Field managers are increasingly taking on more of a business advisory role in their support of franchisees. Related, other best practices in this series speak of the importance of franchisee business planning, having a franchisee business planning template, the need for field managers to take on a business advisory role, and focusing on franchisee profit and returns.
This best practice centres on the franchisee business planning component from a field manager perspective. Here we see field manager understanding and capability around franchisee business planning as an important success factor for achieving comprehensive franchisee business planning within a franchise network.
We know from experience that many franchisees are not receptive (or have resistance) to the idea of franchisee business planning, often because they do not understand its role and potential. It is imperative, therefore, that franchise companies looking to introduce franchisee business planning can help build franchisee understanding and help facilitate planning as appropriate.
Field manager business planning understanding and capability does not always come naturally either. And for this reason, we identify this skill as an area worthy of franchisor focus. Related, Franchize Consultants has seen this area as so important that we also offer specific training for field managers on franchisee business planning.
Ultimately, it is our view that field managers have a deep understanding of franchisee business planning, including its purpose and advantages. It is also important that field managers are able to explain the purpose and need for business planning – and gain franchisees positive engagement in the business planning process.
As outlined in previous practices franchisee business planning has many objectives, one of which is to align franchisee and franchisor objectives. The franchisee business plan also provides the basis for both parties to work together productively towards their objectives.
Best practice from the franchisor perspective is to make sure that there is effort going into building field manager understanding and capability relating to franchisee business planning
About the Franchising Best Practice 500 Series
This is part of a series of franchising best practices. Franchize Consultants is sharing and publishing these best practices weekly for the betterment of franchising.
We know that better knowledge and execution of franchising best practices leads to bigger and more valuable franchisor and franchisee businesses.
We have assembled the first 40 best practices into The Best Practice Handbook, which is available for purchase.
How can we help you?
Contact us if you’re contemplating franchising your business or would like help with an established franchise network. We’d be very happy to sit down with you to understand your situation and objectives and explain the supporting services we provide. For more information on each, contact Adrienne (office@franchize.co.nz or 09 523 3858). Follow us on Facebook, Google and LinkedIn.