Important Ways to Train Your Franchisees

Typically, the most successful franchise brands are those with exceptional franchisee training programs. Consider the example of 7-Eleven, which flies franchisees to their support center for in-depth training programs and offers a resource center with continuous learning opportunities. Another stellar example is Cruise Planners, which administers their STAR University for franchisee training and offers ongoing, one-on-one business development coaching.

The success of your franchisees directly translates to the success of the overall brand, so supporting them with in-depth training and support is vital. Regardless of the current size of your business or your plans to grow your franchise, our team at Pinnacle Franchise Development offers insights into what comprises comprehensive training.

When to Train Your Franchisees

You’ll need to train candidates after they’ve gone through your approval process and been selected as franchisees. As noted above, providing comprehensive training before opening a new location is essential. However, you’ll also want to provide ongoing training and development resources. This will ensure that their skills stay sharp and they are ahead of all the brand’s latest developments.

Types of Franchise Training

When you worked on developing your franchise model, you likely created a self-guided training manual. Although it is essential, it’s not enough. Ideally, you’ll want to combine a few approaches to develop an in-depth program, including the following:

• Self-guided learning modules – To kick things off, your franchisees might first work through a series of self-guided learning modules, which could be completed virtually. They’ll also become familiar with your operations manual and procedures handbook.
• In-person training workshops – Although virtual learning provides an excellent introduction to the business model, there is no substitute for face-to-face interactions. Invite your franchisees to your headquarters for hands-on work via interactive activities focusing on skills building.
• Franchise location training – Following the training period at headquarters, your franchisees might have another training period at their new location. This is particularly helpful for very hands-on businesses, such as restaurants. Another possibility is having new franchisees shadow established professionals.
• Continuous development – Ongoing professional development is crucial for keeping your franchisees updated on best practices, including brand developments, tweaks to procedures, new technology, or new products or services.

Important Topics to Cover in Your Franchise Training Program

Your franchise training program should cover all the essential topics your franchisees need to know to represent your brand and build thriving businesses.

Examples of important topics include the following:

• Compliance – All of the compliance/regulatory requirements for your particular industry.
• Customer relationships – How to build and nurture customer relationships by employing best practices in a variety of situations.
• Culture – The values, principles, and best practices that help create a strong brand.
• Marketing systems – How to best use the franchise’s marketing resources to stay aligned with the brand image.
• Financial administration – Maintaining professional business records and accounting books per Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
• Recruitment – Hiring and retaining employees

Consult Pinnacle Franchise Development

With more than 4028 years of combined experience in the industry, the team at Pinnacle Franchise Development has a unique understanding of what it takes to make a business thrive. We provide a full suite of consulting and development services to help you grow your franchise and boost the success of your franchisees.

Contact us today to find out how our franchise development company can take your brand to new heights.