Maximize Your E-Sources: Using Social Media As A Recruiting Tool

"Google," which became a verb in June 2006, is among many new verbs that have transformed the way we speak--and interact. Today we "friend" someone on Facebook, "bookmark" a website, "blog" an article, and "text" from our phones. Social media is rewriting how we connect with each other--and it's happening in every aspect of our lives. Twitter transformed how we get our news; Groupon revolutionized how we consume; Foursquare revamped how we "check-in"; and now, social media is redefining how we hire.

More than a decade ago, HR saw the emergence of job boards that allowed employers to reach an expanded talent pool with the click of a few buttons. Since that time, virtual hiring portals have dominated candidate sourcing. As social media infiltrates everyday life, franchisees must leverage these resources to connect with both their consumers and candidates.

Today, one of every six Americans uses social media. Of those, 59 percent interact with businesses through social media sites, with one in four checking in more than once a week (Cone Communications). And consumers who "like" your business give your brand and your bottom line a "thumbs-up." In fact, 61 percent of Facebook users who have "liked" a brand note that they are more likely to purchase from that brand (AllFacebook).

The business case is clear. It is time to seize the day and capitalize on online influence by integrating social media into hiring processes. For franchise businesses with a following, it is the obvious next step, especially for the fast casual segment, where social media campaigns have already shown marketing success.

Social media is already revolutionizing the restaurant industry. The NRA's 2012 Restaurant Industry Forecast found that more than 80 percent of restaurant operators plan to increase their social media marketing efforts. Over the next two years, more than half plan to add online review sites, Facebook, Twitter, and blogs into their marketing mix.

Further, according to the 2012 HR Toolbox survey, HR professionals spend 7.62 hours each week on social media sites. What are they doing? They are using online profiles (originally reserved for connecting socially) to hunt for jobs, build credibility and a personal brand, and network professionally.

Social media is a powerful recruiting and sourcing tool for franchisees. Social media takes the old networking adage of hiring based on "who you know" to a new level. The ability of employers to tap into these social networks is quickly becoming an indispensable resource: hiring managers can reach their target demographic more easily, employ a proactive sourcing plan, and drastically reduce costs.

Most social media sites allow businesses to Post, Tweet, Pin, and Message open positions free--unlike job boards, which can cost employers hundreds of dollars for each position.
BranchOut, the largest professional network on Facebook, went mobile in the fall of 2011. The program lets members use their Facebook network to look for jobs, source leads, recruit candidates, and cultivate professional contacts.

Three months earlier, LinkedIn launched an "Apply with LinkedIn" button, allowing candidates to submit resumes directly from their profile with just a click. Sophisticated talent management systems can pool social media sourcings and quickly filter through applications to identify the best candidates.

Developments such as these continue to drive innovation in franchising. The future of franchise hiring and repeat customers is a two-way conversation. If you're not speaking the lingo, you'll be left behind.

Look at what is working for others who are being successful, and then set goals for where your franchise is headed. Take into consideration industry innovations, relevant social media outlets, culture and brand messages, and the development plan for your franchise business. Open a conversation with your management team and team leaders about where you want to go and what you need to get there. Then empower your team to lead the charge.

Nate DaPore is President and CEO of PeopleMatter. He is passionate about providing team members, including his own, with a rewarding workplace experience that values creativity and innovation. Contact him at 877-230-4088 or info@peoplematter.com.
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New IZON Global Media Franchise Opens in Irvine

IZON Global Media, a media agency specializing in outdoor advertising, announces a new franchise in Orange County, under the ownership of local resident Dave Clayton. Clayton has also partnered with an advertising firm specializing in other media such as radio, internet or cable TV, for clients interested in those additional forms of media.

"Discovering IZON Global Media came at a perfect time in my life because after working at large ad agencies, I saw the franchise opportunity with IZON to help clients build their enterprises through innovative out-of-home advertising as too good to pass up,” says Clayton. "I am especially excited to be working with clients who want to grow their businesses effectively, not by the ‘run an ad’ approach, but through sound strategic planning and execution, by asking the right marketing questions that lead to the maximum return on their advertising investment.”

Prior to becoming a franchisee, Clayton was an area developer with the United Franchise Group (UFG) for the past year, which he says allowed him to see what a great opportunity IZON is from the inside. UFG is the largest business-to-business franchisor in the world, with multiple brands in 52 countries. Clayton has also started and sold two other successful advertising-related franchises – one in Southern California and one in the mid-Atlantic region.

