalPoint franchise, and for whom FocalPoint is a “right fit” for them, enter the franchise system. The importance of a mutual due diligence program is vital to the continued health, growth and reputation of FocalPoint International and its partner, Brian Tracy International.

due diligence process
FocalPoint’s extensive mutual due diligence process consists of several deliberate steps, each designed to give FocalPoint more and more information about each prospective franchisee, and simultaneously, give prospective franchisees all the information they need to make a fully informed decision about investing in a FocalPoint franchise. The steps in the FocalPoint Due Diligence Process are as follows:

• information Package
  This information is provided to new prospective franchisees to give them a quick introduction to FocalPoint and its partner, Brian Tracy International. The information, as is the case with every step in the due diligence process, is designed to help prospective franchisees determine if they are interested enough in the FocalPoint system to continue investigating the opportunity.
  
• web presentation #1 - franchise system overview
  This online web presentation, better known as “Webinar” #1, is a 90-minute virtual seminar during which prospective franchisees gain a general understanding of the FocalPoint Master or Business Coaching Franchise Opportunity. All Webinars are conducted via Microsoft Live Meeting and a toll free conference call system.
  
• uniform franchise offering circular (UFOC)
  If a prospective franchisee is interested in continuing investigating the FocalPoint opportunity after attending the overview, FocalPoint will send the prospect a Uniform Franchise Offering Circular (UFOC). The UFOC is a document required by the Federal Trade Commission and covers in great detail every aspect of the FocalPoint franchise opportunity.
  
• personality assesments
  The next step is for prospective franchisees to undergo online personality assessments. These assessments will uncover personality traits that would lead to success in the FocalPoint system, or reveal personality types that may not be conducive to success in the system.
  
• getting to know you
  What follows is a teleconference with a FocalPoint representative. During this conference, the representative will answer questions about the UFOC and review with the prospective franchisee the results of the personality assessments. Importantly, much of this conference is devoted to getting to know the prospective franchisee better so FocalPoint can begin to develop an understanding about the prospect’s potential for success in the FocalPoint system – remember, the due diligence system is a mutual discovery system.
  
• application
  Should mutual interest remain strong, at this point prospective franchisees will be asked to submit an application. The application is designed to help FocalPoint determine if a prospective franchisee has the background, experience and financial resources necessary for success as a franchisee.
  
• web presentation #2 - program systems review
  Subsequent to a review of the application with a prospective franchisee, a second Webinar will be scheduled, the Program Systems Review. This Web presentation is designed to give prospects greater knowledge and understanding about the FocalPoint one-on-one, long-term business coaching process, methods and materials.
  
• validation and business plan
  With the knowledge gained from the Program Systems Review, prospective franchisees are ready to begin validation. Validation consists of talking to existing franchisees who are already trained and running their franchise businesses. In addition, prospective franchisees will be encouraged to begin building a pro forma (a business plan) to better help them understand the franchise system and make their own financial projections regarding investing in a franchise.
  
• web presentation #3 - in-Field support
  A third and final Webinar will then be presented to prospective franchisees outlining the post-training in-field support master franchisees will receive to aid them in establishing their businesses as quickly and as successfully as possible.
  
• discovery day
  The final step in the due diligence process is the Discovery Day. Prospective franchisees are invited to the FocalPoint corporate headquarters to meet the members of the staff. At the conclusion of the Discovery Day, prospective franchisees generally either commit to investing in a franchise or decline the opportunity; after all, the due diligence process is so extensive and informative that prospects usually have all the information they need to make an informed decision about investing in a franchise once Discovery Day is complete.