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.&nbsp;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=coronavirus-and-franchising-arif-abdulla-of-nurse-next-door-and-aaron-behrens-of-gymguyz-2712696" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Internicola Law Firm</a>, are covering the coronavirus and its impact on the franchising industry through a <a href="https://mbf6e734.clickfunnels.com/webinar-registration1584137477175?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=coronavirus-and-franchising-arif-abdulla-of-nurse-next-door-and-aaron-behrens-of-gymguyz-2712696" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">webinar series titled “Coronavirus and Franchising: Mindset + Strategy to Recover and Grow.”</a>In today’s morning webinar, Powills and Internicola spoke with Arif Abdulla, Vice President of Global Franchise Development for <a href="https://www.nursenextdoorfranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=coronavirus-and-franchising-arif-abdulla-of-nurse-next-door-and-aaron-behrens-of-gymguyz-2712696" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Nurse Next Door</a>, and Aaron Behrens, a multi-unit franchisee with <a href="https://www.gymguyz.com/franchise-opportunities/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=coronavirus-and-franchising-arif-abdulla-of-nurse-next-door-and-aaron-behrens-of-gymguyz-2712696" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">GYMGUYZ</a>, to discuss how their brands have adapted to better serve customers and franchisees.&nbsp;Here are some of the key insights from their discussion.<h4>This is a time for leaders to get creative and think outside the box, while also being realistic.&nbsp;</h4>Coronavirus has taken its toll on employees and employers. It’s a challenging time and people are scared. Leaders must help their people understand the situation and get creative to bring solutions.&nbsp;Leaders must also be realistic about the challenges they face and look at how they can cut costs. They can work closely with their accountants and explore programs to support franchisees during this difficult time.&nbsp;People respond in different ways to a crisis. Some franchisees might need more support than others. That’s what franchisors are for: to provide different levels of support where needed.&nbsp;<h4>Brands must protect their employees.&nbsp;</h4>Essential service brands, whose employees are still working, must make sure they are taking the right precautions with staff members and making sure they have the right equipment. Make sure staff members know about safety policies and have the necessary guidance to provide services safely. Guidelines are changing quickly, so it’s important for franchisors to provide that information.&nbsp;<h4>Franchising might see an influx of entrepreneurs.&nbsp;</h4>Unlike independent business owners, franchisees benefit from established procedures. Everyone is unsure about the final outcome of the coronavirus pandemic, but franchisors have the ability to help their systems ramp up more quickly when they reopen their doors, whereas independent businesses will have to start over completely.&nbsp;<h4>Labor opportunities will open up, but finding the right fit will still be critical in the hiring process.&nbsp;</h4>Even businesses and industries with hiring challenges will want to make sure they hire the right people. Employees still need to be qualified and have the right skill sets. The same goes for finding the right franchisees. They shouldn’t just be in it for the money. Their goals and values should align with the franchise’s.&nbsp;<h4>Franchisors and franchisees who pivot quickly will win.&nbsp;</h4>No one knows how things will look in a few months, let alone a year from now. Brands must take their collective knowledge and pivot where they need to while maintaining their core business values.&nbsp;<h4>There will be a major demand for services when this crisis ends.&nbsp;</h4>When everything settles down, brands will see a rush of people looking for their services. For this reason, brands should consider continuing marketing efforts and letting people know the brand is still there and ready to support them.&nbsp;<h4>Consider looking at your business in 30-day sprints.&nbsp;</h4>The market is too unpredictable, and everything is changing too rapidly right now to look too far ahead. Looking at the business in smaller increments of time can create small victories and help brands gauge what is going on. Brands need to remain nimble and increase the cadence of their communication with their franchise partners.&nbsp;<h4>Business owners who do not make mistakes are not learning.&nbsp;</h4>If a business owner is not making mistakes, they are not learning, and that is where they can get into trouble. This is an unpredictable time, but it’s also the time to be fearless and to take risks and do something different. If you’re not testing new strategies, you’ll run into issues down the road.&nbsp;<h4>Keep a mindset of abundance.&nbsp;</h4>One can look at this situation from a mindset of abundance or scarcity. Look at the possibilities and opportunities and how your brand is presenting itself to the community. There will be good days and bad days. Keep an open mind, take risks and look for opportunities.

