Shampaine-Bish Franchise Development Makes Connections

Reports that the economy may be turning have begun to give us hope; the light is almost visible at the end of the tunnel.  Yet, businesses are still cautious with their purse strings, banks are careful and the employed are (for the most part) grateful.

Is this the time to start a business?

Dan Bish(a former colleague from Pearle Vision) and his partner Rick Shampaine think so.  They just announced the opening of their franchise development business:

Shampaine/Bish Franchise Development; connecting franchisees with the right franchise opportunity.

Both have a long history of helping franchisees and have amassed a substantial network with whom they sent this exciting announcement.

Here’s what I love about their message:

• They clearly know who they want to help
• They identified why they should be the ones to help
• In two short paragraphs they explain their message and specifically tell the readers how they can help:  SPREAD THE WORD

The best part?  They offer an incentive.  A referral program.

We’ve talked about having referral programs – we’ve seen some work and some that don’t really do the trick. 

Dan and Rick value their connections- their network that they’ve worked hard nurturing over the years.  As such – they have created a referral program that has teeth.  Refer a potential franchisee to Shampaine/Bish and if they purchase a franchise they’ll send you and a friend anywhere in the WORLD for a week.

A referral program valued at $2,000! 

Don’t like to travel?  Not a problem – they’ll hand you a check.

How’s that for a referral thank you?  Are you motivated?  Aren’t you all of a sudden going through your address book and LinkedIn contacts to see who might want to buy a franchise?

Dan and Rick understand that if they are going to ask for help – they need to make it worthwhile.  They are clearly stating:  your help is incredibly valuable to us.

But that’s not all.  In Dan’s letter to his network he offered a personal promise:

We’re looking for someone who’s driven – someone who doesn’t take “NO” for an answer and who won’t stop until they’re successful. I’d like you to tell them about the service we offer, at no cost to them. And because the referral comes from you, I promise I’ll personally interview them and keep their best interests in mind.

People often hesitate to give up their contact information because it’s their name, their reputation.  Dan understands and offers his promise that he’ll personally take care of them.

Have you reached into your network to uncover prospects?  How do you thank them for their assistance?  What have you found works? 

Thinking about starting a referral program?    Darrell Zahorsky has written an article offering 7 Sure Fire Tips to a Referral Program.

Know someone that is interested in buying a franchise?  Call Dan Bish or visit Shampaigne/Bish Franchise Development. 

Check out the details for the referral program.