YOU'RE INVITED WEDNESDAY JULY 31st !!!!!!!

 If you ever wondered what Toastmasters is all about, now is your chance to find out and have fun at the same time. I have been a member for almost 6 years now and still attend a lot of the meetings because I feel that I still get ideas to fine tune my speaking ability. We all support each other and improve our speaking skills for meetings, sales situations, training and yes standing in front of groups. "What Happens at Toastmasters Stays at Toastmasters"

Please come as our guest to the 'Currently Speaking' group meeting on Wednesday July 31st at the fire house meeting room at Academy Blvd and Dublin,Colorado Springs, just behind the "The Oak Place" store. Arrive about 6:25 PM and you will be welcomed with many smiles and have a great time. There is no cost, no dress code (wear something!), no reservations and no obligation! I will be the Toastmaster (lead the meeting) that evening and promise the time will go so fast you wondered what happened. The theme for this meeting is World Capitals and you might even win a prize!
Please share this with friends and I hope to see you there.

Merchant Services Red Flags

Many merchant service companies, that are not the ones you want to work with, will offer super low charge fees but hit your business with hidden fees that will cost you a lot. Always ask about ALL the fees associated with your new account before you sign any contract. Here are some hidden or excessive fees to watch out for:

 *Unusual setup fees
 *Gateway fees
 *Software fees
 *Connection fees
 *Licensing fees
 *Annual renewal fees
 *Customer support charges
 *Cancellation or termination charges
 *Chargeback fees
 *Daily settlement fees
 *Bank deposit fees
 *Below minimum fees
 *Retrieval fees
 *Report fees and charges
 *Statement fees
 *Tech support fees
 *Voice authorization fees
 *Card decline fees
 *and the list goes on......

Barry is a speaker, business author and helps new businesses avoid excessive expenses and find their target market. www.idealetter.com

A Serious Slowdown

A recession or business slowdown is not the end of the world, although it may seem like it.  You can get through it and come out stronger if you make some adjustment and don't away and hide. Don't worry about what your competitors are doing at this time, some may not even be around in 6 months or a year. Here are some ideas to get you past the serious slow times and recession blues.

 *Don't go price reduction crazy, provide more value instead
 *Promote, promote, promote. Keep you name in front of your target market they are still buying.
 *Outsource more and convert some staff members into part time or temporary employees.
 *Cut costs slowly so they won't reduce your service and delivery. Think each cut through carefully
 *Add new related products and services that your customers will buy. Any new profit is helpful.
 *Reduce inventory but not so much that it will cause inconvenience to your customers,
 *Get rid of soon-to-be obsolete products at bargain basement prices even if you have to forgo profits.
 *Keep marketing and use free or almost free ways, there are many of them
 *Reduce travel expenses and go only when absolutely necessary.
 *Focus on service. People are still buying so give them more.
 *Watch the news and your industry publications for any changes coming.
 *Try to negotiate longer terms with suppliers you have been loyal to in the past.
 *Keep you staff positive so they will provide the best customer service and high productivity.
 *Smile a lot, it's not that bad.

Barry is a business speaker, international business author and advisor for new and existing businesses. www.idealetter.com

The Indecisive Customer

Indecisive customers just can't make a decision on which product or service to buy or whether to buy at all. They want to see everything and ask all the questions but when it comes to actually making the purchase, they back off. They say things like, "I have to think about it" or "I'll check with my spouse" They may have the decision in their mind but are afraid to act on it. They may need a little guidance in the right direction.

You might be able to make the decision for them after hearing all their questions and watching the response to your answers. Just pick up the best product for them say, "Shall we go with this one?" Indecisive customers will probably appreciate your help and be relieved to have the decision made for them. Never be too pushy or demanding, only make the suggestions that are in their best interest. If the decision works out well for them they will likely come back again and send referrals.

Barry is a speaker, international author and helps new business owners start and grow their businesses. www.idealetter.com

Speak Like a Leader

Effective leadership requires verbal discipline.

Leaders need to care about and practice the quality, specificity, and power of their language. Not enough of them do.

Communication is particularly crucial to entrepreneurs. A founder’s individual vision and presence is vital to his or her organization’s sense of itself and its direction. There are several ways a leader can immediately improve his or her language and communication.

