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One of the first things that happens when you start a franchise is training. Training is an integral and incredibly valuable part of your franchise ownership. It shortens the learning curve while equipping you with what you need to avoid common mistakes from the get-go.
While franchise training is important, there are many misconceptions about what specifically you can glean as a franchisee. What type of resources will be available? Who will be available? How will you access that team? The answers to these questions vary depending on the franchise you enter into an agreement with, but there are a few common elements across the board that you can expect from franchise training from your franchisor.
Ongoing Guidance and Support
Perhaps the most expected part of your franchise training will be the initial guidance you receive from the training team. This guidance is there to equip you to troubleshoot common problems before or when they arise. It’s also there to put up the guardrails so you know what to expect, best practices, and standard operating procedures that’ll simplify your journey as a franchisee and accelerate your growth with proven strategies.
Most franchisors will offer ongoing training and support after your initial introduction to the franchise. When researching franchises to start, be sure to ask about what type of ongoing training is available to you. The answers will help you gauge what you can expect from franchise training as you enter into the agreement.
Troubleshooting and Crisis Management at Your Fingertips
In addition to regular trainings, most franchisors have trainers on hand to help you troubleshoot common problems or put out fires in the case of a crisis. Both of these types of training are important. You don’t want to be handling problems on an island, nor do you want to have to manage the communications around a crisis on your own. Having the trainers in your back pocket to guide you through that crisis management or difficult situation can help you get back on your feet faster and prevent loss.
Consistent Training. Consistent Branding. Consistent Growth.
One of the perks to owning a franchise is that you get the power of a recognized brand under your wings as you grow your business. Part of that recognition comes from all franchisees operating with consistent branding across the board. In doing so, your customers know exactly what to expect when they enter your location.
Consistency doesn’t just happen, though. It takes training to ensure you and your team know how to deliver on the brand standards properly. In doing so, your franchise upholds the brand’s reputation, and other franchisees do the same. As the expression goes, a rising tide lifts all boats. In having all franchisees maintain consistent branding, everyone wins.
Franchise Training Expectation Clarification
Before you enter into an agreement with a franchisor, talk to them about these core areas. By better understanding the type, extent, and frequency of training, you’ll be better equipped to access support when you sign on as a franchisee. If you want even more insight, talk to other franchisees about their experience with the training. The more information you have going into the agreement, the more you’ll be able to tap into what’s available once you start this new journey.
Kimberly Crossland is the founder of Roadpreneur and Cruisin' + Campfires, two companies designed to keep families together and living in freedom through travel and entrepreneurship. The goal of both businesses is to inspire meaningful change through the power of a strategic, thoughtful approach to life and business. In her free time, you can find her looking for a new adventure together with her two boys.