Imagine, if you will, that you’ve already made the decision to seek an entrepreneurial future. You looked into franchising – possibly with the assistance of FranNet of DFW & Oklahoma – and reviewed several concepts before finding the perfect match for your goals and lifestyle. You’ve just signed your franchise agreement and are ready to get started building a name for yourself in the local business community.
More than a few new franchise owners reach this critical point and realize that, aside from the generous help they’ll get from the brand’s corporate office, they could use some additional pointers in this area. Well have no fear, as we’re here to help with some advice and assistance in the “How to Get Known” Department. In this week’s blog post, we’re discussing six easy ways to introduce your new franchise to the local business community.
1. Be a Joiner!
One of the first things you should do as a new business owner in your community is join any pro-business organizations, such as your local Chamber of Commerce. If you’re unsure if your area is represented with a chapter, you can follow this link to search through the National Chamber of Commerce directory. Another example is local Rotary Clubs, organizations made up of business leaders who are passionate about serving their communities. If you live in a more populous area, you may have opportunities to join other like-minded groups that foster and promote entrepreneurism, networking, and leadership opportunities.
2. Be a Gladhander
After joining any and all groups that foster networking opportunities, it’s time to make the scene as a Gladhander, defined as someone who is excessively outgoing and friendly. At FranNet of DFW & Oklahoma, we know this skill doesn’t come naturally for everyone, so you may need to work at it a little – but it will pay off down the road. Your job is to network as much as possible so that the members of your local community will eventually associate your name with your new business.
3. Host an Open House Event
While some franchise opportunities are home or mobile-based, it’s still possible for new owners to host an open house event to introduce the community to your particular product or service. To determine the right time and place, look for gatherings, festivals, fairs, and other like-minded events in your community that are open to promoting local businesses. If you own a brick-and-mortar storefront, you’ve already got the prime location to introduce yourself to local consumers.
4. Explore Sponsorships
Many local community events and organizations are always in need of “backers.” For a nominal fee in most instances, you can help sponsor an event or club to help get the word out about your new business. Find outlets that align with your product or service, and you’ll secure the appropriate opportunity.
5. Get Charitable
Many franchise concepts already have a beneficiary for charitable contributions and other opportunities to give back. But absent from any guidelines, look for an appropriate local cause to partner with and donate your time or a portion of your proceeds for the greater good of your local community.
6. Support Others
One of the quickest ways to gain recognition for your new product or service is through the support of others. That’s right – you have to find ways to sacrifice some of your time and effort to put yourself in the eventual position to receive some support of your own. You’d be surprised how meaningful it can be to other businesses when you step up and offer your support to them. In a perfect world, that favor will eventually be repaid.
As we’re well aware at FranNet of DFW & Oklahoma, there are dozens of additional things you can do to get the grassroots-level referrals you’ll need to support your new franchise. But participating in opportunities such as the advice listed above should put you well on your way to becoming a known entity in your own community. Just remember, territorial rights are fundamental to franchising’s business model. You’ll have exclusive rights to offer your product or service in your local community. So, when the time comes to get out there and make a name for yourself, do your part and make the most of this amazing opportunity.
After all, as an entrepreneurial franchise owner, this is the moment you’ve been waiting for!
Let’s Chat!
If you’d like to know more about franchise opportunities and ownership, please get in touch. FranNet of DFW & Oklahoma is uniquely qualified to match your potential with the possibilities that come from small business ownership through franchising. All you have to do is allow us to be your guide. Our no-cost, no-obligation consultations have helped hundreds of entrepreneurs in North Texas and Oklahoma secure a future that belongs to them and them alone. If you’d like to get started on your own entrepreneurial journey, we’d love to introduce you to a whole new world of possibilities through franchise ownership.