| A big concern of franchisees in recent years is the | | | | If nobody in the community ever sees you outside of |
| very vocal groups of individuals across the country | | | | the confines of your business, then don't be surprised if |
| espousing the movement to buy local and support | | | | they treat you as an outsider or even possibly as a |
| small business. While none would argue that the little | | | | hostile antagonist to local business. On the other hand, |
| guy doesn't deserve the support of the community, this | | | | if they see you engaged in the community they will be |
| movement demonstrates more of a lack of | | | | more prone to view you as a part of it. You might |
| understanding of business than a truly noble aim. This | | | | even have lunch occasionally at the local "Mom and |
| movement is a source for many franchise owners, | | | | Pop" diner and support other local businesses. Eating at |
| most of whom are, in fact, members of the local | | | | the competition stands to help you a lot more than hurt |
| community themselves. | | | | you. |
| It seems that many of the people who claim to | | | | Giving Back |
| support local business forget that the owners of their | | | | Beyond just being involved in the community, it would |
| local franchises actually are members of the | | | | behoove you to find ways to give back and support |
| community, who chose to do business under a | | | | the community. Sponsoring a local little league team |
| trademarked name for practical business reasons. | | | | isn't just a nice thing to do. Having your franchise's |
| Franchise businesses are local businesses and the | | | | name on the back of their jerseys is a great bit of PR |
| owners of local franchises deserve the support of the | | | | as well. Being active with local charities and education |
| community just as much as the independent business | | | | creates a positive image of your business and |
| owners. Still, it is a hurdle that the franchise owner has | | | | reaffirms that even though your business operates |
| to overcome when dealing with the community and | | | | under a national name, you are still a local business. |
| trying to develop a positive image. | | | | Finding ways to support the activities of your high |
| Getting Involved | | | | school aged employees is also an excellent way to |
| One of the best ways that a franchise owner can | | | | build your image in the community and win over both |
| remind the community that his or her business is a local | | | | friends and family members as well. By actively helping |
| business is to be involved in the community. The more | | | | in your employees fundraising events for band, |
| that they see you out in the community, engaged and | | | | athletics and other extracurricular you foster a degree |
| contributing, the more likely the community will be to | | | | of trust within the community. When people see that |
| view you as a valuable member rather than a | | | | your franchise is concerned with the people of the |
| corporate interloper. Be involved in church, community | | | | community they begin to view you as local business |
| functions, school activities such as the PTA (if you | | | | instead of the erroneous view of an outsider come to |
| have kids) and other such activities. | | | | take away business from the community. |