 As a professional speaker, one of my favorite industries to serve is the franchise space. Just recently, I had the opportunity to speak at events for Sonic Drive-In, Neighborly, and Anytime Fitness. Here are 17 mindsets, concepts, and strategies to help franchisees and franchisors simplify success. Number 1. Regardless of your product, service, or industry, you are in the relationship business. Never forget that people are your number one asset, and the franchisor-franchisee relationship needs to always be you and me, not you versus me. Number 2. Both franchisors and franchisees need to acknowledge that we can't do this without you, and you can't do this without us. We need each other for this to truly work. Number 3. Franchisors and franchisees that work together with mutual respect, that openly and honestly share ideas, and that consistently collaborate will create a distinct competitive advantage. Number 4. Even the most elite franchisors and franchisees know that they don't have all of the answers, but they do have the humility to constantly search for them, and to ask for guidance, help, and direction. Number 5. The three most important questions that franchisors can ask franchisees, and franchisees can ask their respective teams, are number one, who are we? What is our identity? Number two, what do we do? What is our purpose? And number three, how do we do it? What is our strategy? Number 6. Franchisors need to provide unparalleled leadership and direction to empower franchisees to reach their financial goals through customized support, creating a strong sense of community, and increasing overall brand awareness. They need to help create a bigger pie. Number 7. Franchisors, you will often have to make really important decisions with imperfect information. Simply do the best you can with what you have, wherever you are. Don't fall to the delusion that one day things will be perfect. Number 8. Franchisees need to focus on executing the systems, the blueprint, upholding and living out brand values, maximizing profits, and amassing a loyal customer base by developing an entrepreneurial mindset and approach. Number 9. Franchisees, when you need help, ask for it. Franchisors, when you can provide help, offer it. Number 10. Franchisees, trust the systems and processes. They will consistently lead to the most favorable outcomes in the long term. Trying to work smarter, not harder. Brains of a brawn. Number 11. The most effective way to strengthen your brand's reputation is to adhere to the highest standard of excellence as consistently as possible at every location. Number 12. The three primary issues that will cause a rift in the franchise or franchisee relationship are number one, unrealistic expectations. Number two, ineffective communication, and number three, lack of conflict resolution skills. Number 13. Honest and effective communication will resolve the vast majority of franchisee or franchisee conflicts and issues. The key is for both parties to be active, empathetic listeners. When someone feels heard, they feel valued, respected, and appreciated. Number 14. Effective communication is clear and concise. Ambiguity creates confusion and complexity undermines execution. Number 15. As the Navy SEALs say, slow is smooth and smooth is fast. Take your time, pay attention to detail, and be precise. Rushing increases mistakes. Number 16. If it isn't written down, it isn't real. Everything. And number 17. Always have a plan, but always expect adversity. When adversity strikes, lean into it together. Strong teams use adversity to increase cohesion. Weak teams use adversity to erode it. I hope you found these 17 mindsets, concepts, and strategies helpful for you to simplify success. If I can ever add value to your franchise or to your brand, please visit Alan Stein Jr. dot com.