According to FRANdata’s most recent volume of the Small Business Lending Matrix, the good news for the franchise industry is that the business climate is improving for the fifth straight year, with unit transactions at their highest since 2008.

Franchise organizations have been using email and text messages for years as part of the marketing mix. Text — both short message service or SMS and multimedia messaging service or MMS — and email are still incredibly effective, but as technology and the regulatory environment continue to change, it’s always wise to review best practices.

Shared expertise can make franchising greater and be your system’s greatest asset.

Franchise support is acknowledged by most in the industry as a “best practice” and a fundamental operating principle. But now support seems to be joined at the hip with the relatively new topic of franchisee engagement.  Exactly what does this new term mean and why is it so important to both franchisees and franchisors?

Due diligence calls for serious attention to concept economics, leadership, product offering and the franchise disclosure document.

The relationship between the franchisor and franchisees within a system is greater than any normal business relationship you would have with a supplier or a business account. The franchisor-franchisee relationship is much like a marriage. 

Strategic alliances may be worth the investment to increase brand coverage in today’s competitive environment.

These seven evidence-based principles, if properly understood and implemented, will definitely create a positive foundation for creating healthier, more productive franchise relations.

An understanding of these “sins” will allow franchisors to spot them as they arise.

The keys to great franchisee engagement are clear — address their questions, provide ample opportunity for significant peertopeer discussions, as well as access to system management.