An average consumer may know how to spot inconsistent service, long wait times, poorly maintained facilities, reputation issues, and other hallmarks of an underperforming business. FranSource franchise development specialists, on the other hand, know there are also many behind-the-scenes factors that can make a franchise a smashing success or a complete flop.

Every decision in the franchise development process marks a critical piece in the puzzle of building a strong, lasting franchise network. Steps such as site selection analysis and local competitive research can be obvious barometers for ensuring positive growth, but franchisors should also understand how franchisee training and support can position every location for success and maximum profitability.

Comprehensive and Clear Documentation

It might seem mundane, but clear and robust documentation creates the foundation for any successful franchise. It outlines the expectations of the franchisor, guidelines for franchisees, information about products and services, and much more. For decades, we’ve helped clients develop an ironclad framework that suits their industry and franchise concept while providing comprehensible resources to help franchisees overcome the challenges of daily operations.

The first document in your arsenal is the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD). This essential, and legally required, document provides potential franchisees an inside view into your franchise model and company. It provides company background information, franchise investment details, bios of the owners and officers, litigation and bankruptcy history, suppliers, franchisee and franchisor obligations, financial statements and performance data, and details related to franchise training and support.

Creating an FDD that adequately explains all these facets requires a detailed and dedicated approach. By contrast, FDDs that lack the necessary level of detail, whether it’s an overestimate of potential financial success, overly complex language, or understated risks, can put franchisors on shaky ground.

Even so, the FDD is not the only document that calls for careful scrutiny for those looking to maximize their franchise training and support programs. Take the Franchise Operations & Policies Manual as an example. The manual ensures a franchisee will operate his or her business in the same manner as the other franchise locations. The manual should provide information regarding every aspect of the franchise business. This includes step-by-step instructions regarding pre-opening tasks, site selection and construction, human resources, daily operations, accounting and bookkeeping, advertising and marketing, and more.

A franchisee can face immense challenges when attempting to operate a location using a Franchise Operations Manual with ambiguous procedures and protocols, missing components, or insufficient or outdated standards. By going the extra mile, franchisors can create a Franchise Operations Manual that can be a vital franchise training and support resource, rather than a source of confusion and frustration.

The same principle applies to other franchise documentation. For example, an incomplete Branding Guide can leave franchisees unaware of the proper application of logos or other branding elements that can potentially lead to trademark issues and/or an inconsistent brand identity.

A Thorough Training Program

Where documentation outlines the proper operational standards and procedures, robust training brings them to life. In many ways, training plays an essential role in infusing the distinct brand, service, and experience customers expect from a well-run franchise location. Aside from consistency, a comprehensive franchise training program safeguards franchisees from costly learning curves, especially in the early days of operation. Likewise, it can also improve a franchisee’s profitability as the franchise unit can optimize more quickly.

When we assist clients in developing franchise training and support programs, we start by producing the Franchise Operations & Policies Manual. The second step, if necessary, is developing employee training manuals. These resources will advise new operators on the proper procedures and protocols for operating their locations and training their employees. In addition to developing the manuals, FranSource can leverage our decades of experience to offer recommendations and enhancements to your training programs and requirements.

Once in place, it’s time to bring procedures into action with your Initial Franchise Training Program. Here, a franchisee (and often his or her key employees) will learn from you and your team how the operation should operate on a daily basis. Topics can range from daily operational procedures and workflows to customer services to technology systems to approved marketing strategies to staffing practices and many others. Typically, these training programs are conducted through direct instruction and hands-on training sessions in the weeks leading up to a grand opening. Initial training is typically conducted at the franchisor’s corporate-affiliated locations and is often supplemented with onsite training and support at the franchisee’s location shortly before grand opening and continuing through the first days of operation.

The primary objective of franchise training and support programs rests in instilling confidence in the franchisee that he or she can operate the business successfully. If training is perceived as confusing, neglects sufficient hands-on practice, or cannot adapt to the needs of a specific location, it will fall short in achieving this goal, resulting in inefficiencies, road blocks, and reduced profits.

Delivering Ongoing Franchisee Training and Support

Elements like clear documentation and onboarding training make up a sound launch pad for franchisees. However, we know franchisors that provide ongoing training and support to his or her franchise network can make a significant impact in maintaining that momentum for long-term growth.

Ongoing training and support can take a variety of forms. It may include refresher training, new manager training, continuous training for specific roles, and training related to updated operational processes and procedures. Annual performance reviews and regular inspections can also help franchisees ensure they operate efficiently and in compliance with your specifications and requirements. All of this helps ensure brand consistency across the franchise network.

Marketing can be another valuable component for providing ongoing franchise support. Conducting regional and national marketing campaigns, creating flexible marketing assets, and providing digital media guidance can all be fruitful methods for ensuring franchisees attract customers to his or her franchise business.

At FranSource, we understand the difference ongoing training and support can make to the ultimate success of a franchisor and its franchisees. Just as business owners lend time and resources into franchise training and support, we lend our expertise, advisement, and hands-on assistance to every client working through the franchise development process.

With our guidance, you can rest assured your franchise operation will be engineered for success. Contact us today for assistance in developing your franchise training and support programs and requirements.