Understand that leadership language is different

Leadership language serves a specific purpose that is different from the language used in a non-leadership role. Your communication is responsible for providing meaning about the present and the future, explaining complex tradeoffs, demonstrating resolve in the face of adversity, articulating matters others do not see, calling on the organization to uphold commitments and standards, and infusing purpose and inspiration. This does not happen with bland, casual, or vague language.

Before your next leadership event, think carefully about the words you choose. Be specific, concrete, and evocative. Rehearse out loud with people you trust: How did it sound to them? Leadership language, by its very nature, must be heightened and bold. You must be comfortable with these requirements.

Know what you want

Too many leaders don’t know what to say because they don’t know what they want. Before speaking (formally or informally) ask yourself, “What’s going on here, and what do I want?”

If the answer is grounded in the organization’s shared purpose and not your personal desires, you have a better opportunity to speak to these broader needs and goals. If you don’t know what you want (or worse, want to pursue self-centered goals), you should remain silent until you are prepared to articulate the wider view of the organization.

Use “but” very carefully

“But” is a contradictory conjunction, and should not be used after a positive phrase if your intention is to be positive. Often, “but” signals that whatever came before is not wholly valid. The common statement, “I liked your project, but…,” questions the sincerity of what was “liked” and emphasizes what the speaker wants to change.

When a leader says, “Thanks for the feedback, but I think…” it often comes across as, “I don’t appreciate what you said, and we will do it my way.” Better to say, “I’ve considered your feedback and still believe in my decision.” Similarly, a leader will address a team, “This group did great work last quarter, but now we have to focus.” Better to say, “Your great work last quarter is just the momentum we need, because this quarter will be a bigger challenge.” Instead of “but,” use “and,” “however,” “yet,” “except,” or “that said.”

Go easy with the superlatives

When too much is described as “amazing,” “awesome,” “unbelievable,” “epic,” or “incredible,” very little actually is.

Overused superlatives wash out true meaning. When a leader routinely declares commonplace events to be extraordinary, he or she contributes to a pattern of making everything sound the same. Instead of making rote declarations, explain the action and reaction in simple language.

Rather than call the sales presentation “amazing” (did it fill you with wonder?), talk about it being clear, compelling, well-researched, full of the right data, and so forth. And resist praising the team with a generic “awesome” (did they inspire awe?) Try, “Very good work.”

Stop the “uptalk”

At some point (especially in the United States), the rising vocal inflection at the end of a statement--what linguists call “uptalk”--morphed from an object of satire seen in Valley girls and surfer dudes to acceptable and everyday speech. A staggering number of adults are now afflicted with this jarring sing-song pattern of ending statements with the rising inflection of a question. Just as troubling, many people seem unaware of or unconcerned about this bad habit. A leader is always aware of and concerned about language and speech.

The practice of uptalk conveys a lack of conviction, discipline, and mindfulness. The most useful advice about this condition: Stop!

Don’t pull back

It can be easy to equivocate when speaking about an important or difficult topic. It is understandable (and not useful) to shy away from making the clearest, strongest point because full verbal commitment requires full personal courage.

Leaders sometimes “pull back” by qualifying their speech: “It’s sort of up to this team,” or “This is kind of a tough situation.” Resist the temptation of this lazy language. Using clear language will increase your courage by more fully connecting you to what you need and want to say.

Call an object by its proper name, and a situation as it is. Deliberately use concrete and accurate language, and clarity will follow. Practice your speaking, alone and with others. Seize the moments, because it is up to you to use the best possible leadership language. Speak up and speak well.
By Brian Evje

Do Your Own PR

Why pay big money to a PR firm when it's so easy to get media coverage? Here's how to do it on your own.

