How to evaluate a Franchise Training Program
Franchising has become a universally accepted business practice today. In fact franchise businesses account for almost half of all the retail sales in the United States. Therefore there is a significant trend among the general public to engage in franchise related businesses. This is confirmed by the survey results which reveal that “a new franchised business is opened every 8 minutes of every business day”.
As many people are in search of franchise opportunities, we at bizymoms thought it would be highly relevant to discuss the things to consider in evaluating a franchise program so that you can ensure your dreams are achieved. So if you are a prospective franchisee, this article is just for you.
One of the fascinating things you may find out about franchising is that most franchises don’t require you to have experience in their field. In fact, many of them don’t even want a franchisee with previous industry experience. They will train you to excel in a job you’ve never done before. So it is needless to say that training is the most important aspect which can determine your future success. Now do not assume that proper training of new franchisees is important only to the franchisee. In fact your success becomes the success of your franchisor. So they should do whatever it takes to make you ready for the challenge.
A good training program should focus not only on the product or service but also on setting up the business, marketing, employee management, business procedures, financial reporting and many more. The best way of finding about a particular franchise program is to ask the existing franchisees. They should be able to tell you exactly why it is good or bad. You should never forget to ask them how prepared they felt when they opened their business and what ongoing training they were provided.
Another important aspect of training is the documentary help provided during the training program. This means that everything you need to know is written down in easy access manuals or other training support sources like intranets. It doesn’t matter how best you fared as a student it’s impossible to remember everything. Therefore you need quick answers as and when the problems arise during the course of business.
The surveys conducted by the famous research agencies show that the people are aware of the need to focus on the training program. But what they often forget is that the quality of the programs varies significantly over time. When you ask from the existing franchisees on their experience of the training program, you are accessing an outdated knowledge base. Most probably problems existed then may have been resolved and sometimes the so called fine training programs on those days are now outdated. Therefore in order to achieve proper results you need to focus on current and updated information sources such as new franchisees who have just stepped in to business.
The main advantage of franchising for novice prospective businessmen is that it provides you a proven method of success. The franchisor has done many things before franchising the business to you. These may include establishing and building the brand, testing a variety of marketing concepts, finding the best way to deliver a quality service or product, and researching the best value in suppliers etc.
Therefore provided you have received a proper training and you are equipped with necessary tools your success is almost guaranteed. So there is no trial and error but it’s more or less a matter of stand and deliver. However it’s up to you, of course to put in the hard work that will make that success a reality. Enjoy franchising!
Bizymoms.com has been dedicated to helping moms work at home for over 10 years. Now they are pleased to announce the launch of their new Franchises for Moms department! Visit today for more great franchise information! http://www.bizymoms.com/franchises/index.html
Information Commonly Found On Promotional Items
When it comes to promotional items, there is a limited amount of space for what you get imprinted. When you think of the common promotional items you see, like pens, water bottles and baseball type caps, what you place onto the promotional items needs to remain focused and informative enough to draw customers to your door. Of course, items like notebooks, conference folders and key rings that are often passed out at expos and meetings can have quite a bit more information on them.
Things that you can use to determine what you imprint on your promotional items:
1. What the items are
2. Where you will be distributing these items
3. Who will be picking up these items
A common misconception is that a business can just print anything on items for anyone. This won’t be an effective way to advertise. For example, if you are distributing promotional items to a community of retirees who have very little computer experience and the item only has a web address on it…you will get very few new customers! However, distribute something with a phone number on it and your phone may begin to ring off the hook!
Don’t think of promotional items as you would newspaper advertising, either. You will never be able to fit that much information on the typical promotional product.
Things that you can consider placing on promotional items:
1. Company name – this should be placed on a promotional item first and foremost. Although logos are often well known and can easily be recognized, for a younger business a logo may mean nothing to many people. A company name will be easily located in business phone directories, as well.
2. Company logo – if you have a logo, having some kind of graphic on your promotional items to break up the print is often effective and draws the eye.
