The end of the year is often a time to look back and see what happened, and yet, we should always be forward focused on what we can do better in the future. Being free and clear to invent, re-create and change the game is an essential part of franchising. Before starting this article, I did go back and look at what we thought would come to us this year. By Dawn Abbamondi

GAME CHANGERS

The end of the year is often a time to look back and see what happened, and yet, we should always be forward focused on what we can do better in the future. Being free and clear to invent, re-create and change the game is an essential part of franchising. Before starting this article, I did go back and look at what we thought would come to us this year. 

Things that were on our radar:

  • Growth in home services, child enrichment, pet care, senior related services and mobile businesses. 
  • Adoption of AI and Large Language Models by more and more individuals, as well as franchise brands with programs to help franchisees use these tools. 
  • Continued work from home and virtual environments with a shifting real estate market focus. 

So, how did we do? 

Pretty accurate! All of these are likely to continue to evolve as we head into 2025 with other innovations, too. 

The pressure is on to be more efficient and eliminate work that does not add value while we share stories about our brands and what we seek as individuals. We have a shared future in franchising and need to be our best. 

In the coming months, we should continue to be as dedicated as we can be to: 

  • Improving unit level performance, making sure that the systems work for us, rather than us working for the system.
  • Being the best franchisors, suppliers and franchisees – helping others achieve their goals, which, in turn, allows us to achieve ours. 
  • Creating opportunity for others by offering advice, guidance and lending our experience to others, while listening to differing opinions just in case there is a better way. 

In this amazing industry we call franchising, there is no limit to the success people can have. It is more than just fulfilling the American Dream, it is understanding that we are all human, we all want different things and we can all co-exist in this shared world. And sometimes, we have to change the game to make it even better. 

If you are still thinking of franchising your business, are you waiting: 

  • for the new year? 
  • for interest rates to drop? 
  • for perfection of your model? 

You have the ability now to shift your focus. Step away and take a moment to learn more. 

If you are considering starting your own local business and have not taken the initiative to walk away from your current career are you waiting: 

  • to find the perfect brand? 
  • to watch a TV show sharing the concept with you? 
  • to hear the next big idea?

Do the research about how to launch into franchising. This magazine is full of ideas that could change your life. 

The New Year will be here soon. Before you know it, the seasons will pass by and we will be right back here again next December. 

There is never a better time to start than today.

Dawn Abbamondi

Dawn Abbamondi, chief marketing officer at SMB Franchise Advisors, has over 20 years of extensive franchising experience in the coffee, food, convenience, gift and floral industries. Abbamondi leads the areas of marketing, social media, public relations, web development and lead generation. SMBFranchising.com, 215-370-7998, Dawn@SMBFranchising.com