Local Area Marketing: What Every Franchise Owner Controls

He Said “Flyer Drops.” Then He Said the Number — and the Room Went Quiet

A franchisee was asked to share his secret. He’d hit 150 enrolments in his second term.

He said two words: “Flyer drops.” People laughed. Everyone’s done flyer drops.

Then he said the number. 10,000. Every term, start and end. For two terms straight.

The room went quiet.

That story sits on top of a real question. Once you buy a franchise, who’s actually responsible for getting customers through the door? Head office, or you?

This is the story behind a recent Courtside Conversations episode by Little Boomers Basketball founder, Emile Koorey.

Watch the Full Episode

The Fear Nobody Says Out Loud

Here’s a scenario. You sign a franchise agreement believing marketing is handled at head office.

A year in, you find out 5% of your revenue is locked into a marketing fund. For life.

How would that feel? Deceived. Blindsided.

Most people never get the marketing split explained clearly before they sign. That gap is where doubt creeps in.

Two Sides of the Whiteboard

Split the marketing job in half.

On one side: local area marketing. Flyers, local sponsorships, a stand at the shopping centre, a billboard in your suburb. That’s the franchisee’s job, not head office’s.

In the Little Boomers Basketball franchise agreement, franchisees commit a minimum of $500 a month to local area marketing. About $6,000 a year. Not a huge number.

On the other side: head office marketing. Facebook, Google, SEO, sometimes national TV or radio. Its job is brand awareness, not filling your specific classes.

Some franchise networks fund this through a marketing fund, a percentage of revenue pooled and audited monthly. Little Boomers Basketball doesn’t run one. There’s a flat 10% royalty instead, and head office decides where it goes.

Head office marketing builds the brand. It doesn’t replace what you do in your own territory.

What 150 Members Actually Proves

Miguel’s result wasn’t luck. It wasn’t a head office campaign landing in Werribee, Victoria.

It was one franchisee doing the thing fully in his control, term after term.

The network average sits around 154 enrolled members per territory. Miguel hit that in his second term, using a channel available to every franchisee from day one.

You don’t need to invent a strategy. You need to pick a proven channel and stick with it.

What Franchisees Learn the Hard Way

Consistency beats intensity. That’s the whole lesson.

Plenty of franchisees start strong. A flyer drop here, a billboard there. A week or two in, results feel slow, so they stop.

The channel wasn’t the problem. They just didn’t give it long enough.

The second lesson: track where your customers come from. One franchisee was running shopping centre stalls, school flyer drops, and a handful of other channels, all at once, with no idea which one worked.

Brisbane found shopping centres worked well. Sydney found the opposite. Every territory behaves differently. Guessing costs more than testing.

Common Mistakes People Make

“Head office will bring me customers”

Head office builds the brand nationally. It won’t fill your specific classes. That’s on you.

“More channels means more customers”

Running five channels at once with no tracking just means you don’t know what’s actually working.

“If it’s not working in week one, it’s not working”

A slow start doesn’t mean the channel’s broken. Most local marketing needs a full term to prove itself.

“What worked for them will work for me”

Every territory behaves differently. Test it in your own area before you commit to it.

“I’ll just estimate the numbers”

Guessing at fees, wages, and profit margins leads to decisions built on the wrong foundation. Use a real calculator.

“I skimmed the agreement, that’s enough”

The marketing clauses are exactly where the surprises hide. Read them properly before you sign.

“Local marketing is optional if the brand’s strong enough”

It’s not optional. It’s the single biggest lever franchisees have over their own revenue.

“Consistent local marketing must be expensive”

A modest, steady spend, like $500 a month, is often all it takes if you actually stick with it.

Key Takeaways

• – Local area marketing is the lever you control, and it drives most of your revenue
• Head office marketing builds the brand. It won’t fill your classes for you
•  Consistency beats intensity, every time
• Track every enrolment back to its source so you know what to repeat
• What works in one territory won’t always work in another
• A modest, consistent local spend, like $500 a month, adds up
• Real numbers beat assumptions. Use an actual profit calculator
• The best advice often comes from a franchisee a term or two ahead of you

FAQ: Common Questions People Ask

Does head office get me customers?

Not directly. Head office builds national brand awareness. Local enrolments come mostly from your own local area marketing.

