Four ways to help your franchise succeed – Personal Branding Blog

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.