15 Reads for Franchising Professionals
Looking for your next page-turner? Try out these recommendations from FBR president Michelle Rowan.
Where the Magic Happens: The Power of Smaller Conferences in Franchising
Attending franchising conferences is a significant investment of time and resources. Here's why smaller events sometimes offer the biggest returns.
How Successful Platform Franchise Brands Use Franchisee Survey Feedback
Learn how platform franchise brands can grow and strengthen their portfolios by making franchisee survey feedback a strategic priority.
The Importance of Employee Listening and Engagement in Franchising
Learn how to strengthen employer-employee relationships through employee listening within all levels of the franchise structure to build a more profitable and productive system.
The Importance of Consistent Franchisee Feedback: What You Need to Consider
Before you decide to postpone your franchisee survey, consider the potential risks of delaying or neglecting your annual franchisee satisfaction survey.
The Franchise Brands You Won’t See On Our Awards List
Not every brand is an award-winner (yet!), but they are still committed to franchisee satisfaction. Here's why they deserve to be recognized.
Top 5 Reasons to Attend the FBR Summit
The Summit is the ONLY event designed exclusively for franchise operations leaders and their teams that directly support franchisees.
12 Resources for LGBTQIA+ Entrepreneurs and Franchisees
List of funding options and community and mentorship organizations to share with LGBTQ+ franchisees and candidates.
What the Top Ranked Franchises Do That Others Don’t
Research shows that the brands with the most satisfied franchisees set expectations about the time and money required to reach profitability long before a franchisee even joins the system.
Building an Intentional Culture in Your Franchise Business
JoBen Barkey is a featured speaker at the FBR Summit 2024 in Denver. He'll share the story of how he created a culture within his franchise business that allows him to pursue his passion for giving back. Get a preview with this Q&A.
Unlocking Success with Performance Max Campaigns
What is a Performance Max campaign and how can it enhance your franchise marketing? The experts at Location3 explain when, why, and how to add PMax to your marketing mix.
FTC’s 2024 Employee Non-Compete Ruling: Potential Impacts for Franchisors and Franchisees
Understand the potential impacts of the Employee Non-Compete Ruling for both franchisors and franchisees, and what you can do to make sure your franchise network is prepared.
Leading Your Franchise Through a Crisis: How to Create and Execute an Effective Response Plan
Would you be ready if a crisis hit your franchise tomorrow? Implement these steps today to ensure you’re ready when the inevitable occurs.
Uncovering the Best Franchises to Work For
Learn how the Franchising at Work Employee Engagement Awards work, who's eligible how the winners are calculated and how you can make the list of the best franchises to work for.
The Value of Having Franchise Operations Teams at Franchise Events
There is tremendous value in having your franchise operations team attend industry events – and yes, we meant teams. Here are the top four reasons your whole franchise operations team should attend the FBR Summit.
How Wild Birds Unlimited Partners with FBR to Strengthen Franchise Development
Paul Pickett, Chief Development Officer at Wild Birds Unlimited shares how they use Franchise Business Review's survey data and tools to attract qualified franchise candidates, speed up their validation process. and assist with multiple store development.
What Do Smart Franchises and the British Monarchy Have in Common? Surveys!
Three franchising lessons we can take away from Queen Elizabeth in the latest season of Netflix's The Crown.
7 “Danger” Zones That Franchise Operations Teams Need to Watch
What are the lowest rated areas by franchisees and what can franchise operations teams do to improve them? Find out how field support teams can help improve performance by focusing on these key areas of risk.
How to Support Franchisees Facing a Labor Shortage
With some franchise sectors struggling to hire, how can franchisors create a culture that attracts employees to their brand? These 6 tips help franchise leaders create a culture where employees want to work.
Random Acts of Kindness in Franchising
With more organizations focused on creating a positive culture, there is a place for kindness in business. With that in mind, we created a checklist of 30 “Random Acts of Kindness in Franchising” and we invite everyone to participate and celebrate others who spread kindness.
What Keeps Franchise HR Leaders Up at Night? Navigating Talent, Culture, and Growth
FBR and FranCareers brought together a group of franchise HR execs to find out what their biggest challenges and the solutions they've created to tackle them, These are the six biggest takeaways you should know.
