Previously we talked about the roles and benefits for both Franchisor (Brand & Franchise system owner) and Franchisee (Entrepreneur and System user).

The secret of success is to get both parties to clearly understand these and do what is expected of them, just as any team player would do. Equally, you are in a partnership relationship, which goes much deeper than a simple trading arrangement, so it must be treated with the utmost care and respect. So, how do you do this?

 

Start with a shared vision

• Clarify vision, mission, goals & objectives – (“Start with end in mind” – Stephen Covey) – Make sure that ‘Exceeding customer expectations with product & service delivery’ is one of those goals!
• Clarify Roles & Responsibilities – some of these were highlighted in our previous article.
• Set and agree targets/timelines – These should be daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, annually. Support each other and hold each other accountable for these.

 

Focus on your role – (Excel at this)

• Understand your role clearly – it is impossible to do everything (or not worth the ROI), so make sure yours is clear and break it down to bite-size chunks. This makes it less overwhelming and more achievable. Delegate functions, responsibilities within your teams. The less each team member has, the more likely they can focus and excel.
• Train hard – Getting ready for match day (Opening your business) and continuing throughout the year every day means you must be just as prepared for day 1 as you are for day 365! Once you know what you are doing – Practice, Practice, Practice. This is the only way that you will be able to buy yourself time to cope with unforeseen problems that arise on a daily basis. The well-oiled machine always delivers a superior performance!

 

Respect

• Significant investment in time & money – Both partners have significant skin in the game, so one should always remember this in all interactions.
• Training – Training only works if it is taken seriously and treated with care, both by the giver and the receiver.
• Recognise & value others – take time to recognise the effort put in by partners, this will keep them motivated to do more. Everyone wants to be valued for what they do and to do valuable things.

 

Communicate

• Clear expectations – hopefully, the groundwork was completed on this upfront, not only with Franchise agreements and operations manuals, but also with the vision, mission and goal setting. However, it never hurts to reassess, recheck and reaffirm this on a regular basis.
• Deliverables – Again, reassess progress and performance regularly with each other. Adjust or fine tune these as required.
• Accountability – Hold each other accountable for deliverables and performance but do it in a positive way also. Recognising and valuing quality delivery is more important than ‘witch hunts’ for missed targets.

 

Add value

• Go the extra mile – become a star player! Every team needs star players or team mates to step up when the time requires.
• Give back – this is definitely a team game and the franchise network will be a mixed group at different stages in their business’ life and with different needs. Like any community it only truly thrives if everyone contributes and helps each other out from time to time

Remember – Your Joint Goal – is a satisfied, repeat customer/consumer. The rest will flow from this. Keep your eyes on this objective (the prize)!

 

How can we help you? (www.pathfinderssa.co.za)

Pathfinders is exceptionally qualified to advise Franchise Owners and Franchisees alike! Alongside our business advisory services and mentorship services, we focus on Franchise systems as we believe that we are uniquely experienced to understand the needs of both the corporate driven process from brand owners and the entrepreneurial customer service focus of entrepreneurs and to assist both to find the appropriate balance which creates the magical winning formula for success

 

Contact us via info@pathfinderssa.co.za or via our website www.pathfinderssa.co.za to find out more.