What should we do?
This week, like pretty much every business in the world, we had a meeting to ask questions like:
- How is this going to affect our industry?
- How is this going to affect our business?
- How are we going to get through this?
And the conclusion we reached was that there is nothing to be gained by pulling up the drawbridge, sitting on our reserves and hoping they last until this all blows over.
So, we decided, collectively, that the best thing we can do is focus, not on what we can do for ourselves, but rather what we can do for others.
I am stating the obvious that the current Covid-19 pandemic is something like we have never experienced before with regard to business confidence.
We all know that franchising is a resilient industry but isn’t immune from global events such as this and naturally we are all concerned about the current situation and its immediate impact.
When it comes to franchisee recruitment, we anticipate a slowdown, but it’s never been a quick process and whilst the current environment will probably delay any pending decisions, (as starting a business at this moment is probably not front of mind for most) we are all in this for the long term. Nobody knows how long this will last, but I think we all know, it will pass, eventually.
As a business that focuses on lead flow for franchisors we haven’t felt a significant decline yet and in part that may be precisely because of the situation right now with employment being so precarious. People will feel vulnerable at this moment with regard to employment, and although running your own business is not without risk of course, it always feels better when you have greater control.
We honestly believe that people with time on their hands at the moment will reflect on their future. Well placed, sympathetic marketing, will keep your system at the forefront, ready for any bounce-back. It’s always quicker to accelerate from a rolling start than a standing start.
Our existing clients have informed us that they are safe and can work remotely and so there is no reason to curtail their marketing plans, we wholeheartedly agree with that. Not everyone will feel the same way because human nature will be to hunker down and ‘just get through this’.
Whatever your plans are we support them, it’s all about what is right for you and your business. If we can help you in any way, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.