Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is a Shock PR International franchise the right opportunity for me?

If you are a public relations professional who wants to be in business for yourself, but not by yourself, a PR franchise is a good way to achieve that goal. Franchising is growing at an amazing rate because it makes good business sense for both parties.

People who are ideal candidates to join a franchise operation are those who are motivated and have an entrepreneurial spirit, and are also comfortable about fitting into an organization which has developed specific policies, procedures and an approach to doing business which ensure a franchisee's success. A franchise offers the franchisee a proven business concept, which entails much less risk than starting a business on your own.

2. What are the benefits of joining the Shock PR International franchise?

Our franchise organization helps ensure your success by training and certifying you in our proprietary 3-Tier Services System, marketing the franchise to establish brand identity and generate client interest, and providing mentoring, support and networking opportunities on an ongoing basis to you. These activities will help support a continuing client prospect stream.

A franchise has value as a business in and of itself. So, when and if you are ready to sell your Shock PR franchise, you will have something to sell other than yourself and your own personal knowledge and contacts. Buying a Shock PR franchise really is making an investment in your future.

3. Are there any the requirements that must be met to become a Shock PR franchisee?

We require that all franchisees have public relations experience. This requirement can be satisfied in several ways:

• You have practiced PR as a full-time professional.
• You are a journalist who understands PR.
• You are a marketing communications professional who understands and has managed PR programs.

4. As a franchisee, what will I receive from Shock PR International?

All Shock PR, International franchisees receive one full week of training at Shock PR International headquarters outside of Boston, MA; follow-up web training and refreshers, a detailed manual covering all business operations; written procedures, guidelines and templates for all PR services provided to clients; their own dedicated page on the Shock PR International website; a subscription to an industry-standard media database; national advertising, ongoing support from Shock PR International; and the ability to network with other franchisees for informational purposes or to expand their own capabilities.

5. Do I need an outside office to become a Shock PR International franchisee?

No. Our requirement is that all franchisees have a dedicated office in which to conduct their Shock PR business, but that office can be in your home or outside the home as you choose. In order to keep overhead costs low, a home office often is the best choice. Should you decide to maintain an outside office, we will require that you follow guidelines for office set-up, signage, and colors to maintain the Shock PR brand.

6. Can I keep my current clients?

Yes! You can continue to service your current clients as before, but now, they will be clients of your Shock PR business. This will actually provide clients with the added value of working with a brand name PR organization that has more capacity to serve their needs than a sole practitioner can provide.

7. How can I be considered for a Shock PR franchise?

There is an application form that asks for some information about you and your background. Filling this out is your first step towards joining the first PR franchise of its kind. When you feel you are ready to take this step, we will be pleased to give your application full consideration.

8. What happens after I submit an application to become a franchisee?

You will receive our Uniform Franchise Offering Circular (UFOC), which is a document that must be supplied to potential franchisees, as required by the Federal Trade Commission. This document provides you with an overview of the Shock PR International franchise organization, including franchise fees, initial investment, franchisor and franchisee obligations, trademarks, financial statements and more.

After you have reviewed the UFOC and Shock PR International has reviewed your application and interviewed you, both parties will make a decision about moving forward with an association or not. At this point, to become a franchisee requires the signing of the Franchise Agreement.

As soon as you become a franchisee, you will be scheduled for your Shock PR Training and Certification course. Upon successful completion of the course, you will be up and running!

9. What if I have other questions?

Please feel free to contact us on our website: http://www.shockpr.com, or by phone at 508-743-9993. We will be pleased to answer any other questions you may have as you make a decision about joining us.

OUR INVITATION TO YOU

We invite you to "come grow with us!" Become a member of the Shock PR family and reap the benefits of a low entry franchise fee and the opportunity to realize your dream of owning your own PR business now.