If youre a prospective franchisee, whether it’s a staffing franchise your considering or any other, make no mistake: franchise training programs are operated primarily to ensure that all franchises are operated in an identical fashion according to the franchisors system. In other words, while helping you achieve success is definitely in the franchisors best interest, much of their training is design to make sure you follow THEIR system, because they need to achieve consistency in their brand. But a good franchise training program will also give you many of the tools you need to be successful. In fact, you probably need a good franchise training program in order to make your business work.
What Sort of Franchise Training Program Should You Look For?
There’s no formula for a great franchise training program. A lot depends on the sort of franchise you’re buying into. But there are some features you should definitely look for.
Ample Time: At Least One Full Week of Intensive On-Site Franchise Training
A strong franchise training program should include everything you need to know about your business category, as well as your particular product or service. It should provide training on how you obtain equipment and supplies, how you staff your business, how you market it, how you address real estate issues and and how you use your resources to manage the business effectively. If this seems like a lot, thats because it is. It is also vitally important to your ultimate success. You probably cant accomplish this sort of training in less than a solid week. The strongest franchise training programs, especially for complicated businesses, can run as long as four solid weeks at either the franchisors headquarters or an active location. Thats a big investment in time. But remember, youve already made a big investment in money; you need to maximize your chances of success. If the franchise training program seems skimpy to you, it may not be enough to set you on the proper path.
Strong Word of Mouth: Good Buzz from Existing Franchisees
Before you purchase a franchise, you will certainly talk to some existing franchisees. You should definitely bring up the subject of training. No one will have a clearer picture of the effectiveness of the program than the people who have been through it.
Excellent Franchise Training Materials: A Complete Reference Manual
No matter how good the training, you will have more questions once your new business is up and running. Thats why strong training programs include a good reference manual, both a physical manual and an online version. It wont stop you from asking questions, but it should answer some for you and fill out many of the gaps in your knowledge.
Ongoing Franchise Training: Is There a Program?
Training doesnt have to stop when you open your doors for business. The world and your business are always changing. Find out what sort of training your franchisor provides AFTER the initial training concludes.
In the flush of excitement over finding a franchise you believe may suit you, dont forget the necessity of learning more to make it work for you. Before signing on the dotted line, you should study the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) to determine if the franchise training program is strong enough to help you achieve your businesss potential. If you have ANY questions about it, dont hesitate to ask them. It could be the difference between success and failure.