In 2015 and 2016, I was invited to work with a large franchisor on strategic planning for each of their then 12 brands. A couple years went by so I circled back to see if there might be an opportunity for another round. “We decided to use a larger firm,” I learned. “They have more people who will be involved in the process.”
Covid happened. Time flew. Other clients appeared. Yet, I always stayed in touch with the COO, who I’ve known for nearly 20 years. Perhaps the simplest thing I do is wish her a happy birthday each year.
In the spring, that organization’s VP of Strategy contacted me: “We want to do strategic planning for six of our brands this summer and [CEO Name] said I should talk with you.” After a couple of conversations, he shared that, from his understanding, the last round with the larger firm didn’t align with their culture.
This summer I made four trips there to work with the leadership team of each of the brands… helping them prepare for 60-minute presentations to the CEO and CFO. Those are happening this week.
You never know when a former client will come back around. It’s important to stay in touch and continue to be available when needed. This organization now has 19 brands, and they told me to expect to work with the other 13 during the next two summers.
