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Thursday, February 11. 2010
Franchise businesses are a lucrative opportunity for budding entrepreneurs. Their advantage lies in being an established idea that already has a steady and sure market. However, it also has its risks. In order to properly evaluate if business franchising is for you, here are some points to ponder on.
Evaluating a franchise opportunity
In choosing the best franchise, you first have to consider the business that sells a need. Its product must have an established history of selling profitably to a known market. The franchisor should be able to show a specific business plan that is able to market to its customer base. He/she must have good strategies in pricing, selling, and delivering the products. Look for a franchisor that is able to budget and use cost-control systems.
Strategies for business franchising
After picking the right franchise, one must maintain the business with a steady amount of profits. Place the franchise in a location that is near your target market. This will ensure a quick set of customers as well as referrals. Advertise your new branch in publications, spaces, or websites read by your intended customers.
Successfully managing a business franchise has great rewards. With strategic management you won’t end up regretting getting into a franchise business in the first place.
Wednesday, January 20. 2010
Business franchising is a popular way to enter entrepreneurship. It is the common form of business since it is based on an established idea. However, like other ventures, it has its risks. Read on to understand business franchising more.
Advantages of franchising
Franchising has the least risk of all business ventures. Since you are profiting from a tried and tested idea, you will make money faster compared to those establishing new business ideas. Independent businesses usually have an 80 percent chance of not surviving, while franchises have an 80 percent chance of actually making it. If you purchase a franchise known throughout the nation, you’ll definitely hit the gold mine.
Disadvantages of franchising business
Unfortunately, there is no freedom in running a franchise. It must be done according to the original company’s ideas so it doesn’t really have your touch. You must also consider you’ll be paying a certain percentage of the business revenue to the franchisor. Those without the right amount money should know that buying a franchise is very, very expensive. A good chunk of your savings will be gone.
Business franchise’s disadvantages do not necessarily outweigh the advantages. If you are ready to enter into a franchise and have the experience of running a business, the investment will be worth it.
Saturday, March 24. 2007
Franchise owners do not differ from one another since they come from the same franchising company. They have the same products, offer the same services, and ultimately have the same equipment. Heck, they usually have the same uniforms. So you wonder how the franchising company selects the best franchises when all other elements are non-variable? You guess it: the franchise's employees.
I have a handful of tips here in hopes of helping you form the best franchise staff. First, be careful about the kind of people you hire. Require that they submit requirements like drug test results or clearance from the FBI. Explain that you want to secure a safe working environment for your employees and customers. Eliminate employees with dubious records. Second, interview the remaining prospective employees. Create an image of an ideal employee; include qualifications like hardworking, diligent, and courteous. Make sure to select employees close to your ideal. To fill key positions like managers or supervisors, ask for a representative from the mother franchise to help you select the best candidate. But don't give hired employees their workloads just yet. I think that it is vital to train them first how to do their job assignments. Most franchising companies offer training for their franchisee's employees so inquire about this. If you don't train them you will end with qualified but inept employees who are able only to give sub-par performance. Of course, good employees deserve breaks and rewards. I think that rewarding employees makes them feel appreciated and fosters loyalty among them.
I remind you that hiring competent employees is a crucial decision, which no sensible franchisee will take lightly. After all, the performance and quality of service of your employees reflect on the franchise. A smoothly-run and well-staffed franchise reflects on a responsible and smart franchisee. Who knows, maybe the franchising company will get so impressed that they'll ask you to be a partner.
Friday, March 16. 2007
I bet most entrepreneurs are not having enough time to get things done that they wish there would be 48 hours in a day. Not having enough time is no longer a problem because the truth is, you can actually 'create time.' You can start by changing your work hours. Instead of working from 9am-5pm, which requires you to travel to work in peak hour traffic, you can change it to 8am-4pm, or 10am-6pm. By doing so, you could miss the peak hour traffic and save 30 minutes each way. That's a total of one hour a day, 5 hours a week, 250 hours a year, or six weeks.
Instead of answering emails as they arrive, allot a particular time when you can answer all emails. Be concise with your emails by answering the inquiry immediately, same with phone calls. Place a timer near the phone to time every phone call you have. Five minutes maximum is the standard. Also, make a priority list of all your tasks for the day to make sure that you get the " Big Stuff" done first. Furthermore, saving your packed lunch and snacks the night before will save you time from lining in the cafés.
