SMX Local / Mobile – Wrap Up Session – High Points

A terrific brain trust of folks answered great questions that I’ve tried to aggregate into an organized list you may find very helpful. Enjoy! The Q/A was especially helpful and added a lot to the session. Moderators: Chris Sherman, Executive Editor, Search Engine Land Greg Sterling, Founding Principal, Sterling Market Intelligence TIP: See the end…

Franchise Ranking “Magazines” are Flawed

Franchises need to toot their own horns. A lot. The press release engine needs fuel. And a plethora of magazines with glossy covers are ready and waiting to stroke their collective egos in front of entrepreneurs craving an escape from the 9 to 5. But with the possible exception of Entrepreneur magazine, most would do well to ignore these publications completely and do their own research.

SMX Advanced 2007 – Impressive! (And thanks to all who’ve welcomed a first timer!)

To anyone at the show right now reading over this….. thanks for making a first-timer feel so welcome – it’s been awesome. I’ve met some folks who not only were very approachable but ready and enthusiastic about conversations with a first-timer. I definitely try not to be the “interruption guy” but have managed to at least chat with some who I’ve wanted to meet for a long time and had extended conversation with many who I respect in the industry.

Franchise Brand Compliance – The Lifeblood of Successful Franchise Marketing

There are two types of franchises. Brand franchises and Business Model Franchises. When you buy a business model franchise, you are saying that you believe in their mode of operation. But more and more franchisees are doing a pick-and-choose approach to the franchises models, and I think it’s damaging entire franchise systems. Franchises aren’t designed for the independent-minded. They depend on a by-the-book execution of a business plan, adherence to time-tested systems and a willingness to follow directions.