SHARED SUCCESS IS THE BEST SUCCESS!
By Meg Roberts, The Lash Lounge
My sons repeatedly ask me what I love most about my “job,” and I start by correcting them, “It’s not a job if you love what you do – and I love helping other people achieve their dreams and sharing in a small part of their success.”
My life’s mantra has always been “Shared success is the best success” — whether competing and celebrating as part of a team sport or building and growing a business as part of a leadership team. The satisfaction of teamwork, collaboration and learning from others has, I believe, made me a more successful leader, a better listener and a better coach. Admittedly, my son’s tired early of the concept “why don’t you just share the Xbox controller?” but as young adults, they’re appreciating the concept more (at least that’s what I tell myself).
So, chances are if you’re reading this article, you’re in franchising. You’re affiliated with an established franchisor, an up-and-coming leader, or a new emerging brand. Either way, you’re curious enough about the industry to keep learning, growing and hopefully continuing to read. My intent in this short article is to appeal to all audiences with this simple mantra of “Shared Success” and to inspire action and participation in the IFA’s Annual Emerging Franchisor Conference.
Why attend? I’m getting to that – but let’s start with this: it’s in New Orleans, it’s CFE credits, it’s great networking and it’s a wonderful opportunity to promote the responsible growth of our industry! And the beignets, of course. As a three-time host I can attest, the content is incredible, the comradery and connections are outstanding and the location is top-notch. So, I can assure you, if your expectations of the host are low, then this conference will exceed all your expectations!
In and of itself, franchising is about replication – or shared success
In my humble opinion there is no greater, more creative and enthusiastic group of people than those running, building, developing and opening franchise concepts and the local stores affiliated with each brand. If you’re anything like me, you love a good challenge, solving a complex problem and exploring creative ways to get impossible tasks done. Those traits are commonly found in the DNA of my favorite franchise friends! Whether you’re brand new to the industry or well-seasoned (like a few of us) – there’s always room to re-examine your roots, your “why” and reflect on how you might benefit (or contribute) to that “Shared Success” concept of franchising.
Our mentors, coaches, speakers and suppliers are enthusiastic about mentorship, committed to building the franchising community and known for donating their time and wisdom in an accessible way.
Consider the franchising model for a moment – the very roots. In and of itself, franchising is about replication – or shared success. A success which is driven and derived from all parties believing in (and often improving) a model by which the franchisee can create jobs, provide services and build sales and profit. In parallel and in direct relationship with the success of that very model, the franchisor will provide wisdom, tools, guidance and an open mind to evolution, which will more likely contribute to the franchisee’s success. That’s shared success – plain and simple.
If you’re just getting started in franchising or if you’ve been at it for decades, I challenge you to consider the very elementary idea of “Shared Success” at the forefront of your decisions, whether they are early, on-going, or long-term decisions. Holding ourselves to account on the value of shared success and asking the always relevant question: “Will this… INSERT IDEA/ CONCEPT/TOOL/PROCESS HERE… serve to build brand awareness, drive sales, or grow profit for franchisees in a meaningful way?”
This simple question has guided my planning throughout my career, and I share it liberally to encourage others to consider how such an approach can breed shared success. During the three-day Emerging Franchisor Conference in New Orleans, we commit our time, energy, and resources to sharing the successes, failures, challenges and real-world stories with our audience. The goal is to build a stronger, more informed community whereby connections, concepts and coaching can help to guide emerging franchisors to success. Our mentors, coaches, speakers and suppliers are enthusiastic about mentorship, committed to building the franchising community and known for donating their time and wisdom in an accessible way.
So, whether you’re willing to support the industry and this worthy audience by donating your time to the Emerging Franchisor Conference or motivated to build your emerging franchise system with roots grounded in “shared success,” we invite you to join the fun!
If you’re an emerging franchisor and you’re interested in attending: REGISTER HERE
If you’re an industry supplier who can help emerging franchisees: CONNECT WITH US HERE
Meg Roberts is the president & CEO of The Lash Lounge. For more information about IFA franchisor member The Lash Lounge, please visit franchise.org/franchise-opportunities/ the-lash-lounge.