When searching for a business to own that you are sincerely interested in, look deeper than the product. While demand for the product or service is an important piece of the successful business formula, it is not what the business owner is going to live, eat and breathe every day…it’s the franchise model of the business. How […]
Startup
Your Core Competency and Why Not to Stray
Consider your core. It is the one skill, process or advantage you have over your competition. Then think of all the things you do to surround that core with people and assets that complete your company and allow you to release your product or perform your service. Which of your IP assets is your core? […]
How to Survive in an Open Office
The open office is now the most common office layout across the UK and the USA. So, does the open office make for a more collaborative and egalitarian workplace? Or is the open office a nightmare of noise and discomfort for employees? So, does the open office increase or decrease productivity? The jury is still […]
10 Business Plan Tips Too Many Entrepreneurs Forget
If you want people to invest in your idea, then my best advice is first write a business plan, and keep it simple. Don’t confuse your business plan with a doctoral thesis or the back of a napkin. Keep the wording and formatting straightforward, and keep the plan short. For minimum content, see my original […]
Franchising Basics: Understanding Franchise Territories
While researching franchise opportunities, you’ll come across many using verbiage similar to “ask about exclusive territories” or “protected territories available.” It’s easy to jump to the conclusion that “territory” means no other franchisees in your franchise system can open a location in your exclusive/protected geographic area. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case. Although “exclusive” and […]
Recession-Proof Businesses
The year 2009 marked the end of a global recession that hit America hard. Most people believe that starting a business during a recession is just as good as throwing your money into the sea. But, there are still recession proof businesses that can do well during economic downturns, also known as counter-cyclical businesses. Many […]
How to Spot a Bad Franchise Opportunity
So, you’re going down the black hole of endless research for the perfect franchise opportunity. And for good reason: It would be naive to assume every franchise you come across is a good investment. How do you figure out which is the opportunity with the lowest risk and highest probability for success? Here are some […]
Here’s How NOT to Define Your Competition
We investors see this all the time. An entrepreneur pitches using a deck with no slide for competition. When asked (as we always do) the response is, “This is new. We have no competition.” Niet! No! Unh unh. Professional investors laugh when they hear an entrepreneur come out with that one. That statement has killed more […]
Steps to Franchise a Business
Today’s Tip is on how to franchise a business. If you have a successful business and have determined that it is “franchise-able” Franchise Solutions has the next steps to take. By “franchise-able” we mean you have evaluated the business’s potential and found that it can be duplicated well. In addition, you have deemed your business offers beneficial […]
5 Keys to Career and Business Success for Introverts
In this age where every person feels the need for a relationship with people they do business with, introverts like me might seem to be at a distinct disadvantage. Most of us just don’t have the urge to proactively get out and talk to new people, face-to-face, online, or through an app. This is equally […]
