India's No.1 Multi-City Business Opportunities Show

Q. Share the origin and growth of your company and how did the company opt for franchise route?
AM: The company was formed by Helen O’ Grady, a renowned stage and film actress in 1979 in Perth, Australia. She, along with some acclaimed theatre artists, formed an extensive curriculum with an aim to develop the speech and communication skills of students of all age groups. Her husband Steve Griffith, a banker, saw immense potential in the content and he developed the franchise model with help from professionals of the Australian franchising industry. Together, the husband wife team opened branches around the world through the franchise route. Presently, Helen O’Grady International has franchised branches operational in 25 countries. In India too, we have applied our international Franchise Model and have found that it works very well. We have 30 franchisees currently and the number is growing steadily. More and more educators, Principals, teachers and parents recommend our drama programme for overall development.

Q. Promotional strategy plays a very significant role in the appropriate growth of the brand. Kindly elaborate.
AM: Promotion strategy has involved regular channels of newspaper and magazine ads, website presence, distribution of brochures and leaflets; banners, signboards and hoardings, Franchise exhibitions, Presentations, direct marketing with one on one meetings with the clients etc.

Q. Franchise India Holdings Limited organizes series of events in the form of BOS (Business Opportunity Show) and FRO (Franchise and Retail opportunity) Show every year to provide a platform to the entrepreneurs and investors to come face to face. Your company participated in BOS Gujarat, what factors motivated you to participate in the event?
AM: We have been participating in the exhibitions organized by FIHL and have had a good experience with a lot of interest being generated all around the country for our brand. Our presence in Tier A cities is stabilizing and we need to penetrate to Tier B cities too. Hence we found BOS a good opportunity to reach out to customers in this segment.

Q. Share your experience of being one of the participating companies at BOS?
AM: The experience was good as it was found that serious entrepreneurs visited the exhibition and we are hopeful of converting a few into franchisees. Some more promotion on the part of FIHL would help generate more awareness leading to good results.

Q. How do you think the brands’ participation in the event has contributed to its growth of your company?
AM: Same as above

Q. What advice would you like to give to the entrepreneurs and investors aspiring to participate in the show to get maximum benefits from it?
AM: The Franchisors should attend these exhibitions with immaculate readiness and should be able to explain their business model effectively in brief. Power Point presentations help greatly. All questions should be answered to the full satisfaction of the investors. Transparency and honesty in presentations would prevent any complications arising later. BOS organizers should also screen and verify the profile of the companies which are participating so that people come to trust this initiative. Enough time should be given for a good promotion strategy and awareness campaign through advertising channels.