By Steve Roulstone
Well we have just about recovered from what was a draining two days at the National Franchise Exhibition this weekend. There is no doubt that standing on your feet for two days does take it’s toll (I used to work in retail and you can get used to standing – eventually!) but it is a small price to pay for what is a refreshing experience every year.
Renew your Franchising passion.
When I first became a Franchisee, I felt so passionate and proud about what I set out to achieve and by visiting the show every year, firstly as a Franchisee on behalf of Castle Estates and latterly as the Franchisor, I have always find my passion and pride lifted once more by so many people setting out on the same road. It is always a great reminder of why I do what I do and sets the playing field level again for the next year.
Looking like a bumper year.
But this year, as most commentators have agreed, the level of enquiry has been really good and personally I found those choosing to visit our stand, showed a consistent high level of research and knowledge both of what was possible as well as what they wanted from Franchising. It is probably the first year that I have not heard those immortal words, ‘What’s this all about then’!
13 Months please.
The days after the show are all about speaking to and arranging with potential Franchisees the next step that was agreed at the show, with Literature being sent to those who truly want to read about you and arranging to meet those who really want to get to learn about what we offer. At this time of the year, I could do with fitting in an extra month, just to cope with the demand, but that is probably my fault as I like to see everybody myself and especially on a one to one basis.
Franchise Opportunities.
But there is no doubt that it is also the most important time, as we move to make the best of the opportunity, in the correct way for both Franchisee and Franchisor. If I am impressed with the standard of potential in the people I am going to see over the next three months, then it is right and proper that we ensure we allow this potential to make the most of the partnership’s we will develop over the coming years. Now is the time that the passion that has been renewed again this year, to shine through!
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