A group of 100 field operations managers from Australia's top franchise brands came together this week in Sydney to share best practice in franchisee support at the first of three Field Managers Summits organised by The Franchise Relationships Institute (FRI).

One highlight from the Summit was the release of new data from an in-depth study into the predictors of franchisee success based on a study of 2000 franchisees by psychologist and FRI founder Greg Nathan.

Nathan described the findings as "like unravelling the human genome of franchisee performance".

A team of franchise educators led workshops on how to get franchisee buy-in to new initiatives, dealing with difficult people, helping franchisees develop local area marketing programs and conducting useful financial conversations with franchisees. 

Educators included Julia Camm from Corven, who introduced a tool for identifying the learning needs of franchisees; Louise Broekman from HR Coach, who provided a framework for field managers to assist their franchisees with common HR and people issues; and psychologist, Ree-Anna Chatman, who shared practical techniques on how to add genuine value to franchisees going through personal, financial or business crises.

Karli Furmage, CEO of FRI, said "We are working to raise the capability and professionalism of field managers. This role represents the biggest chunk of a franchisor's payroll; it's a tough job and field managers need ongoing support and development if they are to add real value through their important work."

The Brisbane Summit starts on Monday October 31st. Call the franchise relationships institute on 07 3510 9000 for details or go to www.franchiserelationships.com