When you're starting a business, the best ways to acquire new customers is to build some media buzz. And that means doing some of what's usually called "public relations" or PR.
Most entrepreneurs wrongly believe that the best way to get PR is to hire a PR firm. However, PR firms can be pricey and they're often not all that good at landing media coverage.
I know people who are paying as much $10,000 a month to a PR firm and getting very little out of it. And that's sad, because PR--getting positive media coverage--isn't all that difficult. Here's how it's done:
1. Devise a story worth writing about. Reporters are always searching for stories that their audience wants to read about, hear about or watch.
In this blog, I write a lot about using stories in your sales messages (like "Tell the Customer's Story"). However, a story that appeals to customers isn't likely to interest to a reporter.
(Note: throughout I'll use the term "reporter" to include anybody who's got an audience, including bloggers.)
For instance, a sales message like "we can save you 25% on purchasing costs" will be of of little or not interest to any media audience, other than that, maybe, of a small trade journal. Maybe.
By contrast, a media-ready story needs a "hook" that makes it newsworthy, usually be attaching itself to whatever news stories have recently been bouncing around, or going viral, in the media world.
For example, suppose you provide travel services to frequent flyers. A good story pitch--right now--would be something like: "10 Ways to Be Productive When Stranded in Moscow." Hopefully a reporter will pick up on that idea, which will provide you a forum to talk about your travel services (more on this in a moment.)
I should probably note that there's some "art" involved in figuring out story angles and most PR folk don't do it very well. If you need help, consider hiring an out-of-work newspaper reporter. There are plenty to go around.
2. Create nuggets to insert into the story. Once you've defined a newsworthy story, your next step is to encapsulate your sales message into a "nugget," which you can work into the interview. The nugget ensures that potential customers take note of your product when they read, hear or watch it.
Nuggets are short, digestible, and (above all) quotable sentences that you work into the interview. They're more than just "sound bites"--they're "sound bites" that help sell your product.
In the travel services example above, for example, you might want to have these nuggets ready:

• "At TravelGuru, we show top executives how to get more done at the airport than at the office."
• "TravelGuru helps you find the business support services you need, even when you're stranded."

One of the great things about nuggets is that they're easily adapted to different types of stories. The two above (for instance) would also work if your story hook was a coastal weather delay or a government report on late flights.
3. Offer yourself as a story source. Now you've got a story idea and you've got your "nuggets" ready to insert into the story.
Your next challenge is to get your story pitch under the eyes of reporters who might write the story you're proposing, or (better yet) interview you and publish the interview.
There are three ways to reach reporters, in order to usefulness:

1. Personal contacts. This entails pitching your story to a reporter whom you've already met or who's already interviewed you. Just as with any business situation, there's nothing better than having an ongoing relationship when you want to get things done.
2. Targeted emails. This entails pick through Internet news sources to find reporters who've covered subjects similar to your story pitch in the past. You then send them a personal email explaining why you contacted them, and why you think they'd like your story.
3. Press releases. These are form letter email sent indiscriminately to thousands of media people. Most reporters ignore them, but there are many sites that will publish the release as it is, giving you at least some kind of coverage.

Most reporters tend to have "beats"--specific subject areas that interest them and which they write about. For example, my primary "beat" for Inc.com is sales and marketing, with occasional posts about corporate life and politics. Getting a feeling for a reporter's "beat", helps you can craft what you're going to say so that you can insert your "nuggets" more easily and smoothly into the resulting article or post.
Regardless of how you contact reporters, you're not going to capture their interest unless the Subject line (i.e. the story idea from Step 1) is truly stellar. I get hundreds of "press release" story pitches every year and I've probably read about 30 of them, and written about maybe five.
4. Control the interview. Now you've got a reporter interested enough to interview you. As you're being interviewed, insert your "nuggets" into the story. Here are two time-honored techniques:

1. Bridging. This is a technique of moving from one aspect of a topic to another. To achieve a successful "bridge," you answer the journalist's question honestly, and then promptly follow that response with your message. Here are some typical bridges:

• "No..." (answer the question), "let me explain..." (your message here).
• "Yes..." (answer the question), "and also remember..." (your message here).
• "I don't know, but what I do know is..." (your message here).

A word of caution, though. Make sure that your messages are related to the questions that were asked. Nothing annoys a reporter more than a blatant non-sequitur.
2. Flagging. This consists of prefacing your nuggets with a phrase that indicates the importance of what you're about to say. Here are some classics:

• "Here's what's really important..."
• "The three points to remember are..."
• "Let me be perfectly clear on this..."

Flagging helps the reporter (and eventually the audience) prioritize your remarks, thus helping your message (nuggets) come through more clearly.
As you can see, there's no big mystery to doing PR work. Building buzz and using the media to get your message out is a skill just like any other. The more you DIY, the easier it becomes.
By Geoffrey James

Are You Considering a Franchise?

