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Franchisees have some technological advantages over their independent counterparts. The franchisor provides a slew of pre-programmed benefits like brand recognition, training, regional and national marketing.
Yet, franchise owners compete just like any other small business—they seek advantages and ways to secure larger market share in their areas while efficiently delivering a branded product or service. It is helpful to have the franchisor’s technology solutions, of course, but there are additional tech-forward options to propel franchisees toward success.
From building your customer base to streamlining administrative tasks, technology improves your ability to prosper and stay ahead of the competition. Keep these applications and strategies in mind as you build your franchise.
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Touch Your Customers
You make an impression every time a customer sees or hears from you. The franchise model creates a brand and expectation that you deliver, but by using technology, you can increase the number of “touches” or impressions that your customers receive. The more times they connect with your franchise, the more loyal they become.
For a franchise, impressions come from national marketing, logos, and ads, but you can build social media campaigns with simple and free online tools. Touch your customers often through email and community connections. The familiarity keeps your name in the forefront. Then, they will think of you first when they need your product or service.
Simplify Your Days
Like most business owners, it’s best to spend your time working on your operation. Any new technology that improves your time scheduling means more efficiency and higher productivity.
Software options include Trello for group project management and QuickBooks for accounting, among others. Also, there are free options for employee scheduling software, inventory management, and internal communications. Depending upon your franchisor's requirements and your specific needs, simple programs will save time and simplify your administrative tasks.
Stay Ahead
Franchises have dedicated areas identified by the franchisor where they will place no other franchise sites. However, there is still competition from other small businesses.
What makes yours different? Maybe you’ve been there longer or have a following from a well-known franchise brand. However, if your competitor offers tech-forward options to customers like a customized app, online ordering, or other conveniences, your franchise will quickly find itself falling behind. It is always harder to catch up than it is to stay ahead.
So, understand your fellow entrepreneurs in your region. Understand what they do to build and keep customers, and then do it better.
Technology will catapult you further ahead in your business plan when implemented strategically.
Technology evolves, and you’ll want to stay in front of new opportunities—including those not offered by your franchisor. Being tech-savvy is good; being tech-forward means planning on being the best franchise in your area using every tool available to stay ahead. Your internal operation will run more smoothly, and your loyal customer base will prove the value of technology in your franchise business.
Anne Daniells is a co-owner of Enterprising Solutions, a professional services firm specializing in corporate communication and financial improvement for businesses where she shares decades of corporate and entrepreneurial experience—including franchise ownership—in her writings on business culture. She has authored hundreds of articles for publications including AllBusiness.com, TweakYourBiz.com, and MSN.com. Reach out via her website for more on where corporate culture, communication, and human architecture collide.