Franchise Dictionary Magazine’s (FDM) annual December Game Changer edition recognizes those making waves in the franchise space. The magazine receives hundreds of submissions nominating the top talent in franchising who are vying for this prestigious recognition. President and CEO of FranServe, Inc. Alesia Visconti shared the remarkable impact of a game changer.
Game changer brands fulfill all or most of the following criteria:
- Fill a niche in the market
- Help the community
- Create opportunity for aspiring business owners
- Turn heads with a unique product
- Impact veterans
- Impress millennials
What are some characteristics of a game changer?
Game changers are leaders. They blaze a path and help others walk it as well. That’s an important aspect and a distinction from disruptors. An integral component of game changers is they help others to cross new horizons as well as set new paths. I also think game changers are forward thinkers. Even when something works, they strive to make it even 1% better. It’s a yearning, a desire to keep moving forward, taking everyone with them.
You have been called a game changer. What are some measures you’ve put in place to change the game at FranServe and FDM?
I’ve put culture and people above everything else: before profits and growth, and before what is typically thought of as success. Empowering people and letting go of micromanaging is one of the hardest steps for most entrepreneurs, yet it’s easy for me because holding on means you don’t trust your team. I absolutely do, so there’s no reason for me to hold on to tasks. I also promote from within. This shows my peeps that I say what I mean and mean what I say. I’ve started a movement by adopting the phrase ‘life-work balance’ in place of the typical ‘work-life balance.’ We need to understand that we work to live, not live to work. As much as I truly adore what I do in changing people’s lives, in the end and on a deathbed, no one has ever said, ‘Gee, I wish I worked more.’
What’s the significance of FDM recognizing the top 100 Game Changers each year?
I like to celebrate innovative thinkers. So much of the franchise world is based on dollars and cents, and, of course, as a businessperson, I understand that need. But it’s a by-product of innovative thinking, of putting people first, of giving others credit instead of being in the limelight yourself. Businesses are successful because of those things. The game changer recognition doesn’t rank any brands, it celebrates them pushing the envelope. That’s much needed in today’s culture.
Why is it important to have game changers in the world of franchising?
I think franchising itself is a game changer. It celebrates the American Dream and turns it into reality. That’s pretty life-changing! By acknowledging the people and brands we see as game changers (nominated by peers), we’re recognizing some of the sharpest thinkers and trends happening right now. The list is dynamic and fluid and has significant changes year after year because franchising moves at a very fast pace! Without game changers in our community, it might not move as quickly. Game changers push boundaries and lift everyone around them in doing so. It’s important for game changers to pass on the initiatives they implement to others in their brand and circle. This is how you change the world and why I use ‘#changlinglives’ so frequently on social media. It’s really THAT exciting!
Nancy E. Williams