1851

The coronavirus continues to have dire effects on businesses across the country, and the franchise industry is no exception. Franchisors across segments are strategizing new ways to support their franchisees, keep customers satisfied, help local communities and come out stronger on the other side of this crisis.To that end, 1851 Franchise publisher Nick Powills and Charles Internicola, founder and partner of the <a href="https://www.franchiselawsolutions.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=a-conversation-with-natalie-perkins-and-beth-barlas-of-bella-ballerina-2712867" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Internicola Law Firm</a>, are covering the coronavirus and its impact on businesses through our <a href="https://mbf6e734.clickfunnels.com/webinar-registration1584137477175?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=a-conversation-with-natalie-perkins-and-beth-barlas-of-bella-ballerina-2712867" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">A Conversation With webinar series.</a>In today’s afternoon webinar, Powills and Internicola spoke with Natalie Perkins, CEO of <a href="https://www.bellaballerina.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=a-conversation-with-natalie-perkins-and-beth-barlas-of-bella-ballerina-2712867" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Bella Ballerina</a>, and Beth Barlas, franchise owner of Bella Ballerina, about how franchisors and franchisees can learn from the COVID-19 crisis.&nbsp;Here are some of the key insights from their discussion.<h4>Adapting While Staying True to the Business</h4>While physical locations are closed, it is important that brands fill in the gaps in any way possible to make sure their offering stays compelling for customers. For example, Bella Ballerina was able to transition into a virtual environment fairly easily and has been working to ensure the value proposition is amped up with new classes and events.&nbsp;Many brands are moving out of their lane to try to create new streams of revenue, but as a business owner, it may be more valuable to focus on what the business does best and tweak&nbsp; that model. More than ever, brands need to know their core purpose.&nbsp;While it may be difficult, franchisors need to make confident decisions right now to be able to bring certainty to customers and team members. It is important that franchisees have an answer to give customers and staff when new questions arise.&nbsp;The working parent is certainly struggling during this crisis. How businesses can support these parents and families is becoming a huge differentiator. For example, Bella Ballerina is working hard to do everything they can to make virtual classes as engaging as possible to keep kids paying attention so parents can work.&nbsp;<h4>The Value of the Franchise Network</h4>Good franchisors are viewing their franchisees as stakeholders in the brand. The alignment between franchisor and franchisee is more essential than ever. This strong relationship is what allows brands to pivot their business quickly when new issues arise.&nbsp;Every franchisee wants to know that their franchisor will still care about them after signing the agreement. Ongoing support is key to ensuring that franchisees are proud to be a part of the brand and are confident in their future.&nbsp;Franchisors should only make decisions that benefit the entire franchise network. Often, franchise brands are only able to offer their high-level of services because of their large footprint and established network of franchise partners.<h4>Franchise Development</h4>Brands that survive this crisis will be able to use the experience as a new value proposition. While nothing is guaranteed, businesses will now have a lot more data to show prospective owners in terms of how the company can weather a crisis.&nbsp;Moving forward, everyone is going to have an equal seat at the table. In the future, prospective franchisee candidates are going to be looking for brands that work closely with their team and value their opinion.&nbsp;This crisis is allowing brands to show their true colors and allowing potential buyers to develop a deeper understanding of what they want in a business opportunity.

A Conversation With: Natalie Perkins and Beth Barlas of Bella Ballerina

1851 Franchise

Nick Powills and Charles Internicola are joined by CEO of Bella Ballerina, Natalie Perkins, and Bella Ballerina franchise owner, Beth Barlas, to discuss how the franchise brand is dealing with the COVID-19 crisis.

a-conversation-with-natalie-perkins-and-beth-barlas-of-bella-ballerina

Onigilly Japanese Kitchen

Unlocking the Potential: How Much Can You Earn as an Onigilly Franchisee?

unlocking-the-potential-how-much-can-you-earn-as-an-onigilly-franchisee

Filta Environmental Kitchen Solutions

DeWitts Ignite New Chapter for Filta Environmental Kitchen Solutions in Reno 

Grease, Grit, and Growth: DeWitts Ignite New Chapter for Filta Environmental Kitchen Solutions in Reno, Nevada

grease-grit-and-growth-dewitts-ignite-new-chapter-for-filta-environmental-kitchen-solutions-in-reno-nevada

