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Canada still has strict quarantine and travel restrictions, some even within provinces. With limited travel, limited hospitality, distance and PPE requirements, the next phases of reopening seem surreal. Yet, the national government has provided clear guidelines for reopening and provides regular updates on regulations. Also, regional regulations could impact how you rise out of the ashes of covid’s slow burn on business owners.
You are capable of making your franchise recovery a strong one.
We all desire to have our doors open, our businesses flourishing, and revenue flowing, of course. This will happen eventually, but it is when business is quiet that franchise owners should retreat to plan and forecast. Now is no different—it is even more critical to plan for a successful ramp-up of your franchise.
Use Your Downtime to Plan
To garner the most revenue as you ramp up your franchise, think strategically about your franchise and your operation. Start over and review what you need so that you are prepared. Consider each aspect of how you operate:
- Review your supply chain. Disruptions in supplies are evident now. Continue regular contact with your suppliers and franchisor to work on any weak links. Maybe there are back-up services you can find to ensure consistent materials.
- Update appropriate technology. Have you taken full advantage of online revenue sources and business apps? Automation can quell inefficiencies that seem to multiply when volume increases.
- Consider equipment purchases. If old or substandard equipment limits your recovery, look now for low-cost items for sale. Your franchisor may know of good deals, too.
- Change your processes. If there was something you wanted to improve before, do it now to avoid the same problem later.
- Focus on safety. From disinfecting to providing space and protective equipment, focus on a safe and healthy workplace. By following national, provincial and regional guidelines, you will be able to operate at full capacity sooner. Keeping the virus number low is a requirement for moving to the nation’s next opening phase, so do your part.
- Show your employees some appreciation. If their hours have been limited, they will appreciate reopening. They are a valued part of your future success, and their adherence to good safety and customer service practices are important. The culture you renew (or re-establish) will become permanent quickly.
- Utilize your franchise organization. Ask the experts for help. While we are in uncharted waters, it is important to use knowledgeable people to help guide your ship. If ever there was a time to surround yourself with smart people, this is it.
Rapid business reopening can be as difficult as rapid closures. Remain vigilant, enlist your franchise organization for guides, and prepare accordingly. Then you will be ready to reopen your franchise quickly.
Anne Daniells is a co-owner of Enterprising Solutions, a professional services firm specializing in corporate communication and financial improvement for businesses where she shares decades of corporate and entrepreneurial experience—including franchise ownership—in her writings on business culture. She has authored hundreds of articles for publications including AllBusiness.com, TweakYourBiz.com, and MSN.com. Reach out via her website for more on where corporate culture, communication, and human architecture collide.