Franchising your business is like inviting cousins you don’t see very often to a family gathering. You want everyone to be on the same page and singing from the same book, but that can get crazy. The first thing you need to do is look closely at how to franchise your business. Is it something that can be done again and again, like grandma’s secret chocolate chip cookies, or is it just a one-time thing? Only anything that can be copied, made bigger, and put into standards will genuinely work.

Make it a system. Write down everything. Training manuals, names of suppliers, and strange ways to use cash registers. Put it all down. If you get hit by a bus (please don’t), could someone else keep the show going? That’s the real exam.

Next, let’s dance with the law. There are a lot of rules and paperwork to deal with when you want to franchise, and they can be different from state to state—or country, if you want to go big. Get legal guidance from someone who knows about franchises. Yes, it costs money. Yes, you do need it. If you make a mistake on your franchise disclosure document, you might as well sell hotcakes in a snowstorm.

Now let’s talk about cash and sense: how much should we charge the new people? Fees up front, royalties cuts, and marketing contributions. There is both art and science here. If you go too high, you scare off potential partners. Pets eat better than you do when the price is too cheap. Find the sweet spot for you.

Next on the list is to market your franchise. If they don’t know who you are, they won’t line up. Work on your pitch. Make a story that goes along with your brand. Show potential franchisees how your business works, even on Mondays. Use real information. Tell people about your successes. Don’t make false promises; karma is real.

Choose applications like you’re picking housemates for a year-long trip at sea. It’s true that skills are important, but so is attitude. Trust your gut. Are they able to find solutions when things are tough? Or will they leave the ship at the first sign of trouble?

Training is what holds things together. If you have a secret handshake, your franchisees need to know all the details. Give training that involves doing things. Have “fly on the wall” meetings. Give answers. Don’t disappear after signing day. Support is important, especially when things get tough in month three.

Finally, keep changing. The market gets bigger, people’s tastes change, and smart competitors are just a block away. Check in with each other and talk to one other regularly. Tell others what’s working. Get ideas from a lot of people. Celebrate big events. Keep in mind that you’re making a big family, not a dictatorship. It’s not luck that makes you successful in franchising. It’s about laying the correct groundwork, choosing the right people, and never being satisfied with what you’ve done. And don’t forget to have fun! If all you do is stress and spreadsheets, you’re missing the point.