Easy Steps to Write Your Franchise Operations Manual
For technical writers that are hired to write franchise operations manuals, it can be an overwhelming task. Although the pay to produce such manuals can be substantial; unfortunately, it can also be a tremendous amount of work and a daunting project. The biggest key in writing franchise operations manual perhaps is getting organized. Franchise companies per se are quite complex animals meaning you will have your work cut out for you.
Likewise, the quality of the franchise manuals is extremely important to the success of the franchise organization. If they are done incorrectly it will cause problems that can lead to miscommunication which can lead to future litigation, or even problems with local, regional, and national regulatory agencies. They must be airtight. Easier said than done of course, especially considering that most franchise founders haven’t a clue as to what they actually need Franchise Agreement.
For technical writers that specialize in manual writing, you’ll know better than they will as to what is needed, still, they will insist on additional components they’d like to see in the manual. Rather, than getting upset with this, go with it, because franchising is a much different business model than a normal corporation with a ton of outlets, and layers of management.
The first thing I’d discuss with them is two sets of manuals. One set for the franchisees and one set for the franchisor’s staff, employees, and in the field area managers. The great thing about taking a writing gig to produce franchise manuals is that once you start, they are going to need you forever. Why, you ask?
Because franchisors grow fast, modify their business models a lot, and are in constant need of additional sections and training material Franchise Disclosure Document FDD. It’s also fun work once you get over your frustrations. Please consider all this, because as a retired franchisor, I can tell you, it is a very needed service in the industry.