Social Geek

“The are two types of businesses in the future: those who are closed and those who are using AI.”    The AI Sherpa, Robert Mitchell, takes a brief look back at 2024 and a big look ahead to 2025 for Franchise systems adopting AI.  The quick wins for franchisors implementing AI in their day to day operations are occurring more and more. As brands see more efficiencies and more team members are doubling down using AI, and therefore creating even more efficiencies, we will start seeing the true impact on our businesses.  Robert also gives advice on proving ROI for your CEO, Board, and Private Equity.  Thanks to WSI!

The Franchise News Podcast with Jack Monson for December 11, 2024   Thanks to Text Request and Promotex!

Sunglasses on.  The Franchise Rock Stars are back.     Mission Statements: Are they Necessary or Nonsense?   Do we need them? If so, can they be improved? Or do we send them to the corporate lingo dumpster of the past   Our Rock Star panel is back! Ali Kraus, Danielle Wright, Derrick Ableman, Kristen Pechacek, and Scott Greenberg share their views and examples of good and bad mission statements.   Thanks to Northeast Color, Hughes, Citrin Cooperman, and Tsource.

Welcome to Just Jania, the podcast hosted by Jania Bailey and powered by FranNet. “If you’re achieving your goals by yourself, you’re not thinking BIG enough.” Ryan Parsons is the CEO of Evive Brands, a franchisor that includes services such as Executive Home Care, Assisted Living Locators, Grasons Co., and Brothers That Just Do Gutters.  Ryan shares stories about the evolution from working in the trades, to starting a home services franchise, to expanding into a multi-brand platform. Jania and Ryan also have advice for aspiring entrepreneurs!

The Franchise News Podcast with Jack Monson for December 4, 2024     Thanks to Text Request and Promotex!

Why Franchising? We spoke with many entrepreneurs and franchisors LIVE at this year’s Franchise Expo Austin about why they decided to franchise their concept. And, why are franchisee partners finding success with their brand? What’s in it for them? In part 2, you'll hear from these extraordinary Franchisors: Alex Wright, Pups Pub Natalie Hansen, Perkins Ken Baker, Sun Stoppers Jorge Campos, Movita Juice Bar Jack Hall, Cici’s Pizza JJ and Traci, Get A Haircut And then we’ll wrap this year’s MVF Podcast Zone shows with a special conversation with Rafael Alvarez, CEO of The Latino Franchise Association.  Rafael shares some challenges potential franchisees are currently facing, how the LFA can help, and trends with franchise brands from Latin America.   Thanks Northeast Color, Source, Citrin Cooperman, and Hughes!

Why Franchising? We spoke with many entrepreneurs and franchisors LIVE at this year’s Franchise Expo Austin about why they decided to franchise their concept. And, why are franchisee partners finding success with their brand? What’s in it for them? Today you'll hear from these extraordinary Franchisors: Ken Phipps, Eggs Up Grill Brandon Wilhem, Hangry Joe’s Lauri White, Pizza Drop James Carey, Preservan Kerri Da Silva, Rapid Hose Dan Bish, Eat Gather Love But first, we start with a conversation with SMB Franchise Advisers’ Dawn Abbamondi and Shannon Wilburn about the state of franching!  #itsallabouttherelationship And then we’ll wrap the show with an update from Dr John Hayes, who teaches The A to Zs at the Expos and is once again hosting the Selling Franchises Summit, coming up January 23-24 in West Palm Beach with the Titus Center for Franchising. Thanks to Citrin Cooperman, Hughes, Northeast Color, and Tsource. And thank YOU for listening and staying connected on the Social Geek Radio Network!

Welcome to Just Jania, the podcast hosted by Jania Bailey and powered by FranNet. Lance Freeman, President of Franchise Development at Xpontential Fitness joins Jania today.  Lance shares his perspective on competition in the franchise space, how great brands are actually “sales & marketing engines,” and why consumers are engaging more with health & wellness brands.

The Franchise News Podcast with Jack Monson for November 13, 2024   #thoughtleadershipawards #franchisethoughtleadership Thanks to Text Request and Promotex!

