The first three months after signing a franchise agreement are crucial for laying a strong foundation. You’ve made the decision to own a business, and now it’s time to execute. The next 90 days will be a blend of preparation, training, and careful planning. Each phase sets the stage for your long-term success. Here’s a clear roadmap for what to expect and focus on during this critical period.
Training and Onboarding
Most franchisors kick off with comprehensive training programs to ensure you’re equipped to operate within their system. You’ll receive operational training on everything from daily management tasks to using their proprietary systems. Some brands also include marketing and sales strategies to help you attract and retain customers right from the start.
Absorb as much as you can and ask questions whenever something’s unclear. Don’t just focus on the theory. Engage actively. Think about how you’ll implement what you learn in your specific market.
The faster you master the franchise systems, the quicker you’ll get your business up and running.
Securing Your Location
If your franchise requires a physical location, it's important to find the right space. You'll want a spot with enough foot traffic or proximity to your target audience.
Location is everything, and the franchisor should guide you in choosing an optimal space based on market research and demographic data.
Franchisors often have preferred vendors for real estate and legal services to streamline this process. Lean into their experience. They’ve done this before, and they're striving to make you successful.
Lastly, don’t rush your decision. Expect to spend time negotiating leases or purchase agreements.
Setting Up Operations
Once you’ve secured your location, it's time to focus on setting up operations.
This includes everything from sourcing equipment and inventory to hiring and training staff. The franchisor will provide checklists and timelines to help you navigate this process.
You’ll also need to establish workflows that align with the franchise system. These workflows should cover the customer experience, service delivery, and back-end processes like scheduling, inventory management, and payroll. Efficient operations will be critical to your success, especially in the early stages when you’ll be managing most aspects of the business.
If you focus on setting up good systems ASAP, you'll save yourself a lot of work in the long run.
Building Buzz
Engage your local community early and often.
Pre-opening buzz is crucial. I recommend hosting a soft opening to allow customers to try your services and provide feedback. It gives you a chance to fine-tune your operations before your grand opening. It also helps start word-of-mouth.
The more visibility you can create before your opening, the better. Take advantage of any marketing resources your franchisor provides and customize them for your market.
Financial Management
During the first three months, you’ll need to set up your financial systems and develop a clear cash flow plan. This means opening business bank accounts, setting up accounting software, and working with a financial advisor if needed to ensure your finances are in order.
Understanding your financials early on will give you a solid foundation for growth. Track every expense, and ensure you have a clear understanding of your break-even point. Many franchisees struggle during the early months because they don’t keep close enough tabs on their spending.
Building Your Team
If your franchise requires employees, you’ll need to start hiring as soon as possible. Many franchisors offer support for recruiting and training, but you’ll be responsible for selecting the right team members.
I like to hire people who are customer oriented, fit the franchise culture, and align with my leadership style.
It's up to you whether you hire DIY or work with a recruiter. Making the wrong hires can be costly, and making the right hires can make your life 1,000% easier. With the stakes in mind, there are a lot of advantages to working with a recruiter. If you want to explore this option, I recommend John Mathew with Patrice & Associates.
After you hire, invest time in motivating and training your team. You want to make sure they understand both the franchise system and your expectations for their roles.
Communicating with Your Franchisor
Your franchisor’s support is one of the biggest benefits of joining a franchise. Use it!
Keep open lines of communication with your franchisor throughout these first three months. Many franchisors have dedicated field support teams that will help you troubleshoot issues as they arise.
Regular check-ins will help you stay on track and ensure that any problems are addressed quickly. This support can make the difference between a successful launch and an early struggle.
Prepping for Your Grand Opening
The biggest milestone in your first three months is your grand opening. This is when you’ll officially open your doors and start serving customers.
You’ll want to ensure all operational processes are in place, staff is trained, and marketing efforts are ramped up. It’s essential to start strong, and the grand opening sets the tone. Many franchisors provide checklists to ensure you’re prepared.
Consider inviting local influencers, bloggers, or community leaders to the event to generate buzz. Offering special promotions or discounts can also drive traffic.
Conclusion
The first three months after signing a franchise agreement are all about preparation. From training and securing your location to marketing and building your team, every step is crucial. Lean on your franchisor’s support, stay organized, and focus on setting up strong operational processes. By the end of this period, you’ll be ready to hit the ground running with confidence.
If you need additional support, don’t hesitate to reach out to your franchisor and fellow franchisees for guidance. You can even reach out to me!
Give your franchise setup your very best effort. Your work will pay off in the months and years ahead.