7 Ways to Use Data to Position Candidates (and Your System) for Success
Learn how to improve your franchise development process using data to educate and set realistic expectations with franchise candidates.
How to Plan a Year of Content Marketing [+ Free Template]
Get your free, customizable franchising calendar template to plan your content marketing strategy for the year and track key dates and franchising events.
12 Franchising Predictions for 2024
Franchise thought leaders share 12 things they think will happen in 2024. See the common themes that emerged.
The Grinches In Your Franchise System
The shopping season has officially commenced, and whether you’re a Black Friday warrior or more of a last-minute, better-under-pressure shopper, the buying experience can fuel your holiday excitement or suck all the joy out of the process. The same goes for franchise candidates in the validation process. Get the intel you need to make the franchise buying experience something to celebrate.
A Five-Pronged Approach to Facing Economic Headwinds in the Food Sector
A look at the economic factors affecting food franchise profitability—labor and food costs, inflation—and what franchisors can do about it.
5 Simple Ways to Wow Franchisees
Raise the performance of your franchise system with these 5 tips.
10-Step Checklist to Becoming a Top Performing Franchise System
Foster high performance within your franchise with these 10 simple steps. Follow this checklist, commit to franchisee satisfaction and results will follow.
Not Being Afraid to Hear What You Might Not Know
Learn four ways actively listening to franchisee feedback – even if it's negative – can make a positive difference.
Reflections on FLDC from a Franchising Newcomer
FBR Client Consultant Mike Conlan shares a fresh perspective on franchising as a first-time attendee of FLDC.
4 Ways to Re-Engage Senior Franchisees
It’s no big secret that business owners of all types get bored after a few years of being in business. When it comes to franchising, it’s even more crucial to keep them engaged - especially the more senior franchisees. These four tips will help you re-engage senior franchisees and break out of their performance plateau.
The Case for Consistency
Consistency is the key to success in various aspects of life and business, and the onboarding process for new franchisees is no exception. Learn how to integrate new franchisees into your brand while maintaining a consistent onboarding process.
3 Steps to Peer Group Success
By creating a culture of professionalism, collaboration and accountability, peer groups can help franchisees achieve measurable results and take their [...]
Leveraging FBR Awards to Supercharge Your Franchise Marketing
See how five highly successful brands are leveraging their Franchisee Satisfaction Awards as part of their franchise marketing strategies.
The Importance of Ongoing Training for Franchisees
Ongoing training for franchisees is the cornerstone of a successful franchise system. Learn the five most effective types of franchisee training and what they should include.
4 Franchise Development Budget Planning Mistakes to Avoid
Despite the seemingly endless meetings and ensuing headaches that accompany budget planning, there’s no escaping it. To make this year’s planning a little easier for you, we’ve put together the four most common budgeting mistakes that franchise marketing and development teams tend to make, along with ways to fix them.
The Power of Franchisee Satisfaction: A Persuasive Factor for Prospective Franchise Buyers
We asked three franchisees if franchisee satisfaction was a factor in their decision to buy. Here's what they said.
Why Do Some Brands Avoid Franchisee Surveys?
One of the most efficient ways to predict future franchise brand performance is to examine franchisee survey results. Despite the valuable information surveys provide, some brands still avoid conducting franchisee surveys. Time for a reality check.
The Franchise Operations Framework: Where Age-Old Wisdom Meets 21st Century Sass
Ah, franchise operations. A topic so saturated with generic advice, it's like telling a fish to just keep swimming. But [...]
Rate Your Franchise’s Careers Page
Learn how to evaluate your franchise careers page to ensure it attracts qualify job candidates and communicates your employer brand and culture.
Catching the AI Wave in Franchising: A 5-Step Guide by Stay in Your Lane
Learn 5 ways using artificial intelligence in franchising can help franchise brands streamline operations and power up franchise development and marketing.
You’ve Just Completed a Franchisee Survey. Now What?
It’s surprising how many companies participate in franchisee surveys then stick the report in a drawer. Why let this treasure-trove of business intel languish? These 7 easy steps will help you turn your data into action.
