Four ways to help your franchise succeed

From the Personal Branding Blog

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When you take ownership of a franchise, you enter a professional environment that comes with a series of established benefits. These include a concise and easily learnable system of operations, including equipment that’s already in place and a well-established customer base that is loyal to the popular brand you now represent. Additionally, you’ll be in the midst of employees who are already familiar with the system of operations, be part of a supportive network of fellow franchisees, and obtain the backing of a franchisor.

All these benefits will elude those who have decided to start their own business operations, and they’ll certainly give you a great deal of comfort when you begin your position as a franchise owner. What you must remember, however, is that owning a franchise is still hard work, and the onus will be on you to keep your franchise running at full speed. You’re still in charge of what is, in effect, a small business, and it’s your responsibility to ensure the successful development of that business so that it properly represents the brand as a whole. Here are four ways in which you can make that happen.

Stick to the system

Taking ownership of a franchise means becoming accustomed to an established system of operations. This system will dictate how each and every one of the brand’s franchises is run, covering everything from administrative processes to products sold and services rendered. A system such as this is extremely necessary in expanding a franchise operation. If the system is concise and comprehensible enough to be taught to a workforce in one location, then it can easily be replicated in various other locations.

The system of operations is also particularly important with regards to brand consistency. No franchise can operate differently from any other, otherwise the brand itself will be seen as both irregular and undependable when it comes to fulfilling its promises to its customers. That’s why it’s crucial that you run your franchise exactly according to the system of operations in place.

You might be used to creating and following your own set of rules, but if you don’t act according to the system, you run several risks. You might jeopardize the brand’s image, create tension between you and your franchisor, and possibly break your franchise agreement. If you’re a good sport, then you’ll be closer to helping your franchise succeed.

Hire well

As a leader, you will want the best team possible to help you on your way to success. That means being thorough  and selective when you hire. When looking to fill any position, choose candidates who are properly skilled, possess an impressive work ethic, and exhibit a positive attitude. But, it must go further than that.

Anyone who becomes part of a franchise operation should possess a sufficient amount of knowledge about the industry they are entering. They should also have the same vision for the brand that you do as a franchisee. If this is the case, then you’ll constantly be on the same page as your employees, and you’ll all be working towards a common goal.

Be a hands-on franchisee

It’s easy to be lulled into a sense of comfort by the perks associated with franchise ownership. While it’s perfectly fine to be comfortable at work, it is not fine to be detached from the goings-on at work just because everyone’s working according to a set system. A good leader gets fully involved in the job at hand and works alongside his or her team members.

When you’re a franchisee, it’s a great idea to step into various roles in order to help your teammates out. Not only will you be challenging yourself, stepping outside of your comfort zone and learning new skills, but you will also positively influence your workforce. They’ll be encouraged by your actions and will be motivated to work hard. The end result will be a team of people working towards the success of a franchise.

Communicate

Transparent communication should exist between every person working within a franchise operation. This means talking openly with your franchisor about your experiences as a franchisee, bringing up queries, challenges, and successes with your support team, and suggesting ideas for franchise growth. Communication also means being available to members of your own team. If anyone has a problem, be on-hand to address it. You’ll be seen as an effective leader and will create a positive work environment.

A franchise is a big responsibility. To help it succeed, you need to be a hands-on leader who’s happy to work according to a set system of operations, communicates openly, and is discerning when it comes to hiring new employees. If you tick all these boxes, then you’ll see your franchise become a thriving part of the brand you represent.

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