If your business is spread across different sites, it is impossible to be there in person for every meeting or conversation. But with a bit of organisation and the right kind of business management software, it is possible to be on top of each branch.
Follow our tips for managing multiple branches effectively and efficiently.
Schedule in-branch time
There is no substitute for visiting branches to get a feel for what’s going on and how things are working out. Develop a workable schedule that allows you to visit each of your branches regularly, while also giving you time in between to get your out-of-branch tasks completed.
How often you should visit obviously depends on location. If your branches are all local you might be able to dedicate a day at each branch once every week or two. If they are further afield, it may be more realistic to visit for two consecutive days every month. If different branches require more or less management, and you can keep this in mind when creating your schedule so your time isn’t wasted.
Use good management software
Effective business management software is always crucial, even more so when a manager is keeping tabs on multiple branches. No-one wants to be waiting on local staff members to provide updates, and doing so would not be a good use of their time anyway. With branch-specific accounting systems, customer lists and reports, ABM’s database software enables multi-branch management while keeping data separate to avoid confusion. Users can be set to see as much or as little as they need to, while managers have easy-to-use overview of performance across branches.
Bring team members together
There is no reason why one person should be responsible for passing on new techniques or business successes.
Instead of having one person being responsible for all management and training, create opportunities for same level team members to get together and discuss what has and hasn’t worked for them recently. There is no reason why one person should be responsible for passing on new techniques or business successes. By putting the team in touch, they may reach out to each other when they have a query, instead of lining up to speak to a thinly spread manager.
Create companywide documentation
Another easy way to take the pressure off one person needing to be present to provide training and instruction is to produce companywide training manuals. Other managers or team leaders can use these documents to answer questions and organise training. With everyone using the same documentation, there is no risk of branches coming up with their own methods.
If you think your organisation could benefit from our flexible business management software, request a demo today.
