The McCombs Alumni Network hosted a four-part summer webinar series. Each session is with a different expert and focuses on a different business theme. If you missed them live, please enjoy all four webinar recordings below and keep an eye on the alumni calendar for more virtual events.

Part One: “Is Franchising Right for Me?” with Stephen Maeker
Live presentation date: Wednesday, June 24, 2020, 12-1 p.m. CT
In this presentation, Stephen Maeker, BBA ’90, teaches participants how to investigate getting into franchising and whether or not buying a franchise is a good potential fit for them by following a sequential approach. Key topics of discussion will included: COVID-19 current environment, a general overview of franchising, candidate motivations, the primary advantages (vs opening a business yourself) and disadvantages of franchising, Franchise Disclosure Document overview, analyzing potential income, costs, 4 quadrants of franchising, investigation process, and financing. Watch the recording!

Part Two: “Use of Logic Models to Design Programs and Obtain Funding” with James Pann
Live presentation date: Tuesday, July 7, 2020, 12-1 p.m. CT
James Pann, BBA ’92, walked listeners through the steps to develop a logic model, how to use logic models for brainstorming during program design and identify funding opportunities, how logic models can be used to strengthen grant applications, and more! Pann also provided a logic model template. Watch the recording! 

Part Three: “Building Burnout Resistant Teams” with Dr. Aneika Simmons and Anjuan Simmons
Live presentation date: Monday, July 27, 2020, 12-1 p.m. CT
In this presentation, Aneika and Anjuan provide tools to help business leaders and their teams bring stress into a managed state and avoid burnout. Organizations that invest in building burnout resistant teams will see a return on that investment in terms of reliable business performance and an increased ability to respond to crises. Most importantly, they will have a workforce that is happier and more productive. Watch the recording. 

Part Four: “Discovering Differentiation: What Customer Mindset Means for Strategy” with Karla Raines
Live presentation date: Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2020, 12-1 p.m. CT
Every time a customer considers your purpose-driven organization, they ask these two questions. “Why” is the tape running in the back of their minds. Do you know their answers? You can’t afford not to. What matters most to you is what matters most to your customer. Differentiation is determined by your customer.

In this presentation, Raines discusses what customer mindset means for strategy, new ways to rethink competition when the old rules no longer apply, how to avoid the Zone of Indifference, and more. Watch the recording!