Building Better Franchisees: 6 Training Tips That Actually Work

You’ve got a winning franchise concept. The systems are sharp, the brand is compelling, and customers love what you bring to the table. Now, it’s time to scale by bringing franchisees into the mix. Exciting, right?  

But the thing is, handing over your proven playbook and expecting instant success is like giving someone a recipe and assuming they’ll become a Michelin-starred chef overnight. Our franchise digital marketing experts can tell you that there’s a whole lot more that goes into it.  

When franchisees succeed, your brand grows stronger. When they flounder, well, that’s a headache nobody wants. And let’s face it: franchisee success doesn’t happen by chance. It comes down to preparation, guidance, and a solid foundation.  

That’s where training steps in. Not just any training – but training that’s engaging, meaningful, and tailored to what your franchisees actually need to thrive.

So, how do you make it work? How do you set franchisees up for a journey that’s not just profitable but rewarding for everyone involved? Keep reading as we explore six training tips that truly work!

Tip #1: Start With Hands-On Learning

Reading a manual or watching a training video can only take you so far. The best way for franchisees to learn is by doing.  

Build hands-on experiences into your training program right from the start. Whether it’s shadowing an experienced operator, working the front lines of an established location, or practicing key tasks in a mock setting, nothing beats hands-on experience.

Why does this work so well? Because it helps franchisees connect the dots between theory and practice. Rather than just memorizing processes, they’re applying them in real-world scenarios. Plus, hands-on training builds confidence - franchisees see they can handle challenges before they officially open their doors.  

You can even throw in a few real-world scenarios to keep it interesting. Have them handle a mock rush hour, deal with a difficult customer, or troubleshoot a common equipment issue. This way, they’re not caught off guard when those moments inevitably happen.

Tip #2: Break It Down into Bite-Sized Steps

Nobody wants to sit through hours of training and feel like their brain’s going to explode. The secret? Break things down into bite-sized, manageable steps.  

Instead of cramming everything into a marathon session, cover one topic at a time. Break your training into digestible, bite-sized pieces. This makes it easier for your franchisees to focus and actually remember what they’ve learned.

Let’s say you’re teaching them about customer service. Spend the morning going over the basics, like greeting customers and handling complaints. Then, give them the afternoon to practice what they’ve learned. The following day, move on to inventory management or marketing. Breaking it up like this keeps things fresh and way less overwhelming.

Remember, people learn better when they feel like they’re succeeding along the way. Celebrate small wins during training, like mastering a task or hitting a practice sales target. This keeps morale high and reinforces that they’re making progress.

Tip #3: Use Real Stories to Teach

Facts and instructions are essential, but you know what sticks with people? Stories.  

Sharing real-life examples during training brings the material to life. Whether it’s a success story about a franchisee who turned things around or a cautionary tale about someone who learned the hard way, stories are relatable, memorable, and impactful.

For example, instead of just saying, “It’s important to follow the franchise digital marketing playbook,” share a story about a franchisee who went rogue and struggled because of it. Or, highlight someone who saw their sales skyrocket by sticking to the proven system.  

These anecdotes give your franchisees a “why” behind the rules and help them understand the bigger picture. Not to mention, they spark conversations, questions, and even laughs. So, dig into your archives, talk to veteran franchisees, and collect the kind of stories that inspire and teach at the same time.

Tip #4: Make It Interactive

Training isn’t a one-way street. It works best when everyone’s participating.  

Get your franchisees involved with things like role-playing, brainstorming sessions, and practical problem-solving. Not only does this keep them invested, but it also helps them actually use what they’re learning.

Supposed you’re teaching them how to handle a customer complaint. Don’t just tell them what to do - set up a fun role-play scenario. One can play the annoyed customer, and another can be the franchise owner working to smooth things over. It’s a little goofy at first, sure, but it can definitely boost their confidence in handling tough situations.

Be sure to ask questions and spark discussions. Your franchisees probably have great ideas or concerns you haven’t even thought of. Give them room to share, and you’ll turn a boring training into a real conversation that everyone learns from.

Tip #5: Let Tech Do the Heavy Lifting

Why make training harder than it has to be? With the right tech, you can make things easier and more flexible for everyone involved.  

Tools like online videos, apps, and learning platforms can work wonders for your franchisees. They can learn at their own speed, revisit lessons when they’re stuck, and keep building their skills without feeling rushed.

Picture this: a video library packed with bite-sized guides like “How to Manage Payroll” or “Franchise Digital Marketing 101”. Your franchisees can pull it up anytime, as if they have a personal coach in their pocket. If it’s phone-friendly and easy to navigate, even better - they’ll love having help just a click away.

Best of all, technology keeps everything consistent. No matter where your franchisees are or how busy things get, everyone’s learning from the same high-quality resources.  

Tip #6: Keep the Support Going

Training doesn’t end when the first sessions wrap up. As a matter of fact, it’s just the beginning.

You see, franchisees are bound to bump into questions once they’re out there running the show, and that’s where ongoing support plays a vital part. Regular check-ins, quick phone calls, or even the occasional refresher webinar can make a world of difference. It’s like giving them a lifeline when they need it most.

When your franchisees know they can reach out for help or clarification, they’ll feel less overwhelmed. It’s not just about fixing problems; it’s about letting them know they’ve got a team in their corner cheering them on and ready to help them succeed.

On top of that, these follow-ups are a great way to catch little issues before they turn into big headaches. Whether you’re tweaking a system, sharing a new strategy, or just giving them a morale boost, this kind of support keeps things running smoothly and helps build their confidence.

Let’s Set Your Brand Up for the Long Game

From hands-on learning and using technology to building a solid support system, these tips can help your franchisees succeed. And when they succeed, your entire brand grows stronger.

But training is just one part of the puzzle. If you’re looking to promote your franchise or elevate your business, look no further. At Digital Resource, we specialize in franchise digital marketing, and we know how to turn those online goals of yours into a reality.  

Get in touch with us today.