Time-consuming and repetitive tasks are a common issue faced by franchisors throughout their journey. These can include accounting, internal project tracking, administrative formalities, and more. In an effort to optimize efficiency, it makes sense to outsource some of these tasks which, although not very stimulating, remain essential. Here, we present a few actions you can implement as a franchisor to optimize your time and focus on your core business.
Opt for a network management software
Performing repetitive tasks, even the easiest ones, increases the risk of error. To minimize this risk, technology has introduced a new approach: the automation of various processes. It helps better structure these processes and reduce their execution time through algorithms that automatically carry out the related tasks.
A management software like Cerca includes the components needed to support the entire core business of your company. With over 250 features, it allows you to:
To manage and organize your network
Running a franchise, means organizing and developing a network of businesses of various sizes that rely on your expertise. Having such a software allows for the management and reporting of network events. You can easily organize sales challenges and surveys to engage your teams. Since franchisees require specific training to get started, Cerca enables the creation of interactive training programs. All tests and results are visible online.
Networking means managing projects and working in a collaborative way. It gives you access to public or private workgroups with discussion threads. You can therefore track internal projects with a task manager and a reminder system. Also, your network coordinators will quickly realize the usefulness of good management software, communications are smooth and any issues can easily be reported.
Recruit future franchisees
A space where you showcase your visuals, news, videos, and gradually provide access to content aimed at franchisee training is available. Very quickly, the candidate is reassured by the professionalism and the rigor of the candidate process. It reveals powerful tools for the future franchisee’s success and business development. In one go, you can configure the candidate journey by adapting it to an existing model.
Cerca allows you to automate many tasks by configuring them just once. You can make adjustments when needed. The recruitment of your future franchisees is then carried out much more smoothly and efficiently.
Efficiently manage your schedule and network events
This management can only be optimal if you know how to distribute the various actions to be carried out within your team. This can be done on a daily basis, but you risk wasting time. Therefore, a long-term distribution should be implemented. Several factors then come into play:
Evaluating how your teams are organized and how they work
You need to be certain of your teams’ motivation, well-being, and performance. To do so, communicate with them to gain more insight into each person’s specificities. Everyone has a good understanding of the tasks that suit them best. You can use this as a basis to allocate the work. After conducting this evaluation — which, in a way, was the employee’s responsibility — you may call on a third party. The aim here is to be as objective as possible. This could be a department manager or a specialist in work organization.
Taking individual differences into account
You are looking to optimize your time usage. But don’t forget that you are also aiming for a certain level of performance and consistency. You must therefore take into account the differences of each team member to avoid tasks being rushed or poorly executed. Here, communication is key, but more importantly, you must be able to look beyond their know-how or technical skills. The human aspect must also be considered.
Saving time when distributing tasks
To do this, use a task allocation table. It includes the roles and responsibilities of each team member, as well as the means they must implement to achieve their objectives. The allocation criteria are:
- Working time
- The qualifications of each team member
- The aspirations of each team member
Franchisors, learn to take a step back
You hold in your hands the projects or dreams of many people who are counting on you. And in this pressure-filled environment, taking the time to reflect is not always easy. As a result, you may quickly lose track and fail to consider the specific needs of each of your franchisees. At some point, you’ll need to slow down and question everything.
You hold in your hands the projects and dreams of many people who trust you. And in this high-pressure environment, taking the time to reflect is not always easy. You can quickly lose sight of things and forget the specific needs of each of your franchisees. At some point, you’ll need to take your foot off the gas and rethink everything.</span
- growth of revenue and profits
- Profitability
- Financial strength
- Self-financing capacity
- Working capital
Moreover, taking a step back may lead you to choose the following final point:
Knowing how to delegate to qualified staff
Many franchises welcome franchisees who do not necessarily come from the same industry. Even within teams, there may be professions whose activities can be better handled by an external professional to the company. It is important to be able to identify such situations and have the wisdom to delegate. You can’t do everything yourself, and ultimately, performance is the goal. Since franchises are all about promoting the strength of the network, you can therefore call on:
- Marketing managers
- Marketing agencies for your communication.
An accounting firm is also an option. It’s an economically viable solution when you need:
- Good recommendations on management tools
- A global view of your business in real time
In short, all these solutions allow you to dedicate more time to your core business. They mainly consist of outsourcing anything that is time-consuming or better done by others. And to be sure you make the best choices, you’ll need to know how to take a step back. Considering all this, and with a good management software, your franchise will be in excellent shape.
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