Aspiring entrepreneurs who are embarking on the world of franchising are keenly aware of the fact that they are investing in a proven business model that they need to replicate for entrepreneurial success.
However, the replication of a business model is neither simple and fast nor always easy. That’s because it’s necessary to learn all the intricacies of the business before your doors open to the public. To take care of this obstacle, most franchisors have developed specific franchise training programmes.
If you would like to find out more about what they are and what they entail, this post is for you. Below, we delve into the intricacies of franchise training, covering everything from its main purpose and duration to its ultimate benefits. Keep reading to find out more.
What is franchise training?
Franchise training is the process of equipping new franchisees with all the tools, skills and knowledge necessary to replicate the franchise business model and offer the same level of consistency across the board that the brand is known for.
Training usually begins once a franchise agreement is signed between a franchisor and franchisee and it can focus on areas such as operations, marketing, sales, customer service and more. However, some franchisors may carry out training before the signing of the franchise agreement, which may incur a fee. One of the reasons behind this is to ensure that the trainee franchisee is successful and adopts the training to the franchisor’s satisfaction.
Alternatively, it is also a good way for the prospective franchisee to discover if the franchise opportunity is the right fit for them after the training process is completed as it is the perfect time for them to learn more about it. This is the case with the Belvoir Franchise Group, for example, where training is both initial and ongoing throughout the duration of the franchise relationship.
What is the purpose of franchise training?
Apart from equipping franchisees to replicate the franchise business model, training for franchisees provides franchisees with a solid foundation to effectively manage their businesses, maintain brand standards, maximise profitability and foster long-term success.
How long is franchise training?
While franchising as a concept may seem to be unified, there is a lot of diversity under the umbrella term of a “franchise”. This means that franchisee training will differ across every franchise business. In short, franchise training can be a few days to a few months. However, most commonly, it takes place over a period of one to several weeks on average.
What are the different types of franchise training programmes?
If you are considering embarking on the road to franchising, you may wonder about what training is available for new franchisees. Depending on the franchise opportunity you are settling on, franchise training can include one or more of the following:
- At headquarters: A franchise owner and their team will very likely have prepared a franchise training manual and can start the training process at their headquarters. During this time, new franchisees are introduced to the team that they will be liaising with and get started on discovering the ropes to running the franchise business.
- On-site: On-site training typically focuses on training of the franchisee once the physical location has been established. Often, a franchise consultant or specialist comes in to train the franchisee in terms of how to operate equipment, how to bill for their products or services, how to market the business, etc.
- A day in the life of: Some franchisors prefer the immersive route and will take a new franchisee to an existing franchise location where they will experience “a day in the life of” an existing franchisee. This is to help them get a feel for how the business is run on a daily basis.
- Classroom training: Classroom training is another option that some franchisors pursue. This is where franchise training courses are presented to new franchisees where they literally sit in a classroom type environment and go over every aspect of running the business.
- Virtual training: Some franchisors who do not have a highly specialist set of criteria for training will offer virtual training sessions, which the new franchisee can join from the comfort of their own home while connecting to the training programme online.
- Hybrid training: There is also hybrid training, which refers to a combination of virtual training and classroom or on-site training.
- Team training: Once a new franchisee is onboarded and receives training, it’s also possible in some cases for the franchisor to train their employees. Team training, therefore, looks at equipping the employees of the new franchisees with skills and resources to be able to run the business and serve customers according to consistent brand standards.
- Additional/ongoing training: Additional or ongoing training can be a type of a refresher course that’s offered periodically to franchisees after they’ve launched their franchise business. However, it can also entail new updates and business developments that they need to be aware of.
- Mentorship: Finally, some franchisors offer mentorship programmes where they assign a business development manager to assist the new franchisee in every aspect of running their business as a type of personal consultant and even coach.
What are the benefits of franchise training?
It goes without saying that franchise training comes with a whole suit of benefits for the franchisor and the new franchisee. On the one hand, the franchisor will have more certainty that their business and brand will remain true and trusted by consumers when a consistent service is offered. On the other hand, franchisees will learn and be equipped to:
- Replicate the franchise business model
- Succeed in running the business given the detailed instructions they’ve received and skills they’ve developed
- Have access to all the tools, resources and support available in addition to how best use them for maximum effect
- Gain access to information related to the technical aspects of running their franchise operation
- Realise their full potential in managing the franchise and solidifying the franchise brand
Final thoughts
Franchise training is often a non-negotiable aspect to running a new franchise business. And the benefits of franchise training are undeniable. Equipping a new franchisee with all the tools and knowledge they need to thrive in a new business venture is good for both the franchisor and the franchisee. Overall, it’s a sure-fire way to maintain brand consistency and standards while helping the overall brand succeed in a competitive marketplace.
If you would like to find out more about the Belvoir Franchise Group’s franchise opportunities, training programmes and anything else about how to get started with your own franchise in the lucrative property industry, don’t hesitate to reach out and get in touch with us. Our friendly team is at your service, ready to help.