The Biggest Employment Trends Impacting Franchising in 2023
Employee engagement levels in franchising are the highest since 2018, but burnout and retention remain top concerns for franchisors. Here are the 5 franchise workplace trends to watch.
What You Need to Know About Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Franchising
New research from the Franchising at Work study reveals how employees really feel about diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in franchising.
Building Bridges and Sharing Insights: The Executive Summit Experience
A sneak peek at what you can expect from the Executive Summit at the FBR Summit in Austin this October.
How to Build Credibility with Franchisees
Learn how coaches can build credibility with franchisees and create a strong working relationship with legacy owners and top performers.
Franchise Culture Matters
Which is more likely to lead you to a strong and powerful culture that will promote a healthy, profitable growing business? A culture that just happens or a culture that is planned?
How Franchisors Can Provide Employment Resources Without Being a Joint-Employer
The team from CareerPlug explains what it means to be a joint employer, why franchisors avoid it, and how they can do so while still providing valuable hiring resources to their network.
3 Easy Ways to Gather Franchise Employee Feedback and Supercharge Employee Retention
Gathering employee feedback in a franchise model can be complex, but it doesn’t have to be.
The SBA Franchise Directory Is Dead. Now What?
With the elimination of the SBA's Franchise Directory, here are 5 ways you can increase the likelihood of candidates’ loans getting approved.
10 Signs of a Toxic Workplace Culture
The red flags franchise leaders and HR pros need to watch for that could indicate you have a toxic franchise workplace culture —and what to do about it.
Empowering Franchisees: Why the 90s Called and Want Their Business Practices Back
You'd be surprised at how many franchise businesses still rely on outdated practices like paper checklists, binders, endless phone calls, and physically driving from one location to another. Here's how you can bring your franchise operations into the 21st century.
Overcoming Barriers to Franchise Ownership for Women and People of Color
How to overcome the traditional barriers keeping people of color and women from becoming franchise owners and create a diverse and inclusive franchise system.
How AI Can Help You with Franchise Operations
4 ways AI can make franchise operations smoother and more efficient for franchisors, including helpful resources.
Why FBR Awards Should Be Part of a Winning PR Strategy
How PR teams can get more exposure for your franchise clients with the most important industry recognition in franchising.
How to Celebrate Employees Every Day—Not Just On Employee Appreciation Day
It’s no secret that a happy and engaged team has a ripple effect. They are your brand ambassadors—while they are with your team, and just as importantly, after they move on. Here are five ways to show them you care on Employee Appreciation Day and all year round.
Are Your Employees Afraid to Tell You How They REALLY Feel? You Might Be Surprised
If you’re conducting the survey on your own and finding that many of your employees aren’t participating, it may be a sign that something else is going on. Here's what it means and how it could affect employee engagement.
Call for Entries Announced: 2023 Franchising at Work Awards
The Franchising at Work Awards recognize the franchise companies with the best company culture based exclusively on independent ratings from employees.
5 Tips to Make the Most of the IFA Convention
The International Franchise Association’s (IFA) Convention is THE franchising event of the year. FBR's President, Michelle Rowan, share a few tips she's picked up over the years for making the most of your time there - no matter if you're a seasoned veteran or first time attendee.
Are Franchise Portals Worth It? What Are the Alternatives?
As a franchisor, it's important to increase your visibility and reach prospective franchisees. Learn more whether franchise portals are worth it and the best franchise portal options available.
Owners Wished Franchisors Did These Things Better
As a franchisor, your ultimate goal is to build a strong brand, provide consistent experiences across locations, and support your franchise owners in their efforts to make money. But with so many moving parts, it can be challenging to know where to start.
6 Creative Ways to Up Your Public Relations Game
Are you using your franchisee satisfaction data in your public relations efforts? Looking for some inspiration? Get real-life examples and visuals of how creative franchisors are making satisfaction data the focus of PR and marketing strategies to get attention and edge out the competition.
