You look at your successful business and wonder if it’s time to make a copy of it. Franchising could sound appealing—more places, a bigger audience, and the feeling of being everywhere at once. But how do you really do it? Get a cup of coffee and let’s talk about how to franchise a business.

First, make sure your business is safe. Can your regulars come in, place an order, and leave happy, even if you’re not there? That’s what you need. Whatever works, like systems, manuals, recipes, and checklists. You need to write down your processes so you don’t forget them. Think of an assembly line, not jazz improv.

Now, get together with a business lawyer and an accountant. It’s not time to “wing it” right now. Franchise rules change from state to state and country to country. You don’t want to have to jump through legal hoops. Have someone write your Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) with all the details. Tell them everything, from costs to territory rules to training support and anything else. The FDD is your guide, and everyone must follow it.

Next is branding. Does your logo still look like something you made on a night of clip art in 2009? It’s time to get an upgrade. It’s important to be consistent. You want every franchise, no matter where they are, to feel like the mothership. Think about things like the colors of the walls, the layout of the rooms, and even the music. You don’t want one place playing jazz and another playing heavy metal, unless that’s what you like.

Training isn’t simply for people who are new. Yes, you need onboarding programs, but don’t just think about the first day. Set up regular workshops, tests, and refresher courses. Think of it like training Olympic athletes: every little thing matters. And don’t forget about the supply networks. Good luck scaling up your famous sauce if only a small elderly lady knows how to make it.

Franchising is a whole different beast. Don’t just give out licenses to anyone who waves a check at you. Check them out. You wouldn’t employ just anyone to watch your dog, would you? Talk to them, check their references, and do background checks. Make sure they agree with your goals and your standards.

Support never sleeps. Franchisees will call. Texting late at night. Panic attacks that come out of nowhere. One person will request help with marketing, and the other can’t find paper towels. Create a network of support, like emails, helplines, and maybe even a group chat (who says business can’t be fun?). Keep the channels of communication open. Celebrate their successes and help them when they run into problems.

Last but not least, change. The market won’t stay the same. Be ready to change your manual, add new items, and attempt fresh marketing tricks. Being open to change keeps your franchise running smoothly instead of getting stuck.

Franchising doesn’t work right away. But if you plan ahead, pay attention to the little things, and have a sense of humor for the “what the heck?” moments, it may make your business even better and make a local favorite into a household name.