Small Franchise

A big concern of franchisees in recent years is the very vocal groups of individuals across the country espousing the movement to buy local and support small business.

While none would argue that the little guy doesn't deserve the support of the community, this movement demonstrates more of a lack of understanding of business than a truly noble aim. This movement is a source for many franchise owners, most of whom are, in fact, members of the local community themselves.

It seems that many of the people who claim to support local business forget that the owners of their local franchises actually are members of the community, who chose to do business under a trademarked name for practical business reasons.

Franchise businesses are local businesses and the owners of local franchises deserve the support of the community just as much as the independent business owners. Still, it is a hurdle that the franchise owner has to overcome when dealing with the community and trying to develop a positive image.

One of the best ways that a franchise owner can remind the community that his or her business is a local business is to be involved in the community. The more that they see you out in the community, engaged and contributing, the more likely the community will be to view you as a valuable member rather than a corporate interloper.

Be involved in church, community functions, school activities such as the PTA (if you have kids) and other such activities.

If nobody in the community ever sees you outside of the confines of your business, then don't be surprised if they treat you as an outsider or even possibly as a hostile antagonist to local business.

On the other hand, if they see you engaged in the community they will be more prone to view you as a part of it. You might even have lunch occasionally at the local "Mom and Pop" diner and support other local businesses. Eating at the competition stands to help you a lot more than hurt you.

Beyond just being involved in the community, it would behoove you to find ways to give back and support the community. Sponsoring a local little league team isn't just a nice thing to do. Having your franchise's name on the back of their jerseys is a great bit of PR as well.

Being active with local charities and education creates a positive image of your business and reaffirms that even though your business operates under a national name, you are still a local business.

Finding ways to support the activities of your high school aged employees is also an excellent way to build your image in the community and win over both friends and family members as well.

By actively helping in your employees fundraising events for band, athletics and other extracurricular you foster a degree of trust within the community. When people see that your franchise is concerned with the people of the community they begin to view you as local business instead of the erroneous view of an outsider come to take away business from the community.

If you have any additional franchise questions there are many places you can go. Examine a real franchise example at filtafry. For even more information about this particular emerging franchise visit Filta Fry.

Interested in getting you questions answered right away? Call the Filta Group at 407-996-5550.

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