Flexibility has always been part of the appeal of franchising, from the ability for entrepreneurs to make their own way to the need for brands to shift with local needs. Successful franchises know how to flex with local opportunities and individual needs while still keeping a “bigger picture” for scaling the brand overall. As with any business, flexibility is a must when scaling franchises, as unexpected challenges can emerge at any time. With franchises often expanding across larger geographic areas, the challenges faced in one area could be totally different than those in another, and brands (and individual franchise owners) must be prepared.
Streamlined and Scalable
As a franchise scales, new needs and opportunities can arise. You might need to expand your team, or you might add new services and offerings in response to market demand. The franchise model allows for continued operation and revenue generation during this period of scaling. In many ways, franchises can be more easily scalable once the brand is established. When individual franchise owners have reliable support from the “parent” brand, they can open more quickly (as opposed to an independent business starting from scratch). Your franchise owners can spend less time on behind-the-scenes items like branding, focusing instead on getting open, meeting community needs, and generating revenue.
Of course, the other side of franchise flexibility is the appeal for owners. Many people go into franchising in search of more freedom, more say-so, and improved work-life balance. A robust scaling strategy can support individual franchise owners in these goals. These owners also should be encouraged to hire a reliable team, including management, so they can focus more on the big picture than daily details. In turn, that ability to delegate can increase efficiency and permit the flexibility they crave.
Some franchise types are easier to create a “flexible” approach than others. Franchise Wire, for instance, highlights home service franchises as an example of a niche where individual flexibility may be more possible. Businesses that don’t require a brick-and-mortar setup are more likely to appeal to entrepreneurs seeking personal flexibility, which is something for franchise brands to keep in mind.
The Rise of Mobile Franchising
Flexibility in franchising continues to grow, particularly with the rise of “mobile franchising.” These brands rely on a business model where franchise owners operate from a mobile location, rather than a traditional, commercial space. These franchises might include “we come to you” service-based franchises, like mobile pet grooming salons, car and home repair, or home or commercial cleaning services. It also encompasses “on the go” businesses, like food trucks or coffee carts. In today’s world, where customers often prioritize convenience when choosing a brand to do business with, being able to get geographically closer can be a real advantage in the marketplace.
From a flexibility perspective, these businesses have one major plus: there’s no need to hassle with the details and costs of physical premises. There’s no landlord to pay rent to, minimal overhead costs, and lower maintenance costs. Plus, they offer the ability to move around to different locations, depending on market demand in specific, micro-targeted areas. It’s a model that can feel freeing for entrepreneurs who are nervous about overseeing a physical location, or just ones that prefer the freedom to literally move the business around.
For franchises that aren’t tied inherently to physical spaces, scaling through mobile franchising might be an intriguing path to consider. Adding flexible options not only can open new doors for your brand as a whole, but it might appeal to entrepreneurs who are looking for a different path than “traditional” images of franchising. Bringing those creative, flexible, and forward-thinking minds into your organization could be a true benefit for the future.
Flexibility in Franchise Agreements
Beyond flexibility in the business model and operations, consider how flexibility can be built into franchise agreements to make it easier to scale and to attract promising franchise talent. Franchise specialists at the Reidel Law Firm note, “Flexibility in franchise agreements can significantly strengthen the relationship between franchisors and franchisees. By allowing negotiations, both parties have the opportunity to voice their concerns, expectations, and ideas, fostering transparency and open communication.”
A flexible approach to negotiations and communications can elevate the positive relationship between franchise owners and overarching brand. A relationship of mutual trust and respect is more likely to be a productive one, which in turn can translate into more creativity, engagement, and profitability. That same base of respect and flexibility can also make it easier to develop strategies to adapt individual locations to their local market’s needs or preferences—which, again, can benefit both individual owners and the franchising brand.
Franchising and flexibility have something of an inherent connection, from the need to adapt to local conditions to the appeal of franchising to entrepreneurs looking for a more flexible, self-directed career path. To take full advantage of the benefits of a flexible approach, franchise brands need visionary, thoughtful leaders in place who can drive success and attract exceptional entrepreneurs to join your brand.
Blue Rock Search is here to help you find the franchise leadership you need to accelerate brand growth and successful scale your business. Contact us to learn more about our track record of success and our franchise executive search solutions.
About the Author
Nancy Estep-Critchett is a founding Partner of Blue Rock Search, with oversight of the Franchise Practice. She has 30 years of successful working experience as a business advisor and executive recruiter in the franchising space. Nancy has built solid relationships which have spanned decades with industry professionals and internationally recognized brands.