Tipping Point: Best Practices for Closing More Deals
Published March 30, 2020

Caring for Your Business, Yourself and Others During COVID-19

As a small business owner and a supplier in the franchise industry, these are scary times. Like most, I am struggling to plan, balance concerns for work and family, and keep my energy and optimism high. It’s hard to reconcile an optimistic forecast for franchising somewhere in the near future, with the hundreds of franchisees and small business owners facing permanent closures before then.

Here at Franchise Business Review, we talk about ways we can contribute to supporting the franchise industry. How can we help everyone navigate these unpredictable waters. There is still a lot of chaos and uncertainty ahead of us, and communication and community will be the keys to getting us through it all. I think it’s important to add to the conversation if you have something new to say, or something that could help others keep it together.

For example, I love the video communication Catherine Monson, CEO of FastSigns, put out to her network. Positive energy, practical tips, care of business and self.

Changes I’ve made in the last week include using Zoom with my team, my family, others in franchising, and my girls to stay connected and find ways to laugh. The Peloton app (offering 90 days free access right now) gives me a way to get in some yoga, running and even dance classes with my daughter.

With our Smart Ideas Project, we want to collect and share more ideas that are working in this crazy time – I hope you’ll share yours. We plan to share these ideas that might help support or inspire others as we look for ways to protect or pivot our businesses.

Check out our list of resources surrounding COVID-19 and ways franchisees and franchisors are responding, and let us know if there are other franchise resources that you’ve found helpful.

I do think there will be a story to tell when businesses are humming along. About how we came together to cheer each other on, and help hold it all together through these big waves. My hope is everyone continues to reach out to others, even as we keep to ourselves. If we all do our part, we can come together again stronger, and be better neighbors and leaders.

About the Author: Michelle Rowan

Michelle is the president of FBR, the former Chair of the International Franchise Association’s Women’s Franchise Committee. and a Certified Franchise Executive. She is the recipient of the 2022 Crystal Compass Award, has facilitated CEO Performance Groups and Executive Networking Groups and is also a mentor of UNH college students. When she is not at work she is usually reading, playing outside, or hanging out with her husband and daughter.
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