At this year’s Franchise Leadership & Development Conference (FLDC), one topic stood out everywhere I turned: artificial intelligence. From lead generation to follow-up, AI is rapidly changing how development teams identify and communicate with prospective franchisees.
It was one of the most useful conferences I’ve attended in a long time—mainly because it gave me a clear picture of what’s possible and what’s right for a relationship-driven brand like Great Clips.
Some brands are leaning into AI-generated videos or automated messages for their initial contact with prospects. It’s impressive technology, and I can see how it might streamline the process for some. But for Great Clips, we’ll always be thoughtful about how we use these tools. Technology should enhance—not replace—the genuine, person-to-person connection that’s so central to who we are.
MORE: The key questions I ask when interviewing prospective franchisees
Where I do see tremendous opportunity is in using AI to help us work smarter behind the scenes—streamlining the internal work that helps us stay organized, responsive, and focused.
If AI can shorten the time it takes us to sift through information, spot patterns, or stay on top of follow-up, that frees us up to do what matters most: Have real conversations with real people. That’s the kind of support I’m interested in exploring—tools that make our process more efficient while still keeping the relationship at the center.
As I was finishing this blog, I came across a post from Bill George, former Medtronic CEO and longtime champion of authentic leadership, asking whether authentic leadership can survive in a world fueled by AI. His conclusion resonated with me:
“AI can replicate intelligence, but it cannot replicate humanity.... It analyzes data, writes briefs, drafts code, forecasts markets, creates spreadsheets, and synthesizes information with astonishing accuracy and speed.
But AI does not understand people. It does not strengthen relationships. It does not embody values. It does not inspire purpose. It does not have courage or intuition.”
And that’s exactly why Great Clips will explore using AI to work smarter while staying grounded in what matters most: genuine relationships and real conversations with real people.
MORE: BEHIND THE SCENES: How Great Clips finds top franchise talent
MORE: What makes a great franchisee?
If you’d like to know more about being a Great Clips franchisee and how the team at the corporate office would support you as you build a hair salon franchise, give me a call! I’d love to talk with you.
Beth Nilssen
Director of Franchise Development | Great Clips, Inc. 800-947-1143 | [email protected]
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