Sunday, March 11. 2007
Every business engage in a little benchmarking from time to time to determine who is the very best, who sets the standard, and what that standard is. It can be issues related to sales organization, customer service, or manufacturing operation. Benchmarking gives you a clear picture of the competition and where your competitors stand. You regularly compare aspects of performance (functions or processes) with best practitioners, identify gaps in performance, and seek fresh approaches to bring about improvements. You then follow through with implementing improvements and follow up by monitoring progress and reviewing the benefits.
The first step in benchmarking is to determine which functional areas within your operation are to be benchmarked, then identify the key factors and variables with which to measure those functions. Choose the best-in-class companies for each area to be benchmarked, those companies that perform each function at the lowest cost. Measure the company's performance for each benchmark being considered, then measure your own performance for each variable and begin comparing the results in an "apples-to-apples" format to determine the gap between your firm and the best-in-class examples. Specify those programs and actions to meet and surpass the competition based on a plan developed to enhance those areas that show potential for compliment, then implement these programs by setting specific improvement targets and deadlines, and by developing a monitoring process to review and update the analysis over time.
Thursday, March 8. 2007
Using product recommendation is one of the more important ways to an increased affiliate marketing bottom line and sale. Enough trust of your customers and visitors will definitely extend to your recommendations. But be very careful in using this approach because if you start promoting everything by recommendation, your credibility will actually wear thin especially when recommendations are seemingly exaggerated and without much merit. It is fine to be honest about the things that you do not like about a given product or service for it will make your recommendation more realistic and will tend to increase your credibility. If your visitors are really interested in what you are offering they will be more than delighted to learn what is good and not so good about the product and how the product will benefit them.
When you recommend a certain product, sound like the true and leading expert in your field. If your visitors see that you are very much confident and convinced about the product your are endorsing, they will be more inclined to purchase. That is why it is very important that you try the product first to see if it is good enough before your endorse it. It takes a long time to build your credibility and you wouldn't want it ruined by just a piece of junk. Also, offer unique and new solutions they would not get anywhere else by displaying prominent testimonials and endorsements from respected and known personalities, in related fields of course. While recommending a product, try to offer freebies that can promote or even have some information about your products or services.
Monday, March 5. 2007
Ideally, a business should keep all its people happy while having a great work life and making more money. There are clear strategies in achieving what seems to be an unobtainable dream. The key is to create value not only for your customers but also for yourself and your team. Make sure that your product adds value to the lives or businesses of your customers and that working in the organization adds value to the lives of the people involved in it.
Focusing on the true, underlying nature of what drives a company will get business owners and their teams in touch with their authentic selves and helps create a truly authentic business. Also, look at the core values by which the business operates, the things that is held important like openness, honesty or good customer relations. Highlighting your purpose and values allows everyone in your team to "own" the issues and to take responsibility for gradually bringing everything into line with your purpose and values. Make sure that all of these are reflected in all aspects of your business, like employment contracts, joint ventures and partnering arrangements, and dealings with other stakeholders including the general public (where relevant).
Saturday, March 3. 2007
The franchisor should be able to tell you, from experience, how likely it is for you to obtain financing from any particular source. But on your own, there are four "Cs" that underlie your ability to get financing, regardless of the lending source. These are: Cash, Credit, Collateral, and Character.
A lot of people think that they can borrow all the CASH they need to open a business, but your personal net worth must be far larger than what you need to borrow for this to be possible. Lenders also favor a strong CREDIT history. They want to see a pattern involving your timely payments on other types of loans apart from your home mortgage. A good credit history is not an assurance, but a bad one raises the red flag for lenders.
Most lenders will also look to you for COLLATERAL. They will require you to completely secure any loan you want with personal assets sufficient to provide for 100 percent recovery if you default on the loan. Your CHARACTER or reputation is also the same as the credit history principle. A strong enough character and a great reputation used to be enough to offset a lack in some of the other Cs, but those days went out the window with the S & L crisis 15 years ago, at least as far as any regulated lender is concerned.
Thursday, March 1. 2007
 This is a business tool available in the tool box of any small business owner. It may sound like a James Bond strategy, but the SWOT analysis simple stands for: Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats. This will help you formulate the best marketing strategy. Learn how to take all necessary actions to reduce the threats to your company and position yourself to take advantage of the opportunities.
Strengths and weaknesses look internally at what your business can do. Strengths are relative to your competitors and from your customers' perspective. Basically, what you can provide to your customers that your competitors cannot are considered strengths. It can be the location of your business, your products, or your distribution. Weaknesses can include objections your customers raise during the sales process and your competitors' remarks. It can be about your lack of manpower or high production cost. Think if there's truth to all of these.