We’ve heard from the political pundits and experts on what the 2024 Election results will mean for Americans. But what about for the Franchise Community? Michael Layman is the Sr Vice President of Government Relations and Public Affairs at the IFA and joins me for the first in a new series of Thought Leader One-On-One conversations on Social Geek. Mike jumps in with his expertise on navigating the waters of Washington, DC on behalf of the franchise community. We’ll discuss key issues for which all franchisors, franchisees, and suppliers will be advocating in 2025 and beyond! * What can we expect in a new Trump Administration? * Will a common-sense Joint Employer standard be preserved and perhaps codified? * Will we see an end of the over-regulation of small businesses and the franchise relationship by The FTC? * Will the tax cuts of 2017 be extended at the end of 2025? * How could a radical realignment and reformation of federal agencies under President Trump (and maybe Elon Musk!) affect Franchising? The possibilities are fascinating.     Thanks to Hughes, Northeast Color, and Tsource!

The Franchise News Podcast with Jack Monson for November 6, 2024   Thanks to Text Request and Promotex!

It’s the 3rd part in our ongoing series, The AI Sherpa with Robert Mitchell, Chief AI Officer at WSI, and the leading voice on reimagining franchise systems using AI technology. Today we discuss aligning AI with your business strategy. How important is it for franchisors to align AI initiatives with their overall business strategy? And what steps can be taken to ensure that AI adoption drives value and supports business goals? We'll also cover "who is on notice" and how brands should decide what that means. And, are you employing the smartest person in the room?

“There’s no data behind a shiny object.” It’s the Marketing and Innovation update on Social Geek. Today: avoiding Shiny Object Syndrome! First, Brandi Kloostra, VP of Digital Marketing at Franworth, shares the five data points in digital marketing that she is watching closely for each of her brands and for all of her franchisees. How have the most critical data points changed over the past five years? How has the use of AI changed the way we assess marketing data? And, what are our favorite memes? Next up, Rebecca Wright, President of franchise marketing platform JBecca, joins the podcast to discuss the biggest data challenges franchise systems are facing right now. How can upfront assessment of data improve your return on ad spend and positively impact your SEO & organic marketing? How can data lead a system’s franchise development success as driving brand marketing and local franchisee marketing? And what if … it works?!? And thanks for your support Northeast Color, Hughes, Citrin Cooperman, and Tsource.

The Franchise News Podcast with Jack Monson for October 30, 2024.   Thanks to Text Request and Promotex!

The Franchise News Podcast with Jack Monson for October 23, 2024   Thanks to Text Request and Promotex.

The Franchise News Podcast with Jack Monson for October 16, 2024 #thoughtleadershipawards Thanks to Text Request and Promotex.

As many organizations are remote but maybe returning to office, we’re wondering … What do YOU love most about being remote? And what do you really dislike? As franchising is the original remote structure, our Franchise Rock Stars are here to weigh in! Kristen Pechacek, Derrick Ableman, and Scott Greenberg share stories about how they and their teams are doing with working remotely or in a hybrid situation. How do they keep their own energy up while maintaining the emotional well-being, culture, and relationships with their teams and partners? How has the return to office affected conference and conventions in the franchise space? AND we have a big announcement about the 2024 Franchise Thought Leadership Awards at the beginning of today’s show...   Shout out to Rock Stars Ali Kraus and Danielle Wright. Thanks Tsource, Northeast Color, and Hughes.

Welcome to Just Jania, the podcast hosted by Jania Bailey and powered by FranNet. Eric Martin of Happinest Brands shares an overview of the state of the $600+ Million home service industry. Eric and Jania discuss how to decide if franchise brand is a good fit for you!

The Franchise News Podcast with Jack Monson for October 9, 2024   Thanks to Text Request and Promotex! #franchise #news #podcast

Over the summer, some friends and I who are involved in the IFA Marketing & Innovation Committee were kicking around some new ideas. How could we get today’s top franchise leaders to give valuable advice in-between IFA events? What’s the best way for them to share best practices on topics that IFA members want to hear?   So, on a monthly basis, The Social Geek Podcast will present The Marketing & Innovation Update featuring leaders doing truly innovative new things in the areas of franchising, marketing, and more.  Today we will hear from Joe Sieve, Chief Restaurant and Global Development Officer at Papa John’s, as well as the Chair of The 2024 Franchise Leadership and Development Conference. Joe shares a preview of FLDC, the opening session, and his panel about Leading Through Challenging Times. Joining Joe on stage will be franchisor CEOs Paul Macaluso, Heather Neary, and Scott Williams. Next, Lou Gammal joins us to talk SWAG! As the CEO of Promotex, Lou has the latest trends on merch and promotional items that make franchisors and supplier stand out at franchise trade shows and events. We’re all looking forward to FLDC next week! Thanks International Franchise Association and Franchise Update Media for always putting together the best show of the year.    And thanks for your support Northeast Color, Hughes, Citrin Cooperman, and Tsource!