I receive many inquiries from people who are interested either in a job or in an entrepreneurial opportunity. It is always positive that people are proactive and dare to reach out. That is already a step in the right direction.
Still, surprisingly many inquiries lead nowhere. Not because the applicant is the wrong fit, but because the message itself gives the recipient nothing to work with. The first contact, which should open a conversation, ends up closing the door before it ever opens.
A Short Message Is Not the Same as a Good Message
As a recruiting party, I often receive messages such as:
“Hi, I’ll come work for you.”
“I want this job.”
“I’m interested in an entrepreneurial role, please send more information.”
Often the message arrives via WhatsApp without a name, or by email under a nickname without a phone number. No background is provided, and it is unclear why this particular company or chain is of interest. The intention is usually good, but the message does not move the process forward and creates a weak first impression before any real conversation can even begin.
First Contact Tells More Than You Think
In discussions about employment or franchising entrepreneurship, the first contact is the initial signal. It reveals how a person communicates, how serious they are, and how they relate to responsibility and commitment. When a message does not explain who you are, why you are reaching out, or what you are prepared to commit to, the recipient is often left with only one option: to ignore it.
This is not about arrogance or lack of time, but about the impossibility of having a conversation without sufficient basic information.
Anonymity Does Not Build Trust
Especially on WhatsApp and social media, anonymous messages or messages sent under nicknames have become increasingly common.
“Hi, interested in your position.”
This is not yet a real inquiry. It is a shout into the void! Recruitment and franchising are built on trust, and trust begins with introducing yourself. When your name, background, and contact details are missing, the message often signals that the matter is not particularly important to you.
Franchising Entrepreneurship Is Not a Casual Inquiry
One of the most common mistakes is asking about franchising almost as an aside:
“Interested in franchising, can you send more information?”
Franchising is not a brochure or a product to be sent on request. It is a long-term business relationship. A chain does not expect an immediate decision, but it does expect a sign that the applicant understands what franchising is about and why it is relevant to them personally.
It is also important to understand that most information related to franchising opportunities is not public. Business models, earning logic, contract terms, territorial structures, and financial figures are typically covered by non-disclosure agreements (NDAs). This information cannot, and should not, be shared with just anyone without context. For this reason, a simple request for “more information” rarely moves the process forward.
Entrepreneurship Always Requires Financing
Entrepreneurship always requires financing, and franchising is no exception. Even with a lightweight business model, getting started requires personal capital, financial readiness, or a realistic possibility of securing funding.
If financing is not available and cannot realistically be obtained, there is little point in taking the discussion further. This is not about unwillingness, but about business realities. A good first contact shows that the applicant has also considered the financial side and understands that entrepreneurship is a commitment, not just an expression of interest.
Ads Are Not Read and It Shows Immediately
Another recurring issue is applying without having properly read the advertisement. Questions are asked that the ad already answers, or people apply for roles even though they do not meet the requirements. This reflects a mass-application mindset and is often a sign that the conversation will not progress constructively.
It is also important to say this clearly: if the advertisement is for a franchising entrepreneur, it is not a job opening. In that case, it does not make sense to apply for employment or ask about a salaried position, because such a role does not exist. Franchising entrepreneurship and employment are two different things, and a misdirected inquiry usually indicates that the ad has not been read or understood.
What Kind of First Contact Works?
A good first contact does not need to be long or complicated. It should simply answer the basics:
- who you are
- what you are contacting about
- why this particular company or chain interests you
- what skills, experience, or perspective you bring
- how and when you can be reached
This is enough to start a conversation. Everything else can be discussed later.
In Closing
Being proactive is always a plus, but first contact is more than stating your interest – it is an invitation to a conversation. This applies to phone calls as well: if a call starts immediately with questions and no introduction, the recipient has no idea who is calling or why.
If the first contact is careless, whether by email, message, or phone, the response is often silence. Not because the applicant is the wrong person, but because the conversation cannot be started.
In both job seeking and franchising entrepreneurship, there is ultimately one common denominator. The first contact says a lot about what kind of employee or business partner you are. When you reach out, do it in a way that gives the recipient a reason to respond.