By Adam Povlitz, CFE, Anago Cleaning Systems

Albert Einstein is often credited with saying that insanity is doing the same thing repeatedly and expecting different results.

This wisdom is particularly relevant for franchise business owners. Recognizing when something isn’t working is crucial for long-term success. Equally important is the ability to reexamine, adapt, and innovate new pathways to succeed.

Trends to Watch in 2025

In the franchise industry, monitoring emerging trends is essential. From the gig economy’s global expansion to the transformative potential of 5G, franchisees must be prepared to adapt and innovate to thrive in the coming years.

Significant consumer behavior and business landscape shifts have redefined the gig economy. This transformative trend has reshaped the way individuals work and has had a profound impact on various industries. According to recent reports, the gig economy is projected to reach an astounding valuation of $455 billion by 2026, showcasing its immense potential and economic significance.

The United States has emerged as a frontrunner in the gig economy, with an impressive 35 percent of its workforce actively participating in this flexible work arrangement. This surge in gig work can be attributed to several factors, including the proliferation of technology, the growing desire for work-life balance, and the evolving nature of employment opportunities.

Sustainability’s Role in Business Growth

Sustainability plays a significantly important role in business growth. With consumers increasingly prioritizing eco-friendly practices, companies that prioritize sustainability can gain a competitive advantage. By aligning with consumer demands, they meet expectations and build brand loyalty. Moreover, eco-friendly business practices can reduce costs and improve efficiency through optimized resource utilization and waste reduction.

Green initiatives can also yield financial benefits by attracting investors who increasingly favor companies with vital sustainability records. Studies have shown that companies with high sustainability ratings tend to outperform those with low ratings regarding stock market performance. Embracing sustainability can catalyze innovation by driving companies to develop new technologies and products that bolster environmental challenges. This can lead to the creation of new ideas and, in turn, new markets and business opportunities.

5G’s Potential for Business Innovation

5G technology has revolutionized the business landscape by introducing many innovative possibilities. With its lightning-fast data transfer speeds, organizations can unlock new avenues for growth and efficiency. With enhanced connectivity provided by 5G, collaboration among employees, irrespective of their physical locations, fosters a more agile and responsive work environment. This feeds into a growing diversity of workforce talent, enabling businesses to adapt swiftly to changing market dynamics.

5G also catalyzes the Internet of Things (IoT), connecting different devices and sensors to the Internet. This interconnectedness generates a wealth of real-time data, empowering organizations with actionable insights to optimize operations, enhance decision-making, and deliver personalized customer experiences. By leveraging IoT and 5G, businesses can automate tasks, improve productivity, and create innovative products and services.

Remember That Your Business Is Not About You — It’s About Your Customers

I know. You started a business to fulfill a need or offer a service in a new, exciting way, and you put your heart and soul into launching it. But remember that building solid customer relationships is vital for long-term success. Make your business about your customers. This is one area where we excel and can pivot when needed.

Stay connected with your customers and check in with them regularly. Prioritizing customer satisfaction and loyalty ensures a solid foundation, even during difficult times.

Adapting and making informed decisions is critical for franchise businesses aiming to thrive in a rapidly changing business landscape. Taking cues from the commercial cleaning industry, you can learn the importance of staying ahead of market trends, leveraging historical data, expanding service offerings, embracing technology, and fostering customer loyalty.

Keep An Eye on Traditional Challenges With Sales, Acquisition, and Retention

One of the small business owners’ most common sales challenges is generating quality leads. Without a constant stream of potential customers, sales growth becomes stagnant.

Implementing targeted marketing strategies can help overcome this challenge and meet new market trends. This includes leveraging social media platforms, optimizing their website for search engines, and partnering with complementary businesses for cross-promotion. Also, offering quality incentives such as deep discounts or a rewards-based referral program can help attract new customers and generate quality leads.

Once leads are generated, converting them into paying customers is the next challenge. Many small business owners struggle with closing deals and turning prospects into loyal customers while missing a beat on what might have been yesterday’s focus. Conversion strategies should pivot to other aspects of the business to meet customer demand.

One tried-and-true strategy that transcends most trends is offering personalized experiences, such as remembering customer preferences or providing tailored recommendations, which can help create a sense of loyalty.

Keep the Momentum

To maintain success, franchises should proactively embrace technology, focus on sustainability, adapt to changing consumer behaviors, invest in employee development, leverage data for decision-making, and foster a culture of innovation. By staying attuned to these strategies, franchises can effectively navigate future trends and make strategic pivots to remain competitive and appeal to evolving consumer demands.

Adam Povlitz, CFE, is president & CEO of Anago Cleaning Systems. A previous IBM executive, Adam holds several business degrees and certifications, including an MBA in Marketing and Finance from the University of Miami. He is a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, an IFA Certified Franchise Executive and an ISSA Cleaning Industry Management Standards Expert. For more information about IFA franchisor member Anago Cleaning Systems, please visit franchise.org/franchise-opportunities/anago-cleaning-systems.