7 Reasons Why Franchisors Don’t Ask Employees for Feedback (and Why They’re Bogus)
Business owners continue to name employee retention and hiring as one of the top challenges in running and growing their businesses, and yet many still aren’t taking the steps necessary to address it. Here are 7 reasons to reconsider.
Franchisee Satisfaction Levels Remain at Some of the Highest Levels in 18 Years
FBR's latest research shows owner satisfaction remains high in the franchise sector. Franchisees report 10 percent jump in income.
5 Franchising Articles from 2022 That Deserve Another Read
2022 may be in the rearview mirror, but there were several posts that offered some great insights that are worth another look as we dive head first into 2023.
Three Ways to Make Your Item 19 More Meaty
More than ever, savvy franchise buyers are honing in on your FDD’s Item 19. After all, it’s the closest they can get to answering the almighty question, “How much money can I expect to make?” Following these three tips can make your Item 19 accurate, precise, and engaging.
4 Ways to Reach More (and Better) Franchise Candidates
Unemployment rates have dipped to some of the lowest we’ve seen in nearly two decades, which means the stream of franchise candidate leads is slowing to a trickle at the same time many brands are hoping to accelerate development to keep up with customer demand. With franchisors all competing for a limited number of candidates, development teams need to get creative to find new leads. Try some of these out-of-the-box ideas.
7 Simple Ways to Build Employee Engagement
FBR's employee engagement research has shown that a quarter of all franchise employees (25%) don’t feel that they receive the recognition they deserve. Here are seven simple ideas can help you show your employees you care to build engagement and retain your top employees.
5 New Year’s Resolutions Every Franchisor Should Make
For many of us, New Year’s resolutions revolve around getting — or staying — healthy. But regardless of personal resolutions, for franchisors it also means building a healthier brand in 2023.
Preparing Your Franchise for a Recession
Franchisors and franchise suppliers weigh in with tips on how to best prepare your franchise for a recession in 2023.
Hey Franchise Founders! Some Advice From the Franchise Community
Franchisors and suppliers across the franchise community share their personal experience and best practices for franchise founders.
Forget the Stuff and Give a Gift that Matters
Looking for a way to give back this holiday season AND help inspire others to take the leap to realizing their potential as successful business owners? Consider donating to one of these entrepreneurial nonprofits.
Five Easy, Low-Cost Ideas to Boost Growth through Franchisee Satisfaction
Try these five easy, low-cost tips to start increasing franchisee satisfaction, and maximize your franchise system's growth and revenue.
Franchise Horror Stories: 5 Ways to Separate Your Brand From the (Scary) Headlines
With high-profile franchise systems making headlines for exploiting franchises with unfair and deceptive practices, how can brands that foster strong, supportive franchisor-franchisee relationships differentiate themselves? Here are five things you can do to set your brand apart.
Franchising Has a Gen Z Problem
With employee recruitment and retention currently the number one challenge, solving the Gen Z workforce dilemma should be a top priority for franchises.
The Outlook from Washington: Potential Labor Issues for Franchising
DC regulators weighed in on the biggest threats to franchising in the current labor market at IFA's Franchise Action Network meeting. These are the three biggest takeaways.
5 Questions Private Equity Investors Need to Ask Before Investing in a Franchise
If you're a private equity investor (or a franchisor in acquisition mode), make sure you're asking these five questions before making an investment in a franchise.
The Top 5 Employment Trends for Franchisors to Watch
The Great Resignation, quiet quitting, a looming recession...what does it all mean for franchising? Research reveals the top employment trends in the franchise sector.
Three Takeaways from The Wealthy Franchisee (Not Just for Franchisees)
Emily George reviews The Wealthy Franchisee by Scott Greenberg. See the takeaways that will help you take your business or career to the next level.
3 Takeaways From the Faegre Drinker Franchise Summit
What were the big takeaways from the Faegre Summit? Emily George breaks down the hot topics that franchisors were buzzing about.
Beyond Awards: Why Data Is Even More Valuable Than the Recognition
An FBR award is a one-of-a-kind opportunity for recognition, but the data behind it is where the real value lies. Learn four ways franchisee satisfaction data can accelerate your development process.
What Are Peer Groups and Why Do You Need Them?
