George W. Bush's "New Domestic Agenda"

Being a part of the 2010 IFA Convention Planning Committee was fun, but seeing the whole 50th Anniversary Convention come together was really fun!! When we were having discussion about who the Opening General Session speaker should be, no one was quite sure how Bush would be received so shortly after the ending of his Presidency. Quite frankly, that trepidation was also part of the appeal. Well, I must say, I think we made the right decision because Bush was tremendously appealing to those who already liked him and he even "impressed" some who went into the session disliking him. He was funny, witty, patriotic, self-depracating and Joe Average-guy with those with whom he interacted. He said Laura told him he now has time to take out the garbage - his new "Domestic Agenda" - very cute!

The IFA once again did a stellar job pulling together a wonderful event. Unfortunately, I was not able to stay for it all, but I know the ending was probably better than the beginning. Way to go IFA staff and volunteers! It was such a pleasure to work on this event from start to finish. And, the Women's Leadership Conference rocked!! Jane Abell, President/COO of Donato's Pizza, did a great job being very forthright and transparent with their story. Our panelists, and moderator, Kerry Olson, were great and added much value!

As is always the issue when coming back from Convention - what to do with all this new information??? 1) Process 2) Prioritize 3) Plan to implement. What a great challenge to have! I better get to sorting through all of my info so we can get to prioritizing. Have a SUPER day!

Communicating for Success

As I mentioned last week, many of the best and brightest in franchising will be heading to San Antonio, TX this week for the International Franchise Association's 50th Anniversary Convention. This event is always one I look forward to, but I am especially eager this year because I am really excited about the panel discussion I will be moderating on Saturday directly after the opening general session. Why am I so excited? A) because after multiple years of speaking at this convention, I'm finally a part of a panel that got a primo speaking slot :) and B)I am absolutely passionate about the topic. This year I will be moderating a panel entitled "Communicating for Success - Fostering Positive Franchisor/Franchisee Relationships". The panel will consist of Steve Hockett, VP of Ops for Great Clips Inc., Jeff Jervik, President and CEO of Fitness Together Holdings and Catherine Monson, CEO of FASTSIGNS Intl. I couldn't be more pleased to be presenting with this group of outstanding leaders. I count myself very lucky to be personally acquainted with both Steve and Catherine, and am so glad to have met Jeff through this panel. Each of these individuals, in their own personal way, are making huge impacts on their organizations, and franchising as a whole. If you are attending the convention, and are looking for real-time, practical, applicable knowledge on how to foster positive relationships with your franchisees (and/or with your Zor), I would highly recommend you participate in our breakout session. We're 'on' right after the President! Until I see you in Texas, have a SUPER day!