The 90-Day Plan: Key to Your Franchise Success

You’ve done the research. You’ve chosen the right franchise fit. You’ve gone through the due diligence process, and now, you’re officially a franchise owner.

Congratulations! But here’s the reality check: now the real work begins. And in franchising, how you navigate the first 90 days can be the difference between constant chaos and setting the foundation for long-term success.

In the last newsletter, we discussed the franchise brand vetting process—how a brand aligns with your vision, values, and strengths. This decision is critical. But once that decision is made, the focus shifts to execution. Think of it like launching a startup: you can have the best idea in the world, but if you don’t execute from day one, it doesn’t matter. In the franchise world, the first 90 days are where you build the habits, the systems, and the momentum that will carry you forward.

So, let’s talk about why those first 90 days matter so much and what you should be focusing on during this crucial period.

Why the First 90 Days Matter

The first 90 days aren’t just about getting the doors open—they’re about setting the tone for your entire franchise journey. The systems and habits you establish now will carry you through the inevitable challenges ahead. Think of it like creating your own Amazon. Jeff Bezos didn’t start with the Amazon we know today—he began with a small operation selling books from his garage, fully focused on building a scalable model. That's exactly what you’re doing in these first 90 days: laying the groundwork for something much bigger.

The next three months are critical to establishing your leadership, setting up operations, and gaining momentum. Miss this window, and it’s hard to catch up. Nail it, and you’re well on your way to building a successful, scalable business.

Key Focus Areas in the First 90 Days

1. Operations Setup

Franchising is great because you’re buying into a proven system. But systems only work if you execute them properly. The first 90 days are all about following the franchisor’s playbook, setting up local systems, and getting your operations running smoothly.

During this time, be sure to lean on the operational training provided by your franchisor. They’ve already worked out the kinks, so you don’t have to reinvent the wheel. Also, don’t be shy about tapping into the experiences of current franchisees—learn from their early successes and avoid the traps they may have fallen into. Ask a lot of questions and be a sponge with the information.

2. Building Your Team

You might have hired teams before in your corporate life, but this is different. In your first 90 days, you’re not just hiring employees—you’re building a culture. The people you bring on board now will help shape the success of your franchise.

Training your team early is crucial. You want to instill your vision, ensure they understand your brand and values, and set a standard for operational excellence. A strong team from the start means smoother operations and fewer headaches down the line.

3. Establishing Customer Relationships

Your grand opening might get all the attention, but don’t forget about the soft opening or the first couple of months where you’re still getting into the groove. This is your chance to practice, refine, and establish relationships with early customers.

Friends and family soft openings give you a low-pressure environment to test everything before the grand reveal. Once you’re fully operational, prioritize customer engagement and feedback. First impressions matter, and these early customers will be your best advocates—or your loudest critics.

4. Learning and Adaptation

Franchise ownership is a constant learning curve. No matter how well-prepared you are, things will come up that you didn’t anticipate. That’s why the first 90 days should be filled with constant learning and adaptation.

Get feedback from your team, your customers, and your fellow franchisees. Keep track of your key performance indicators (KPIs) and be willing to tweak your approach as needed. My book provides tools and tips for how to evaluate your progress in these early days, ensuring you’re staying on track while learning from the inevitable challenges.

How My Book Supports Franchisees Through the First 90 Days

The first 90 days are critical, but they don’t have to be overwhelming. In ???????? ?????????? ???? 90-?????? ??????????????: ?????? ????????????????????'?? ???????????????? ?????? ?????????? ????????, I break down step-by-step strategies to help you execute your plan with confidence. From operational checklists to team-building exercises, my book is filled with practical advice to guide you through this period.

Inside, you’ll find tools designed specifically for new franchisees—things like how to set up your daily routines, manage your finances, and track customer satisfaction. These actionable steps help ensure you’re not just busy in those first 90 days but actually moving toward your long-term goals.

The Role of the Franchisor in Your First 90 Days

Remember, you’re not in this alone. One of the greatest benefits of franchising is the support that comes with it. During the first 90 days, look to your franchisor for operational training, marketing support, and ongoing coaching to help you get off the ground.

When I help clients select a franchise, I emphasize the importance of a franchisor’s support system. The brands I recommend are led by executives who prioritize franchisee success, especially in those first few months. A franchisor who is actively involved in helping you during this period can make all the difference.

Your Next Move

Now that you know how critical the first 90 days are, it’s time to start planning for success. Whether you’re just starting to explore franchise options or are already getting ready for launch, the next step is to set yourself up for those crucial early wins.

Let’s schedule a call to discuss how you ensure your first 90 days go smoothly. I help franchisees navigate this period successfully, and I can do the same for you. Click the link in the comments to schedule your free consultation. Together, we’ll make sure you’re on the path to long-term franchise success.

#94XMovement #Franchising #SmallBusinessOwner #1st90Days #Franchisee #FranchiseOwner