3. Company phone number or website address – here is where you need to determine your audience. With cell phones so common in today’s society, a phone number may be the better choice. When the promotional item has the space, you can consider adding both the phone number and the web address. (If you will be attending some kind of technology conference and distributing your promotional products there, you may choose the web address and have just as much success with it.)
4. Company address – this takes a lot of space and many promotional gifts just don’t have that kind of room. However, on items like bumper stickers, key rings, and conference folders, room is not that much of an issue and an address may draw customers right to your door!
Experiment with different items and different information each time you order promotional products. Find what works well and what doesn’t and keep using that information that brings you the most business.
For more information on promotional items, products and gifts check out some of the leading online suppliers today where you can tap into their wealth of experience to ensure that your next marketing campaign is well targeted and sets off on the right footing.
Tina Rinaudo is one of the leading lights in the UK promotional products industry. Tina is a key member of YesGifts, the UK's fastest growing online promotional items resource specialising in promotional pens, mugs, mouse mats, umbrellas, conference items and much more. For more information please visit www.yesgifts.co.uk.
How To Create Your Own Shatter the Myth Marketing
My experience has shown me that every person comes to this earth with a purpose. As an entrepreneur, you have the awesome opportunity to fuse your business with your purpose. As an Entrepreneur you *know* this is a must (because your clients benefit highly and so do your bottom-line profits). One great tool for moving purpose into productive profits is to get clear on what myth you are here to shatter and start marketing your business with it!
The first step to identify what myth you are to shatter is to tap into what really makes your passion juices flow. A great question I've found to jump-start this process is one I recently posed to my Advanced Entrepreneurs, "If you had the power to solve a pressing world problem or issue, what would you solve first? Second? Third?" The magic lies in your answer. Really close your eyes and go inside, and give yourself the space to answer this question. (I can always tell when someone is answering from his or her head, i.e., "this is what I SHOULD answer.") As the answer comes to you jot it down. Then walk away. Give yourself at least five minutes and then come back to your writing. When you read it over, if your heart starts pounding and you feel a tug in your chest-you're on the right path.
Next, begin to explore all the ways you can begin taking action on this in your business RIGHT NOW. See, it's common to tell yourself stories like, "that's such a big issue...what can I do about it?" Or, "Yeah, it means something to me, but right now I just need to pay the bills." And this one, "Some day." Now, my coach's challenge to you would be, "How can the putting off of your passions possibly serve your business (and I'll be bold, your life)?" When you actually begin to partner your passion for the BIGGER with the immediate-your energy moves mountains.
I'll share with you one the of the myth's that I'm here to shatter and a recent action step I took. Myth: It's impossible to be a spirit-oriented, financially profitable, female entrepreneur, when you've had a past of financial distress. First, I'm living proof: not true. But, more importantly, a very recent action I took also says this myth is not true�(drum-roll please...this is the first time I'm sharing this publicly�). I've created an Entrepreneur Scholarship fund! A percentage of all programs and products will go to supporting a budding, entrepreneur and her business success. This truly partners with my passion to change the way the world does business-from a place of reverence rather than fear.
When you get clear about which myth (or myths) you are here to shatter, and you begin to incorporate this into every business communication and interaction, your energy soars! Clients, prospects, and partners feel this and it makes you mighty attractive. It's a path paved with effortless success.
What myth are you here to shatter?
Call To Action: Ask yourself the question: "If you had the power to solve a pressing world problem or issue, what would you solve first? Second? Third?" Let the honest answers come to you. Begin speaking about it (no hiding!). Incorporate this passion into your marketing materials.
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Heather Dominick, Solo-Entrepreneur Expert, has over 10 years of teaching and coaching experience. Heather�s primary focus is in coaching entrepreneurs to identify sources for increasing business profit and making successful business changes. To sign up to receive your free business building e-course go here now http://www.energyrichcoach.com
