Peer Support: The Hidden Value Of The Franchise System

One of the biggest benefits of owning a franchise is the support system. You can lean on other franchise owners for advice and support since they have collective years-worth of first-hand experience. We take a look at why peer support is a huge advantage in the world of franchising.?

Being able to exchange thoughts and ideas with a network of other business owners who experience the same rewards and challenges each day can be an invaluable resource. This support from a wider network of people striving to reach the same goals helps franchisees individually and makes the entire system better in the process.

In my experience, a new franchisee knows very little upon joining and they will initially lean heavily on the franchisor for support and guidance. The franchisor can give them the knowledge and tools they need to succeed. After several years when their business is up and running, owners rely on the franchise support team incrementally less.

So, how do franchisees continue to grow and improve? It happens through communication with other franchisees and by sharing ideas. Franchisees have an incentive to help and support each other because the stronger the system is as a whole, the better off each franchisee is individually.?

I can provide a firsthand perspective of the challenges of operating a business without the peer support that comes from a franchise system. I was an independent business owner for several years and did not have the support of a system. If I had a question — like how to do a marketing program or troubleshoot a software problem — I didn’t have anyone to call. Independent business owners must figure out these things on their own. The only other people who really understand how their business works are their competitors, and they certainly aren’t going to give advice to others on how to improve.

My father owned a business for 30 years, and he once told me that being an independent business owner can be a lonely existence. Everything falls on the shoulders of the owner. In the case of the franchise system, there are other franchisees who are running an identical business. They have the exact same marketing programs, CRM systems and customer relationship issues. Having people who are intimately aware of what you face on a daily basis and can provide practical feedback is extremely beneficial.

There is also a psychological impact of not having to handle things completely alone and being part of a team. Since most franchise systems have exclusive territories, there is no disadvantage for owners to help each other. In fact, I’ve found that franchisees tend to be team players. Not only do they like receiving support from other owners, but they also enjoy returning the favor and helping others. This helps everyone stay engaged and motivated to reach their goals. As a franchise coach, it’s one of my favorite aspects of franchising.

Peer support can take place in many different forms. Most franchises have annual conferences to bring their franchisees together to exchange thoughts and best practices. Although the conference programs are led by the franchisor, they also feature breakout groups and social events aimed at getting franchisees together. There are other opportunities for franchisees to interact at regional meetings or as part of committees.

Many times, the interaction can come in the form of smaller, informal groups. Some of the most effective peer groups can be four to six people who meet on a weekly or monthly basis. They can exchange ideas on regularly scheduled conference calls or e-mail chains. Technology can make these conversations more frequent and personal through Zoom calls and text groups. Some franchisees can be part of several peer groups and learn different lessons from each. In some cases, the groups can foster a friendly and healthy competition between franchisees who are pushing themselves and each other to reach a common goal.

From a big picture perspective, peer collaboration is how all franchise systems grow and evolve. The franchisor initially creates the system and guides the direction of the franchise. To a large degree, the ongoing development comes with franchisees evolving and becoming better. Franchisees may test new marketing programs, plans for engaging customers or techniques to hire new employees. Over time, the successful methods are absorbed by the franchisor and are made to be part of the system. Franchisors can see what can work for others, implement those changes and try to improve the collective system.

When a franchisee joins a system, they receive the benefits of the collective work that happens prior to their arrival. As an individual franchisee gains experience and a voice within the system, they add to that collective, which creates a benefit for everybody else. It’s all part of the franchise lifecycle.

At Office Pride, you will not only get coaching sessions and trainings, but you will also get support from other franchise members. You will build a great professional peer network and form wonderful friendships to last a lifetime!?

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