Archive for the ‘franchise news’ category

Why do companies “Franchise”?

March 12th, 2010

The obvious answer is they want to expand their business. Let’s take a closer look at the advantages of franchise expansion versus chain expansion. Franchise expansion provides a competitive advantage because entrepreneurs implement unit expansion not company paid managers.

Since the entrepreneurs (unit franchise owners) have their own money at stake and therefore bear the risk, they will try harder to succeed. We all know that having skin in the game makes you more committed to the outcome. Franchise expansion also provides a financing vehicle for the franchise company by leveraging the franchisees ability to raise capital through their own resources including the Small Business Administration (SBA), family partnerships, savings and the like, sources that are not available directly to the franchisor. Another advantage of franchise expansion is that it lowers the risk. Franchisees provide the start up capital, not the franchisor and the franchisees pay a royalty based on gross sales not profits.

Don’t be fooled into thinking that it’s all glory and no work for the franchisor. Certainly not the case. Franchisors are dependent on the flow of royalty fees to support their efforts and grow the network. It’s in everyone’s best interests to make money and be successful. Most quality franchise system owners are deeply committed to making positive changes in the lives of their franchisees. The job of the candidate is to weed out the good from the bad. Finding out whether a company is a good one or just opportunistic can be challenging. It pays dividends to use the services of a business consultant to help guide you through this investigation.

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Positive Attitude, Successful Franchise Owners

December 31st, 2009

Naysayers beware! While you are in the process of investigating franchise businesses you may encounter a fair amount of negative energy from the people around you. In fact it will surprise you to see your family and trusted friends may not be supportive of your activities. Don’t let their negative “aura” kill YOUR dreams. Psycologists suggest that it’s normal for people to resist change. It takes courage to “peel back the onion” and reveal the truth. Become the architect of your own future. Don’t be victim of others wanting to keep you down. Associate with those that have a positive attitude about your future. You know these people- they always have a smile on their faces and display a sincere interest in your life work. Embrace the thought of going out and telling everyone that you are going into a new business and you’re ready to do business. It’s not about “selling”- its about ensuring that a positive attitude is always in play. Negative thoughts will kill your dream every time. Learn to leverage the power of positive thinking and let this be your guide.

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Franchisee Profiles- Maturity

December 8th, 2009

If you never owned a business before than you probably don’t understand the emotional aspect of dealing with risk and the unknown on a daily basis. Entrepreneurs are experts at handling problems and taking responsibility. They seldom blame others and when they get knocked down, they have the good sense to get back up, brush themselves off and get back to work. Understanding how you will react to circumstances will help you continue to more forward. Before you move into a franchise business you should have a handle on your ability to handle the ups and downs of life. If you haven’t been very good at a handling issues in the past, then odds are you’re not right for business ownership. Perseverance is a necessary skill if you are going to reap the rewards of franchise business ownership. Next we’ll talk about attitude, ability and how to leverage it.

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Franchisee Profile- are you a good candidate?

December 6th, 2009

What makes someone good “franchise material”? Good question. Statistics show that franchise businesses may have a greater potential for success than start-ups, but how do you know you’ll “fit the mold” of a franchise business concept?

Let’s start with a few general guidelines. Good franchise owners have an ability to follow a system. This may be the number one consideration of franchisors. They are looking for “team players” who recognize that they are part of a system and are willing to follow it. If you are very independent and like to do things “your own way” then perhaps franchising is not for you. BTW- franchisors don’t seek out people with this trait because they want to dominate you, not at all. They need it beacuse they know their system works and that may franchise failures occur because owners don’t follow the system. Somehow these owners thought they were “smarter” than the franchisor and wanted to re-invent the system. Makes me wonder why they bought the franchise in the first place? Maybe they didn’t understand the scope of the business model to begin with.
So how much “following” do you have to do to be a franchise owner you ask? Well, it depends on the franchise concept. Some franchises are far more flexible than others. Here is where you need to take a close look at the FDD (Franchise Disclosure Document) and study the business model so you can choose a business that is in your personal comfort zone. If you’re not familiar with FDDs, then it’s a good time to enlist the help of an advisor. Franchise consultants are experts in the franchise industry and they can educate, advise and assist you in your investigation to find the business that fits your interests, skills, lifestyle and investment level. Remember that a franchise business is “awarded” not purchased. Franchisors want their owners to be successful so they choose who they allow into their systems very carefully. Franchisors interview candidates and vice versa. Only when both parties agree that there is a good synergy is a deal offered.
Next posting I’ll talk about emotional issues. Stay tuned!

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Franchise Business is Obama’s Top Priority

December 4th, 2009

On Oct. 21, 2009, President Barack Obama said, “You are our highest priority because we are confident that when you are succeeding, America succeeds.” 

He was talking about small and franchise businesses, and the IFA (International Franchise Organization) couldn’t agree more.

That’s why the IFA has worked aggressively this year to implement an economic recovery plan that identified steps that policymakers could take to promote more lending for franchise businesses and to ease the economic burdens of the recession. IFA also stepped up their educational activities and member engagement to help provide tools and solutions to today’s challenges. 

And we are being heard. President Obama made the above remarks during a press event to announce his support for many of IFA’s recommendations in our economic recovery plan. 

The IFA worked aggressively to implement these initiatives over the past 12 months and have prepared a 2009 Results Report to demonstrate how IFA has worked on your behalf this year during a trying economic time.  Here is the link:

http://content.yudu.com/A1humv/ifareport/

The IFA will keep you updated on their progress as we close out 2009 and begin their 50th year in 2010 working to promote, protect and enhance franchising.

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