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It’s been a long time coming.
Everything you’ve been doing the last few months to ensure a strong franchise business opening has led to this moment. Things like:
- Building your space out
- Getting needed technology installed
- Ordering your opening inventory
- Getting your signage installed
- Hiring staff
…And so much more, but now it’s go time.
In this post, I’m going to discuss what you need to do after you open for business.
A Successful Opening and How to Keep it Going
The grand opening of your franchise business went well because you carefully followed the plan your franchisor provided.
Your numbers came in well, maybe even above average compared to other franchisees grand opening numbers. Moving forward, the trick is to keep them that way. Here are 3 things you can do to keep your momentum going after a successful opening.
1. Leave Your Store
Though some might argue that you need to be in your place of business all hours of the day (especially when you first open), I say you don’t. That’s because you need to strike while the iron is hot. Basically, you need to capitalize on the energy and excitement that a new business brings to the local area.
A great way to do that is by doing good, old-fashioned networking. That means you need to leave your store so you can shake some hands.
Here’s one thing you can do, networking-wise, to promote your business locally: print up a set of unique “Grand Opening” business cards that you can circulate around town. Make sure they have your name on them (as the owner of the new business) and that they include a special one-time discount offer, personally, from the owner (you).
Important: Don’t just “drop them off.”
I want you to meet the owners of all the small businesses in town. Physically shake their hands and tell them about your business. But make sure you offer to help them with their businesses in the future, too.
2. Incentivize Your Employees
Another way to keep the momentum going is to make sure your employees know that their efforts have contributed (in a big way) to your franchise’s early success.
Of course you don’t have to share specific sales numbers with them, but you can tell them (in a general way), how well things are going.
Then hand out a bonus. How much? You decide.
It doesn’t have to be a crazy amount of money, but enough to surprise them.
Then a couple of weeks later, come up with a contest that rewards employees for things like:
- Customer service that went above and beyond
- Best new idea to help the business
- Most positive person award
Or whatever else you can think of. The point is to get your employees involved in the success of the business.
Note: You don’t have to have contests all the time.
But if you have them once in a while, it can help your team stay motivated and feel appreciated.
3. Call Your Fellow Franchisees
Remember when, as part of your research, you contacted franchisees of the franchise system you’re now a part of? As strange as this may sound, I want you to call them again.
The purpose of these calls are two-fold.
The first is to thank them: I want you to thank them for taking the time to talk with you when you were researching the opportunity. Of course you need to tell them that you’re a franchisee now, too!
The second is share your success: While you have them on the phone, share how well your grand opening went. Then...and this is important, ask them what they did to keep their momentum going. Try to get specific, actionable tips you can use. Then offer to help them if and when they need it. Because by doing so, you may have found a new friend. A friend, who like you, invested her hard-earned money into the same franchise business you own.
In conclusion, you need to find ways to maintain the energy your new franchise business creates, so your business can thrive, and you can reach your goals.
The Franchise King®, Joel Libava, is a top franchise expert. He’s written over 2,000 different articles on franchise ownership and personally consults with people who are looking to buy a profitable franchise. Go here to find out how The Franchise King® can help you become your own boss.