You're expanding your franchise. How do you maintain core values without dilution?

First, you need to define and establish your brand's core values. Then, create a recruitment system that ensures potential franchisees align with these values. If their core values don't match, no matter how well you communicate, they won't fully implement them. While you can guide and coach franchise partners to align better, you can't completely change their fundamental values.

Your core values are defined by the way that your organization operates. The manner in which you treat customers, vendors, employees, and competitor's expresses your company's true values, so when you start writing them down and using them for marketing, you need to make sure that you are also living those values. Your brand values should inform your business process. Once you have consistency between what you say and what you do, it becomes fairly simple to convey your core values to prospective franchisees. Then it is important to only approve candidates that are willing to attest to their support of those values, because operational compliance will require them to do so.

Ensure your planned growth trajectory does not outstrip your ability to provide support to existing franchisees. Also, maintain a keen focus on unit economics. If existing franchisees feel supported and are making money, they are more likely to remain connected to the core values and contribute in a positive way to the culture of your brand.

Debes crear un proceso que sea lo suficientemente estricto en el cual puedas saber si tus potenciales franquiciados se alinean con los valores de tu empresa. Y muy importante es que estés dispuesto a tener que rechazar muchas propuestas de compra de tu franquicia porque los inversores simplemente no se alinean con los valores de tu marca. Es un coste de oportunidad que debes afrontar si quieres seguir teniendo control sobre la reputación de tu marca y empresa en el mercado.

I was talking to a franchisor client of mine recently. I think it's important to build a picture for franchisees about what those values mean... How will your franchisee see, hear and feel those values in the way you deal with them? How do you expect customers to see, hear and feel those values through the products and / or services they receive? How will those values be embodied in the digital presence of the brand? How about when there's a complaint? Will you remain grounded in those values then? Can they help you in finding resolutions? Explaining the why, and getting the franchisee bought in to those values as a culture early on will help to embed the values in the culture of the organisation.

Specific Training Programs that builds core values are valuable assets to the Franchise Development Program It is important to maintain a life-long learning experience to keep each Franchisee engaged and prepared based on future trends and specially Technological knowledge. It is essential that each training helps to maintain a laser focused approach to keep the core values on top of mind for an effective workforce

Integrate core values into all training materials and sessions. Consider role-playing exercises that demonstrate how to apply these values in various customer service scenarios.

Use multiple channels to reinforce your core values regularly. This could include a monthly newsletter highlighting franchisees who exemplify these values, or a dedicated section in your franchise intranet for sharing success stories.

When completing business plans and reviews, can your values be pulled in so they're a fundamental part of the direction of each franchisee's business?

One should implement an evaluation matrix which between the lines reflect and values franchisee is following. Don't forget to recognize and reward for good performance.

You could implement awards at your conferences and events for those who embody the brand values consistently. Measuring customer feedback as part of your evaluation process will give you great insights into the delivery of the product or service.

Develop a balanced scorecard that includes metrics related to core values alongside financial performance. For instance, assess customer feedback on service quality or community involvement initiatives.

Brand ambassadors are good referencing. People relate more to them against lectures or instructions. Their story, legacy and story has greater impact on the recipients.

I love this idea... Having franchisees who are an example to the rest of the group is incredibly helpful. New franchisees can follow their lead and model their behaviours, too. Could new franchisees be assigned a 'buddy'? This could be somebody who has built the business, adhered to the franchise model, and been successful as a result.

Rencontrer le fondateur d’un réseau de franchise, c'est découvrir l’histoire qui a fa?onné la marque et comprendre les valeurs profondes qui guident le développement. Dès les débuts, son parcours a été marqué par la passion, l’innovation et une vision claire : créer un modèle entrepreneurial solide et pérenne. Ce développement renforcé n’est pas le fruit du hasard, mais le résultat d’une conviction profonde que les valeurs sont bien plus que des mots. Elles sont les fondements de notre réussite collective, l'ame de notre entreprise, et le moteur qui inspire chaque franchisé à batir son propre succès tout en restant fidèle à l'esprit d'origine.

Identifying and empowering brand ambassadors within your franchise network can be a powerful way to maintain and propagate core values. Here's a few ways they can have impact: Mentor new franchisees Speak at franchise conferences or training sessions Contribute to the development of training materials Participate in problem-solving task forces Represent the brand in local community events