How much do I need to spend on local marketing myself?

The minimum in the Little Boomers Basketball franchise agreement is $500 a month. Many franchisees do more once they see what’s working.

What if a channel that works for someone else doesn’t work for me?

That’s normal. Territories differ. Track your own results and double down on what actually works in your area.

Is there a hidden marketing fund I need to worry about?

Not with Little Boomers Basketball. There’s a flat 10% royalty instead. Always read the agreement and disclosure document closely with any franchise you’re considering.

Do I need marketing experience to make this work?

No. Miguel’s result came from a simple, repeatable habit, not a marketing background. The pro shop gives franchisees ready-made material to use.

Can I manage this alongside a full-time job and young kids?

Yes. That’s how most franchisees start. The minimum local marketing commitment is designed to fit around work and family, not take over your life.

Keen to Learn More?

Emile breaks this kind of thing down every Friday on his YouTube channel. Good next step if you’re still researching.

You might also find our articles on What Franchise Owners Can and Can’t Control, and The Hidden Drivers of Franchise Performance Nobody Talks About, helpful as you explore whether franchising is the right fit for you.
If this has you thinking about what running something like this could look like, book a free Discovery Call with Emile.

No pressure, no pitch. Just a conversation to find out if it fits your life.

After School Basketball: The One Thing Most Parents Overlook When Choosing a Program

Term 3 has started and the question is back: what does your child do after school this week?

Not “what’s available.” What actually makes a difference.

After school basketball is one of the most effective after school programs for kids aged 3–12. It combines physical activity, social connection, and skill development in a structured, coach-led environment — giving children somewhere to go that’s safe, energising, and genuinely fun.

 

Why After School Sport Matters More Than Most Parents Realise

The Two-Hour Window That Shapes Their Week

From 3pm to 5pm, kids are at their most energetic — and most unsupervised.

Research from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare shows that children who participate in structured after school activities show better academic performance, improved emotional regulation, and stronger social skills than those without.

After school programs aren’t just childcare. They’re development.

Why Basketball Works Especially Well

Not every after school sport is built the same.

Basketball offers something others don’t:

• It’s fast-paced — matches a child’s natural energy level after sitting in school all day
• It’s social — every activity involves interacting with teammates
• It builds coordination, focus, and listening all at the same time
• It’s indoors — no cold, no rain, no excuses

It’s also one of the few kids after school activities where a quiet child and an outgoing child can thrive side by side.

 

What to Look For in an After School Basketball Program

The Difference Between Good Programs and Great Ones

Not all after school sport for kids is equal.

Here’s what separates the good from the great:

• Age-split groups — a 6 year old and a 12 year old shouldn’t be in the same session
• Qualified coaches — not volunteers or older students running the show
• Consistent structure — children need to know what’s coming each week to feel safe
• Progress, not just participation — kids should be learning something new, not just filling time

If you’re exploring your options, find classes near you and see what’s running in Term 3 locally.

Questions Worth Asking Before You Book

Before committing to any after school basketball program, it’s worth asking:

• Are coaches accredited and trained in working with children?
• How are age groups divided?
• What’s the maximum class size?
• Is there a trial class option before I pay for the full term?

The answers tell you a lot about how seriously a program takes your child’s experience.

 

What Parents Often Tell Us

“I Just Want Them to Burn Energy and Feel Good”

That’s the most honest answer we hear.

And it’s completely valid.

The best after school programs for kids do both. Physical output, plus an emotional top-up. They go home tired, but good-tired. Proud-tired.

That feeling is habit-forming. Kids who experience it want to come back.

“I’m Not Sure They’ll Stick With It”

Consistency is easier when children genuinely enjoy what they’re doing.

Unlike traditional programs that focus purely on drills, LBB’s after school basketball sessions mix skill development with fun, fast-paced games — every single class.

That mix is what keeps kids showing up.

Our track record backs it up: 75–80% of LBB families re-enrol term after term, and over 400 five-star Google reviews reflect what those families experience.

We talk about what structured kids’ programs actually deliver in Basketball Training for Kids: What It Actually Involves (And Why So Many Parents Get It Wrong) — worth a read if you want to understand what’s really happening in a session.

