Discovery days are an integral step of the process for franchise candidates as they determine which franchise is best for them.
These franchisor-hosted events bring in prospective franchisees so they can learn more about the company and becoming an owner in the system. It is often one of the final steps in a potential franchisee’s due diligence process.
During the discovery day events, franchise prospects meet the management and support team, which are held at the franchise company’s headquarters. They can ask important questions and gain valuable knowledge and insight. It also gives the franchisor the opportunity to meet the candidate in person and decide if they will be a good fit in the system.
However, due to nationwide travel restrictions and the desire to limit in-person gatherings during the COVID-19 pandemic, many of these scheduled face-to-face meetings have been postponed. Moran Family of Brands has adjusted on the fly and arranged virtual discovery days to be able to meet with franchise candidates on the Zoom platform.
Virtual discovery days have become necessary for many franchise companies in the last several months. In some cases, these new experiences can provide a more impressive presentation or insight into the company with a highly produced video and multimedia package.
Advantages for All Involved
Virtual discovery days enable Moran executives and potential franchisees to meet almost immediately after the candidate is qualified. The event takes less time than it would in person but contains the same information and sharing of ideas. In addition to simplifying logistics, virtual discovery days reduce expenses for both the franchisor and franchise candidate. Holding these meetings virtually can accomplish the same goals while also giving everyone in attendance a greater feeling of safety and comfort.
For prospective franchisees, going virtual for these events makes the decision to attend a no-brainer. It requires less time and money and gives them a relaxed setting to ask questions and learn more about the franchise.
Positive Change
After holding several discovery days virtually earlier this spring, the new format has proven to be very successful. In fact, Moran executives are considering making the virtual discovery days a permanent fixture. The change has been largely seamless, and the franchise candidate does not have to worry about arranging travel.
“We’ve been excited about the new virtual discovery day strategy,” said Pete Baldine, President of Moran Family of Brands. “When the pandemic is over, I’m not sure we go back to face-to-face discovery days. There are some advantages with this format, and we'll see what that brings us.”
The shift to virtual discovery days is part of an overall focus that Moran is using to adapt to the current situation caused by COVID-19 and improve its overall operations.
“I like change. When things stay the same, I get bored,” said Baldine. “Finding new ways to do things can be a great opportunity for us. This situation has caused us to revisit several ways in which we operate and see how we can improve upon them.”
To learn more about Moran Family of Brands and its franchise opportunities, click here.