Franchising is a popular business model that offers entrepreneurs the opportunity to own and operate their own business under an established brand name. While it can be a lucrative and rewarding experience, franchising comes with its own set of unique challenges that must be addressed to achieve sustainable growth. In a recent video, several challenges that franchisees face in growing their businesses were discussed, as well as strategies to overcome these obstacles.
One major challenge that franchisees face is a lack of preparedness to delegate responsibilities and train staff. Many franchisees are used to being hands-on and involved in all aspects of their business, but to grow and expand, it’s necessary to delegate tasks to others. Overcoming this hurdle requires defining policies, procedures, and processes clearly, documenting them, and delegating them. By doing so, franchisees can free up their time to focus on higher-level tasks that are essential for growth.
Another key factor in franchise growth is developing a robust leadership plan for future leaders. This involves identifying potential leaders within the organization and providing them with the training and support they need to succeed. By doing so, franchisees can ensure that their businesses continue to thrive long after they’ve moved on.
Of course, time, people, and money are three essential resources necessary for growth, and franchisees must carefully manage all three. This means prioritizing tasks, hiring the right people, and making smart financial decisions. Additionally, franchisees need to ask the right people for advice. This includes seeking guidance from their franchisor, other franchisees, and industry experts.
Another important strategy for franchise growth is to put younger leaders in positions to think globally. This means empowering them to take risks, try new things, and expand their horizons beyond the local market. By doing so, franchisees can tap into new sources of revenue and build a more resilient business.
Finally, it’s important for franchisees to have a larger purpose than just making money. This means identifying a mission or vision that goes beyond the bottom line and connects with customers and employees on a deeper level. By doing so, franchisees can build a more meaningful and impactful business that resonates with their target audience.
In conclusion, while franchise growth is not without its challenges, there are several strategies that franchisees can use to overcome these obstacles. By delegating responsibilities, developing a robust leadership plan, managing time, people, and money effectively, seeking out advice, empowering younger leaders, and focusing on a larger purpose, franchisees can build a thriving business that provides long-term success and fulfillment.
For more insight:
Visit the “Franchisee Succession: How to Grow & Build Value” discussion page or select one of the additional episodes of the series below:
- Franchise Success: Understanding Your Goals and Planning for the Future
- Understanding the Difference Between Estate Planning and Succession Planning
- Building Resilience in Your Business
- Key Strategies for Retaining and Attracting Talent in Today’s Business World
- Expert Advice for Franchise Business Growth and Management
- Preparing for the Future as a Multi-Unit Franchisee
- Managing Inflation: Key Considerations for Franchise Owners and Business Leaders
Resources
- American Franchise Academy: assistance for franchise leaders in building a successful growing enterprise so that they can achieve their business & financial goals.
- Succession Readiness Survey: A 7-minute investment in time will put you in an informed position of opportunities many business owners overlook, impacting business value, growth, and lifestyle, and ultimately achieving your vision.
- Contact a Succession Planner: The Rawls Group can help you with insights and other resources and see if it makes sense to work together. At the very least, in 30 minutes, you may get some ideas you can apply to your business immediately.
Strategic Planning
The only constant one can plan for is change. Strategic planning positions the business to address the probable, possible, and potential contingencies impacting business success. 
Click the following link for more drill-down resources on Strategic Planning
Sign up for our monthly e-newsletter to stay informed on how to overcome related succession planning issues.
We can help you with insights, other resources, and see if it makes sense to work together. At the very least, in 30 minutes, you may get some ideas you can apply to your business right away.
