Get Cashin 2009

A franchise is only as good as its training programme. The main purpose of buying a franchise rather than going solo and starting on your own is that you get taught how to operate the business model.

So how does one evaluate the franchise training programme? What are the key components that will help you to learn faster and remember more?

For a start, a decent induction must always have accompanying manuals. Most of us will struggle to take in and remember all that is taught in the initial training and so a good Operator's Manual to refer back to is essential for our education to succeed.

However, in this day and age, it also important to have videos that accompany training. It is much better and easier to learn from someone actually speaking to you and showing you on screen how something should be done than to refer back to words and text in a document!

No matter how good the training is, and the material that accompanies it, one should also be able to ask questions to the franchisor as and when answers are needed. So a great franchise will also offer as part of the package full telephone support.

Some of the best franchises also offer a mentor scheme whereby new recruits are allocated an existing well established franchisee as a mentor. This achieves a multitude of purposes. Often someone new to the business will feel embarrassed phoning head office to ask simple queries that they believe they should already know the answers to. It is much easier phoning somebody who is running the same business and getting advice from them.

Another great benefit is that it is better to talk to somebody else, on the coal face that is facing exactly the same problems as you are, rather than talking to a person in a call centre that is offering advice whilst never having on the ground experience.

The best franchises have good online forums where you can interact with and learn from existing franchisees. The best forums also have search functions where you can search for answers on any particular topic that you need help with.

As a start, when looking to buy a franchise, ask the franchisor the following questions:

1) How extensive is your training programme?
2) What material accompanies the training?
3) Do you offer telephone support?
4) Do you have in place a franchisee mentor scheme?
5) Do you offer further training if the need arises?
6) Is there a charge for additional training?
7) How good is your online forum?

If you are fed up of your job and are looking to start a business, then often a franchise can be a very good idea. It is only a good idea if you receive full and adequate training plus ongoing support as and when required.

Speak to existing franchisees and ask them how they found the training. Was it adequate? Was it educational and enjoyable at the same time? Did they receive further help and guidance afterwards? What are the procedures for ongoing training?

A good training programme will leave you eager to get started. It will help you feel comfortable with the new business you are about to launch. It will increase your moral and confidence when dealing with potential customers. Find out all you can about the training programme before you join any franchise.