How To Franchise Your Business
- Operations Manuals

Organize and write your company’s (Franchise) Operations Manuals.

The Operations Manual is vital to the success of your Brand. All of your Brand’s operational procedures are documented in this manual so that the franchisees have the information in one place so that they can completely and consistently implement these procedures into their operation.

Normally the Pre-Opening Manual is part of the Operations Manual and it contains everything that a franchisee needs to know and do, contact and buy, sign and requirements to meet [from the License Agreement and other regulatory agencies], in order to open and initially operate a franchise. It also includes a timeline to ensure a predictable opening as well as the names, phone numbers and addresses of any and all persons or entities new or expanding franchisees will need to contact in order to open a location.

One of the first and most important steps that a franchisor needs to deal with is the preparation of its Operations Manuals. These are required and are also an excellent way for the franchisor to establish from the beginning everything about the company: The Philosophy Of Franchising, Franchisee And Franchisor Obligations, Administration, Operations, Marketing, Technology, Franchisor/Franchisee Relations, Human Resource Management, Business And Financial Planning, Franchisee Responsibilities, Training of Staff, How To Select, Lead, and Manage A Customer-Centric Team, forms and how to use them, checklists, etc.

Management 2000 believes that having a complete and accurate Operations Manual is critical to the successful franchise company. The process that we use is as follows:

a. Prepare a milestone chart detailing the major results, due dates and persons responsible for the results.

b. Prepare a topical outline to show the organization of the manuals and scope of the project.

c. Review any existing manuals and critical information.

d. Obtain information to supplement existing written materials through research, interviews and meetings with designated staff. Visit existing location is deemed necessary to gather information.

e. Add the voice of the customer to each section of each manual.

f. Prepare the manuals.

g. A master copy of the manuals is sent to the franchisor in order to keep the manuals up to date.

h. If the franchisor would prefer to have an outside company keep the manuals updated, we can provide that service. We also offer the ability for the franchisor to have the entire system online with passwords for the franchisees which includes a reporting system of how the Operations Manuals are utilized by the franchisees.

As you can see, having clear and concise manuals are vital to the success of your franchise system. It is important to spend the necessary time and money to create these properly and not “cut corners.” A project to write manuals from “scratch” can be completed in a three to four month time-frame, with everyone’s complete cooperation.

Management 2000 has worked with over 1,300 Franchise Companies in our 29 plus years of operation. Our experience includes working with existing franchise companies as well as companies who are just getting the franchise area up and running. References are available upon request.

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