Coronavirus and Franchising: Arif Abdulla of Nurse Next Door and Aaron Behrens of GYMGUYZ

1851 Franchise

Nick Powills and Charles Internicola are joined by Nurse Next Door Vice President of Global Franchise Development Arif Abdulla and GYMGUYZ multi-unit franchisee Aaron Behrens to learn how those brands are tackling the challenges of the COVID-19 crisis.

coronavirus-and-franchising-arif-abdulla-of-nurse-next-door-and-aaron-behrens-of-gymguyz

Seniors Helping Seniors®

Photo of two people, with white hair, sitting on couch, smiling at each other

Seniors Helping Seniors® In-Home Care Services Expands in Manassas and Fredericksburg, Virginia

seniors-helping-seniors-in-home-care-services-expands-in-manassas-and-fredericksburg-virginia

BooXkeeping

Tech-Driven Bookkeeping: How BooXkeeping Franchisees Are Embracing the Future

tech-driven-bookkeeping-how-booxkeeping-franchisees-are-embracing-the-future

Fitness Premier

Fitness Premier's State-of-the-Art Facilities and Multi-Discipline Approach Fuels Franchise Owner Success

fitness-premiers-state-of-the-art-facilities-and-multi-discipline-approach-fuels-franchise-owner-success

Melting Pot

Melting Pot 50th anniversary photo, featuring three people enjoying celebratory drinks and fondue

Melting Pot Celebrates 50 Years of Fondue Magic With a Year of Special Menus, New Offerings and Unforgettable Moments

melting-pot-50th-anniversary-fondue-celebration

Filta Environmental Kitchen Solutions

Kathy Turner: The Filta Franchisee Keeping LA's Kitchens Cooking (and Green)

kathy-turner-the-filta-franchisee-keeping-las-kitchens-cooking-and-green

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 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

Yum! Brands CEO David Gibbs To Retire in 2026 After 36 Years With the Company

yum-brands-ceo-david-gibbs-to-retire-in-2026-after-36-years-with-the-company

Hooters Bankruptcy - Chapter 11 - April 2025 - 1851 Franchise

Hooters Files for Bankruptcy, Sells Restaurants to Franchisee Group

hooters-bankruptcy-chapter-11-april-2025

Fly Dance Fitness Expands With First Franchise Location in Georgia

fly-dance-fitness-franchise-expansion

&pizza - Fast-Casual Pizza Chain Begins Franchising - 1851 Franchise

&pizza Embraces Franchising To Fuel Bold New Growth Strategy

andpizza-franchising-ceo-mike-burns

CFOs See Recession as Likely in ’25; Why Now Is the Time To Water the Franchise Buyer Seeds

cfos-see-recession-as-likely-in-25-why-now-is-the-time-to-water-the-franchise-buyer-seeds

Paris Baguette Ranks Among Top Franchises on Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500® for 2025 - 1851 Franchise

Paris Baguette Ranks Among Top Franchises on Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500® for 2025

paris-baguette-ranks-among-top-franchises-on-entrepreneurs-franchise-500-for-2025

1851 Agg - McDonald's Sales Decline Expansion Continues - 1851 Franchise

McDonald’s Franchisees Feel the Pressure as Sales Decline and Expansion Continues

mcdonalds-franchisees-feel-the-pressure-as-sales-decline-and-expansion-continues

Florida Franchisee Reflects on Success and Growth with Sylvan Learning

florida-franchisee-reflects-on-success-and-growth-with-sylvan-learning

Franchise Deep Dive: Studio Pilates Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data

franchise-deep-dive-studio-pilates-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data

Military Veteran and Craft Beer Enthusiast to Bring Voodoo Brewing Co. to Toledo, Ohio

military-veteran-and-craft-beer-enthusiast-to-bring-voodoo-brewing-co-to-toledo-ohio

Coronavirus and Franchising: Arif Abdulla of Nurse Next Door and Aaron Behrens of GYMGUYZ

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS