As I've mentioned before, franchising is not easy, and it has its own set of skills, experiences and talent required to be successful. Operating the business is different from franchising that business. Fortunately, in today's modern age, there is an abundance of places where franchisors and franchisees can get support and learn more to improve their business and everything related to it.
Finding Franchise Support
One resource that I highly recommend is the International Franchise Association (IFA) based in Washington, DC. They have been around for a long time and are focused on helping their members learn and improve quality franchising. I've served on their board twice and been a speaker, moderator, and panelist dozens of times. I've made some of my best relationships through participating at IFA events. The IFA holds an annual conference, typically in February, a highlight event in the franchise world each year.
Learn more about my time at the IFA annual conference:
2023 International Franchise Association Convention
Speaking at the IFA’s Emerging Franchisor Conference Was Fun!
The International Franchise Association also has various other events - some areas include business development, marketing, franchise operations and even emerging brands. Take a look at the IFA website for a calendar listing and more information on the various events they provide.
International Franchise Association Events Calendar
Other organizations also host, promote and execute other events in the franchise space. One of the other favorites is Springboard, typically held in September in Philadelphia, PA. The group behind the event is very well-known and experienced, and that event is a lot of fun. I've been there and spoken several times. It reminds me of the IFA 20 years ago - relatively small and very high energy.
Franchise Business Review has created a Franchise Summit event in October; this year it will be held in Austin, Texas, where I will be a speaker. Find out more about the FBR Summit - I hope to see you there!
The Faegre law firm, hosted by Brian Schnell, organizes the summit in Minneapolis, MN in the later summertime. It's a great, very intimate event, with a small group of high-quality professionals sharing many relevant ideas. Attending in-person events and conferences like these is a great way to build connections, learn valuable insights and foster growth in your franchise business.
Take Your Franchise to the Next Level with The Franchise Lifecycle
The IFA and other organizations consistently share quality information such as listings of franchise opportunities, rankings of franchise businesses, The Entrepreneur 500, and The Franchise Times 200. Franchise Business Review shares similar information and listings as well. As you can see, there are many places to learn about different brands and how they compare.
In addition to these franchise events and print resources, there are several groups on LinkedIn and Facebook where you can find helpful information and questions being asked and answered by group members. Of course, there are times when you need more, beyond the articles in a magazine and posts in a group chat, and this is where franchise consulting can be an invaluable resource to franchisors and franchisees.
I've lived my entire life in the franchise world, starting with my family's salon franchise business when I was a child and then my own as a franchisee and franchisor several times over the past 30 years. Over the years, I have learned a lot about what it takes to succeed in the franchise business. If you are looking for support in your franchise, please reach out. Schedule a free 30-minute consultation, and let's talk!
John Francis of Johnny Franchise is an enthusiastic, engaging, and entertaining public speaker, advisor and franchise coach; he speaks from experience and the heart. He is the creator of the successful Franchise Lifecycle Program that will take your franchise to the next level. Franchising is in his blood, and his parents were true pioneers in the industry, turning their family haircutting business into a 1,000-salon franchise empire. He has been a franchisee and a franchisor and has a deep understanding of the issues both face. Connect with John, and you and your franchisees will learn how to look at your business in new, positive, and profitable ways.