 

How Little Boomers Handles After School Programs

Programs That Fit Around School Hours

LBB’s term programs run in after school time slots across multiple locations — designed to fit seamlessly into a school week.

Sessions are:

• 40 minutes — long enough to be worthwhile, short enough to stay engaging
• Fully coached — not self-directed or drop-in
• Structured with a clear weekly plan

Every child leaves having done something real. Not just run around.

OOSH and Vacation Care Options Too

For families whose children attend Out of School Hours Care (OOSH), LBB also runs programs directly through OOSH providers.

Your child’s school might already have access. It’s worth checking.

Not sure where to start? Find your nearest location and see what’s available in your area this term.

 

FAQ: After School Basketball Programs

1. What age groups do after school basketball programs cater for?

LBB runs programs for children aged 3–12. Age groups are split so coaching is always age-appropriate.

2. How long are after school sessions?

Sessions are typically 40 minutes. They’re structured to keep children engaged without running too long for young attention spans.

3. Can my child join mid-term?

Yes. While starting at the beginning of a term is ideal, children can join at any point and coaches will bring them up to speed.

4. What if my child has never played basketball before?

No problem. LBB programs are beginner-friendly and assume zero prior experience.

5. Is there a trial class available before we commit to the term?

Yes — trial classes are available at most locations. Check the website for availability in your area.

 

Key Takeaways

• After school basketball combines physical activity, social development, and skill-building in one structured session.
• The best after school programs use qualified coaches, age-split groups, and consistent structure.
• Children who join structured after school sport show improvements in focus and confidence — not just fitness.
• LBB’s term programs run in after school time slots across multiple locations.
• OOSH providers can also access LBB programs — check with your school’s care coordinator.

The right after school sport doesn’t just fill time. It shapes the rest of their week.

Ready to help your child grow in confidence, make friends, and love basketball? Find classes near you — limited spots this term.

Franchise Renewal Terms: The 7-Eleven $890K Lesson

20 Years. $890,000. They Walked Away With Nothing.

A franchisee spends 20 years building a business. Early mornings, late nights, loyal customers.

Head office calls. They’re renewing for another 10 years.

A few days later, a second call. Head office changed their mind. Find a buyer, or the business goes back to them.

Every buyer gets rejected. The deadline passes. The franchisee walks away with nothing — after putting in $890,000.

This actually happened. It’s a 7-Eleven franchise, and it’s the story behind a recent Courtside Conversations episode by Little Boomers Basketball founder, Emile Koorey.

Watch the Full Episode

What Actually Happened

A Current Affair ran a story on 7-Eleven taking franchises back. It went viral. People were angry.

Current affair pieces are always one-sided. There’s another side here.

A few years ago, 7-Eleven was sold for $1.7 billion to a Japanese company. The new owner wants corporately owned stores, not franchised ones. They keep 100 percent of the profit that way.

So they’ve been buying territories back. One franchisee finished their 10-year term, applied to renew, and got knocked back. They proposed buyers. All rejected. Deadline passed. They lost the business.

“It is unfair, right? However, with franchising, that’s the game of franchising.” — Emile Koorey

Renewal Is Not Automatic

Most people think a franchise agreement lasts forever. It doesn’t.

Every agreement runs for a fixed term. Little Boomers Basketball runs 5 years. 7-Eleven runs 10.

At the end of term, renewal isn’t guaranteed, no matter how well the business performed. It depends on what’s written in the agreement.

A few conditions that usually apply: apply 6 months before the term ends. Don’t be in breach when you apply. The franchisor can reject renewal if you’re in breach, or if you don’t produce an approved buyer.

Three Ways a Franchise Term Can End

One: you find a buyer, head office approves them, you sell and keep the equity.

Two: head office buys the territory back at an agreed price. Most agreements give them first right of refusal.

Three: head office takes the territory back. No sale, no buyback, no payout.

That third option is what happened to the 7-Eleven franchisee.

Selling a Franchise Isn’t Like Selling a Car

You can’t just find a buyer and hand over the keys.

Every buyer has to pass the franchisor’s vetting process. At Little Boomers Basketball, that’s a discovery call, a business presentation, a 3-day workshop, and a reference check.

If a buyer doesn’t meet the standard at any stage, head office can say no. It’s not personal. It’s written into the agreement.

