I think we often fail to recognize the inherent complexity of business format franchising. Franchising is a unique model. I can’t think of any other business where a single brand simultaneously … [Read more...]
By on February 12, 2014 Leave a Comment
Delivering the Dream
The Role of Emotional Motivation in Franchise Development The Franchising Dream In the Franchising Dream, we have a great story to tell. It’s the goal that brought us all into this … [Read more...]
By on December 10, 2013 Leave a Comment
Lessons from Showbiz: Patrick Stewart and the Fine Art of Selling
Sometimes, epiphanies come from unlikely places. I was reading the current issue of Esquire and spotted an interview with Patrick Stewart. Though I’m neither a Trekkie nor a huge fan of his pop … [Read more...]
By on December 2, 2013 Leave a Comment
Creative Thinking: Simple Isn’t
“Making the simple complicated is commonplace: making the complicated simple—awesomely simple—that’s creativity.” — Charles Mingus When it comes to communicating your idea to your audience, nothing … [Read more...]
By on November 14, 2013 Leave a Comment
Lessons from Showbiz: Every Performance Matters
From 2002-2005, one performer in Las Vegas was voted the top entertainer every year. His name was Danny Gans. As a pro baseball player for the Chicago White Sox, Danny picked up a small role in … [Read more...]
By on October 16, 2013 Leave a Comment
Meeting Matters: Set Objectives
In many cases, the annual meeting is an organization’s largest annual spend on group communications. Whether it’s a sales meeting, a franchise convention, a company conference or an association event; … [Read more...]
By on October 3, 2013 Leave a Comment
Lessons from Showbiz: Be Yourself
“Be yourself. Unapologetically.” —Ke$ha During my 20s and 30s, I had the privilege of backing up some legendary showbusiness personalities. Across the spectrum of performers… from Tony … [Read more...]
By on September 19, 2013 Leave a Comment
On Presenting: Put the Audience First
Fade up on comedian Jerry Seinfeld, on stage at a posh theater. We pick him up mid-monologue as he remarks with perfect comic timing… "…so I got off the elevator, cut in line and said; ‘what is … [Read more...]
By on September 12, 2013 Leave a Comment
Creative Thinking—Part 2: Study the Assignment
In Part 1 of the Creative Thinking series, I offered an overview of the creative process.This week, let’s take a deeper dive into step one: Study the Assignment. I always start by getting deep into … [Read more...]
By on August 21, 2013 Leave a Comment
Creative Thinking—Part 1: Lightning Strikes & Big Ideas
“Never hope more than you work.” —Author Rita Mae Brown Creativity, in my experience, comes from two places: Lightning strikes and relentless, focused effort. And while lightning strikes are fun … [Read more...]
By on August 14, 2013 Leave a Comment
Tech Tip: Dressing for On-Screen Success
In his 1972 book, "Silent Messages," UCLA Professor Albert Mehrabian introduced his landmark research into the relative importance of verbal and nonverbal messages. He found that three factors … [Read more...]
By on August 9, 2013 Leave a Comment
Lessons from Showbiz
It’s been said that everyone in America has two careers: Their own business. And show business. I actually started my career in showbusiness. No, I didn’t kick the Can Can in the Follies Bergere or … [Read more...]
By on July 30, 2013 Leave a Comment
On Presenting: Make Your Message Matter
If you’re tapped to speak at a meeting or convention, here are a few things to consider as you plan your presentation: Tell stories. People have communicated using stories since the dawn of spoken … [Read more...]
By on July 22, 2013 Leave a Comment
The Measure of Success
If you're a senior sales executive thinking about your next annual meeting, take a cue from consumer goods marketers. Survey your market BEFORE launching that big campaign. Not only can you better … [Read more...]
By on July 18, 2013 Leave a Comment
Taming Your Maverick Network
Check-Out Time Orlando, Florida — Sunday morning, 9:00am I’ve just wrapped a highly-successful sales meeting the night before. (Actually, it was well into the morning hours before my team and I … [Read more...]