Using LinkedIn For Your Business?

I have been paying a closer attention lately to the way in which franchise professionals utilize social media platforms. Specifically this week, I wanted to take a closer look at how LinkedIn is being used in the franchise industry. LinkedIn is a hot topic in the social networking realm right now. Everyone wants to know how to best leverage LinkedIn for their various needs. Franchisors, franchisees, and suppliers all see opportunity in the networking site, but many question how exactly they can use the platform to their benefit.

With a database of more than 238 million individuals, LinkedIn provides a great pool of prospective franchisees and customers. How can franchise professionals tap into this resource? They can start with their profile page. A new article in Franchising World’s November issue gives some tips about how you should go about revamping your page. First, look at your page from an outsider’s view. Does it read like a resume? If you’re seeking employment, that is one thing. But if you are not, it may be time to rewrite your profile to target whichever prospect or customer or prospective employee that you would like to engage.  People are using LinkedIn to better know you. You must actively choose a message: what do you want people to know about you and your company?

The article says that as you read through your LinkedIn profile, you must ask yourself whether your profile answers these questions that the reader may have:

–          Should I pay this person money?

–          Can I trust this person?

–          Can this person help me with my objectives (franchise ownership, employment, doing business)?

–          What benefits does this person and his company provide?

–          Does this person have the ability to help me make a significant decision?

–          Does this person look trustworthy and credible?

 

What is all really comes down to is making your profile a welcome mat to your company. You want to seem approachable, communicable and transparent. People want to do business with people they like and feel at ease with. Let your LinkedIn profile be a peak into your company’s missions and future goals. What LinkedIn tips do you have for fellow franchise professionals?

Maui Wowi Hawaiian Acknowledged on Entreprenuer’s 35th Annual Franchise 500

Maui Wowi Hawaiian, a dual concept specializing in fresh fruit smoothies and premium specialty coffee beverages, has been recognized in the 35th Annual Franchise 500 by Entrepreneur Magazine, a national business publication and industry leader. Maintaining a continued presence on the highly esteemed list, Maui Wowi Hawaiian met the objective and quantifiable criteria required for selection.

“Having the pleasure of being recognized by such a prestigious listing is a testament to the growth of our brand and stability of our proven system,” said Mike Weinberger, CEO of Maui Wowi Hawaiian. “It’s a cumulative effort from each one of our outstanding franchisees, who represent the true values of our company. They are committed to bringing the Aloha Spirit into everything they do in order to provide our customers with the best experience possible.”

Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500 is a compilation of some of the top companies who represent a wide range of franchise segments and opportunities. The list is based on a comprehensive vetting process of financial and statistical data and is intended to be used as a research tool to compare franchise operations, according to Entrepreneur.

With over 30 years of industry experience, Maui Wowi Hawaiian has earned an impressive reputation. The company has been selected in recent years as a Low-Cost Franchise, Military Friendly Franchise, and Top Global Franchise. Differentiating itself from others by offering several different business models, Maui Wowi Hawaiian aims to make it possible for entrepreneurs to fulfill a lifelong dream of business ownership. The company capped off 2013 with two new fixed store locations on the East Coast and is preparing for even more expansion in 2014.

Do you have a Maui Wowi in your area? Leave comments below!