What is Franchise Social Media?

Basically, franchise social media is the integration of social media within the franchise environment. It’s in this environment where disclosure laws and financial performance representations rule the roost in franchise sales, while the complexity of the franchise relationship along with customer involvement and interaction within the same drives franchise consumer marketing.

On Wednesday, September 21^st from 8AM to 5PM CDT, Franchise Social Media Summit will help answer all the questions that remain about franchise social media. That’s right… franchise social media!

Want to learn more?

Well, many franchise professionals across five continents have answered that question by registering for the Franchise Social Media Summit. Many have chosen to participate in both tracks, Franchise Consumer Marketing and Franchise Sales, and some have chosen to participate in just one of the tracks. In either case, let’s be clear that summit participants do not have to stay glued to their computers for both tracks, or even just for one track. Instead, they may pick and choose which segments to participate LIVE and view any or all parts of the event online for up to 60 days after the event. Actually, many participants have already indicated they will not attend the event LIVE, and instead, access the event online as their schedules permit.

That’s the beauty of a virtual event! It truly is very convenient with many options. And, in the case of the Franchise Social Media Summit, the benefits of attending are significant. So, take a moment and check out our website, take a look at the fantastic speaker lineup of franchise professionals that utilize social media day in and day out, and read a bit about our keynote speaker, the author of a best-selling book on social media. Then, put the excuses aside and register right away for the event.

Here are a couple of discount codes: Both tracks- FSSD2 or One track- FSSD1

If you happen to read this after the event has already started, or even after its completion… sign up anyway as you’ll receive access to the full event online! Full access includes all audio and visual including all speaker presentations, a copy of the soon-to-be-released eBook, “Franchise Social Media – Basics and Beyond” and, if you’re enrolled in the Certified Franchise Executives program through the IFA, you’ll receive 150 CFE credits (75 for one track).

As you can see, there are many reasons to sign up… today!

Social Networking & Franchise Lead Generation Revisited

In light of recent discussions within the LinkedIn franchise groups about “new” ways of generating franchise candidate leads, and as I continue to field an influx of questions from start up and emerging franchisors trying to find a “silver bullet” to jump-start franchise sales, I am reposting the following article.

Social Networking and Lead Generation

I’m often asked if social networking can be utilized effectively for franchise lead generation purposes. Well, the answer is a resounding, “Yes!”

When working on a lead generation project, establishing objectives is paramount to the success of the overall strategy. Assuming the strategy has been developed, complete with establishing an ideal candidate profile and identifying specific geographic areas for expansion, I typically proceed as follows:

First, I focus on networking groups that include individuals that best fit my client’s ideal candidate profile. From there I drill down to individuals in the geographic area we’re targeting per our plan. Let’s say teachers fit my candidate profile. I would search out networking groups specific to teachers, education, etc. Then, I would participate in discussion groups to get a feel for the group and to be noticed and subsequently accepted within the group. There’s always a spin one could use to achieve this objective.

Next, I seek out members from the specific geographic areas I’m targeting and begin communicating what I’m ultimately trying to accomplish… to generate interest in a specific franchise opportunity. Sometimes there’s interest right there in the group. Often, it’s a referral that I get that makes the effort within that group worthwhile.

I also focus on groups that can provide me with referrals such as insurance agents, realtors, financial planners and attorneys. Again, if you’re proactive within networking groups it’s relatively easy to enlist support and gather information. Again, there has been some interest from members of these groups but it’s amazing how many times I’ve been referred to an interested party who lives in another part of the country that is willing to jump at an opportunity in my target area. You see, the fact that it stems from a referral is key!

Lead generation through social networking takes time and effort no doubt. However, once you’re proactive within networking groups, you almost end up with a snowball effect as the leads come in bunches. Some leads start out by simply posting a thought provoking discussion with some back and forth interaction with a responder and the responder saying,”what is it that you do?” Next thing you know, you’re discussing an opportunity and the door is wide open.

Most times however, it takes considerably more effort, but I’ve found people are networking online and participating in discussion groups for specific reasons. They’re all looking to expand their business, improve their position, seek out various types of opportunities, and make money. Attracting these individuals online sure beats running an ad in the local paper and waiting for the phone to ring!

Learm more at the upcoming Franchise Social Media Summit on September 21, 2011.