Thespians or tellers?

Christo Abrahams, senior manager: Business Marketing, says: "Exhibitions are inclined to follow a standard format, especially within the financial services sector as institutions tend to offer an intangible service which cannot be effectively sampled or displayed.

"We believe that sponsoring a traditional stand where staff distribute flyers is rather two dimensional and fails to add any real value, benefit or insight to visitors to the exhibition."

Research by Standard Bank among small business owners, showed that many entrepreneurs felt that their business and individual challenges were not fully understood by their banks.

Based on this feedback, "A life of Passion" was developed. The play follows a typical day in the life of a small business owner 'Dave' who owns a coffee shop and bistro franchise. Told entirely from the lead character's perspective, the play highlights the many dynamics of a solo business player; the problems, stresses, heartbreaks - and rewards.

"By incorporating key messages into a theatrical and entertaining format, this play has enabled us to communicate very effectively with our target audience by speaking to them at their level. It has also provided us with an alternative platform to host our clients at the exhibition," says Abrahams.

In addition to the play, Standard Bank Business Banking is constantly exploring ways in which to provide franchisors and franchisees with much needed support and training. The franchise team at the bank will host regular breakfast events to create a forum where the franchisors are able to network and share experiences.