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One of the most important keys to success for a new franchisee is to receive excellent training from the Franchisor.  A great initial training program will get the franchisee off to a good start.  Ongoing training and support will keep them engaged and excited as they grow and succeed.  It is certain- Franchise success is a result of good training!

Too many franchisors have new franchisees attend a training program for a week or two and then leave them on their own to flounder.  This is dangerous to a young entrepreneur.  The franchisee goes into the franchise opportunity with excitement and energy.  It will not be long before he runs into a problem that he does not know how to deal with.  It could be a technical issue, a product issue, a customer service issue, or any other problem.  If the initial training was lacking, there may be many times this occurs.  There will be several of these situations even if the initial training is good!  The real test is how ongoing training and support are handled by the franchisor.  If a franchisor has a poor ongoing training and support model, the enthusiasm of the new franchisee will dwindle quickly!

What Makes an Excellent Training System?

An excellent training system will have the following characteristics:

1. A strong initial training program for new franchisees.
2. Training will be segmented and structured to meet the real needs of franchisees.
3. Each segment of the training will have clear objectives and a mechanism to determine if the objectives were met.
4. Excellent curriculum that can be used as a resource when the franchisee returns home.
5. Excellent instruction.  Instructors need to be skilled in the subject matter AND in teaching techniques.
6. Technical instructors need to focus on technical training so that the software or technology is understood.  Do not detour from the function to real world scenarios that cause confusion.  Leave this for the real world application segment.
7. Real world application.  Once the technical aspects are taught real world application of the training learned should be taught and practiced.
8. Role play and lab work should be a big part of most training programs.  It is easier to handle situations if you have experienced them before…even in training.
9. Continuing education!  There must be a mechanism for continuing education. There is no doubt that the new franchisee will have more questions once they are up and running in the real world.  This training can be online, courses offered at franchise conferences, through support lines and webinars, using YouTube videos, or many other ways.  But it is critical!
10. A real clear method of determining if knowledge transfer is effective.  Franchise success is result of good training!

What is the Format of Excellent Training?

Excellent training will follow the following model for each segment or topic:

1. Clearly communicate the objectives of the training
2. Teach verbally.  (Tell them).
3. Teach visually. (Show them).
4. Teach tactilely. (Have them do it).
5. Students demonstrate what they learned. (Show someone)
6. Students report what they learned. (Tell someone)
7. Validate that objectives have been met.

These are the steps that create real knowledge transfer.  Each person learns differently and it is important to use multiple methods to teach important skills and information.

The Value of Role Play

Almost everyone hates to role play.  Yet is the one of the best methods for teaching and learning and cannot be overlooked.  This is especially true in the area of human interaction.  Role play is critical to teach skills in customer service, vendor relations, and employee interaction.  The best way to know how to deal with a particular situation is to have practiced it many times before.

Conclusion

Franchise success is a result of good training.  If you are a franchisor, make sure you have an excellent training and support system.  If you are considering investing in a franchise, make certain that training and support are top priorities of the franchisor and that they have excellent programs!

At Franchise Professor we help franchise companies develop excellent training programs for their franchisees.  We also help potential franchise investors find the best training franchises for their business investment.  If you would like to discuss your situation and create a strong training program or find a franchise with a strong training plan, call us today at 816-479-5000 or visit us at www.FranchiseProfessor.com!