{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"Episode #38 - Using Networking to Grow Your Franchise","description":" Today\u2019s episode is going to be a little different \u2014 because today, we\u2019re talking about one of the most overlooked growth strategies in franchising\u2026 networking. Now before you roll your eyes and think we\u2019re talking about awkward business card exchanges and stale coffee at chamber events, let me tell you \u2014 our guest today has completely redefined what networking actually means. Toni Harris Taylor is known as the Networking Queen, and after this conversation, you\u2019re going to understand why. She\u2019s a franchisee, franchise broker, keynote speaker, author of 16 books, creator of the \u2018Show Up, Be Up, Follow Up to Blow Up\u2019 philosophy, and founder of the nonprofit Multicultural Franchise Connectors. But what really makes Toni special is that she doesn\u2019t just teach networking \u2014 she lives it. She\u2019s built relationships that open doors, create franchise growth, generate business opportunities, and connect people in ways most of us never even think about. In this episode, we\u2019re going to talk about how franchisors can stop chasing cold leads, how franchisees can become the connector in their local market, and why the best business opportunities are usually sitting inside someone else\u2019s network. And as a bonus today, this is also the first official appearance of Gary Fieldsend from FranMan here on the podcast \u2014 so this conversation turns into a really fun and practical discussion about relationships, referrals, and how real networking actually works in the franchise world.     Time Stamps Toni Harris Taylor Intro 00:00:33 Segment 1 00:02:48 Get to know Toni Harris Taylor Segment 2 00:17:08 Topic Segment \u2013 Using Networking to Grow Your Franchise Segment 3 01:05:26 Quickdraw Questions Core Theme \u201cNetworking is not a soft skill in franchising\u2014it\u2019s a revenue-generating system.\u201d PART 1: Franchisors  How to Network to Find MORE and BETTER Franchisees 1. Stop Waiting on Leads\u2014Start Building Relationships Most franchisors rely too heavily on portals and paid leads Those leads are often: Over-shopped Not qualified Not culturally aligned  \u201cThe best franchisees are not sitting on a portal\u2014they\u2019re sitting in someone\u2019s network.\u201d 1. Stop Waiting on Leads 2. Identify \u201cConnector Categories\u201d Instead of Chasing Individuals Give them something tactical (they will love this) High-value connectors: Franchise consultants & brokers CPAs & financial advisors Business coaches Commercial real estate agents Immigration attorneys (E2 visa) Community leaders  \u201cDon\u2019t just network randomly\u2014build a strategy around WHO already knows your ideal franchisee.\u201d 3. Create a Local + National Networking Strategy Most franchisors think too narrow. National: conferences, industry events Local: chambers, business groups, meetups  \u201cYour next franchisee might already live in your backyard\u2014you just haven\u2019t shown up.\u201d 4. Show Up as a HUMAN, Not a SALES MACHINE This is where YOU shine. People don\u2019t buy franchises\u2014they buy confidence Confidence comes from: Trust Connection Consistency  \u201cIf your only touchpoint is a discovery day, you\u2019re already too late.\u201d 5. Follow-Up is Where Deals Are Won Bring your signature framework in cleanly: Most franchisors don\u2019t lose deals from lack of interest They lose them from lack of follow-up  \u201cShow up. Be up. Follow up. That\u2019s how you blow up your franchise development.\u201d PART 2: FRANHCISEES  How to Network to GROW Their Business 1. Corporate Marketing is NOT Enough Franchisees who rely only on brand marketing struggle Local relationships drive: Referrals Partnerships Repeat business \u201cNational marketing builds awareness. Local networking builds revenue.\u201d 2. Become the Local \u201cConnector\u201d in Your Market This is gold. Franchisees should not just attend events\u2014they should: Introduce people Host small gatherings Be known as a resource \u201cWhen you become the connector, you stop chasing business\u2014business starts chasing you.\u201d 3. Build Strategic Referral Partnerships Give examples (they love specifics): Daycares \u2194 kids franchises Gyms \u2194 health brands Realtors \u2194 home services \u201cOne strong partnership can outperform 1,000 cold leads.\u201d 4. Consistency Beats Charisma This is a reality check they need. It\u2019s not about being the loudest person in the room It\u2019s about: Showing up regularly Being reliable Following through \u201cThe franchisees who win are not the most talented\u2014they\u2019re the most consistent.\u201d 5. Track Networking Like a KPI Now you\u2019re speaking their language. # of events attended # of meaningful conversations # of follow-ups # of referrals generated \u201cIf you don\u2019t measure it, you won\u2019t scale it.\u201d Close \u201cFranchising is a people business. The brands that grow the fastest\u2014and the franchisees who make the most money\u2014are the ones who master relationships, not just marketing.\u201d   Toni Harris-Taylor Drastic Results Marketing and Sales Coaching toniharristaylor.com 713-387-9273   Kit Vinson FranMan Inc. www.franman.net kit.vinson@franman.net 214-736-3939 x 101 ","author_name":"The Franchise Manual Podcast","author_url":"http:\/\/franman.net\/blog\/","html":"