Episode #11 - Franchisee Training

My ponder today is Cordell Riley of Tortal Training and our topic today is Franchisee Training - the positive effects that a well-established training program can have on a franchise system. In this episode we talk about how any franchisor can design and create a franchisee training program that will maximize results to both the franchisees and the entire franchise system.

 

Time Stamps

00:00:52               Podner Introduction

00:02:38               Segment 1: Get to know Cordell Riley

00:20:34               Segment 2: Topic Segment

00:54:04               Segment 3: Quick Draw

 

Cordell Riley Show Notes

People learn at different rates based on the modality of the training being delivered.

VAK: Visual – Auditory – Kinesthetic

What does the start-up franchisor need to think about before developing a training system for the franchisees?

• Start with a solid foundation (ops manual)
• Make sure that training is part of your franchise culture – written into the mission and vision statement
• Measure the amount of training that is being delivered
• Ensure that training is aligned with business goals
• Strive for a blended solution – digital, audio visual, classroom format

A solid training program will lead to franchisees feeling supported which leads to higher validation scores.

Great training versus good training

• What do you want people to do differently after completing training?

Make training fun

 

Initial Franchisee Training

Dos and Don’ts

• Don’t try to cover everything in initial training. Only cover the topics that they need to get up and running. Too much at once will lead to lower retention rates.
• Do include those topics that have a high impact and short time to master.
• Do use real world training (hands on)
• Do utilize “Course of Action” – assignment for franchisee trainees where they have to present how they will use the training that they received. (FREE template available by e-mailing Cordell Riley
• Do use internal Subject Matter Experts – have multiple trainers
• Conduct the initial training as close to opening as possible
• Avoid an “All lecture” training program
• Engage the trainees
• Vendors can be useful trainers on certain topics – don’t let it become an infomercial.
• Use quizzes throughout to ensure that franchisees are following what is being taught.

 

Ongoing Training

• E-learning – online
• Field support staff
• Conferences and conventions
• Include those topics that have a lower impact and longer time to master.
• Training is not something that happens during the first few weeks of the franchise relationship. Training is a process that should last for the life of the relationship.

 

E-Learning

• E-learning is a delivery method that you will use to keep a constant flow of training to the franchisees
• Use prior to initial training to bring new franchisees up to speed before initial training
• Use as part of your ongoing training program to promote new products or services, etc.
• Short, logical chunks of training – don’t pump all of your training into one session. 10 minutes or less
• Make the training role based and relevant.

 

E-learning Dos and Don’ts

• Do engage primary adult learning senses – Visual – Audio – kinesthetic

 

Repetition is key to high retention

 

Websites mentioned in the episode:

• Trainers Warehouse – www.trainerswarehouse.com

 

Cordell Riley

Tortal Training

www.tortal.net

[email protected]

 

Kit Vinson

FranMan Inc.

www.franman.net

[email protected]

217-736-3939 x 1