Enough with the franchise bashing- just ask any intelligent entrepreneur.
Did you take tens of thousands of dollars to launch a business to shrink it into a hobby?
Did you start your business with no intention to grow?
Then you should RESPECT and be supportive of franchisees who took the same leap of faith YOU did.
FUN FACT- MANY started as mom and pops and GREW into franchisable concepts. These connection tips just might inspire some of your next moves when a franchise moves in.
FOLKS FLOCK TO THE FAMILIAR
Striking out on your own is empowering!
You hung out your shingle, opened your doors, and you're ready for your moment to be discovered by the community! But- getting folks through your doors is a struggle at times. Once you get more well-known, business will pick up, right...?
Savvy mom and pops can leverage recognized brands in their shopping plaza. I can't count the number of independent small businesses I discovered and became a regular of because the place I recognized and was headed to was packed or closed. It's not a competition- it's a COLLAB-ETITION!
Your cross-over audience is there, if by nothing else, by location. You just need to define who they are and connect them through a mutually beneficial campaign. You sell doughnuts and there's a franchise nail salon next door? Give a BoGoDonuts offer to their tax clients, get a free weekday manicure from them and let them work the upsell.
KNOW THY NEIGHBOR
You create Relationships with the people in your neighborhood, so create Bizlationships(TM)
with your commercial property neighbors. It's as harmless as a handshake and as common as a conversation. Sounds simple, yet it's as overlooked as orange peels. Show up with a small gift, offer to sit down for coffee and give them the lay of the land. Take a genuine interest in their success, and a neighbor worth knowing will return the favor.
Franchise owners are small business owner too. They live in your subdivision, coach little league teams, and attend (or skip) school with your kids. The big difference? They started their business with a head start- bringing a brand with a proven system of success to your community.
Working WITH franchisees and well-known successful corporate brands to thrive together is the key- not seeing them as the enemy.
How do I know? I was the marketing VP of a single location that is now a national franchise with over 40 locations nationwide. Don't hate on success- STRIVE for it.
NOW. Skip the diss, and let the high tide raise all ships! Oh, and those orange peels...? They make FANTASTIC cocktail garnishes and mosquito and ant repellant. You're welcome!
Need more Community Connection strategies to move your business forward in ways you haven't tried...? Reach out- it's as quick as a CLICK.
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