Even amid all other media disruptors today, video stands alone in its ability to connect with franchisee candidates. To drive this point home, according to Forbes, 59 percent of executives would rather watch video than read text.

Franchise organizations have been using email and text messages for years as part of the marketing mix. Text — both short message service or SMS and multimedia messaging service or MMS — and email are still incredibly effective, but as technology and the regulatory environment continue to change, it’s always wise to review best practices.

The keys to great franchisee engagement are clear — address their questions, provide ample opportunity for significant peertopeer discussions, as well as access to system management.

Attendees are again expecting an experience with their conferences beyond just content dissemination.

Social selling begins and ends with listening. As technology has advanced, social media has become a mainstream form of communication and education. Franchise candidates are educating themselves much earlier in the decision process than in years past, no doubt in part because information has become so accessible through the Internet.

For many franchisees, the prospect of putting together a local marketing campaign can be daunting.

Social media for business generation is not “one size fits all.” It is not the silver bullet, cure-all or magic elixir. It is, nevertheless, imperative to the livelihood of franchise brands. Social media is every brand’s voice, its microphone and an extension of its customer service arm. How can social media promote franchise development?

If you don’t see growth through the efforts you are putting out, it may be time to change course.

An easy flow of information makes it possible for you to get insights from your peers on specific areas of interests to you about your franchise business on the device of your choice. It’s simple to share your views with other franchise industry colleagues using FranSocial on issues affecting your business.

A recent conversation with Jeff Fromm, who is executive vice president at Barkley, centered on some interesting buyer dynamics. About 80 million consumers make up the Millennial generation: one of the wealthiest generations ever, spending an estimated $200 billion annually.