Franchise Operations Manuals
The Operations Manual is normally prepared just after the legal documents are completed. The Operations Manual is both the franchise system's "compass" and "tool set."
You may have some franchisees who wonder why they need an Operations Manual, and who may think that it is just something to put on the back shelf. However, the Operations Manual is a very central and important part of the franchise operation. Be sure that your franchisees understand that the Operations Manual is loaned to them, that it belongs to you, and most importantly, they must understand that they are expected to adhere to the policies, standards, and procedures outlined in the manual. Normally franchisees are bound, by terms contained in the franchise agreement to abide by the information contained in the operations manual(s).
Here are some of the reasons why the Operations Manual is so important:
- It meets your obligation to provide a franchise system manual.
- It provides details about the daily operation of the business.
- It helps ensure that all units operate in the same manner.
- It establishes quality standards for the franchise system.
- It is the basis for initial and ongoing training of franchisees.
- It helps define and distinguish your franchise system from others.
- It sets the standards against which franchisees can be measured.
- It is a vehicle for making necessary future operational changes.
Franchise developmental consultants generally provide new franchisors with an Operations Manual, based on their experience in working with you. The initial Operations Manual will probably not contain all the material you will ever need. You will become aware of additional information that should be in the manual as you use it to train franchisees and as you manage your franchise system.
You will want to personalize and adapt the manual to your own business. Operations Manuals are never finalized; but are an ongoing work-in-progress that needs to be frequently updated. The manual should be updated from input from your staff, and also from input from the franchisees. Your Operations Manual will contain more and more detail as your franchise system is developed.
You can begin your franchise program with just one manual, but in time you may have several different Operations Manuals, which might include: A Trainer Manual for those who train new franchisees, Certification Manuals for franchise managers, a Multi-Unit Operator Manual, an Area Franchisor (Master Franchisee) Manual, a Franchise Unit Manager's Manual, a Franchise Unit Employee's Manual, etc.
Some franchisors are putting their Operations Manual on-line, accessible only by authorized individuals. The advantage is that it is easy to update without having to send out current pages, etc. However, before you do this, you should consider the security issues, how the manual is to be accessed, how you will prevent copying, and protection against unauthorized distribution.
More information can be found at: www.biltmorefranchise.com
Franchise Operations Manuals - To learn more about this author, visit John Power's Website.
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John PowerJohn Power, founder of Biltmore Franchise Consulting, has extensive experience developing and marketing franchises and business opportunities. He has been in and around franchising for over twenty years. From 1980 through 1990 he conceptualized, organized, and developed the American Video Association. He grew AVA to 2,000 national members, before selling the company it 1990. It was later merged into another home video marketing company. From 2000 to 2005 he worked as a contract marketing and human resources consultant to several local and national companies. In 2005 Mr. Power began working as a franchise development consultant on a full-time basis. Since that time he has helped more than three dozen companies initiate and develop their franchising program. He notes that there are many companies interested in developing a franchise program, and who need his specialized assistance. Mr. Power is a “hands-on” franchise consultant. He said, “I am the ‘nuts and bolts’ person who tends to the details for my clients.” Mr. Power holds a B.S. degree with a major in Marketing. See: www.biltmorefranchise.com You may contact Mr. Power at: jpower@biltmorefranchise.co - Visit John Power's Website |
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John BrennanJohn Brennan Ed.D. Dr. Brennan is President of Interpersonal Development, LLC, a training and development firm. Interpersonal Development has provided sales training and coaching to more than 3,000 sales reps from over 100 companies. A native of Australia, Dr. Brennan received his doctorate from the University of Rochester. His dissertation researched the effectiveness of Behavioral Modeling Technology in training people in interpersonal skills. While he has spent most of his career designing or delivering training, he was also a Vice-President of Sales of a training and development franchise with operations in 25 markets. Dr. Brennan has designed and delivered sales training in North America, Asia, Europe, Australia and the Middle East. He has been a guest speaker at numerous national and regional professional conferences. When Microsoft wanted Best Practices articles on sales for their web site, they called Dr. Brennan. The results are at http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/FX011387391033.aspx His firm’s clients have included Volvo, The Prudential, Merrill Lynch, Eastman Kodak, Gannett, Equifax Europe, the Economist Group and countless small businesses. - Visit John Brennan's Website |
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Anne BarrAnne Barr has over 26 years experience in sales and marketing, six years as a franchisee. She has assisted over 367 business owners and purchasers to achieve their goals in career change, transition and exit strategy. She holds the designation of Certified Franchise Executive from the International Franchise Association, Certified Business Intermediary from the International Business Brokers Association and Board Certified Broker from the Texas Association of Business Brokers. Anne is active in professional organizations, networking groups and volunteers for non-profit entities. As owner/operator of four successful businesses, Anne has proven people skills and enjoys helping clients find the right "fit" in business ownership. Visit www.FranchiseOpportunitySpecialist.com for more information about me and my company. - Visit Anne Barr's Website |
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David AchesonDavid Acheson is the founder of DCJA Consultancy. DCJA Consultancy is a management consultancy business specialising in B2B sales consultancy. They offer bespoke and packaged sales consultancy including Sales Optimisation Review, Interim Sales Management, Sales & Marketing Review, 1:1 Sales & Management Staff Analysis, Management Training, Solution Sales Training, Creation of New Pay Plan, KPI's, run Customer Feedback Campaigns, assist with Recruitment, Coaching, Appraisals and set up Strategic Marketing Campaigns. David spent his early career in accountancy and then moved into sales in 1982, working in Office Equipment, IT, Advertising, Training, Outsourcing and Consultancy. He has held many Senior Positions in SMBs and Global Organisations including Head of Sales Operations & Head of Business Development. His knowledge, skills and great experience of the Sales Industry has led to David making keynote speeches and running educational sessions to key businesses through organisations including The Chamber of Commerce and Business Link. - Visit David Acheson's Website |
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Jay Kubassek(Jay's Full Bio: EvanCarmichael.com/jaykubassek) In five years, Canadian-born entrepreneur Jay Kubassek went from selling mufflers at a Midas franchise to revolutionizing Internet marketing with the 2004 launch of CarbonCopyPRO, a online marketing education company, now worth over $20 million with customers in over 160 countries.
As an independent film producer, his upstart film fund Aliquot Films is currently producing a films with Spike Lee and Abel Fererra (starring Ethan Hawke and Dennis Hopper.)
Jay's entrepreneurial spirit is irrepressible. He’s the owner of five companies, a professional speaker and trainer, international real estate developer/investor, extreme sport enthusiast and emerging philanthropist. Jay resides in NYC with his wife Jamie, son Milo and dog Cooper. Visit Jay's official website: www.JayKubassek.com - Visit Jay Kubassek's Website |
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