"With IZON, there are over 100 out-of-home media options – from billboards to buses, gas pumps to golf courses, malls to movie theaters, and much more. We serve as a one-stop solution," says Clayton.

IZON Global Media is an advertising agency specializing in Out-of-home Advertising. Out-of-home Advertising includes billboards, bus shelters, transit, taxis, cinema, mall kiosks, mobile billboards, airport displays, sports stadiums and more. IZON acts as a consultant to their clients, in order to determine the best media campaign to fit each client’s goals and budget. IZON works with all of the outdoor media companies to obtain the best value and exposure for its clients and provides them with everything necessary to run a successful outdoor advertising campaign, including the graphic design and production of each advertisement.  

For more information about IZON Global Media in Irvine, visit ooh-advertising.com or contact Clayton at 714-747-7029 or dclayton@izonglobalmedia.com. For franchising information, please call 866-257-6025 or visit izonglobalmedia.com.

About UNITED FRANCHISE GROUP: The Global Leader for Entrepreneurs.

United Franchise Group (http://www.unitedfranchisegroup.com) is a $500-million franchising expert with 30 years of experience and 1,400 franchise locations in over 50 countries. Brands include SIGNARAMA, EmbroidMe, IZON Global Media, SuperGreen Solutions, Plan Ahead Events, and Transworld Business Advisors. Information on franchising opportunities is available at 800-286-8671 (U.S.) or 001-561-640-5570 (international).

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Sign & Graphics Franchise to Exhibit at National Business Media Show in Arlington

The National Business Media (NBM) Show is making its first stop of the year right in FASTSIGNS backyard of Arlington, Texas. FASTSIGNS International Inc., the worldwide franchisor of FASTSIGNS visual communications, signage and graphics centers, will be exhibiting at the show to educate attendees on franchise opportunities with the company.

The show, which will be held March 7-9 at the Arlington Convention Center, is a business-to-business trade show designed to educate attendees on the latest in sign making, digital printing, apparel decorating, engraving, personalization, promotional products and more. FASTSIGNS Senior Vice President of Franchise Support & Development, Mark Jameson, will be at Booth No. 314 to speak with independent business owners about the company’s franchise conversion and co-branding programs.

“The NBM shows are always packed with leaders and business owners in the industry who come looking for ways to take their business to the next level,” Jameson said. “This provides the perfect landscape for us to share the latest franchising programs we have available at a time when many segments of the business services category are becoming more conglomerated. Business owners are looking to add services that distinguish them from others in the category and FASTSIGNS does just that.”

As part of the support provided to independent business owners, FASTSIGNS offers financing for conversion and co-branded agreements, for as little as $10,000 down in addition to reduced royalties. The company also offers the leading brand name in the sign and graphics industry and the latest technology, cost savings and relationships with national vendors and suppliers, comprehensive marketing and visual communications solutions and the benefits that come from networking with FASTSIGNS centers nationwide.

As FASTSIGNS conversion and co-branding franchise programs continue to grow, the company expects to have six co-branded agreements signed by the end of the first quarter and has already opened a total of four centers under the new program. The franchisor has also successfully converted 28 independent businesses into FASTSIGNS centers in the last three years.

With more than 530 FASTSIGNS sign and graphics centers in eight countries, FASTSIGNS provides marketing and visual communications solutions to businesses, organizations and events of all types and sizes. FASTSIGNS offers a variety of sign and graphics solutions – including banners, building signs, digital signage, yard signs, vehicle graphics, decals, trade show exhibits and displays, point-of-purchase signs, and posters – as well as mobile websites, promotional products, interior décor, branding, printing and other marketing services.

For more information about FASTSIGNS, contact Mark Jameson (mark.jameson@fastsigns.com or 214-346-5679) or visit www.fastsigns.com.

About FASTSIGNS®

FASTSIGNS International, Inc. is the worldwide franchisor for the more than 530 FASTSIGNS® sign, graphic and visual communications centers in eight countries including the US (and Puerto Rico), Canada, England, Brazil, Mexico, the Caribbean, Saudi Arabia and Australia (where centers operate as SIGNWAVE®). FASTSIGNS provides comprehensive visual communications solutions to help customers of all sizes – across all industries – meet their business objectives and increase their business visibility through the use of signs, graphics, printing, promotional products and related marketing services. FASTSIGNS was ranked number one for the third year in a row in the sign and graphic category in the 2012 Entrepreneur Magazine annual Franchise 500®. For franchise information, contact Mark Jameson (mark.jameson@fastsigns.com or 214-346-5679) or visit www.fastsigns.com.

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