With regard to franchising, several US companies (e.g., McDonalds, etc) have extensive networks that have reached even into the rural countryside. Many local companies have followed suit and have set up their own networks. A prime example is Jollibee (a fast food company like McDonalds with hamburger as the signature product). Jollibee (capturing the majority market share in the Philippines away from McDonalds) has even set up franchises in the US west coast, in Hongkong & other major cities in China, etc.

One thing I didn’t mention is to use common sense (hence my blog’s name). If your instincts have proven reliable in the past, let them lead you a bit in your online promotions or damage control.

And most of all, find a way to add value to people when you contribute to online discussions. You want to be perceived as a reliable source of information, not a gasbag who can’t shut up about how great they are.