My 2023 prediction: Franchising is going to see a big, busy year. More small-business owners will fight to grow their businesses. More franchisors will work hard to expand in an increasingly competitive marketplace. More franchise suppliers will shift and change their business models in order to evolve and innovate. By Jack Monson

My 2023 prediction: Franchising is going to see a big, busy year.

More small-business owners will fight to grow their businesses. More franchisors will work hard to expand in an increasingly competitive marketplace. More franchise suppliers will shift and change their business models in order to evolve and innovate.

You’re reading this article in a franchise-focused publication, so you too will likely be extremely busy this year.

And with that level of activity comes the threat of burnout. I know many entrepreneurs who put in their 40 hours by Wednesday at noon each week!

How can we balance our lives when surrounded by activity, urgency and chaos? And what can we do for our friends and colleagues who may be showing signs of burnout?

I recently sat down with three of the most active franchise professionals I know to find out how they recharge and avoid burnout. Scott Greenberg, author and keynote speaker, Ali Kraus, VP of Marketing at Benetrends Financial, and Abby Fogel, VP of Marketing and Brand Relations at Unleashed Brands, shared their ideas on staying ahead of the burnout wave.

Fogel recommends that after a hectic travel schedule, allow yourself to briefly rest, reset and take a breath. Give yourself some time and grace before catching up.

Kraus cautions us to pay attention to our friends and colleagues. If they constantly say that they’re too busy, they may not be exaggerating. If they’re checking out mentally, don’t wait to ask if they need help until it’s too late and they need to leave their current situation. Understand how your team members are motivated and recharged; it can be very different for each individual.

Greenberg’s advice for all of us is to always be deliberate in how we spend and save our time. We can make more money in many ways, but we can’t ever make more time.

The full interview can be found on socialgeekradio.com.

Jack Monson

Jack Monson is the host of Social Geek, home of the No. 1 podcasts in franchising and the CEO of Brand Journalists. He has been working with franchises brands and small businesses in marketing for 15 years.