Don’t Let Arrogance Blind You to Innovation: The Franchisee’s Guide to Wisdom and Synergy

Best Franchising Tips For Franchisees

As a franchisee, you’ve probably had one of those "Aha!" moments where you realise that, after some time in the business, you might just know more about the day-to-day operations than the franchisor and their field support staff. It’s a common experience, and for many franchisees, it’s a key turning point—usually happening towards the end of the first term of the franchise agreement.

At this point, you might feel like you’ve cracked the code. You’ve got the hang of running the business and applying the franchise system in your own unique way. But here’s the thing: that realisation is a double-edged sword. It can either lead to arrogance or wisdom. The path you choose from here can set the course for your future success.

Embrace the Journey, But Don’t Blind Yourself to the Bigger Picture

First things first, realising that you know more about your specific business operations than the franchisor isn’t a surprise—it’s actually expected. After all, who’s going to understand your day-to-day operations better than you? But what you need to remember is that your knowledge, while invaluable, isn’t the be-all and end-all.

Don’t let this newfound confidence blind you to the potential of the wider franchised network. Innovation doesn’t just come from inside your four walls, and often, it’s the collective experience of the network that drives true innovation. It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that the franchisor or their field support staff are out of touch, but don’t be so quick to dismiss the value they can still bring to the table.

The Changing Role of Franchisor Support

The relationship between franchisees and franchisors evolves over time. In the beginning, the franchisor’s field support staff are there to teach you the ropes. They’re your go-to for guidance, providing you with the tools you need to get up and running. But as you gain more experience and confidence in your business, their role shifts. They’re no longer teachers; they become messengers and connectors.

This shift is vital for growth. If the franchisor has set up its structure and culture to grow alongside you, they’ll be there to support you with new resources and strategies as your business matures. But this doesn’t just happen automatically. It’s a two-way relationship, and as a franchisee, you need to be proactive about communicating your evolving needs. This is where the real wisdom comes in.

The Power of Synergy: Why Collaboration Beats Going It Alone

Here’s the thing: a smart franchisee understands the power of a collective brand. You’re part of something bigger than your own single store, and that power is a force to be reckoned with. The resources, collective knowledge, and marketing power of a franchise network can propel your business forward in ways that you can’t achieve alone.

But a wise franchisee knows that true power doesn’t just come from the brand—it comes from creating a collaborative relationship with the franchisor. As your business evolves, you’ll need different things from your franchisor. The key is learning how to convey these needs in a way that fosters a positive, constructive dialogue. By doing so, you can help shape the future direction of the franchise network as a whole.

The best franchisees understand that the strength of the brand lies not just in the product or service, but in the relationships and collaboration that happen between franchisees and franchisors. It’s about sharing insights, challenges, and successes to create an ecosystem where everyone thrives. The stronger the relationship, the stronger the brand.

Making It Work: Strive for Wisdom, Not Arrogance

The bottom line is simple: smart franchisees realise that they are better off together than going it alone. The strength of the collective brand is far more powerful than any single store, but wisdom lies in recognising that a productive, insightful relationship with the franchisor is the real key to success.

So, as you move forward in your franchise journey, remember this: don’t let arrogance blind you to innovation. Be open to what the wider network has to offer, be proactive in communicating your evolving needs, and most importantly, focus on building a collaborative relationship with your franchisor that benefits both of you.

You don’t have to be a guru to be a successful franchisee, but a little wisdom goes a long way. Be wise, or at the very least, be smart. Your business—and your future success—will thank you for it.

Bio - Barry Money, Founder - Bane Enterprises

For the first ten years of Barry’s career, he consulted in global franchise standards and led significant transformation and innovation projects.

Barry has diverse corporate experience across multiple disciplines including sales, marketing, customer service, product management, export, quality assurance, engineering, IT and supply chain with full accountability for P&L

At the end of Barry’s corporate career, where he earned the nickname “Goliath Slayer,” Barry transitioned to the C-Suite. Barry Money is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and a C-Suite professional, with an MBA in entrepreneurship.

Barry has held director, board member, CEO and and leadership positions in start-ups, NFPs, Founder-operated entities, industry peak bodies and commercial organisations. 

He held a leadership role at Australia’s largest franchise group, where he was instrumental in driving disruption and growth.

Barry has worked in franchised industries, franchise consulting companies and some of the largest franchised brands globally.

After many years living and working all around the world, he is fluent in Japanese, French, German and conversant with several other languages.

A dynamic, results-driven leader who prides himself on lateral, entrepreneurial thinking and creativity, Barry is renowned for developing and fostering strong teams and a collegiate spirit.

Barry Money now heads up Australia’s ethical, efficient, effective, end-to-end choice for franchising solutions, Bane Enterprises.

Contact details

E: online@baneenterprises.com