Developing the Right Culture Within a Franchise Organization

Validation and multi-unit ownership are strong indicators that positively memorable experiences exist within your franchise system. Another way to confirm the existence of these experiences is simply to ask your franchisees: Would you do it all over again? However, as a franchisor you must first earn the right to even be taken seriously before asking this question.

As you head down the path of creating positively memorable experiences with each and every franchisee, be sure to consider ALL touch points — even those beyond the obvious interactions of in-person, by phone and via email. Think digitally!

How do you interact with franchisees on social media? How do you come across to your franchisees in LinkedIn discussion groups? Is there common courtesy? Are you proud of each other’s actions within these platforms?

Many will refer to all of this as being great in theory, and not really practical. But just think what could happen if every touch point were seen as another opportunity to create or enhance a positively memorable experience. How would that change the culture of your franchise system? How would that lend towards growing your brand? Think of the [positive] ripple effect.

When interacting with your franchisees, keep the famous Maya Angelou quote in mind…

“People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

Here are six key points to creating positively memorable experiences in a franchise organization — all are essential the right culture within a franchise organization:

1. Understanding the true meaning AND spirit of interdependent franchise relationships. This must be shared and exemplified at every point of contact with franchisees.
2. Developing the right culture at all levels. Be careful- culture is also defined as bacteria! This takes time and commitment, and is a reflection of how people, whether franchisees, employees, suppliers or others, are treated at all times.
3. Creating an environment of truth, trust and transparency based upon open, two-way communications — the cornerstone of creating the right culture. Think of a three-legged stool that could hold a great deal of weight when fully intact, yet would immediately fall under its own weight if one leg was compromised.
4. Establishing your franchise system as family. Treat them as such but understand that this is not the typical type of family of yesteryear with subservience to the head of the household. Mutual respect is paramount!
5. Building an environment of bottom-up profitability and growth with ALL parties to the franchise agreement and other related agreements focused on mutual goals and objectives. All must sing out of the same hymnal, and not just for dress rehearsal — so be sure to give them the hymn book.
6. Positively Memorable Experiences — Live it and breathe it every day for optimum results!

Have a great day. Make it happen. Make it count!