Opportunities and threats are external and focus on the conditions of the real-world. Any business is influenced by external environment such as legal, political, technological, and cultural factors. Consider what can make your business obsolete, and what will replace it, because threats can become opportunities or vice versa. Opportunities can include softening of government regulation, development of new technology, or growing trend and customer base. Threats can be a new substitute products emerging, price competition, or economic pressure.
Monday, February 19. 2007
 The franchise world is vast, confusing and flat out overwhelming at times, especially for beginners. Any semi-seasoned broker or consultant could, and would be happy to offer a "franchising 101" 20-Minute telephone conversation and offer more valuable and current information, but unfortunately many people would prefer not to. Most franchise starters think that franchise consultants are paid by the franchises and therefore will only recommend the franchises they represent. But personally I don't see anything wrong with that, because that's just how everybody works, from your resident financial planner, your banker, the man that works in the hardware store, to the girl at Best Buy. The truth is brokers and consultants do promote franchising and for the most part their set list of franchises, but don't think that by talking to a broker you are committed to his or her list of franchises. A good broker will answer your queries, give suggestions, and certainly ask to show you a few of the franchises he represents. If you find any of his franchises interesting, he's going to offer to introduce you to that particular franchise.
Franchise brokers and consultants are paid by the franchisor based on commissions of franchises sold, so of course they will offer to show you their franchises but they cannot sell you a franchise even if he wanted to. It's the franchise who sells the franchise. The success of a franchise consultant and broker has little, if anything to do with "selling someone" and everything to do with identifying and matching the right entrepreneur with the right opportunity.
Sunday, February 18. 2007
Franchising had already been an industry ventured in by many families. There are many advantages when you establish a family business, one being that everyone gets to do something and earn while being with the family, especially for parents who still have very young kids. Another reason is that technology had made it possible for most of us to work at home, just with the help of mobile phone, fax machine, and the internet. Plus the ongoing decline in job security had pushed many people to put up their own business.
In a family-business set up, it takes much effort to work together efficiently without hurting the relationship. Before venturing into franchising, you should take into account the possibility that the business could fail and what this would mean for your family and your lifestyle. The family should have a common vision of how far they want the business should go. There are also some sacrifices that you need to think over, like the hours you have to dedicate to the business and how it would impact the children, who between the couple should have the final say, adjusting to changes that the business bring, and being prepared to inevitable work-related conflicts. At the end of the day you should bear in mind that you can put up hundreds of businesses, but you can only have one family.
Thursday, December 7. 2006
 The corporate world is a very stressful and highly demanding environment. The corporate world is also an efficient and cold wealth-generating community. Its rulers and lords are the CEOs and managers. The workers are mere pawns in the great economic game of the corporate world. Former employees, either victimized by downsizing or opted early retirement, have the chance to be their own boss.
The best step in becoming your own boss and having control and freedom is by investing in business. The most conservative and secure form of business is franchise business. A franchise offer solid profitable background and technical support.
Thursday, November 30. 2006
 Looking for a good investment opportunity? Why not consider a franchise business?
Franchise is one of the most popular and rewarding options for entrepreneurs today. Once you have fully established the business, money comes in easily. Of course, it takes a careful and an effective business plan to achieve business success. Making a good decision is also important.
Selecting the right franchise opportunity for you, however, is not as easy as the money comes in. One key to determine the perfect business for you is knowing your interest.
What is your passion?
Knowing where you are good at is your best clue in choosing a good franchise business.
Monday, November 27. 2006
 People who dream of a franchise business are sure to have so many questions in their heads like: What is written in a disclosure statement or what are possible things to negotiate? Some people also wonder whether franchising requires knowledge of state laws and whether these laws are the same throughout the United States.
The answer is yes and no. State laws concerning franchise businesses differ from state to state and some regulations are more strict than others. If you're planning to buy or sell franchise, you need to find an attorney that specializes in this type of business.
Thursday, November 23. 2006
Entrepreneurship requires courage and skills. An enterprise, on the other hand, will not succeed without a concrete idea or vision. Business idea and vision are the driving forces that fuel a business venture. Business idea and vision are, in fact, the main reasons why a business comes to existence.
Great business idea and vision give direction to the business. Without these two elements, a business is comparable to a person without ambition. However, the existence of great competition and complex business challenges, it would still be prudent to invest on a franchise business than putting up a start-up business. Not unless you have a great original business idea, franchise business is still the safer choice owing to its tract record and market experience.
Sunday, November 19. 2006
 One of the best investment forms is franchise. Starting a franchise business is a crucial process. Since a large amount of money is always at stake in any business, it is important to properly select the right company. The best way to do this is to review the disclosure documents of a company.
