Text: Rachel Spaul

With franchise agreements in place in 11 US states and nine more under negotiation, professional coaching franchise FocalPoint Coaching is offering Master Franchise packages to facilitate its entry into Europe and other international markets. Priority markets include the UK, Germany, Benelux, Italy, Spain, Sweden, Denmark and Austria.

FocalPoint Coaching CEO Richard Verkley reports: "We are already negotiating with potential Master Franchisees in Australia and New Zealand, and are now targeting European markets for the next stage of our development."

FocalPoint Coaching was formed in 2000 to meet an ever-increasing demand for business coaching and mentoring services. FocalPoint Coaching Inc. and Brian Tracy International formed an alliance that would revolutionise the field of performance coaching using Tracy's programme that aims to maximise the achievements of people and organisations. "Brian is recognised as one of the top speakers and business mentors in the world," comments Verkley. "His materials are currently used in over 30 countries and he has published more than 40 books. FocalPoint's alliance with Brian Tracy gives our clients access to exceptional and innovative coaching techniques, training materials and mentoring tools - each with the goal of maximising their success."

Business coaching is one of the world's fastest-growing industries. In 2003, The Economist reported: "The coaching market is now worth over US$1 billion worldwide, and Harvard Business School expects it to exceed US$2 billion in 2005," while The Washington Post maintained: "The coaching profession is exploding."

FocalPoint is looking to reach agreements with medium to large corporations capable of supporting a start-up and developing an entire country, although high net worth individuals will be considered for smaller countries. "FocalPoint Master Franchises will have a significant advantage over traditional franchise models, because our model requires no inventory and low operational overhead, while providing premium margins in the products and services the franchises in your territory will provide to their clients," Verkley relates. "We will provide each Master Franchisee with proven marketing, training, support and development systems, along with industry-leading technology. In addition, our franchise organisation has the market acceptance and brand recognition of Brian Tracy, instantly establishing your credibility and distancing you from those with lesser offerings.

"To join FocalPoint Coaching you must have a proven, successful track record and belief in our core values - integrity, honesty, innovation and hard work. If you do, you will have the opportunity to work with proven systems and world-class training to establish and run a successful business."