Bev Slabbert Cash Converters Southern Africa has recently launched a comprehensive e-learning and video training tool available to all franchisees and their employees. The programme is set to become an indispensable tool for career planning and employee development for all levels of employees within the franchise. “Training is an essential part of any franchise model,” says Bev Slabbert, Training and Development Manager at Cash Converters. “With Cash Converters being an international brand, our new e-learning model ensures consistency with international standards and gives employees from all over the region easier access to training ensuring that we’re consistently delivering the same message that conveys our values and approach to customer service. Using this cutting edge technology we’re able to overcome gaps like education, culture, distance and language.” Each curriculum consists of a growing number of interactive e-learning content and video clips as well as video episodes...

Training is key for prospective franchisees’ success  For franchisees to be successful, a strong and formative management approach is necessary, where emphasis is placed on elements such as stock control, organising, planning, staff management and understanding the rules of the franchise. Training Manager at Sandwich Baron, Sergio Martins, says without this kind of structure and management, franchisees could struggle to achieve the profit margins they require. Training is therefore imperative to help franchisees fully understand the franchise’s business system, resulting in exceptional service, quality, consistency and great profit margins. The key capability needed to run a successful franchise is the ability to follow the business system and the regulations of the franchise brand. At Sandwich Baron, we expect franchisees to be fully committed to delivering top service, and consistency in a quality product, which require them to be able to work on food costs and implement c...

Staff training builds skills, loyalty and profits in small businesses Ethel Nyembe In many small businesses, training is regarded as a luxury; something that cannot fit into the average day. Although the focus of any small enterprise should be meeting customer expectations, it is training that can improve customer experience and boost profits, asserts Ethel Nyembe, Head of Small Enterprise at Standard Bank .  “When it comes to training, many people think of a boardroom, expensive technology and high-priced presenters,” says Ms Nyembe. “This does not have to be the case; training that is effective is targeted, but that does not mean costly. The beauty of training is that it does not necessarily mean major costs and time off work for people who are needed to drive sales.” Some economical training options that should be considered are: Product training. This can be provided on the job with an expert - possibly the business owner - providing insights on a regular basis t...