The 8 | November 4, 2016

8. The Buzz: Advertising Age: “What Brands Can Learn From Baseball:” Besides the World Series title, the Chicago Cubs and Cleveland Indians have a lot in common. Both teams’ have a data-driven approach that created a winning franchise. The analytics departments on each team take data into account for every game scenario—pitcher matchups, at-bats, and building roster lineups.

By looking across the board at stats and metrics instead of focusing on only a few, brands can create their own winning roster for success.

After superstars, a brand also needs specialists that thrive in certain areas, like a pitcher who can close a late-inning lead. For brands, a specialist can drive top notch engagement when creating one particular type of content.

7. Brand of the Week: Toppers Pizza*

Argus Leader: Toppers Pizza is Expanding in Sioux Falls, South Dakota: Toppers Pizza has announced plans to open a third location in Sioux Falls in the first quarter of 2017.

WBTV-Charlotte: Toppers Pizza Franchisee Opens First Toppers Location in Fort Mill, South Carolina: Toppers Pizza franchisee Bill Stayduhar and Store Opening Specialist Dylan McKay showcase bestselling Toppers pizzas while promoting the opening of their new location in Fort Mill.

Toppers Pizza Introduces New Straight-Up Pricing: As Toppers continues to dominate the pizza industry, they’re introducing another weapon to their arsenal: The freedom to customize.

OKAY, NOW I’M PISSED!: Just because a pizza chain claims they’re using mozzarella cheese, doesn’t mean it’s true. But at Toppers Pizza, you better believe they’re using 100 percent real Wisconsin mozzarella cheese—there’s no modified food starch crap here.

Backed by a Strong Franchise System, Toppers Plans Industry Domination: The fast-growing better-pizza franchise aims to partner with experienced restaurant operators and successful multi-unit franchisees to fuel growth in 2016.

6. People Story: “Fox Business:” U.S. Election is Causing Stress Levels to Skyrocket:” Despite Americans’ political beliefs, this year’s presidential election is stressing everyone out.

5. Profits Story: “CNBC: Despite Election Chaos, CEOs Keeping Cool:” The election has made many U.S. consumers feel uneasy, but U.S. CEOs are still feeling confident, according to a recent survey.

4. Places Story: “The Butler Collegian: Pita Pit Location Opening on Campus for Butler University:” Franchisee Travis Sealls will be opening his Pita Pit location next week on Butler University’s campus.

3. Columns: “The Right Job Description Can Make or Break a Job Search:” Doug Kushell, president and founder of Franchise Search Inc., shares his expert tips for crafting job descriptions, resulting in the ultimate fit.

2. In the Media: “Franchise Times: Four Fast-Casual Concepts Enter U.S.:” Check out four new franchises hitting the U.S.—what they’re about and the specific challenges they’ll face.

1. Thought We Week: Leads vs. Deals