Oporto’s franchise manager Sean O’Connor takes our Q&A.

1. What is your personal strength in business?

Setting and achieving goals. This was one on the very first lessons I received in business many years ago. Set your goals for a given timeframe. Write a business/action plan on how to achieve those goals and take action. Have regular assess and measure sessions. Readjust your business plan accordingly. Work hard and you will see great results.

2. What have you learned about franchising?

That success is based on franchisor and franchisee working as a team to achieve brand vision and goals.

3. What does it take to have an efficient franchise model?

Firstly an efficient model needs to have a robust five to 10 year plan; and strong leadership team and an engaged franchise network.

Secondly and just as important an efficient franchise model needs systems, procedures and an expert support network… this includes, but limited to;

– A comprehensive training plan with access to ongoing training for all employees;

– An efficient and effective supplier network;

– Operational systems and procedures;

– Access to online portals for ordering of uniforms, marketing products and communication;

– Access to free independent employer relations advice;

– A real time Point of Sale system that provides instantaneous results across the network;

– An expert property team;

– An inspired and highly effective operations team;

– and a great franchise recruitment system ensuring more quality performers are joining the brand.

4. What do franchisees want from their franchisor support team?

They want expert advice, support and guidance to ensure their businesses are running at maximum profitability.  They also want a strong, passionate and profit focused leadership team.

5. How does a franchisor foster trust in the relationship with a franchisee?

Firstly, the franchisor’s goals, vision and action need to result in positive growth.

Then, open and honest conversations are the surest way to build the foundations of trust between the franchisor and franchisee. Rewards and recognition are very important for a job well done and sharing knowledge on how to improve performance are just a few of the ways to foster a healthy and respectful relationship.

6. What can franchisees do to ensure a good relationship with the franchisor team?

Maintain brand integrity, be constructive in feedback, be open to change, be a part of the broader team of franchisees and have the best interests of the brand in every action they make.

7. In your experience, what is the most common mistake franchisees make?

Recruitment and retention.

8. What do you look for in an interview with a prospective franchisee?

A proven track record in business is important, but first and foremost it’s passion, passion for the brand and passion to succeed. Mix passion with understanding business insights, a commitment to succeed and dose of hard work and you have a future Oporto star in the making.

9. What do you think is the most important quality required of a franchisee?

People Skills.  Absolutely categorically, people skills.

Through our ongoing training programs we can assist franchisees with improving all other business aspects, but we can’t teach them people skills.

People skills is closely followed by dedication to succeed and hard-working.

10. What does it take for a franchisee to be a star performer?

The star performers in the Oporto franchise network are customer centric business minded people with a passion for the brand and a passion to serve amazing food.

They are an inspiration to their team as well as the broader Oporto network.