1851

There are many factors in play when you seek to buy into a franchise: the initial financial investment, learning the guidelines set by the franchisor and a holistic look at navigating the world of business ownership. And at the center of the chaos and excitement to join a franchise is an often-overlooked concept: culture.<h2>The Role of Culture in Franchising</h2>Culture plays an important role in every business, and franchising is no different. Cultivated by a brand’s leadership, this can refer to values, behaviors, policies and interactions of a franchise.<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellemonroerowan/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=how-to-get-a-feel-for-a-franchise-brands-culture-2723757" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">&nbsp;Michelle Rowan</a>, the president of<a href="https://tour.franchisebusinessreview.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=how-to-get-a-feel-for-a-franchise-brands-culture-2723757" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">&nbsp;Franchise Business Review</a>, noted that culture can have a significant impact on a brand’s potential success, as it has the ability to influence franchisee satisfaction as well as customer perception.“A positive culture significantly and positively impacts business productivity and profitability by enhancing team commitment to the goals of the enterprise,” wrote<a href="https://tour.franchisebusinessreview.com/posts/ebook-ceos-guide-creating-maintaining-positive-culture-franchising/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=how-to-get-a-feel-for-a-franchise-brands-culture-2723757" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">&nbsp;Rowan</a>. “Conversely, a negative culture disrupts the ‘team spirit’ and significantly reduces cooperation among team members, increases turnover and reduces productivity.”<a href="https://bluerocksearch.com/2020/09/24/how-company-culture-can-improve-your-franchise/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=how-to-get-a-feel-for-a-franchise-brands-culture-2723757" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Blue Rock Search</a>, an executive recruiting firm, finds that company culture can improve a franchise in a number of different ways.&nbsp;“By creating a positive company culture, you can improve the performance of your franchise, create a more motivated and engaged team, provide a shared sense of purpose, and establish a favorable reputation,” wrote<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancylinked2010/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=how-to-get-a-feel-for-a-franchise-brands-culture-2723757" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">&nbsp;Nancy Estep</a> of Blue Rock Search.To further support those claims,<a href="https://tour.franchisebusinessreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Top-Quartile-Performance2018-1.jpg?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=how-to-get-a-feel-for-a-franchise-brands-culture-2723757" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">&nbsp;Franchise Business Review conducted a study</a> and found a direct link between satisfaction and franchise performance. The outlet reports that brands with high franchisee satisfaction “drastically outperform brands with low satisfaction on every key performance metric.” These results showcase just how important a positive culture is in the workplace.But as an outsider looking in, how can you get a feel for a franchise’s culture before deciding to invest?<h2>How to Assess Culture</h2>There are several ways you can get a feel for a franchise’s culture before signing the franchise agreement and officially becoming part of the team.<ul><li>Online Research</li></ul>The most immediate way you can get an idea of a brand’s culture is by scouring the Internet and conducting comprehensive online research. This includes exploring the franchise’s official website, social media profiles and any available marketing materials. Many franchisors, like<a href="https://franchise.teriyakimadness.com/franchisee-testimonials/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=how-to-get-a-feel-for-a-franchise-brands-culture-2723757" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">&nbsp;Teriyaki Madness</a> and<a href="https://www.carepatrol.com/franchising/testimonials.html?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=how-to-get-a-feel-for-a-franchise-brands-culture-2723757" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">&nbsp;CarePatrol</a>, will publish franchisee testimonials so you can get a glimpse at what the brand is like behind the scenes.Social media can also give you an idea of how the brand presents itself to the public, while online reviews can offer invaluable insight into the real-world experiences of both franchisees and customers alike. Reviews are a handy resource as they often contain candid feedback on various aspects of the franchise, from its products or services to its customer service and overall atmosphere.<ul><li>Attend Discovery Days</li></ul>Discovery Days serve as a golden opportunity to immerse yourself in a company’s environment. For the uninitiated,&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/the-abcs-of-franchise-discovery-days-what-to-expect-2723319">Discovery Days</a> are held by franchisors as a way to provide prospective franchisees with an in-person look at the brand. This opportunity will allow you to see how the franchisor presents itself and how it interacts with its team.&nbsp;&nbsp;<ul><li>Speak with Current and Former Franchisees</li></ul>There are few better ways to get a grasp on a brand’s culture than by hearing it straight from the mouth of those who have experienced it. If you’re considering joining a franchise, we highly recommend you&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/before-you-sign-an-agreement-talking-with-franchisees-2718507">speak with both current and former franchisees</a>. Their firsthand accounts and insights can provide you with valuable perspectives on the day-to-day operations, support from the franchisor, challenges they’ve encountered and much more.<h2>Trust Your Instincts</h2>Culture can still be a hard thing to gauge. Do your best to trust your instincts. If something about the franchise’s culture doesn’t sit right with you or doesn’t align with your personal values, goals and vision, it’s perfectly acceptable to hold off. After all, investing in a franchise is a significant commitment, and finding a franchise that resonates with you is essential for long-term satisfaction and success. &nbsp;

