Small Biz Franchise Blog

Are Your Franchisees’ Families Getting In The Way Of Their Success?

Posted on February 5, 2010 by Lizette Pirtle

The families of your franchisees are an important factor in their success. Too many franchisors unfortunately underestimate the influence of families. Concentrating only on the franchisee is a mistake you need to avoid and here is why.

When people invest in a franchise their lives change drastically. They go through tremendous emotional upheaval which has a direct effect on their family. The family normally does not make the investment choice for the franchisee. They may be involved in the decision making process but the final decision is usually made by one or two people. Yet, the consequences of this decision are felt by all family members.

When the results are positive, everyone is happy but when challenges come up, everyone is affected as well. Families can and do help franchisees succeed, but they also can hinder their success. As a franchisor you may think the family of the franchisee is none of your business. I invite you to think again.

• Are all family members supportive?

If families are not supportive of the franchisees’ decision, they will make it hell for the franchisees when the business affects their lives negatively. Further, family members who were initially supportive of the decision may withdraw their support when their lives are affected. If the business does not provide the same level of income, free time, or status that the family previously enjoyed, franchisees will get an earful of complaints. In most cases, this lack of support and negative input makes it more difficult for franchisees to continue putting forth the effort the business requires.

• Are family relationships strained and filled with conflict?

Starting a business is difficult enough in the best of circumstances. However, when franchisees have to deal with conflicted relationships their attention and focus can’t be where is needed the most. Energy that should be going to the business gets diverted to handling the emotionally draining relationships leading to poor results in the business.

• Do family members feel abandoned?

Starting a business requires time; and, the stress created by the fear of failure can lead franchisees to spend more time and energy in the business than it’s actually required.  When the attention of franchisees is solely on the business, family members may feel abandoned and will resent the business.

• Are the changes the franchisee is going through too drastic for the family to accept?

A new business means a new life and with it come transformation. Franchisees must change and adapt to their new circumstances. Some of these changes may be too much for some family members. This non-acceptance of the “new” person results in conflict.

As a franchisor you need to help your franchisee identify and deal with these challenges. Encourage your franchisees to:

• Communicate with all family members often and deeply about the business and their feelings about what they are going through.
• Ask family members for their support, help and understanding.
• Don’t take the support of family members for granted. Be grateful!
• Share with family members; talk about the challenges and get them engaged; they may come up with good ideas.
• Manage their time and make sure there is always quality time for the family.

I know, this is easier said than done. But if your franchisees do not take care of their family’s emotional well-being they will not be able to take care of the business. You, as the franchisor, can and should also pay more attention to the family of your franchisees.

• During your annual conferences or meeting, plan activities for the spouses and for the kids.
• Choose kid friendly dates and family friendly locations for your meetings.
• Don’t charge a registration fee for kids and only charge a food fee for spouses attending meetings.
• Negotiate discounts with vendors to encourage family participation in meetings.
• Get to know your franchisees’ families. Make the time and effort to introduce yourself to them and get to know their names.
• Celebrate the family accomplishments: births, graduations, weddings, etc.

Supportive, loving families are behind every successful franchisee.  Franchisor can foster good family relations; all it takes is awareness of the issues and effort.

What do you think? Do you agree?

Related Posts

1. 7 Challenges Home Based Franchisees Face
2. Is Your Training Program Geared to Create "Franchisees of the Year"?
3. Franchising: the Beauty and the Beast
4. Franchising: a Love Affair by Lizette Pirtle
5. Franchisees: Are Your Fears Sabotaging Your Dreams?

You are welcome to use the information on this post; all I ask is that you give credit and provide a link to this post or the blog front page. Thank you.

Tags: Franchise Success, Franchisee Success, Franchisees