In the fast-paced and evolving work of franchising, The Entrepreneur’s Source® (TES) stands out as a leading source of support and guidance for aspiring business owners. At the core of TES’s success are the Franchise Business Coaches (FBC), a dedicated team of professionals who play a vital role in empowering Career Ownership Coaches® (franchise business owners) to achieve their goals and realize their entrepreneurial dreams.
A Day in the Life of a TES Franchise Business Coach
A typical day for a TES Franchise Business Coach is multifaceted and centered on adding substantial value to the Career Ownership Coaches. “About eighty percent of our week is spent working one-on-one with franchisees through scheduled calls,” Michael Decouflé, TES Lead Business Coach explains. These personalized sessions are vital for understanding and addressing the unique challenges each franchisee faces. By varying the frequency of these calls based on the individual needs and business stages, Franchise Business Coaches ensure that each franchisee receives the precise support necessary to overcome obstacles, elevate their businesses and map out a pathway to achieve their goals. This tailored approach not only boosts the confidence of franchisees but also accelerates their journey towards success.
The remaining 20% of a Franchise Business Coach’s time is devoted to initiatives that benefit all franchisees collectively. This includes developing conference topics and continuing education programs. These efforts are designed to address shared challenges, recognize opportunities, and provide franchisees with the latest industry insights and best practices. By fostering a supportive community through these projects, Franchise Business Coaches create an environment where franchisees can learn from each other, share experiences, and feel part of a larger, collaborative network. This dual focus on individual and collective growth ensures that every franchisee has the resources and support they need to thrive in their entrepreneurial journey.
Overcoming Challenges
Business ownership is not without its challenges. A benefit of being part of the TES system means that franchisees have a Franchise Business Coach to help guide them through those inevitable pain points.
One of the main challenges franchisees often encounter is remaining aligned with the highly effective TES system and standards. “Often times we see franchisees start to move away from the brand standard. They get impatient or think they know better,” says Michael, “This is often where we see things start to break down. The system works, you just have to stay the course.”
“There is a mindset shift that must occur. It cannot be a sales or numbers mindset. We encourage ‘detachment from the outcome’ or as I like to call it ‘lack of attachment syndrome.’ Our brand promise to our end client is that we are not going to “sell” them or direct them. Through creating awareness, providing education and allowing for discovery to occur, those seeking a better way will reach a point of clarity as to whether business ownership is a possible way to meet their goals, needs and expectations ,” explains Michael, “We want our Career Ownership Coaches® to have a heart of a teacher around that. If we are doing that with an open mind and creating an experience for those exploring what is out there, we know that the money will follow, the placements will follow. As soon as we switch to treating clients like numbers and making decisions based on the check book or desperation, it does not work. For some, this is all they know, they are stuck in that corporate mindset. This is something our Franchise Business Coaches help overcome.”
Additionally, the solo nature of business ownership can sometimes feel isolating. However, Franchise Business Coaches emphasize that franchisees are never truly alone in their journey. They have the strength of a vast network behind them, including the unwavering support of their Franchise Business Coach and a collaborative team of coaches. This extensive support system ensures that franchisees always have access to guidance, resources, and camaraderie, empowering them to overcome challenges and achieve success.
Supporting Franchisees to Achieve Their Goals
The support provided by a Franchise Business Coach is comprehensive, starting early in the entrepreneurial journey. “We begin by developing and clarifying what the franchisee’s goals are, particularly their Income, Lifestyle, Wealth and Equity (ILWE®) goals and creating a 1–5-year plan,” Michael explains. The first twelve weeks are dedicated to training and filling in any gaps from the initial training class conducted in Southbury, CT. Afterwards, the focus shifts to business coaching, emphasizing brand standards, franchise commitments, and effective business management.
The support Franchise Business Coaches provide is also emotional, helping franchisees navigate the rollercoaster of emotions that come with starting a new business. “A lot of our early role is coaching mindset,” Michael says. This involves reminding franchisees of their commitments and goals, helping them manage their expectations, and providing practical support on various business aspects, such as cash flow management and day-to-day operations.
Success Stories
Michael shared several success stories that highlight the impact of effective coaching. In one instance, a franchisee struggled to balance business priorities with lifestyle goals and as a result their business was not thriving. Through laser focused coaching we helped the franchisee realign their focus, emphasizing business development before lifestyle enhancements. This shift enabled the franchisee to meet their business goals and eventually enjoy the lifestyle they desired.
Another story involved a top-preforming franchisee whose motivation had shifted towards more ego-driven goals. The result was unrealistic and unsustainable goals. Through coaching, they refocused on their original ILWE® goals, creating a new vision and reinventing their business within a year. These stories demonstrate the power of coaching in identifying blind spots and making necessary adjustments for sustainable success.
Staying Updated and Relevant
To ensure their coaching remains relevant and effective, Franchise Business Coaches engage in continuous learning and professional development. They partner with organizations like Strategic Coach and follow the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) model. Weekly meetings allow them to identify, discuss, and solve problems collaboratively. Additionally, they listen to franchisee feedback through surveys and peer performance groups, using the information to improve their coaching methods and stay ahead of emerging trends. This collaborative approach ensures the franchisees feel heard and valued, fostering a strong sense of community and support.
TES Franchise Business Coaches play a pivotal role in the success of TES Career Ownership Coaches® (franchise business owners). Through personalized support, continuous learning, and a deep commitment to franchisee success, Franchise Business Coaches help create a thriving community where franchisees can achieve their ILWE® goals and build sustainable businesses. Their dedication and expertise make The Entrepreneur’s Source® a leader in the franchising industry, empowering individuals to take charge of their careers and create fulfilling lives. We believe in the power of coaching so much, not only is this the essence of the service we provide to the public, but we subscribe to it internally as well. That is why we have made a commitment that every Franchise Business Owner should have their own Franchise Business Coach.