In a May 2020 live-poll of over four-hundred Franchisors, 94% indicated that they were ready to reopen operations and reactivate their Franchisees. However, in a follow-up poll the same group of respondents indicated that 60% did not have a playbook for re-opening. This is a potential recipe for major disappointment for customers that are counting on their favorite brands to deliver safe and amazing experiences. And attorneys are already generating a tidal wave of litigation as consumers seek compensation for COVID-related illness alleged to have come from coming into contact with a business in which a statute or regulation was violated.
The fact is that the times have changed when it comes to field support, and probably will remain changed forever. New questions are emerging – if travel is less of a viable option these days, should the ratio of franchise business consultants to franchisees be increased? With less opportunity to “inspect what you expect”, how does a franchisor protect the brand? What are new routines and habits that successful brand leaders are adopting that can create new opportunities. What are technologies that can ensure that playbooks of best practices are effectively shared AND acted upon?
Join two of Franchising’s most recognized operations experts – Mary Thompson, COO of Neighborly Brands and Meg Rose, VP of Field Operations of Firehouse Subs as they discuss how they are implementing the “next normal in franchising support” as they share the best practices that they are employing that is allowing them to seize on new opportunities and thrive in difficult times.
Participants will walk away with operational insights into how these Operations brand leaders are:
- Rebalancing franchise support spans of control
- Maintaining brand standards without being physically in franchise locations
- Conducting virtual financial reviews more efficiently, effectively and less obtrusively with the advent of technology
- Setting up “playbooks” for reopening and reactivation
- Managing franchisees execution of 50 State health and safety mandates for employees and franchisees at the local level
- Q&A with Panelists and much more….
