When you are part of a franchise system, as a franchisee achieving success is no easy feat. Your primary objective is to execute the brand model to the best of your ability in the market you operate with the resources you have. The goal is to become an exceptional representative of that brand and deliver excellent value to your local customers. Franchising offers immense opportunities but comes with a unique set of challenges. Many factors, such as experience, knowledge, resources, and support, will influence your success in your franchise. One way to foster growth and success in your franchise is by working with your brand’s support team, typically referred to as a Franchise Business Coach (FBC).
In the franchise system, the franchisor will provide the franchisee with a wide range of materials, programs, and support, such as training programs, marketing programs, financing understanding, and other programs and systems. One of the most valuable resources the franchisor will provide is an individual who is a brand expert, commonly referred to as a franchise business coach. An FBC generally works for the corporate team and is on the front lines with the franchisees' operating units in the field. Oftentimes franchise business coaches are traveling and on the road visiting stores and providing training, unit-level inspections and hands-on workshops with the local franchisee operator and their staff.
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Here are a few suggestions to gain the most benefit when working with your franchise business coach on your brand.
Be Prepared To Make the Most of Your Experience
It is essential to be prepared for your meetings to obtain the most value out of your time with an FBC. Do everything you can to make effective use of the time together. Sometimes you can provide materials or questions in advance to reserve valuable time while meeting in person in real-time. I like to be as prepared as possible so that when we are physically together, we can be most effective with that time.
Be Understanding and Open Minded
Understand that these business coaches are individuals, real people, and not all are the same. Most are professionals trying to do their job to the best of their abilities and should have plenty of training, support and resources to do their job effectively. As a franchisee, you want to develop a relationship with this person, as they are on your team. An FBC will support you and help you make improvements in your franchise business, and learn how to be a more effective owner. They may not have all the answers, but they should have access to beneficial materials and other parts of the franchise system that you may need help understanding. Ultimately, franchise business coaches are on your side, and they're there to help you solve problems and implement and execute techniques for your success as the franchisee owner at the unit level.
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When working with a franchise business coach, as a franchisee, you must understand that your job is to implement and execute and ask for feedback, guidance, and direction. Your questions should be, 'What can I do better to be more successful in my current situation?', 'Who can I learn from in this brand?'. Franchise business coaches work with other franchisee owners in the system; they may have insights and be able to help you match up with other owners who you can then network with and learn from each other.
A knowledgeable and experienced franchise business coach can help you navigate the difficulties only a franchisee owner in your brand deals with. A franchise business coach will provide you with solutions to situations and complications you may experience and provide you invaluable support to get you closer to your business goals. If you are needing help in your franchise business, reach out to me or schedule your consultation today.
John Francis of Johnny Franchise is an enthusiastic, engaging, and entertaining public speaker, advisor and franchise coach; he speaks from experience and the heart. He is the creator of the successful Franchise Lifecycle Program that will take your franchise to the next level. Franchising is in his blood, and his parents were true pioneers in the industry, turning their family haircutting business into a 1,000-salon franchise empire. He has been a franchisee and a franchisor and has a deep understanding of the issues both face. Connect with John, and you and your franchisees will learn how to look at your business in new, positive, and profitable ways.