Learn the pros and cons of implementing peer groups in your franchise system and how you can use them to increase franchisee engagement.
Think It’s Too Soon to Survey Your Franchisees? Think Again.
Rob Flanagan of Hounds Town USA explains how surveying franchisees early leads to smarter growth and a clear roadmap for the future of your system.
What Makes a Great Franchise Business Coach and How You Can Make Them More Successful
One of the most difficult - but also most crucial - roles on your support team is the franchise business coach (FBC). Find out what makes a great FBC and how to get the most out of the three-way relationship between the franchisor, franchisee, and FBC.
How to Get Peer Groups Back on Track
Peer groups are a recognized and respected tactic used by franchise brands to facilitate internal knowledge sharing and invigorate their system. They are a proactive mechanism for franchise systems that want to truly leverage the collective knowledge and experience to improve unit results and brand performance. But even in the best systems, peer groups can eventually start to lose their effectiveness. If your peer groups are no longer functioning as effectively as they should, these five tips can help reinvigorate them.
Why Does FBR Offer a Free Franchisee Survey?
Franchise Business Review offers a free franchisee survey. Find out how and why we do it and how to get your free survey with no catch!
Net Promoter Score for Franchises
Does Net Promoter Score work for franchises? Here's what you need to know about using NPS to ask for feedback from customers, employees and franchisees.
How to Work with Independent Franchisee Associations
Franchisee associations, which are typically meant to represent the interests of the franchisee to the franchisor, are usually organized independently of the franchisor, and can play a key role in whether the franchisee/franchisor relationship is positive and productive, or negative and combative. Learn how to work with your franchisee association and positively impact the growth and profitability of your system.
5 Signs of a Successful Franchise Advisory Council
In order for an FAC to truly represent franchisees’ perspectives, the group itself has to function effectively, which is dependent on practices and a culture within the group that set up both the FAC and the franchisor for success. If you have an FAC in your system, look for these five indicators to determine if it is running successfully.
The Ultimate Guide to Employee Pulse Surveys
Everything you need to know about using employee engagement pulse surveys to drive hiring and employee retention in your franchise system.
How to Use Your Top Franchise Award to Stand Out at Franchise Expos
Franchise expos are the perfect place to promote your award to show candidates how satisfied your franchisees are—and why your brand should be on the top of their list.
Why Employee Engagement Survey Results Are Important to Franchise Culture
Find out how Massage Heights, Hot Dish Advertising and Wild Birds Unlimited are using their FBR employee engagement survey data to positively impact retention and organizational culture.
4 Warning Signs of Franchisee Dissatisfaction
If you see any of these four warning signs of franchisee dissatisfaction, your franchise system could be in trouble. Learn what to watch out for and how to fix it.
Supporting Women in Franchising
Celebrating International Women's Day with some of the amazing resources to help women in franchising connect and succeed.
Pulse Surveys: A Small but Mighty Tool for Increasing Franchisee Satisfaction
Pulse surveys are a fast, easy, relatively inexpensive tool to measure system performance. Learn what makes a successful pulse survey and how to implement them in your system.
What Is Employer Branding and Why Should Franchisors Care About It?
Learn 10 ways to position your franchise as an employer of choice and strengthen your employee recruitment and retention efforts.
2022 Franchising Predictions
What does the future hold for franchising in 2022? Thought leaders share their franchise predictions and reflect on 2021.
Moving from Data-Driven to Insight-Driven: Uncovering the Gold in Your Data Mine
The ultimate goal of surveying your franchisees is to gain objective insights into how to improve operational performance to get better results. In order to do that you need to pull out the gold hidden inside! These 10 ideas for digging into your data will help you understand what drives your franchisees’ behaviors and beliefs, and apply metrics to improving franchisee relations.
[New Research] Franchising Emerges From the Pandemic Stronger Than Ever
Newly released data shows record high satisfaction for franchise business owners — an increase of 3% since pre-pandemic levels — with nearly 9 in 10 rating their franchise opportunity above average.
WWTLD: What Would Ted Lasso Do?
What are the best leadership lessons from Ted Lasso? These are gems to live by for franchisors and anyone who wants to be a better leader.