How to Get a Feel for a Franchise Brand's Culture

1851 Franchise

Discovery Day events and meeting with experienced franchisees can help potential investors get a glimpse of a brand’s reputation and team interactions.

how-to-get-a-feel-for-a-franchise-brands-culture

Sola Salons

Sola Salons Eyes Southern Connecticut for Strategic Franchise Expansion

sola-salons-eyes-southern-connecticut-for-strategic-franchise-expansion

Woodhouse Spas

Photo of exterior of Woodhouse Spa location with people walking around outside

Woodhouse Spas: A Recession-Resistant Franchise Opportunity With Unmatched Support

woodhouse-spas-recession-resistant-franchise-opportunity

Sylvan Learning

Pasadena Weekly: Sylvan Learning Pasadena Offers Free Tutoring for Students Impacted by Local Fires

sylvan-learning-pasadena-free-tutoring-fire-support

BIGGBY COFFEE

BIGGBY® COFFEE Names Erin Kaylor as President, Reinforcing People-First Vision

BIGGBY® COFFEE Names Erin Kaylor as President, Reinforcing People-First Vision and Growth-Focused Future

biggby-coffee-names-erin-kaylor-president

Workout Anytime

Design with Workout Anytime logo and photo of Larry Brayman

Workout Anytime Welcomes Larry Brayman as Chief Marketing Officer, Strengthening Leadership Team Amid Growth Surge

workout-anytime-larry-brayman-cmo

Buying a Franchise Masterclass

 Franchise Opportunities

Get Support Buying a Franchise

How to Buy a Franchise White Paper

How to Buy a Franchise

How to Sell Franchises

How to Grow a Franchise

Find a Franchise Supplier

1851 Franchise Opportunities

Franchisor News

Franchisor Power Rankings

FranCamp Mastermind Summit

Franchise Resources

What ALEC-Laffer's Report Means for Franchising

Website Awards

Power Rankings

About 1851

Advertise on 1851

Contact 1851 Editorial

Terms of Use

1851 Login

GROWTH CLUB LOGIN

facebook

instagram

twitter

linkedin

youtube

The Future of Franchising: Trends and Predictions for 2025 and Beyond

the-future-of-franchising-trends-and-predictions-for-2025-and-beyond

Restaurant Business: Crumbl Cools Its Expansion, Refocuses on Profitability

restaurant-business-crumbl-cools-its-expansion-refocuses-on-profitability

Franchise Face-Lifts: Why Major Restaurant Brands Are Betting Big on Remodels

franchise-face-lifts-why-major-restaurant-brands-are-betting-big-on-remodels

How New Tariffs Are Causing Price Hikes and Surcharges for U.S. Businesses and Franchises - 1851

Tariffs Prompt Price Hikes, Surcharges as Businesses (and Franchises) Brace for Rising Costs 

tariffs-prompt-price-hikes-surcharges

Pizza Hut - EYM Group - Chapter 11 Bankruptcy - 77 Pizza Hut Locations Sold - 1851 Franchise

77 Pizza Hut Locations Sold After Franchisee Bankruptcy Filing

pizza-hut-franchisee-bankruptcy-eym-group

Layoffs Surge to Pandemic-Era Highs, Opening Doors for Franchise Growth

layoffs-surge-to-pandemic-era-highs-opening-doors-for-franchise-growth

&pizza - Fast-Casual Pizza Chain Begins Franchising - 1851 Franchise

&pizza Embraces Franchising To Fuel Bold New Growth Strategy

andpizza-franchising-ceo-mike-burns

Franchisee spotlight image with Randy and Sandy Craft, Children's Lighthouse logo on blue background

The Crafts’ Successful Journey from New Parents to Children’s Lighthouse Franchisees

the-crafts-successful-journey-from-new-parents-to-childrens-lighthouse-franchisees

Franchise Success Stories: Inspiring Tales from the Front Lines

franchise-success-stories

Image of building outline hovering over person's hand

How To Choose the Right Franchise: A Step-by-Step Guide to Success

how-to-choose-the-right-franchise-step-by-step

Most Profitable Restaurant Franchises To Own in 2025 - 1851 Franchise

The Most Profitable Restaurant Franchises to Own in 2025

most-profitable-restaurant-franchises-to-own

Amateur Bodybuilder and Business Partner Bring Passion for Fitness to World Gym Franchise in Fulton, New York

amateur-bodybuilder-and-business-partner-bring-passion-for-fitness-to-world-gym-franchise-in-fulton-new-york

DonutNV Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data for 2025

franchise-deep-dive-donutnv-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data

How to Get a Feel for a Franchise Brand's Culture

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS