Empowering Members to Lead in Their Communities | Matt Haller
Matt Haller, President and CEO of the International Franchise Association, shares his thoughtful and consistent approach to member engagement, both within his team and across his organization’s national network. From recognizing the power of elevating member voices through authentic storytelling, Matt shares how he positions people as the most valuable influencers.
Takeaways:
- Hire a Great Team and Empower Them: As a leader, it's important to hire a talented team and then give them the space to excel. Provide guidance but avoid micromanaging to foster creativity and independence within the team.
- Always Follow Up: Responsiveness and consistent follow-up are crucial, especially in a service-oriented organization. This promotes reliability and trust both internally with your team and externally with clients or members.
- Build a Unified Team: Ensure that everyone on your team understands the common goal. Different skills and styles are valuable, but alignment on what the organization is trying to achieve is essential for collective success.
- Make Clear and Direct Requests: When engaging with stakeholders, whether in advocacy or business, make sure to establish a connection and clearly articulate your ask. This enhances the effectiveness of your communication efforts.
- Use Challenges as Motivators: Leverage crises or significant policy issues as opportunities to galvanize your team and membership. This can help highlight the importance of engagement and shared goals.
- Tell Your Story: Authentic storytelling from members or stakeholders is highly effective. Personal stories resonate more and help build trust and influence in various audiences.
- Embrace Change and Innovation: Trade associations and organizations should be forward-thinking about utilizing technology and data. Embrace change and continuously look for ways to innovate and grow, whether through strategic acquisitions or other means.
Quote of the Show:
- “We have 800,000 of them in franchising...small businesses are the most trusted institutions in America.”
Links:
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewhaller/
- Website: https://www.franchise.org/
Creators and Guests
Host
Anthony Shop
Anthony Shop believes in the power of people-centered branding and marketing to create a bright future. He chairs the National Digital Roundtable, the premier convener of digital innovators, leaders and policy shapers. Anthony also is the Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer of Social Driver, a digital services firm that helps companies and non-profits establish winning strategies with social media, websites, creative, and advertising. An enthusiastic presenter and teacher, he has led executive-level training for Amazon, PepsiCo, NASA, The British Embassy and the Bipartisan Policy Center. He has been recognized as an “OUTstanding LGBT Role Model” by The Financial Times, “40 Under 40” by The Washington Business Journal, and Business Leader of the Year by the DC Chamber of Commerce. A former newspaper reporter, Anthony was the first new media professional elected to the National Press Club’s Board of Governors. He currently serves on the boards of Leadership Greater Washington and LearnServe International. He earned his MBA from The George Washington University School of Business, where he teaches as an adjunct lecturer.
Producer
Robert Krueger
Robert is an Executive Director for The Communications Board, an organization with the mission of providing high-quality professional development for every communicator in every location. He is also the Global Lead for Partnership Communications at Gensler, the world’s largest architecture and design firm. Prior to his current role, he performed executive and CEO communications for Gensler, and was the senior director of public relations and social media at the Urban Land Institute. He obtained an MA in Communications and an MA in History from George Mason University. He did his undergraduate studies at the University of Missouri-Columbia. In addition, Robert has taught communications at universities including George Mason University, West Virginia University, and the University of Florida. Robert currently serves as Immediate-Past President for the Public Relations Society of America’s National Capital Chapter (PRSA-NCC) -- the nonprofit’s largest chapter.