vetera n s s u pple m e n t
expert advice: Bill McPherson | Vice President of Franchise Development | AlphaGraphics
Franchising Tips
to Surviving in a Post-Pandemic World We are over two years removed from a global event that changed the business environment forever. The COVID-19 pandemic took the world by storm in 2020. Due to stay-at-home orders and the inability to interact face-to-face, revenue dropped for many companies while others were forced to shut down altogether. Those who survived were forced to pivot in unforeseen ways to find success during the apex of the pandemic.
Bill McPherson is the Vice president of franchise development for AlphaGraphics, a leading franchisor of printing and marketing solutions. With more than 285 locations in 6 countries, AlphaGraphics is one of the largest U.S.-based networks of locally-owned and operated Business Centers offering a complete range of print, visual communications, and marketing products. For more information, visit www.alphagraphics.com
Two years later, the social effects of the pandemic have relaxed. Most schools are back in session, concerts and other public events have resumed and social interaction has inched closer to pre-pandemic levels. With that said, franchises and other businesses will feel the effects of the pandemic for years to come. Consumer and employee demands have changed as a direct result of the pandemic. Regarding the consumer, their expectations for the purchase and delivery of services have changed. Customers have grown accustomed to being able to access products and services quickly. While the pandemic has relaxed, those expectations have not with consumers making these demands commonplace. For businesses, flexibility is the new norm. People became used to working from home, so it changed the way companies shared information, held meetings, marketed products, trained employees, onboarded new employees and many other business decisions. This has affected how companies hire new talent and retain current employees. It is important for franchisors to find ways to solve these new problems facing franchisees and offer tools to make their lives easier. 58 Franchising MAGAZINE USA
Assisting the Franchisees At both the franchisee and consumer levels, it is paramount for franchisors to make decisions and develop strategies that help address changing needs. With many resignations taking place because of the pandemic, franchisees are faced with trying to hire new talent and maintain current employees. If the franchisor can provide guidance on hiring, retention, and marketing, it will help attract and keep talent. Additional benefits can help keep staff on board as well. For example, at AlphaGraphics, we began providing
and employee “ Consumer demands have changed as a direct result of the pandemic.
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3rd party health insurance options and alliances for franchisees and their staff. This not only shows our dedication to the franchisee, but it also shows we are committed to keeping their staff happy as well.
