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

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

Hooters Leans Into Franchising With Closure of 30 Company-Owned Stores - Agg - 1851 Franchise

Hooters Leans Into Franchising With Closure of 30 Company-Owned Stores

hooters-franchise-model-company-owned-closures

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

Franchisee spotlight graphic with photo of Ricki Oberoi and Layne's Chicken Fingers logo

Multi-Unit Wendy’s Operator Signs 12-Unit Deal With Layne’s Chicken Fingers

ricki-oberoi-laynes-chicken-fingers-growth

Franchisee spotlight graphic with photos of Danielle Rosemond & Usman Khan & TruBlue logo

Family Members of Local Physicians Bring TruBlue Franchise to North Central Nassau, Long Island: A Health Care-Inspired Approach to Aging in Place

family-brings-trublue-franchise-to-north-central-nassau

Top 25 Franchise Marketing Leaders: Kelsey McManemin — Vice President of Marketing, HTeaO

top-25-franchise-marketing-leaders-kelsey-mcmanemin-vice-president-of-marketing-hteao

How This Franchise Consultant Turned a Love for Dogs Into a Business with Dog Training Elite

How This Franchise Consultant Turned a Lifelong Love for Dogs Into a Growing Business with Dog Training Elite

how-this-franchise-consultant-turned-a-lifelong-love-for-dogs-into-a-growing-business-with-dog-training-elite

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

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS