The term “game-changer” is defined by Merriam-Webster as “a newly introduced element or factor that changes an existing situation or activity in a significant way.” This definition sums up exactly what Alesia Visconti, president and CEO of FranServe, has done to transform the organization into the largest franchise broker network in the industry.
“Our number one core value is ‘grow or die’. All the services we provide help consultants grow and become top performers. If you reinvest in people, the return is endless. This is why we have so many brands that want to be part of our network.”
“Because I was a consultant before becoming CEO, I had walked the walk. That enabled consultants and brands to trust that I had one goal in mind: helping consultants make more placements,” expressed Visconti. “My team and I get up every morning with that single focus. Some of our competitors also specialize in other services such as lead generation, but I think that can distract from the focus of making placements and changing people’s lives. Focusing is the best way to grow.”
Being laser-focused is just one of the tactics that Visconti mastered that enabled her to make FranServe stand out from the crowd.
“Early on I believed strongly that we shouldn’t charge consultants for things that other consulting networks were charging for. Websites, technical support, certifications and convention fees, just to name a few. And while I understand why competitors charge for those things – they cost a lot. I know from experience that when fees start to add up, people pull back from participating in services that can help them be the best they can be,” said Visconti. “Our number one core value is ‘grow or die’. All the services we provide help consultants grow and become top performers. If you reinvest in people, the return is endless. This is why we have so many brands that want to be part of our network.”
A game-changing leader also knows the importance of mentorship.
“I implemented programs such as Mega Mentor because these types of programs are how you make good consultants into great consultants. This is how you raise the bar,” Visconti said.
She also spends time sitting in on new consultant training sessions and power team meetings to stay informed of pain points and take action to correct them. Often, those pain points are around technology.
“If you’re not keeping up with technology, you’ll be left behind. We’re currently working on a free webinar for consultants on Chat GPT training,” explained Visconti. “This technology is impacting how we do our jobs, and webinars like this remind us of the importance of working on our business, not just in our business.”
Last but certainly not least, Visconti expressed that she would never be part of a company that didn’t give back, as it’s a part of her fabric.
“I always ask, ‘What are you doing for others? Why else are we on the planet? Business can’t just be about revenue’,” she said. “FranServe donated $20,000 again this year to VetFran, and we continue to donate to causes such as Freedom Service Dogs of America and Susan G. Komen for the Cure breast cancer foundation. We have to leave this world a better place by taking action. Integrity is everything.”
Nancy E. Williams