Layne's Chicken Fingers

Layne's Chicken Fingers-50 Unit-Wendy's-Franchisee-June-2025

Why This 50 Unit Wendy’s Franchisee Is Betting on Layne’s for His Next Big Move

wendys-franchisee-expands-with-laynes-chicken-fingers-texas

CapitalSpring

CapitalSpring’s Jim Balis Talks Growth, ROI and the Future of Fast Casual on “Rock My Restaurant”

capitalsprings-jim-balis-talks-growth-roi-and-the-future-of-fast-casual-on-rock-my-restaurant

Children's Lighthouse

Children’s Lighthouse Ramps Up Growth in First Half of 2025 With Strategic Expansions, Franchise Signings, and New Headquarters

childrens-lighthouse-ramps-up-growth-in-first-half-of-2025-with-strategic-expansions-franchise-signings-and-new-headquarters

Buying a Franchise Masterclass

 Franchise Opportunities

Get Support Buying a Franchise

How to Buy a Franchise White Paper

How to Buy a Franchise

How to Sell Franchises

How to Grow a Franchise

Find a Franchise Supplier

1851 Franchise Opportunities

Franchisor News

Franchisor Power Rankings

FranCamp Mastermind Summit

Franchise Development Website Builder

Franchise Resources

What ALEC-Laffer's Report Means for Franchising

Website Awards

Power Rankings

About 1851

Advertise on 1851

Contact 1851 Editorial

Terms of Use

1851 Login

GROWTH CLUB LOGIN

facebook

instagram

twitter

linkedin

youtube

What June’s Jobs Report Means for the Franchise Industry

what-junes-jobs-report-means-for-the-franchise-industry

Drone Delivery Takes Flight in QSR: The Future of Franchise Operations?

drone-delivery-takes-flight-in-qsr-the-future-of-franchise-operations

Chick-fil-A Tops Customer Satisfaction Rankings for 11th Year as Challenger Brands Gain Ground

chick-fil-a-tops-customer-satisfaction-rankings-for-11th-year-as-challenger-brands-gain-ground

Technomic Releases Annual Ranking of the Top 15 Fast-Food Chains in the U.S.

technomic-releases-annual-ranking-of-the-top-15-fast-food-chains-in-the-us

Rising Jobless Claims Could Signal Challenges — and Opportunities — for Franchising

rising-jobless-claims-affect-franchising

How-petbar-Makes-Pets-and-Their-Owners-Happy-as-Part-of-the-Family-in-a-Clean-and-Fun-Environment

How petbar Makes Pets and Their Owners Happy as Part of the Family in a Clean and Fun Environment

petbar-franchise-opportunity-boutique-pet-grooming

petbar Franchisees Win the $6.89B Global Market With Complete Transparency, Self-Service and Membership Models, Creating the Happiest Place for Dogs

petbar-franchise-opportunity

Bringing Robots to Main Street: How Elad Inbar’s RobotLAB Franchise Is Powering the Local AI Revolution

bringing-robots-to-main-street-how-elad-inbars-robotlab-franchise-is-powering-the-local-ai-revolution

Busy Bee Jumpers Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data for 2025

busy-bee-jumpers-franchise-costs-fees-2025

The Ultimate Guide to Selling Franchises: How To Create a Strong Incentive

how-to-build-strong-incentives-to-attract-prospective-franchisees

How Vishal Juneja Turned a Family Tradition Into a Paris Baguette Franchise

How Vishal Juneja Turned a Family Tradition Into a Paris Baguette Franchise Built on Heart and Community

paris-baguette-franchise-rockaway-new-jersey-vishal-junjea

petbar Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data for 2025

petbar-franchise-deep-dive

Design with outline of three houses and people working on laptops within them

Top 10 Low-Cost Home-Based or Mobile Franchises for 2025

low-cost-home-based-mobile-franchises

Franchisee spotlight graphic with photo of Juan & Whitney Fernandez & family, BIGGBY COFFEE logo

From Chiropractic to Coffee: These BIGGBY® COFFEE Franchisees Are Brewing Something New in Troy, Ohio 

biggby-coffee-franchise-coming-to-troy-ohio

A Conversation With: Natalie Perkins and Beth Barlas of Bella Ballerina

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS