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Five Things to Bring to Your Next Franchising Event
Meaningful connections in this industry are the key to your success
The most successful professionals know that forming meaningful connections in franchising is the best way to advance your career. It doesn’t matter if you’re a franchisor, franchisee or supplier - franchising is a tight-knit community that welcomes and supports a wide range of industries and people.
Since we’re hot off the International Franchise Association Convention last week, I got to thinking about the rest of the year and other upcoming conferences like the Franchise Update Multi-Unit Franchising Conference in April and the National Restaurant Association Show in May that we’ll all probably be attending.
But just showing up and passing out business cards is not the ideal way to build relationships. So what do you do instead? This got me thinking. Other than cards, what’s the best way to make a strong impression moving forward?
Know What You Can Offer - Self-confidence can go a long way. But what’s in it for them? Offer your time, expertise or make a connection without asking for something in return. When you focus on what you can give, rather than what you can gain, great things can happen
Be You
A magnetic personality can go a long way at a networking event. Take time to build relationships, but don’t be afraid to be yourself. Your uniqueness is what sets you apart from everyone else. Be genuine and people will respond in kind.
Authenticity
Most people despise networking events because of forced conversations. Far too often interactions can feel fake and obligatory. Don’t be “that” person. People want to get to know the real you. The best way to stand out in this world of constant editing is to be authentic.
Be Willing to Listen
Attending an event and handing out business cards to everyone you meet may allow you to meet a good number of people, but it’s not the best way to build meaningful relationships. People are interesting and most have great stories to tell. Be a good listener and you’ll go a lot further at your next event.
Set Realistic Expectations
Don’t attend an event expecting to land the next big account or secure the game-changing contract. Lightning in the bottle strikes every now and then, but you’re better off approaching your next franchising event with the idea in mind that you’re going to meet people who will help you deepen your connections. A positive attitude and a willingness to share information will, in the long run, allow you to develop the relationships you’re looking to cultivate.
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About the Author
Nick Powills
FollowNick 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.
