Handling postal service disruptions at Christmas
For franchises that sell products online and ship them...
As a new franchisee, one of the best things you can do for yourself--and your business--is to get on the same page with your franchisor. From the very beginning, you will want to make sure that everyone involved is working together toward a common goal. When you are on the same wavelength as your franchisor, your location will run smoothly, earn more and grow more authentically to the brand. To get yourself on the same page with your franchisor from the outset, keep the following methods in mind.
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Stay in close contact with your brand
Regular, clear communication is necessary for you to align with your franchisor. Email, call and schedule meetings with your brand, and be open about what is on your mind. Your franchisor cannot read your thoughts, and you cannot read theirs, so it is crucial that you are honest and open with them.
Make sure you have a point of contact within your franchisor's company whom you can talk to regularly. Ask your questions, discuss the business with them, and get feedback. This will demonstrate an open relationship in which you are ready to learn and improve yourself in the process. In addition, the information you learn can help you boost your business and avoid mistakes you could have sidestepped with just a little foreknowledge.
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Ask the tough questions
You must be able to ask the hard questions to stay on the level with your franchisor. Don't be afraid to ask the questions that may arise up to and during the startup phase and when you're up and running. If you don't ask those important questions, you won't get the answers you need. You may also end up adding tension to the franchisor-franchisee relationship. If, for example, you make a mistake you could have avoided had you asked the franchisor for input, they may wonder about your judgment and lack of openness. It's far better to ask too many questions than not enough.
When you ask tough questions, you may also learn more about the brand's inner workings, which is incredibly beneficial to a franchisee. Just keep in mind that you can be bold while being polite and respectful at all times.
You can never assume everyone shares your mindset when it comes to your franchisor. Instead, put in the work needed to discover the personalities and relationship dynamics involved so you can create a stronger, more open relationship with your brand.
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