Selling also requires written consent, the franchisor’s first right of refusal, a buyer who meets their criteria, and no active breach. The 7-Eleven franchisee got stuck right there — their buyers were rejected, and nobody outside the room knows why.

What Counts as a Breach

A breach can end an agreement early, regardless of how many years are left.

Common ones: late fees, ignoring the operations manual, underpaying staff, missing superannuation.

That last one carries real weight. Baker’s Delight was reportedly fined around $600,000 after franchisees underpaid staff. Regulators have said franchisors can now be fined too, if they knew and did nothing.

Payday super kicks in July 1, 2026. Franchisors will need to actively enforce it across their network.

Goodwill Stays With the Brand

Goodwill is the reputation and loyal customers built over years. It’s real, but it’s intangible, and it legally belongs to the franchisor.

“The goodwill stays with the brand. It stays with the franchisor. The goodwill is not attached to the franchisee.” — Emile Koorey

Twenty years of goodwill. If the agreement ends without a sale, none of it is compensated.

Common Mistakes People Make

“A Franchise Agreement Lasts Forever”

It doesn’t. Every agreement has a fixed term, and the length varies by brand.

“Good Performance Guarantees Renewal”

It doesn’t. Renewal depends on the agreement’s terms, not how well the business is run.

“Selling a Franchise Works Like Selling Anything Else”

It doesn’t. Every buyer has to pass the franchisor’s vetting process first.

“Breach Only Means Not Paying Fees”

Underpaying staff or skipping the operations manual counts too, and can end an agreement early.

“Goodwill Automatically Gets Paid Out”

In most agreements, it doesn’t. It stays with the brand.

“One News Story Tells the Whole Story”

It rarely does. There’s usually a franchisor side that doesn’t make the headline.

Key Takeaways

• Franchise agreements run for a fixed term, not forever
• Renewal depends on the agreement, not just performance
• There are only three outcomes at the end of a term: sell, get bought back, or hand it back with nothing
• Selling requires the buyer to pass the franchisor’s vetting process
• Breaches like late fees, underpaying staff, or missing super can end an agreement early
• Goodwill built over years usually stays with the franchisor
• Reading your renewal, sale, and breach clauses before signing is your best protection

FAQ: Common Questions People Ask

Is it legal for a franchisor to not renew my agreement?

Yes, if the agreement gives them that right. Most do. It’s written in from the start.

What’s the difference between a buyback and having my franchise taken back?

A buyback means you’re paid an agreed price. Being taken back after a breach or failed sale usually means no payout.

How do I protect myself from something like this?

Read the renewal, sale, and breach sections before signing. Ask the franchisor directly what qualifies a buyer.

Does Little Boomers Basketball have this same risk?

Every franchise agreement has renewal and breach terms, this one included. The difference is transparency — terms are explained upfront, and the vetting process protects genuine franchisees on both sides.

What happens to the value I’ve built if I can’t renew or sell?

In most agreements, goodwill stays with the franchisor. That’s why understanding exit terms matters as much as revenue potential.

Keen to Learn More?

If this raised questions about franchise agreements, our article on What Happens After You Sign A Franchise Agreement covers it in more detail.

You can also read Can You Really Sell Your Franchise? and ACCC Franchise Rules: What Every Australian Buyer Needs to Know.

If you want to talk through how renewal, sale, and exit terms actually work inside a Little Boomers Basketball franchise, book a free Discovery Call with Emile.

The call is free, there’s no pressure, and it’s just a conversation to find out if this fits your life.

 

Is Your Child Ready for Junior Basketball Competition? Most Parents Ask This Way Too Late

Your child has been playing basketball for a term or two. They’re getting better. And now they’re starting to ask: “Can I play in a real game?”

That question means they’re ready to take the next step. The question is — what does that step actually look like?

Junior basketball competition for kids is a structured, non-intimidating way for children aged 9–12 to experience real game play in a safe environment.

It’s different from recreational classes — kids play against other teams in a simple format designed to build confidence, teamwork, and competitive experience without the pressure of club basketball.

 

What Is Junior Basketball Competition for Kids?

The Gap Between Classes and Club Basketball

Most parents think there are only two options: casual classes, or full club basketball.

But there’s a third path — and it’s the one most kids are actually ready for.