These documents include relevant information such as litigation and financial history, former and current franchisees, marketing, training, bankruptcy, and other important data. Studying the disclosure document helps you decide whether it is wise for you to close a deal with a certain company or not.
Saturday, November 18. 2006
 Are you planning to set up a franchise business? This is an exciting field of opportunity. Putting up a franchise business allows you to open new doors for profit and expansion. Franchise opportunities are anything under the sun. You can branch into food restaurants, health centers, cosmetics, clothing and services.
One of the best places to find the best franchise is at an aptly named site called Franchise Opportunities Gold. Depending on the type of business opportunity you wish to venture into, you'll get search match at FO Gold. You can also take a closer look at their featured franchises and see for yourself whether you think these are the businesses that suit your taste. If you are interested, you can apply directly by filling up their request form.
Sunday, November 12. 2006
 Thinking of building a franchise business? Well there are a lot of things to consider, that's for sure. Here are some helpful terms to guide you in the purchase of franchise rights:
Franchise Fee: This is your initial payment for franchise acquisition.
Royalty Fee: Just like authors, franchisors need to be paid their due royalties based on your franchise's gross income.
Termination/Renewal: The franchisor has a right to terminate your franchising contract if you fail to measure up to the franchise standards of pay fees. Although it may take 10 years for the contract to expire, it is still wise to think it over before investing in a franchise business.
Saturday, November 11. 2006
 A franchise business can be your most successful and rewarding investment. The business plan you will be adapting is already proven in terms of its efficacy. Moreover, you will also be assisted by a reliable company while establishing and managing your business.
There are three things however that you must take into account in order to make this business venture work. First, determine your interests because your passion dictates the type of business where you will excel most. Second, choose the right company by reviewing its profile and background. Third, take advantage of the internet in order to get valuable information and tips regarding franchise business.
Monday, October 30. 2006
 Business franchise can be your best option in order to boost your finances. Franchising a business has many advantages. Here, the success of the business and the efficiency of its plan are already proven. Moreover, you are also assured of the support from a good company.
Deciding which franchise company to take however is crucial. Here are a few tips that may help. First, review the contract thoroughly. Second, negotiate with the owners. Third, check in the company profit. Fourth, compare the franchise companies and look for the best. Fifth and last, seek professional help and guidance.
Saturday, October 28. 2006
 Franchise is a good and secured business option. Not only are you assured of an effective business plan and model, but you can also count on the support and guidance of a trusted company from the moment you start with your business.
There are several things however which you must consider before choosing the right business for you. First, evaluate the quality of the support offered by the franchise company. Second, choose the type of business that fits your expertise and passion. Third and last, gather information and advice from reliable persons or through the internet.
Thursday, October 26. 2006
Franchise business is the most commonly used form of starting a busines in the easiest way possible. In this type of business, franchisees are benefiting from the known trademark of a certain company. They do not have to put up a new brand or business. Moreover, they do not have to compete with other businesses that have the same products and services like them.
Owners of the franchise business are the ones who have to face the customers unlike the franchisors who are only paid for the use of their brand names. However, the franchisors are the ones who get to earn more and expand to other countries because of the popularity and sales caused by the franchisees.
Tuesday, October 24. 2006
 MacDonald’s founder, Ray Kroc, once said that his real business is not selling hamburgers but real estates. Indeed, MacDonald’s Corporation is the biggest real estate owner of prime lots located in almost every busy street corner. Real estate location is a key to success of any franchise business engaged in direct customer service. It is real estate that will determine the volume of costumers which can be translated to sales. Choosing the right location is vital in the economic viability and survival of a franchise business.
Sunday, October 22. 2006
 The success of any franchise is highly dependent on the business location and the business idea itself. The location might be good but the business idea might not be very effective or maybe has the characteristic of a fad. Service franchises are perhaps riskier than food franchises for the reason that service franchises such as dry cleaning or auto repair usually have smaller market and relatively larger overheads. The more conservative service franchise businesses are the best options for those who starting to engage in entrepreneurial venture.
Friday, October 20. 2006
 Food franchising is a business idea that is thriving primarily because of the appetite of the masses for high calorie food. Hence, most food franchises are in the area of fast food such as burger chains and pizza parlors. Food franchise is profitable because the consumer demand is on a daily basis and the overheads are usually minimal. The market is never saturated with food franchise business which may range from booth-size operation to restaurant-size operation. The advantage of food franchising business over other franchising business is the familiarity and popularity of these franchises. Most of these fast food franchises even employ tactics to attract children as consumers thereby also attracting the parents.
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