Harness Your Franchisees Creativity in 2008

Someone once told me that there is a fine line between being fantastically creative by contributing the best idea of the day and acting like a complete idiot! Needless to say this is very true, however it is vital to create a culture where the potential danger of acting like an idiot really doesn’t matter. This way you will ensure you capture the real gem ideas.

A Penny for your thoughts!
While most franchisors have a board of directors which lead strategy and company direction, behind them is a valuable resource; its team. Whether this team is made up of employed head office staff, franchisees, consultants or a combination of all, there is so much benefit in establishing communication channels to capture all of their business ideas.

How Marketing Plays a Vital Role
Marketing tasks and tools can be used to ensure that the systems exist for you to review future ideas. These ideas could be for promotions, a new product or service element or an improvement to the franchise itself.

Marketing activities help to focus franchisees on specific brand related tasks. This is not just essential during the first few months but established franchisees should become involved with head office lead promotions and campaigns which help to refresh them to the language and culture at the root of the business.

The Hidden Benefits
By including all stakeholders within the parameters of the company web, you are actually exposing them to the brand in different ways. This exposure can also be viewed as ‘brand training’ and helps to ensure that your brand and business is represented in the best possible way.

Tools You Can Use
• Regular team building activities
• Corporate away days
• Online forums
• Introducing a company ritual
• Reward system
• Recognition through newsletters, reviews or titles

When’s The Best Time to Start…
With Christmas parties fast approaching, there isn’t a better time to mix some business and pleasure and throw a party for your franchisees which also includes some company updates.