Junior basketball competition sits in between. It’s designed for kids who:

• Have played recreational basketball for at least one term
• Are starting to enjoy the competitive side of sport
• Want to test their skills in a real game setting
• Aren’t quite ready for the full commitment of a basketball club

It’s the bridge. Not the final destination.

 

What Does a Junior Comp Game Actually Look Like?

Kids basketball competition at this age is low-pressure by design.

A typical game includes:

• Two teams of 5, playing on a standard (or slightly modified) court
• Short quarters — usually 8–10 minutes each
• Rotating players so everyone gets court time
• A focus on applying skills rather than winning at all costs

There are coaches and referees. There are scores. But the result isn’t the point — the experience is.

If your child is in our Mighty Boomers program (Ages 9–12), competition can be a natural next step once they’re ready.

 

Signs Your Child Is Ready for Kids Basketball Competition

The Skills They Should Have First

They don’t need to be a star player. But a few basics help:

• Can dribble while moving (doesn’t have to be fast)
• Understands basic rules (in/out, turn-taking, shooting)
• Can listen to a coach during a game
• Handles both winning and losing without a meltdown

If most of those feel true? They’re probably ready to try.

The Attitude That Matters More Than Skill

Here’s what we look for more than ability:

• They want to be there. Not because a parent pushed them.
• They show interest in what happens in a real game.
• They bounce back when things don’t go their way.

Enthusiasm matters more than skill level at this stage.

Research from Sport Australia’s physical literacy research shows that children who experience positive competitive sport at this age are significantly more likely to maintain active habits into adulthood.

 

What Parents Worry About (And What Actually Happens)

“My Child Isn’t Good Enough Yet”

This is the most common reason parents hold off.

But kids basketball competition at this level isn’t a try-out. It’s a learning environment with a scoreboard.

No one is cut. No one is benched permanently. Every child gets game time.

“What If They Get Nervous?”

Game-day nerves are completely normal — and actually a good sign.

It means they care. That’s the first ingredient of growth.

A good pre-club basketball league program has coaches who prepare kids for that feeling before the first game. Not by talking it away — by giving them tools to manage it on the court.

If you’re wondering how kids at this age handle the step up, our post on basketball for 9, 10, 11 and 12 year olds covers what parents can realistically expect.

 

How Little Boomers Competition Bridges the Gap

A Pre-Club League Built Specifically for This Moment

Unlike traditional competition formats that drop kids straight into club basketball, LBB’s junior comp program is a pre-club league.

That means:

• Age-appropriate game format (9–12 year olds)
• Accredited coaches guiding kids through game situations
• A non-intimidating first competition experience
• Clear progression pathway into club basketball when they’re ready

It’s one of the most popular programs across our network — for good reason.

 

What Families Say After the First Season

“I wish we’d done this sooner.”

Kids come out with more confidence than they went in with. They understand the game differently. They’re hungrier to improve.

That’s what a well-run kids basketball competition does.

Not sure if the comp program is right yet? Find classes near you and speak to a coach about your child’s readiness.

 

FAQ: Junior Basketball Competition for Kids

1. What age is junior basketball competition for?

LBB’s junior comp runs for children aged 9–12. It’s designed as a bridge between recreational classes and club basketball.

2. Does my child need to have played basketball before?

Yes — some prior class experience is recommended. Children who’ve completed at least one term of recreational basketball tend to get the most from competition.

3. Is it too competitive for kids who are just starting out?

No. The format is designed to be encouraging, not intimidating. Every child plays and gets game time each session.

4. How is it different from a regular basketball club?

Club basketball involves seasonal competitions, team selection, and higher commitment. Junior comp at LBB is term-based, beginner-friendly, and much lower pressure.

5. What do kids need to bring?

Comfortable activewear, sneakers with grip, and a water bottle. Some locations have specific uniform requirements — check when booking.

Key Takeaways

• Junior basketball competition for kids sits between recreational classes and full club basketball.
• It’s designed for children aged 9–12 who are ready to try real game play.
• No child is benched or cut — everyone gets court time every session.
• Prior class experience (at least one term) is recommended before joining.
• The confidence boost from their first competition season surprises most parents.

If they’re asking to play a real game, that’s your answer. They’re ready.

Ready to help your child grow in confidence, make friends, and love basketball? Find classes near you — limited spots this term.