When you buy a franchise, you’re paying for the right to use the franchisors proprietary systems. Some of these include their marketing systems, computer and software systems, inventory management systems and more.
But, you won’t be able to use any of their business systems unless you know how to use them. That’s where the franchisors formal training program comes in. It’s part of what you’re paying for when you purchase a franchise.
Are Franchise Training Programs Good?
I can’t think of one occasion in which a client of mine told me the training they received from their franchisor was disappointing. But, since this is your money we’re talking about…it’s you that will be buying the franchise, it’s important for you to make sure the training you’ll receive from franchise headquarters will be good. Here’s how:
Call existing franchisees of the franchise concept you’re thinking of buying and ask them to share their views on the training they received. It should be part of your due diligence.
Types of Franchise Training
These days, technology plays a major part of company training programs. Expect the franchisor to utilize technology in their training program.
One way franchisors use technology to train their franchisees is to have some setup online. That’s right: Part of your training may be online. I’ve seen franchisors do what’s called pre-training online. Pre-training takes place a few weeks before you arrive at franchise headquarters for in-person training. I’ve found pre-training to be a great way for new franchisees to get their feet wet and have a head start on what’s to come when they arrive at headquarters for more intensive formal training.
The formal, in-headquarters training will end up having the biggest impact on you. The training that takes place at headquarters is pretty intensive. It’s designed to prepare you for all of your day-to-day activities as a franchise owner. You’ll go through the entire operations manual. You’ll be trained on things like:
· Computer systems
· Inventory systems
· Point of sale systems
· Payroll management
· Sales
· Marketing
· Advertising
· Customer service *
You’ll learn a lot in a short period of time. (Training programs at franchise headquarters are usually 3-5 days in length)
If the thought of learning everything about running your new franchise business in a few short days sounds overwhelming, you’re not alone. Every franchisee before you thought the same exact thing, and their businesses are up and running. Yours will be too.
You could always ask some of the existing franchisees if the training they received prepared them to open and run their businesses adequately. The answers you get will give you a good idea of the quality of the franchisors training program. And, you’ll get a good idea of what to expect as a new franchise owner early on in your business.
Franchisors want you to be successful. They know you’ll be apprehensive in the weeks and days before you actually open. Their training programs are designed to make sure you’re ready.
*Non-US Government link.
Via: The Industry Word
