An Opportunity to Be A Part of History, Continued...

In Part One of this very engrossing two part series of blogs on the SBLS, I referenced baseball’s opening day, and voiced the sentiment that many IFA leaders were heading to D.C. with a sense of optimism because we felt we could truly make a positive difference. Well, now a week later, I can whole-heartedly say that last week’s Small Business Lending Summit (SBLS) was one for the record books and I absolutely DO feel like everyone in the room made a positive difference!! Think of the SBLS as the baseball game where each team scores every inning – one for you, one for us, two for you, two for us. My opinion is this “game” is far from over, but our team (the franchise community, the bankers and the policy makers) is currently leading against team No Money for You. We’re only in the bottom of the 2nd inning though, so what we have to do now is be relentless in keeping the pressure on in order to sustain our advantage.

I believe IFA Chairman, and McDonald’s franchisee, Jack Earle summed up the day very well when he said, “The dialog was at times tense and always enlightening”. At one point, there was a lot of “respectful disagreeing” going on, but even after that particular presentation the panelist came off the stage and offered a pat on the fanny to the crowd (metaphorically speaking, of course). True progress cannot be made unless all parties really make an effort to understand the opinions and views of their counterparts. I believe the SBLS absolutely provided the right environment for progress to materialize.

Here are my Top Ten SBLS “Plays of the Day”:

*There is an estimated $10.4 billion dollar demand for capital by the franchise community. Unfortunately, there’s only an $8.4 billion supply available leaving us with a $2 billion “lending gap”. This could seriously further impede the already slow economic recovery.

*When conference attendees are warming their hands by the coffee table heat lamps and wrapping themselves in tablecloths, it’s too cold in the room!

*Five Guys Burgers is estimated to have 1,000 locations by the end of 2011. How have I not eaten at one yet?

*Karen Mills, SBA Administrator, says the three reasons why banks aren’t lending are: 1) they don’t want the risk, 2) they don’t have any capital, 3) regulatory restrictions.

*The US borrows $4 billion dollars per day!

*Tony Wilkerson, CEO of the National Association of Government Guaranteed Lendors (NAGGL) says, history shows direct correlation between small business access to credit and job creation.

*Steve Moore of the Wall Street Journal says history is clear that the economy does worse when one party (either party) controls government. Divided government equals best economic situation.

*Dr. Jeffrey Rosensweig, Associate Professor of International Business and Finance, and Director, Global Perspectives Program, Emory University, says two words to remember regarding franchising: “Resilient” and “Locomotive”. The franchise model is resilient and franchising can be a locomotive for growth.

*It is possible to run a 9 ¼ hour event with 200 attendees, 47 speakers, 5 panels, a white paper release, senior government officials and media and have it finish exactly on time! Amazingly well-done!!

*There are at least nine “C’s” in lending, not just collateral, capacity and character. A tenth was suggested to be added, “Common Sense”.

An Opportunity to Be A Part of History

Baseball’s opening day has arrived, and, as always, optimism overfloweth on opening day! Next week, myself, and many others, will head to Washington, D.C. for the Small Business Lending Summit (SBLS), and we will be armed with that same sense of optimism as we strive to truly make a positive difference. Just like with opening day, the SBLS marks an opportunity for a fresh start, a chance for us to step up to the plate and swing for the fences! If, collectively, we accomplish the objectives set forth for this event, we will: educate lendors and policy makers alike on the power of franchising, build communication bridges between each of these communities and encourage them to make credit more accessible to our organizations, thus letting us get back to what we do so well – fulfilling the American Dream and getting Americans back to work!

Let’s be honest, most of us are never gonna make history by hitting 73 home runs in a single season, or by taking part in turning a triple play, but we can make history in the arena where we serve. That’s exactly how I view the SBLS, a chance to (in some very small way) be a part of history. Won’t it be awesome when franchise businesses are highlighted in the footnotes of history books as being responsible for restoring economic stability in the United States?!

I am going to D.C. for my parents, two wonderful kids from Iowa who had to figure out how to make ends meet in the mid-1970’s, so they took the $17.42 they had and turned it into the construction of over 700 car washes across this great nation. More people should have the opportunity to be like Bob and Mary Black.

I am going to D.C. for my two little boys who deserve a chance to know a future where anything is possible, not a future where little is possible.

I am going to D.C. for you and me, because the people of franchising are some of the best I have ever known, and you deserve a chance to surpass all of your projections and expectations!

So, you see, it’s game time. I assure you, those of us going to D.C. to represent you, franchising, and the IFA, will do everything we can to “knock it out of the park”!! Let’s play ball!

Follow me on Twitter @superwashsusan for live updates from SBLS. Search for hashtag #SBLS.

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!

Crystal Compass Recognition by IFA's WFC

I have been very fortunate in my life, and career, to have met some really wonderful individuals. People who are caring, passionate, devoted leaders that enjoy sharing their knowledge with others. One of these such people is Saunda Kitchen. Saunda and her husband Paul are multi-unit Mr. Rooter(r)franchisees in California. In one week I will have the great pleasure, and honor, of flying to San Antonio, TX to recognize Saunda as the first-ever franchisee recipient of the Crystal Compass. Since 2001, the Women's Franchise Committee has proudly bestowed the honor of the Crystal Compass upon a successful leader in franchising. The Crystal Compass was established to recognize an IFA member who has made significant contributions within their franchise organization, the franchise community or community in which they live. Ultimately, it recognizes leadership. Examples of such leadership include undertaking a project to greatly improve the working environment of employees; successfully managing a dramatic change in the organizational nature of the company; fostering or promoting awareness of franchising to the non-franchising community; spearheading activities designed to promote or develop franchise relationships within the franchise community; or conducting volunteer work with third party organizations relating to leadership. Saunda is currently secretary of the IFA’s Franchisee Forum and is also Co-Chairing the IFA’s Franchise Congress initiative. Saunda has been involved with franchising since 1996. Saunda was named Woman of the Year for Mr. Rooter in 2008 and was also named to the Top 40 under 40 Leaders of the North Bay in California in 2008. Recently she developed a Zees for Zees outreach program which lends financial and motivational support to start up or struggling franchisees. She and Paul, along with their 5 children, live in Sonoma County, California. Saunda - it's a pleasure to know you and I can't wait for next week!

Next week the best and brightest minds in franchising will infiltrate San Antonio for the International Franchise Association's 50th Anniversary annual convention. This is a must-attend event for any franchisor or supplier to the franchise segment. Franchisees will also find beneficial programming at this excellent event. I am personally very much looking forward to reconnecting with the many wonderful folks I have met over my past ten years in franchising - see you soon my friends! Until then, have a SUPER day!