The 8 | December 7, 2018

1. Frantasic: The franchise industry has always modified itself in response to the changing times, and 2018 was no different. That’s why there’s a new feature up on 1851 that breaks down the biggest things that happened in franchising over the past year. From a strong economy that led to slow development to the NLRB’s proposed rollback of the joint employer rule, check out the things that have caused the industry to evolve recently.

2. Franlebrity: You know this week’s Franlebrity as a world-class boxer. But we’re highlighting Floyd Mayweather Jr. for his foray into franchising with Mayweather Boxing + Fitness. In an exclusive interview with 1851, Mayweather dives into his decision to franchise his fitness concept as well as the lessons learned in the ring that he’s now applying to business. The full interview is live on 1851 — check it out now!

3. Frash Money: Brands are spending Frash Money on advertising. Between the Midterm elections, the Winter Olympics, the FIFA World Cup and more, ad revenues experienced their strongest growth since 2010. Ad revenues grew by 7.5 percent this year, reaching an all-time high of $208 billion. That includes a record $4 billion spent on political ads.

4. Frant of the Week: In his latest Frant for 1851, No Limit Agency* CEO Nick Powills is tackling a topic that’s top of mind in the franchising industry — franchise sales. While Powills understands the purpose of the script that’s often handed to sales teams, he argues that there’s one aspect of the sales process that needs to trump a script: relationships. Without proper conversations and the ability to read a prospect’s state of mind, salespeople end up overselling, which ultimately hurts a brand’s chances to expand. You can read the full column to learn more on 1851.

5. Franch Forward: Twitter is Franching Forward with a new voice. The social media platform is trying to be more like Wendy’s and Netflix by adopting a more conversational tone with its @Twitter account. There’s no word as to whether or not the move will inspire change across the platform — but for now, Twitter is testing it out.

6. Fran Funny: Why are Christmas trees so fond of the past? Because the present's beneath them.

7. Franspiration: “Boxing is all about strategy and discipline. You have to think many moves ahead of your opponent and be prepared for anything they will come at you with. You have to be patient, disciplined and execute the right punch or defensive movement at exactly the right time or it could cost you the fight. But, you also have to be adaptable and responsive to be able to change the game plan mid-fight — something I would do throughout my career.” — Floyd Mayweather Jr. on how lessons learned in boxing can apply to businesses and franchising.

8. Franemies vs. Frands: Burger King is back as our Franemy — or our Frand — this week. The brand is offering a one-cent Whopper promotion. But in order for fans to be eligible for the discount, they have to place their order from either inside or outside of a McDonald’s location. Once they place their order, they’ll be offered directions to the nearest Burger King to redeem their coupon