Collaboration and Trust are Key in Franchising
Explore the key principles of franchising, where franchisors provide essential tools and systems that give franchise owners a competitive edge.
Article featured in Franchisewire.
A Symbiotic Relationship Between Franchisors and Franchise Owners Drives Growth and Profitability
Franchisors must offer franchise owners the necessary tools and systems they need to open and operate their locations. That’s a foundational principle of franchising.
As we all know, franchising means much more than a familiar logo. The systems that power franchise operations give owners a distinct edge over independent small business owners, and that market advantage scales up to the franchisor.
Because of repeatable, proven processes and shared resources, franchise owners can typically get their business up and running more quickly and efficiently than they could if they were launching it on their own. Once they’re open and operational, the franchise model is designed to enable them to generate renevue and profit more efficiently than independent competitors. Streamlined, efficient operations are the heart of the franchise model. The success and growth of franchise owners ladder up to drive profitability and growth for the franchisor.
Most franchise business leaders are conscientious about building the right systems for their owners. They understand that great systems are where franchise businesses can differentiate themselves in a crowded marketplace. They invest significant time, effort and money into designing the processes and strategies that will allow owners to seamlessly transition from discovery to grand opening and on to ongoing operations.
Franchise Processes and Strategies
Building a great system is only the first step. Both the franchisor and franchise owner have a responsibility to ensure that the system is in place and functioning properly. If a franchisor’s operational processes and support tools are not readily accessible and continually evolving, franchise owners won’t be able to leverage the complete range of the system’s benefits for their own success. Franchisors, in turn, won’t see the true value of their investment.
Great franchises engage and connect with owners to ensure they’re getting the most out of their opportunities. Great franchise owners make an effort to identify and understand all the resources at their disposal, including ongoing training, reliable support, innovative technology, products and services that match their market, administrative functions, marketing, and more.
Franchisors must deliver the resources they promise to help franchise owners secure their goals. Franchise owners can’t take shortcuts and must trust the experience and expertise of the franchise team and the tools they make available. While every available option isn’t right for every location or every territory, franchise owners are advised to implement all the resources their franchisor provides that suit their situation.
Not One-Size-Fits-All
It’s important to remember that a franchise system is not a one-size-fits-all mold. The best franchise models serve as a guide, not a straitjacket. They help owners find ways to be creative and effectively apply the skills they bring to the industry. Creativity and imagination can be expressed in a number of ways while staying true to the model: a flair for marketing or merchandising or an engaging social media presence.
For both franchisors and franchise owners, franchise platforms consistently demonstrate that they can amplify the benefits and results of successful franchise operations across a variety of industries.
Franchising provides owners with scalable business models and shared resources that mitigate the risk involved in independent entrepreneurship. It’s designed to empower individuals to secure their future and provide for their families. Unlocking the full potential of any franchise system, however, requires communication and collaboration.