Why bother? Just Buy Customers. It is much easier and will build your business much faster.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Sunrider Leads
Why bother? Just Buy Customers. It is much easier and will build your business much faster.
Sunrider Leads 820
The early Chinese doctors believed that instead of taking medicine to help cure a health problem, one should instead eat the proper herbs to prevent the body from ever getting sick. The Chinese doctor was paid to keep his patients well and if they became ill, payment ceased until he got his patients well again-at his own expense.
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Franchise for Sale
Franchise for Sale
Franchise owners today have a number of options when deciding how they would like to market and advertise their business franchise for sale. This includes going the "for sale by owner" route which has advantages and disadvantages. The biggest disadvantage being the potential loss of confidentiality and the possible negative effects it may have on the business and its chances of selling. The biggest advantage of a "for sale by owner" transaction is the owner obviously is not responsible for paying a commission to a Business or franchise Broker.
The most common option franchise owners choose when selling a franchise is to hire a professional business or franchise broker to handle the sale. Most brokers are only paid a commission after the sale is completed, so there is usually no upfront expenses. They are also familiar with their local market and buyer demands, and can help maintain confidentiality as well as prepare and price a business for sale so that it has a good chance of attracting a qualified buyer.
As far as advertising, most brokers also employ a number of local and national "business for sale" web sites that can give a listing maximum & confidential exposure to prospective buyers. They also commonly work (or co-broke) with other professional brokers in their area that might have a prospective buyer for your business.
If you're planning on putting your franchise up for sale, it's important to let your franchisor know. Most franchisor's have explicit rules regarding the transfer of franchise unit to new ownership including buyer qualifications, disclosures, transfer fees, etc. So make sure you read your franchise agreement thoroughly. Most franchisor's can also be very helpful in the consummation of the resale and may even have a prospective buyer on file who has expressed an interest in your specific location or territory.
Jeffrey Sloe, Internet Marketing Advisor to The Ultimate Team
440-725-3729
jeff@internetmarketingadvisors.net
http://ultimate.org
http://afranchisesolution.net/2008/07/franchises-for-sale/
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Ice Cream Franchise Opportunities
Ice Cream Franchise Opportunities
I just got back from getting ice cream so I thought I would take a look at ice cream opportunities. Although we did have ice cream at a franchise, when it comes to ice cream we all can relate to Dairy Queen. Dairy Queen has been the ice cream icon and one of the most popular franchise opportunities of its time.
Many ice cream franchise opportunities followed Dairy Queen's lead, like Baskin & Robbins, Ben & Jerry's, Hershey's, and one of the latest in recent memory, Stone Cold Creamery. I'm sure there are plenty of other ice cream franchise opportunities, and I apologize for the ones I have missed.
Buying an ice cream franchise might be one of the best opportunities an entrepreneur can find. But as with all business decisions, it is critical to carefully research the market, all options, and to make the decision with the facts and figures collected. Don't rely on making this decision based on one's taste buds. Making an investment in a business that will succeed typically starts with research and gathering data. Do not by-pass this important step.
The next step to take before purchasing an ice cream franchise is to request information from several chains. The advantage of buying a franchise as opposed to starting a business from scratch is that investors buy into a proven business formula with strong corporate backing and a proven product. The prospective buyer needs to compare franchises to evaluate business structure, amount of investment needed, and level of ongoing corporate support. Most importantly, entrepreneurs must make sure of the quality of the product for each ice cream franchise opportunity of interest.
The next step should be to begin gathering data to determine if the market is strong enough to support an additional ice cream franchise in the area of interest. If entrepreneurs are opening ice cream franchises in areas with cold winters, it's best to account for seasonal fluctuations in sales. They need to ask the franchisor to present the information they have done which shows that the area can support another ice cream franchise. It is in the corporation's best interests to ensure that their stores succeed, so potential owners will likely have done research to assure a strong local customer base.
Finally, do you have the finances to invest into an ice cream franchise opportunity? Finding the proper investors or financing may take longer than you think. If you're going after investors, they can contact trade groups in the ice cream industry for statistics related to ice cream franchises that can assist with the final decision. Entrepreneurs may have to pay a small fee for the data, but these groups provide data about how much ice cream is consumed and purchased at an ice cream franchise versus restaurants and fast-food vendors.
Those who are satisfied that the market will support an additional ice cream franchise and that the investor has located a franchisor with whom they feel a strong business relationship is possible, they can move on to the other logistics of starting the business. Luckily, by purchasing a franchise, the owner will receive a wealth of guidance and proven best-practices to follow when starting up.
As I mentioned earlier, I did not get my ice cream this evening from an ice cream franchise, but it did bring up the idea for this post, and my thoughts about ice cream franchise opportunities. The reason I mention that is because the ice cream industry may have more successful independent ice cream businesses in the U.S.A. than any other industry. Although this is NOT a proven fact, just drive up and down the main roads in your community and see how many ice cream franchises there are versus independent ice cream businesses. Go ahead, do your own research!
You can find additional information about franchise opportunities at http://afranchisesolution.net.
