Celebrities Versus Franlebrities

When Shaq walks into a room, people stop and stare. Clearly, the fact that we can just write Shaq and you know who we are talking about is equally as impressive.

When Shaq walks into a business he is associated with, people stop and stare, too. But, when Shaq walks into a restaurant, he also walks out. He isn’t there ICE. He is there as a face, figurehead, celebrity. 

What this does for a business is certainly impactful. His likeness creates tremendous buzz for that location, business or product. But, for the hundreds of sources of income he has created, it is different from that of a franchisee.

“If we could just get a Shaq, what could that do for our brand,” says the franchisor.

Well, it could certainly create a spike – ala Peyton Manning. But, is that sustainable? 

What if you snagged a great multi-unit operator? What if you snagged the franlebrity – someone who’s intelligence and influence could impact your processes and support of existing franchisees – helping drive ideas that create profitability? 

Many franchisors would be willing to give up the farm for Shaq – royalties? Sure. Fees? Duh. Units? Of course. In exchange for that stamp of approval – anything is possible.

We admire celebrities. They are larger than life. But within franchising, perhaps the true franlebrities are the people who come from little and build up incredible, scaling portfolios with grit and hustle.