Why You Should Expect Operations Support from Franchise Headquarters

Are you thinking of going down the franchise route? While it requires hard work and dedication, if you have high-quality operations support from a successful and established brand, you’re far more likely to succeed compared to if you were tackling the job alone.

When evaluating your franchise options, you first need to look at yourself, your skills, and any gaps that you may need support with from a franchisor.

You also need to be crystal clear as to what you want and expect from a franchise. Perhaps you’re looking for a dramatic lifestyle change, to develop and grow a successful business, or the opportunity to spend more time with your family. Fortunately, the possibilities are endless.

A trustworthy franchisor will be happy to provide you with all the information you need before you leap into the business. When you make that all-important decision to invest, they should provide you with great help and tailored support throughout your journey.

If you want to learn more about why you should expect operations support from a franchise headquarters, keep reading.

To Help with Initial Training

Initial training typically includes both classroom and on-the-job-training. This initial training is essential so franchisees understand how to run the business effectively and understand the brand’s values. Many franchisors are also offering pre-training modules on their Intranet or ask franchisees to complete classes and certifications hosted by third parties.

Franchisors may also send staff members to help with the opening of the franchisee’s location and to support the franchisee in training its staff members.

The details of the training and who will be conducting it should be listed in the disclosure document the franchisor will give to you before you sign your agreement. Many franchisors host initial training at their headquarters, but some brands have alternative training facilities.

The cost of training is typically included in your franchise fee. However, it’s usually your responsibility to cover all travel, accommodation, food, and other expenses for you and your team when attending the training.

If you can bring your management and key staff members to initial training, that’s an excellent idea as it allows your team to get to know the brand as best as they can. Fortunately, most franchisors will let you do so.

But remember, you need to check and confirm in advance who you can bring to initial training.

Continuing Training

Most franchisors continue to offer operational support as you run your business. Before signing up for a franchise, you need to know the type and amount of support you’ll continue to receive.

However, remember that you don’t work for the franchisor. Instead, you’re an independent businessperson working under a license that requires you to meet the franchisor’s values and standards. You don’t just have to rely on receiving support from your franchisor and are free to look elsewhere for additional help on running your business.

As a franchise owner, you must operate your business to match the brand standards, methods, and requirements as requested by the franchisor. However, in most cases, there are no human resource requirements imposed on your franchise by the franchisor, excluding those centering around brand standards such as dress codes, hair color, piercings, tattoos, language, and more.

You’ll often receive help from a field support consultant who’s there to help you improve the structure and performance of your business. They’re also there to help ensure that you’re running the company to the correct brand standards.

Always make the time to meet your field support consultant, as usually, they’re the primary source of assistance from the franchisor. While it may seem easy to send them to meet your management team, it’s essential that, as a business owner, you meet them yourself.

In other areas of the business, such as the supply chain, services, management training, and marketing assistance, you’ll generally receive support from the franchisor’s headquarters staff.

To Receive Marketing Assistance

Letting people know about your business and what you can offer is essential for its success. After all, if nobody knows your business exists, you won’t have any customers.

Marketing is an essential business tool that you need to help run your franchise. However, unless you’re trained in marketing, it can be challenging knowing where to start. The world of marketing is huge, and there are many aspects to it. What’s more, even if you know what to do, marketing involves major efforts, and it can take time away from running your core business.

When looking for a franchisor to work with, always check what type and how much marketing support they’ll offer to you.

Do they help train staff with marketing skills? Are online and offline marketing covered? How will they advertise your brand?

Many franchisors will provide you with a strong marketing and sales strategy that you can get involved with, and if you’re new to marketing or are keen to learn more, this can be extremely valuable.

Excellent Operations Support Is Key

Choosing the right franchise for you and your needs is essential to receive the best level of operations support for you. Remember, it’s an individual process, and there isn’t a one-size-fits-all.

When looking for a franchise and learning about the operations support that comes with it, be sure to ask plenty of questions and understand how a franchise works. This will help you make the correct decision.

If you’re interested in owning a franchise, we’re here to help. Learn more about your options with us at OpenWorks here.