From helping with underperforming franchisees, and exiting problem partners, through to improving your communications or training and support structures, bringing in an outside consultant can be a huge boon to your franchise.

There’s no shortage of people you might go to. Finding a consultant isn’t tricky, it’s finding the right one.

So, here are 6 questions you need ask before deciding which consultant is right for you when it comes to supporting your franchise:

1. Do they (and their team) have the right kind of franchising experience?

Obviously, you’re only going to be looking at people with franchising experience, but how far does that go? Are they a generalist, or do they have specific experience of your sector? Have they been a franchisor or a franchisee themselves, perhaps, and so understand both sides of your network relationships? This last one is especially important if you want them to act as a conciliatory voice between you and your franchisees.

2. Do they have the more extensive professional experience you will need?

Remember, you don’t just need someone who is an expert in franchising, but also someone who is also skilled in delivering the kind of high level, professional support you need. You’ll need someone who can act in a wide range of capacities in any situation: conflict resolution, strategic level thinking, and even be willing to act as an expert witness in court should it come to that.

3. Are they a solo operation, or do they have a team of experts to draw on?

No matter how good someone is, they can never be an expert in everything. When it comes to supporting your network, or dealing with issues, a jack-of-all-trades simply isn’t going to be enough. Look for consultants who have a bigger team behind them, and can call on specialists in anything from recruitment and international expansion, through to marketing and tech support.

4. Who else have they worked with that you can speak to?

An experienced consultant will have a long list of happy clients who they will be happy to show off. Ask for an introduction to a brand they have successfully worked with, and ask for some feedback. You should also do your own research into who they have worked with, and how their setups might compare to yours.

5. How flexible can they be in what they offer?

Is their service an all-or-nothing package you need to make a serious commitment to, or do they offer a bespoke service which only addresses the key issues you identify together? Can you pick and choose their services, and/or have the option to use them in as large or as small a capacity as you need?

6. Last, but certainly not least, are they someone you can get on with?

Chances are this will be someone you will be working very closely with and will need to trust to help with some of your most important decisions, so you need to be sure you actually get along! Do their ethics and values align with you and your business, and do they seem like the kind of people you can work closely with?

Could our Franchise Relationship Support team fit the bill for you?

With more than two dozen consultants, experts and specialists as part of our team, and more than 400 years collective experience between them, there’s bound to be someone who can help you at The Franchising Centre!

The first step is understanding exactly what you need, which is where I come in. So, if you’re looking for the right person to help you and your franchise in 2025, just click the button at the bottom of this email to schedule a free call.