New York Times bestselling author Rory Vaden said, “The franchise model is great because most people who are entrepreneurial want flexibility and time to do what they love. A lot [of] home business entrepreneurs struggle because they have to do everything.”
However, while the model is ideal, it doesn’t always translate into immediate flexibility. While working remotely is one way of untethering yourself from your desk, it’s not a stand-alone solution. If you’re starting a new franchise or are busy being the boss running one, you need to create a business that allows you to do the job without being in the office, which requires strategic planning, training, and operational efficiency.
Steps to follow
Develop team management structures
Strategic planning and clear communication are crucial to ensuring your team operates efficiently, even when not under your watch.
Start by creating a hierarchy or chain of command that establishes a clear structure within the franchise. This ensures there’s a point of contact to maintain workflow continuity and accountability for everyone in the workplace. It also establishes a support network, not just for yourself but everyone on the team.
Thereafter, draw up a comprehensive plan outlining daily operations, expectations, and contingency strategies to guide your team. Clearly define responsibilities, provide detailed instructions, and include examples to minimise misunderstandings.
To maintain the structure’s integrity, ensure team members track their progress through regular reports. This creates a culture of accountability and keeps you informed of your business’s performance.
Create an effective operations system
Once your management structures are firmly established, the next step is implementing robust Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) that ensure your franchise runs smoothly in your absence. A well-designed system maintains day-to-day functionality and supports long-term growth by standardising processes and minimising disruptions.
Begin by ensuring all employees thoroughly understand their tasks, workflows, and expectations. A detailed franchise operations manual, digital knowledge base, or SOP handbook can serve as a reference guide, ensuring staff access to critical information whenever needed.
To further enhance efficiency, integrate automated reminders, checklists, and task management tools. These solutions help employees stay on track without requiring constant oversight.
A strong operations system also includes contingency planning. Establish protocols for handling common challenges and empower your team to make decisions within set guidelines. This approach prevents work backlogs and ensures seamless service delivery and high service standards, even in your absence.
Integrate a cloud-based system for easy access
A cloud-based system enhances the efficiency of your franchise by providing all team members with access to real-time data, updates, and records. This ensures clear communication, minimises confusion, and supports informed decision-making, regardless of your location.
These digital tools also streamline operations by enabling the automated tracking of tasks, deadlines, and performance metrics, reducing the need for direct oversight. Many cloud-based systems offer role-based access controls, ensuring employees only see relevant information based on their responsibilities.
Cloud solutions create a more structured and organised workflow when integrated with payroll, scheduling, and customer management systems.
Additionally, many cloud platforms seamlessly integrate with other business software, allowing you to manage everything from inventory to sales within a single system. This saves time and reduces errors while optimising overall operational efficiency, whether you’re on-site or managing remotely.
Automate HR processes
Cloud-based software can also be integral in HR management within your franchise business. Employment laws in Australia change often, affecting wages, leave, job contracts, and workplace safety.
For example, the minimum wage increased to $23.23 per hour in July 2023, and from December 2023, fixed-term contracts, including extensions, can’t last more than two years.
Keeping up with these changes is important to avoid legal issues, but tracking them manually and ensuring all your systems and documentation are current can be challenging and time-consuming. However, cloud-based HR systems generally update automatically when laws change.
This keeps payroll, contracts, and policies accurate, helping you to stay compliant without constantly checking for updates.
Connect via video conference
Being out of the office doesn’t negate face-to-face communication. In the last few years, we’ve all become used to video calls, an efficient, time- and resource-saving way to hold crucial meetings.
Popular video conferencing platforms, such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Google Meet, offer reliable solutions for virtual meetings. These tools allow you to stay connected with staff, suppliers, and other stakeholders.
Many of these tools also integrate with project management systems like Slack, Asana, and Trello, enhancing workflow efficiency and collaboration.
Investing in high-quality webcams, microphones, and conference room setups ensures virtual meetings are as professional and effective as in-person discussions. Additionally, establishing clear guidelines on meeting etiquette, such as setting agendas, using screen-sharing tools or virtual whiteboards and visual aids effectively, and recording key discussions, helps keep communication structured and productive.
Invest in training
Training plays a critical role in maintaining consistency across a franchise and is essential for every member of your team.
Your employees must be equipped to handle their daily tasks and fully understand the specific rules, regulations, and standard operating procedures that apply to your business and the franchise as a whole.
To do this, you should implement structured training programs to ensure employees are well-versed in company policies, compliance standards, and best practices. This should not be a one-off pursuit, either. Regular training and refresher courses will keep your team sharp and make it easier for them to operate independently without you having to micromanage them on-site.
Investing in regular training also offers other benefits, as new hires become proficient and productive sooner, while experienced staff are upskilled and become better prepared to address challenges. Doing so will improve the overall strength of your franchise business and ensure smooth day-to-day operations. It also allows you to focus on growth rather than being bogged down by ongoing issues.
Creating a franchise business model that works without you
Steven Beagelman summed it up well when he said, “Building a strong foundation through comprehensive training and ongoing support is crucial for both franchisors and franchisees to drive success in the industry.”
The key is to build a self-sustaining operation that allows you to step away when needed without compromising on service delivery, quality, or integrity.
Meta Title: Run Your Franchise From Anywhere | Business Franchise Australia AU
Description: Learn to manage your franchise efficiently without being tied to the office. Build strong systems, train your team, and use smart tools to stay in control.
Addisson Shaw is a passionate writer with a background in data science. Her writing focuses on the wonders of technology in marketing and business management. During her free time, Addisson loves exploring the outdoors enjoys going on hikes with her friends.