The Next McDonald's (Big Idea)

Dear 2020,

We know this may be insensitive, however, we figured this was far better than over text message. We have decided to take a break.

Now, by take a break, if we are being honest — this is going to be much tougher than a traditional separation, because, frankly, there is absolutely no chance we are getting back together.

Frankly, back in March, we were already sick of your attitude, bulls!@# and mood swings — one day trending correctly, the next, the complete opposite. Thus, we started looking for something much more attractive — we call her 2021.

Now, we know it’s not going to be easy and there is no guarantee that 2021 is better than you — but we like our chances.

You see, we are looking for the long-term, and we're even OK with distance (working from home has taught us a lot).

So, 2020, goodbye, goodnight, forever.

The big idea is 2021 — and propelling the growth of amazing relationships with awesome businesses and entrepreneurs.

News You Can (Actually) Use

It’s completely, 200%, time to flip the switch. Google “franchisee” and the news is annoying.

Start telling the great stories of your franchisees. The media wants the success, the hero, the first-time business owner stories.

Franchisees Kicking Ass: The Franchise Is King

Ben & Jerry's Multi-Unit Franchisee Opens MOOYAH Burgers, Fries & Shakes' Largest Location in Orlando

Tareq Qarman has lived in Orlando since his parents moved from Palestine in 1993. After graduating high school, he started working at Golden Corral, spending 16 years with the company learning the ins and outs of the restaurant business before gaining the confidence to step out on his own. He opened the first of his six Ben & Jerry’s locations at the Hollywood Plaza in 2010, and now, in that same plaza, he’s opened his first MOOYAH Burgers, Fries and Shakes.

Yo Broker, Sell My Franchise

Sabrina Wall, founder of Franchise Brokers Association (FBA) and Lisa Welko, CFE talk about steps franchisors and the franchise industry can take to recover and grow after the coronavirus pandemic.

Sabrin said the easiest way to sell more franchises is:

“XXXXXXXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX.”

Watch the video, Xers.

The Bottom Thoughts

2020 presented us with a once-in-a-lifetime multigenerational Black Swan event that accelerated the future — good and bad. Things are changing and the change will be happening even faster in 2021.

It’s time to think and rethink what we want from 2021.

It’s time to forecast and plan the narratives and opportunities that will propel your business in 2021.

What will be the narrative, trends, and opportunities that will propel your brand in 2021.

The opportunity will be there. As a community, let’s uncover it.

Don’t Miss the Next Big Franchise Story

Sign up for the 1851 Franchise newsletter to get our biggest stories before everyone else

By signing up, you agree to our user agreement (including class action waiver and arbitration provisions), and acknowledge our privacy policy.

Nick Powills

About the Author

Nick Powills

Follow
Nick Powills, CFE, founded No Limit Agency in 2008 and serves as Chief Brand Strategist for the Chicago-based firm. No Limit is a full-service communications agency that establishes and elevates brands by bridging Public Relations, Social Media, Marketing, Advertising, Digital, and a lot of creativity, to best strategize well-rounded and successful campaigns for 50+ global franchise brands. By presenting visionary ideas and building real relationships, No Limit is able to create effective media branding strategies to help companies grow. Nick currently leads a staff of writers, media strategists, designers, social media experts and digital producers in an office think-tank where brands are humanized for strong, compelling media stories. Prior to starting No Limit at the age of 27, Nick spent four years working at a franchise PR agency where he mastered the art of building rapport with media outlets and creating newsworthy pitches for earned media placements. He holds a Bachelor of Journalism from Drake University in Iowa.