The 8 | January 4, 2019

1. Frantastic: With the start of the new year comes a lot of expectations and predictions surrounding what’s on deck for the franchising industry over the course of the next 12 months. One thing that’s going to be important for franchisors to keep in mind is that they need to guide franchisees through the franchise opportunity process rather than strictly selling them. No Limit Agency* Chief Development Strategist — and Franlebrity — Sean Fitzgerald elaborates on this in a recent 1851 Franchise article, and will also be exploring this idea further during a webinar with FranConnect on January 9.

2. Franlebrity: The connection between professional sports and franchising is one that we’ve continued to highlight on both 1851 and The 8. That’s why this week’s Franlebrity — and January’s 1851 cover star — is former NFL player Tafa Jefferson. We sat down with Jefferson to learn more about his decision to found Amada Senior Care after retiring from the league, which has now grown to 100-plus locations. The full video interview is live on 1851 Franchise now.

3. Frash Money: Over the last 10 to 15 years, franchising has expanded from storefront locations to also include high-demand services. Those services are continuing to bring in Frash Money, according to an article in Forbes that highlights the emerging franchise concepts to watch in 2019. Industries that are expected to continue to see success are in-home senior care, fitness and health and wellness.

4. Frant of the Week: Restaurant franchisors often describe their ideal franchisee as not only someone with the proper capital to invest, but also restaurant experience. In his latest Frant for 1851, No Limit Agency CEO Nick Powills dives into this need for restaurant experience and why it’s necessary by detailing his own experience playing restaurant operator. For the full story, check out the full column here.

5. Franch Forward: Franchise brands are only going to be successful in their efforts to Franch Forward this year by focusing on driving growth and technology. Without a strong commitment to innovation — both on the consumer and franchise development sides of their businesses — brands are going to find it difficult to keep up with today’s demands and expectations.

6. Fran Funny: What do you call two banana peels? A pair of slippers.

7. Franspiration: “What’s working, what continues to work, is telling stories, telling these success stories of franchisees within our network. Using content to answer questions and overcome objections.” - Dave Wells, Senior Director of Franchise Recruiting at U.S. Lawns.

8. Franemies vs. Frands: It’s no surprise that our Frand Amazon announced that the company experienced record-breaking sales during the holiday season. While the company didn’t disclose exact sales numbers, it did say that tens of millions of customers signed up for its Prime service. Amazon’s continued success is a sign that franchisors should be finding ways to work with them if they aren’t already.