Fran X | The COVID is coming! The COVID is coming!

The Next McDonald's (Big Idea)

We’re Not Going to Say It….

No matter what’s ahead, your brand should be stronger today than it was in March 13, 2020 and the weeks and months after that.

Smart brands adapted and our FranX guest speaker, Annie Duke, professional poker player and author of Thinking in Bets: Making Smarter Decisions When You Don’t Have all the Facts provided us with a great strategic planning framework for planning and navigating ahead.

As you plan ahead to Q3, Q4 and 2022, it’s time to start backcasting. Take yourself out of the present moment and project yourself into the future, 6, 12, and 18 months from now…

What does success look like in the future? As you look back, what decisions did you make that contributed to your success 6, 12, and 18 months from now? What matters of luck went in your favor? What risks did you successfully hedge?

What does failure look like in the future? As you look back, what decisions did you make that contributed to your failures 6, 12, and 18 months from now? What matters of luck went against you? What risks did you fail to hedge?

Like before, there’s disruption and growth opportunities ahead.

WATCH Annie Duke’s interview here. Start backcasting!

News You Can (Actually) Use

• Will Restaurants Require a Ticket to Enter? If Yes, It’s Called a Vaccine
   
• 5 Celebs Who Own Franchises

Killer Brands

Toastique - In the fast casual segment Toastique is a next generation brand. Gourmet toasts, smoothies, bowls, and fresh juices, toastique represents a generational shift toward health-focused power meals. A category leader and innovator, Toastique offers lower start-up costs, strong unit level economics, and an opportunity to take advantage of shifting opportunities in the restaurant industry.

Franchisees Kicking Ass: The Franchisee Is King

The Great Franchisee: John Ramoin, ProLift Garage Doors*, Texas

After being laid off, the former shipping operations director decided to open his own business with the fast-growing garage door maintenance franchise.

After 24 years working in shipping logistics for various small package shipping companies, John Ramoin was laid off. But Ramoin turned that setback into an opportunity; instead of trying to make his way back into the corporate world, he decided to pursue business ownership. Through research and the help of a franchise consultant, Ramoin found ProLift Garage* Doors, the 20-plus-unit garage door maintenance franchise backed by multi-brand franchisor Premium Service Brands.

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Yo Broker, Sell My Franchise

Mark Cory is a bit of a Renaissance man. Prior to launching his FranNet business in 2002, he was senior vice president for Olympia Entertainment where he oversaw the operations of dozens of theaters, comedy clubs and entertainment venues. His career also includes time as a CPA, school board member, pension fund trustee, and church and civic volunteer.

Nowadays, his focus is on helping people achieve their dream of business ownership in the Detroit, Ann Arbor and East Michigan areas as a franchise consultant and owner of FranNet of Michigan. He guides them through the hundreds of franchise opportunities in his region to find the perfect fit that helps them reach their goals.

1851 Franchise spoke to Mark Cory about his experience as a consultant and some of the words of wisdom he has for both aspiring franchise owners and franchisors looking to attract quality candidates.

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The Bottom Thoughts

There is no doubt COVID has not gone away. In fact, it is starting to rattle some businesses. Some franchise brands are building the next contingency plan. But, this is for today.

And often times, today is where brands get lost -- and lose out on the potential for great momentum.

The fact is, in franchising (especially growth) -- right now you are playing for end of year and Q1 for sales; and next year or even the next in openings. Thus, you can’t get lost in the moment, no matter how turbulent it is. You must play the long game.

Flash back to a year ago. What would you have done differently (knowing what you know today -- you know, those record sales)? Take those wishes and make them a reality today. This will help you stay out of your comfort zone and continue to invest in the future -- no matter what happens today or tomorrow.

COVID is clearly not going away today -- and maybe not tomorrow. Work around it. Be positive and focused. Play for 2022 and 2023.