Why franchisees should be a part of your strategic planning

As the backbone of a business, franchisors are responsible for providing their franchisees with the tools and training required to help them succeed. However, once franchisees have settled into the day-to-day running of a business, how can a franchisor continue to motivate and inspire them?”

While practical help such as implementing technology, handling the marketing and offering advice and support are all essential, this is not enough to ensure franchisees remain engaged with the company’s vision and embrace changes designed to move the business forward.

Many people who are part of a franchise network are not directly involved in head-office decisions on business strategy and future plans. Yet getting franchisees involved in strategic thinking and growth planning can be one of the best ways to engage with them and create an aligned culture that helps a franchise flourish. Franchisors spend a lot of time planning how to move the operation forward and grow the business but if they don’t involve franchisees in the planning process, they may find that they are resistant to change.

Communication might also be an issue. Franchisors need to communicate openly with their team to ensure that everyone understands why decisions are being made, as well as how they will benefit individuals and the team as a whole. It’s natural that when franchisees haven’t been involved in head-office discussions, they may struggle to understand the reasoning behind the changes being made. Presenting franchisees with a strategic plan and expecting them to implement it without proper explanation can result in resentment and a lack of motivation.

Franchisors need to realise that there’s plenty of space to engage everyone in the network; this will encourage franchises to be enthusiastic about improving the company’s strategy. Successful franchisors are the ones that ensure their franchisees understand the wider industry and discuss any developments with them so they can agree how to move forward. They welcome input and accept feedback and suggestions for change. Franchisees also come from all walks of life, having diverse backgrounds and experience in different industries. This means they are a source of talent and ideas that franchisors need to make the most of.”

It may sound daunting to involve franchisees in the strategic planning process but the time and effort will pay off in the long run. Ultimately, they are more likely to implement a plan if they know they have contributed to it and that their input is valued.”