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When Transitioning CEOs, Don’t Make This Critical Mistake 

As I sit on the other side of the desk, now distanced from the daily operations of the company I once led, I can’t help but reflect on a significant oversight I made after acquiring companies. I led the acquisition of three companies over a three-year period, as the CEO of a national private equity- (PE) backed marketing services agency. When we acquired a thriving complementary business, I didn’t think it was necessary to keep the communication lines open with the former CEO. I’ve now realized this created business issues that could have been avoided, or at least minimized. READ MORE

5 Reasons You Need a Sales/Marketing Expert on Your Board 

I suspect the number of board members with sales and marketing expertise is lower than traditional financial titles. I see sales and marketing board members playing an increasingly vital role of providing valuable insight into industry trends, competitive dynamics, company growth challenges, and new market opportunities.
If that sales and marketing executive is also a seasoned CEO, that is a powerful combination of skills and expertise to add to the board.
Here are five reasons you should select a sales and marketing expert for your next board seat. READ MORE

How Private Equity Can Use AI to Evaluate Marketing Efforts

Today, more and more PE firms are turning to artificial intelligence (AI) to gain a cutting-edge advantage in understanding how well companies are performing from a marketing perspective. AI isn’t just a buzzword; in this context, it’s a cheat code for assessing the strengths and weaknesses of a company’s sales and marketing efforts. And the best part? AI can help you fully tap into the subtleties of consumer psychology, particularly cognitive dissonance, to predict and enhance market performance. READ MORE

Forbes

4 Reasons Why Franchisors Churn Through Marketing Suppliers—And How To Overcome Them

In the fast-paced world of franchising, the stakes are high, and the pressure to meet growth goals is unrelenting. For many franchisors, selecting the right suppliers—whether for marketing, IT, legal services or beyond—is a critical yet often overlooked decision. On the surface, the process may seem simple: review proposals, compare pricing and make a choice. But as someone who’s spent over two decades working as a marketing supplier with more than 200 franchise brands, I can tell you firsthand that this shorthand approach is riddled with risks and hidden costs. READ MORE

Forbes

Why Clients Hate Their Franchise Marketing Agency

It is true that a lot of clients end up despising their franchise marketing agency — and for some good reasons. READ MORE

Forbes

Why Your Franchisees Hate You

Fortunately, you can turn things around. But to do that, you need to know why your franchisees hate you. READ MORE

Forbes

Why Franchise Marketing Agencies Hate KPIs

Despite the distaste for KPIs, I think franchise marketing agencies would be smart to get to know KPIs better. READ MORE

Forbes

5 Cognitive Biases That Can Help You Sell More Franchises

In the world of franchise sales, understanding how potential buyers make decisions can be the key to closing more deals. Cognitive biases—deviation from logical or rational judgment—play a significant role in how individuals make buying decisions. By identifying and leveraging these biases, sales professionals can create compelling branded narratives that resonate with buyers on a deeper level. READ MORE

Forbes

How To Select The Right Private Equity Partner For Your Franchise Brand

If you get it right, it will be an amazing journey. Make sure you make the right move at the right time with the right investment partner. READ MORE

Forbes

Game On: How To Apply An Athlete's Mindset To Franchise Leadership

The best athletes have an insatiable desire to stay ahead of the competition. As a result, they are constantly finding ways to get better every day. They learn from the success of their top competitors, seek out the best coaches and mentors, and put in the time it takes to be the best. Similarly, most top franchise executives have the right combination of humility, passion, competitiveness and drive needed to become true subject matter experts. READ MORE