This last week I’ve been working with one of my clients on their conference. I have also just had another conference speaking spot booked and was talking to the Franchisor about this very topic.
How long is it since you ‘changed up’ your conference for your Franchisees?
Have you got into a predictable ‘rut’ with your conference, doing the same things in the same order each year?
I once remember hearing a leading football coach talk about what he did with his team to help them better on the field and one of the things he spoke about was change. He said that as things happened on and off the field, change would be inevitable and he wanted his team to get used to change, not be afraid or put off by it. So he used to do crazy things like totally change up the team’s locker room. Not just move things but even re-paint it another colour!
By nature, many franchisees (not all) are not all that good with change, so keeping them on their toes, not being too predictable at conference can help them not only learn more, but also be better business owners.
Plus, it gives them some new excitement – in a safe environment – to change things at your conference.
Do you use round tables to allow franchisees to learn and teach each other? Do you change your break times? Are you giving them enough time in their breaks to mingle?
The number 1 thing that franchisees love is time with each other to ‘talk shop’. I even say this when I’m giving a presentation at conferences. I usually say to the franchisees ‘The best lessons you are going to learn at this conference are usually after the sessions, at the bar, over a beer, with another franchisee. I’m here to start a conversation.’
Do you add some fun into the conference? Do you have some team building activities?
Are you just talking at your franchisees about what you are doing and what is happening in the brand or new products? Are you adding real value to the franchisees for what will help them – immediately – in their business when they get home?
I believe that conference is the Number 1 support tool you have with your franchisees so take the time to really think it out. Plan it out.
If you need some help strategizing, then give me a call and let’s book a time to really make your conference sing this year!
Changing up your conference does not mean scrapping everything you have done in the past and starting again. Some of what you are doing is already great and should NOT be changed, but maybe, there are some things you can do to add a little new ‘flavour’ to your conference. Don’t change it all, just maybe add a little something new or different.
Tracey
P.S If you haven’t already, why not check out my free quick guides and workbooks – you can find them on the home page of my website at www.traceyleak.com !