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 January 16, 2014 Leave a Comment
On Creativity: Just Say “No” to the New Clichés
“Give me your tired, your poor, your hackneyed phrases yearning to breathe free.” We’ve heard them all. Many of us have used at least one of them on occasion. (Truth time—embarrassingly—me … [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 October 24, 2013 Leave a Comment
Creative Thinking—Part 3: Find the Truth
We started with a deep dive. Asking questions. Digging deeper– more questions. Mining the client’s mind… as well as that of the target. Charting objectives. Collecting data—be it anecdote, opinion or … [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 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 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 17, 2013 Leave a Comment
Don’t Buy Video
You don’t buy coal, you buy heat. You don’t buy the paper, you buy the news. You don’t buy circus tickets, you buy thrills. And you don’t buy glasses, you buy better vision. —Anonymous Are you … [Read more...]
By on July 16, 2013 Leave a Comment
Meetings Matter
1774: The first Continental Congress 1865: Summit at Appomattox Courthouse 1894: The modern Olympic Games established 1945: Yalta Conference 1963: Martin Luther King’s march on … [Read more...]