Jeffrey Sloe, Internet Marketing Advisor to The Ultimate Team
440-725-3729
jeff@internetmarketingadvisors.net
http://ultimate.org
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Franchise - Following the System
Franchise - Following the System
From my research through talking to franchisees, it's my understanding that franchising demands that you follow the system. So, whether the franchise you’re looking at is a major food brand or a low-cost home based franchise, it's a must that you're a team player. You must be willing to follow the rules in a rather independent fashion. So, if changing the way things are done is among your favorite pastimes, think seriously about another form of self-employment. Chances are, if you buy a franchise, you won't be happy with even the best franchise money can buy. (And by the way, if you find a franchise without a proven way of doing business, run the other way.) The best franchises in the world have the best systems. It's that simple!
Here is an example of what I'm talking about. My good friend owns a Two Men and a Truck franchise. You may know what I'm talking about, the moving truck with the caricature logo of two men sitting in a truck. He always complained that his hands were tied when he wanted to expand or move someone outside of his protected area. The franchisor had their rules and regulations about such things so he was unable to expand his business. It seemed like he was restricted to following the system. I've had many conversation with him and he was not a happy camper.
This type of story is all too common within the franchise industry. It's very important to choose the franchise business that is right for you. You may have heard me say this over and over again, but I cannot stress this fact enough. If you're so independent or you cannot follow the rules, franchising is not for you. If you're the type of person I just mentioned, start your own business, or buy a small independent business where you have total control. Choosing a franchise when you're not a team player can make your life very stressful.
Even if it's only on paper, the best franchise opportunity will produce a stressful life if it is not for you. You probably won't last in a business that you don't like, and you definitely won't be happy showing up every day. This happens time and time again, so find a venture that you love. Don't be part of the adult population that is unhappy at work. The only reason they stick to their job is because they get a paycheck. And that paycheck allows them to go about the rest of their lives. On the other hand, he entrepreneur never leaves their business (mentally); it is constantly on their mind.
Take it from me, I owned a small business for 21 years, and everyday my mind was inundated with business. I did not have a franchise business. I was free to do my own thing. I made the rules as I went. I controlled everything. I was in charge. I was the business and the business was me. I created the system. If all of this sounds like that is what you would like to do, then by all means, start your own business and DO NOT buy a franchise. But let me caution you; it takes a lot of hard work, and a commitment beyond all commitments. It's your life!
Looking for more information about franchises, go to http://afranchisesolution.com.
Jeffrey Sloe, Internet Marketing Advisor to The Ultimate Team
440-725-3729
jeff@internetmarketingadvisors.net
http://ultimate.org
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Sunrider Leads in the News
The early Chinese doctors believed that instead of taking medicine to help cure a health problem, one should instead eat the proper herbs to prevent the body from ever getting sick. The Chinese doctor was paid to keep his patients well and if they became ill, payment ceased until he got his patients well again-at his own expense.
Searching for the Right Franchise Opportunity
Searching for the Right Franchise Opportunity
Looking for a franchise opportunity, hang on to your hat? There are literally hundreds if not thousands of franchise opportunities available for you to invest in. Each franchise opportunity has its own benefits and typically the more you pay the more you have a chance to earn.
Franchising has increased dramatically during the last two decades and is quickly being recognized as one of the most effective ways of doing business. It combines the drive and ambition of an entrepreneur with the experience and expertise of a proven business model. Selecting a profitable business venture is the goal of all entrepreneurs, so it's important that you thoroughly research the franchise opportunity. Your research will make sure you're getting the right franchise opportunity for you.
In my opinion, a franchise opportunity that fits your financial situation is the best franchise opportunity for you. Some franchises require little more than the investment of a small franchise fee, while others require exhorbitant franchise fees, real estate investments, inventory and other asset purchases, employees, etc. The amount of money you have to invest will play a major role in what franchise opportunity you choose. In the event that your initial financing proves inadequate, make sure you have additional sources of financing, including friends and/or relatives who might be able to loan you money.
You may want to get the help of a franchise consultant before deciding on a franchise opportunity. Some franchises require that you own and operate your franchise while others allow you to hire a manager to run the business. A qualified consultant can help you with the research regarding which type of franchise is best for you. An experienced franchise consultant has typically been around many franchise opportunities, and they know what questions to ask the franchisor. It may cost you a little up front, but the long term benefits will be well worth it.
The right franchise opportunity for you is where you will be "natural" and love your work. The fastest way to success is to find a franchise opportunity that capitalizes on your strengths and minimizes the focus on your shortcomings.
Finding the right franchise opportunity that fits your passion, gifts, and financial situation may take some time. Finding that perfect franchise opportunity may turn into a wild ride. Be prepared! But make sure you go into the process with an open mind, because you never know where you will wind up. When one door closes another one will open. Be prepared to enter through that open door to see what type of opportunity lies ahead.
You can find additional information about a franchise opportunity at http://afranchisesolution.net.
Jeffrey Sloe, Internet Marketing Advisor to The Ultimate Team
440-725-3729
jeff@internetmarketingadvisors.net
http://ultimate.org