The 8 | March 10, 2017

1. Frantastic: This week’s Frantastic video is a bit of a guessing game. Check out this week’s episode of “The 8” and let us know what you think you’re hearing. Is it a mouse being caught in a trap? Or maybe 1851’s own Sean Fitzgerald being pranked by No Limit Agency* CEO Nick Powills? Share your answer with 1851 on Facebook or Twitter.

2. Franlebrity: Throughout March, 1851 is highlighting some of the top women leaders in business and franchising. And this week’s Franlebrity is one of the industry’s rising stars—Jennifer Beall Saxton. The founder and CEO of Tot Squad is capitalizing on the underserved market that’s dedicated to baby gear. The brand works as a mobile service that provides professional cleaning, installation and repair of car seats and strollers at different retail locations daily. After opening its first franchise last year, Beall Saxton is looking to bring Tot Squad to new communities.  

3. Frash Money: Prospective franchisees are finding the potential for a strong return on their investment with Wireless Zone. The brand offers candidates an incredibly detailed Item 19 that’s broken down in categories like months and different performance brackets. That comprehensive report helps entrepreneurs figure out where they might fit into Wireless Zone’s system, which is expected to fuel the brand’s development efforts going forward.

4. Frant of the Week: In part two of his series on winning more clients, Nick Powills explains why it’s important to think about the negative things that your competition might be saying about you. Despite their claims, it’s up to you to use that negativity as fuel to visualize your own potential threats and opportunities. By taking the high road and focusing on your own strengths, it’s possible to create a winning positioning strategy.

5. Franch Forward: Togo’s is showing off its “California Love.” The brand is actively targeting Sacramento for growth. With 32 locations already up and running in the area, Togo’s has established strong brand awareness in the area. Franchisees who sign on to develop the brand in the city will also have the advantage of being close to Togo’s existing supply chain, given that it’s a West Coast-based brand.

6. Fran Funny: Why did God make Adam before Eve? Everyone needs a rough draft before they make the final copy.

7. Franspiration: “We need women at all levels, including the top, to change the dynamic, reshape the conversation, to make sure women’s voices are heard and heeded, not overlooked and ignored.” – Sheryl Sandberg

8. Franemies vs. Frands: Not only is our Frand FranNet one of the most powerful companies in franchising, it’s also making it easier for women to become business owners. Data shows that right now, only 20 percent of franchised businesses are owned by women. So in order to help spread the word about the industry’s entrepreneurial opportunities, FranNet partnered with the Association for Women’s Business Centers. Through education, their goal is to help more women run their own businesses.