A franchise is a great way of taking the first step into running a business and there are ways of ensuring you are a good franchisee, from putting trust in, and openly communicating with the franchisor to embracing change.
You are more likely to succeed as a franchisee if you are completely involved and on board with the brand. You need to immerse yourself in it and make sure you advocate for it to everyone you meet. Meet other franchisees and learn all you can about the company to ensure you are a full member of the team.
While you will be given all you need when you take on a franchise in terms of it being a tried and tested model, it will still take time to fully understand how it works. The franchisor will have spent years building up their business and making it work, so you won’t be able to reach the same point in just a few weeks or months. This is where honest and open communication is key, asking for support when you need it or when something is unclear. You’re not alone is the main message for franchisees – whether it’s operational guidance, marketing advice or ongoing training.
Your franchisor knows the business inside and out and will have spent years perfecting it and that includes making tweaks when needed. If they decide to bring in a new system, support them in this and trust that they know what is best for the business. Many franchisors will have used the services of a ‘franchise my business’ firm, of which there are several in the UK, such as https://www.ashtonsfranchise.com/franchise-my-business/. It is not something they will have entered into lightly, wanting to ensure that the business continues to grow and succeed.
As a franchisee, you may feel a lesser part of the business, but without you, the franchisor wouldn’t be as successful. It makes you part of a winning team that is working towards the same goal.