The importance of following systems.

Ok, this one is close to our heart.. As a Franchisor, I would say having elite systems and processes is one of the most compelling reasons to invest in a Franchise. Second to that, I would say following those systems and processes is absolute key for success.

When a business decides to take a leap of faith and Franchise the business, it is often because there is a special business model that is replicable.

In theory, a business has climbed the mountain doing things a certain way, then those systems/processes or magic sauce is captured and then rolled out to other ambitious entrepreneurs to follow.

Every day a Franchise brand will spend time on systems, that may be enhancing systems, driving systems, monitoring systems through the network or creating new systems after often universal feedback, trying/testing systems and piloting systems. Then there is the rollout of systems to the wider network. Some system upgrades can take months of due diligence.

That is the background about systems and processes, therefore here are some thoughts on this topic-

1. When looking to buy a Franchise or running a Franchise, systems and processes are the core of the business. Sure, there is the brand, the service/product but it is the systems and process that make the magic happen.
2. Understand the systems/processes- Each brand will clearly have a playbook and/or a HQ support centre, therefore I highly recommend being a student of the operation. Ask questions, learn, monitor and lean on your field support coach.
3. Extend your training to management/staff. A trap in Franchising is a Principal Franchise owner understands systems but at times, there can be some info missed in hand over and training. In other words, arm your staff with a strong training plan utilising systems and processes which gives that staff member the best chance for success in the role.
4. Systems enhance, update, upgrade over time, the key for the Brand is to communicate the change, test the change and ensure the upgrades are compelling, then it is up to the Franchise partner to adapt, be open minded and drive the upgrades. It is a trap for business owners (both Franchise and independent) to do what they did yesterday.
5. Communicate with your Franchise Support manager if you have ideas/thoughts to improve systems. We at LTYB always lean on Franchise owners who are at the coalface every day running systems and processes. Most brands should want to learn off Franchise partners. In short, collaboration is key.

In summary, systems/processes and repetition is key for ongoing success. The one thing we as a 23 year young brand have learnt over the years is follow systems is the single biggest factor for performance.

Closing tips, if you are a brand, always collaborate and understand what is happening day to day from Franchise owners, if you are a Franchise partner, following proven systems and processes will give you the best chance for success.

Hope you take 1 thing out of this 130 sec read.

Feel free to reach out anytime.

Ben Fletcher

Founder/CEO- Listen To Your Body