Keeping the Saw Sharp (#7) @ FranNet’s 2022 Spring Conference

It was Sunday, April 3rd, 2022, when I received a text at 3:22 A.M. that abruptly awakened me and my wife. I looked at her and she was glaring at me in wonder who was texting at this hour. Together, we looked at the text.

The text message was from Southwest Airlines. It was informing me that my 7:55 A.M. flight to Orlando for my first, in-person FranNet Spring Conference was canceled, not delayed. I attempted to reschedule online unsuccessfully and retreated to calling Southwest's Customer Service. I am pleased to say that after the 101-minute wait, the CSR was able to book me for an even earlier flight at 6:55 A.M. Guess what? I made it to the conference. Later, I learned that many missed or had flights delayed.

Per Mr. Covey, to Sharpen the Saw is to preserve and enhance your greatest assets, a balanced program for self-renewal in the four areas of your life: physical, social/emotional, mental, and spiritual.

At the conference, I did just that! I met my franchise consulting colleagues whose names and faces I had grown a custom to virtually. Now, we are shaking hands, hugging, and sharing in-person time and space. And, I met my franchisor partners that I present to clients in hopes of finding a franchise that is the best fit.

I learned facts, features, and virtues about franchise concepts from the founders and development team members. I was assured that they would provide high-level service to my clients after I referred them to consider purchasing one or more franchise units. I fostered and formed relationships with my fellow franchise consultants. Now, I can call upon them for insights, accountability, and best practices. And, I made myself available to be called upon. Pictured above is my business partner, Amanda Berry, with FranNet of Kentucky & Indiana and FranNet’s CEO, Jania Bailey, who ironically is also from Western Kentucky! Both amazing women to work with…mermaids that run the shark tank.

As a lifelong learner, I was fortunate to gain nuggets of wisdom, practical insights, and tools from CEO Tools Managing Director and Executive Coach,?Jim Canfield. I leveraged those gains with marketing strategies and techniques from FranNet’s VP of Marketing and fellow franchise consultant, Will Fraker, during our roundtable session.

Yes, we had fun! We ate supremely at the Caribe Royale. Their food and service offerings were exceptional. The resort also offered a fitness center, basketball court, pool, and more which I indulged. We networked and enjoyed good music and atmosphere at the House of Blues at Disney Springs, as well as, a few games of Cornhole. Tom Ingle, Director of Franchise Development with Assisted Living Locators, and I kicked butt going undefeated 8-0. Yes, I represented Kentucky quite well.

Last, but certainly not least, I was motivated, challenged, and inspired by discussing branding and goals. My saw was sharpened! My goals are to continue to serve as Kentucky’s #1 startup guru and the #1 black-owned business developer in the US. Who is ready to build, buy, or franchise? Start here by completing your Entrepreneurs Readiness Profile. The Startup Guru is for you!

If I may assist you, a colleague, friend, or family on the journey to successful business ownership (wealth creation), then please reach out. I am from a rural community where we have a saying, "closed mouths do not get fed." By the way, Southwest did email me a $100 travel voucher.