Owning a franchise can be a wonderful successful experience or a money losing nightmare. It's all up to what's best for you and how fair the franchisor is to it's franchisees. Just because it's a big name company DOES NOT mean it's the best to own. I always advise people looking for a franchise to see if the franchisor (home corp) has stores or locations of it's own. If not they really don't know the day to day situations and problems with operating a unit. Of course they will argue otherwise but they won't convince me. Some of the biggest franchise corporations that don't have company unit also have the highest failure rates which they try to either cover up or ignore.

There are so many factors and questions that need to be addressed BEFORE you sign the franchise agreement and pay the "non-refundable" fee. I can assist you in making the right choice because I have personal experience with franchises and helped others. Don't make the mistake of investing thousands of dollars only to get stuck in the wrong franchise. If you are attending a franchise trade show, with hundreds of franchisors who will tell you how great they are, I will meet you there and be your personal guide and make sure you ask the right questions. My cost is only $650 in North America (plus min travel expense) anywhere safe in the world ($950 outside North America). Remember you are investing big money plus years of your time and you must be sure you are going with the best one for you.

We will spend an hour in advance of visiting the franchise exhibits so I can learn what your goals are what questions to ask each one. I will also be there as your advisor at the booths and the franchise sales agents will know they can't take any unfair advantage of you. If you would like to arrange this trade show visit with me please contact me at idealetter@aol.com or call 719-268-9081 USA
Barry Thomsen is a speaker, international business author and business coach/consultant. www.idealetter.com

Protect Your Home Business

When starting a home business or any business of your own, many things can be overlooked when it comes to security. Financial security is one thing that many entrepreneurs worry about but this will outline the other things that one should be aware of when beginning their business. Some of these are common sense but others can keep you protected on a front that you didn’t even know you were vulnerable.

Internet Security

Whether you are an Internet tycoon or just starting up, protecting yourself online is very important. Getting a virus could not only slow down your whole computer system and thus have a negative impact on your production and therefore money but cost you even more money in the process. When running a home business, many times you use the company credit card or personal credit card to pay for certain things. Spyware could end up taking your card numbers and depending on your coverage from your company leave you liable for a certain amount of charges. When it comes to starting a home business, even the smallest amount could leave your profit margin diminished so this is an important place to secure yourself.

Insurance

Homeowners insurance is different than home business insurance; many times homeowners insurance does not cover valuables over 2,000 dollars. In some cases, home businesses can be people making custom clothes or something handmade and if a fire occurs their entire inventory would be gone including a portion of their house which could leave them financially ruined. If you have a computer based business, this insurance is debatably more important because water damaged technology is useless. Especially if you are in a place that tends to flood or if you are unsure of your roofing you should get this insurance to make sure you are covered if the unthinkable happens. Rates will differ depending on the amount of things that you are insuring and dollar amount you want covered.

Home Security

When there are a lot of valuables in your home it is the time to consider different tactics of home security. Keeping every valuable hidden every time that you leave your house is an unrealistic thing to do in a fast paced world. Keeping valuables out of sight from windows can keep you safer if somebody is checking to see if you have any valuables in your home. Visiting sites like selecthomesecurity.com can give you tips on how to keep your home safe from intruders. Security systems are the best bet for a home business because they can alert the fire department with just a touch of a button and every second counts when a disaster strikes. Security systems can also lower homeowners insurance so they end up paying for themselves in the long run while giving you a piece of mind that your home, business, and family are all protected.
The endeavor of starting a home business will be hard enough without any mishaps happening outside of the business world. Keep yourself protected and get ready for a while ride as you start your life as an entrepreneur.

Small Business Packaging Ideas

There’s many things that you need to keep in mind when packaging/shipping your product items to your customers. Since you have already got too much to handle as a small business owner, it doesn’t make sense to spend a lot of time just figuring out the best way to package and ship. So what do you do to make the most out of your small business shipping? How do you package the right way to save money and at the same time maintain your brand? Here’s how:

#1: Reuse

This is one of the most underrated packaging tip, but it’s something you should seriously consider. Ask yourself, can you go ahead and re-use from your own business? If you had some items shipped to you in the recent past, can you reuse those boxes? Do you find bubble wrap in the boxes that can be used? Alternatively, you can visit local businesses in your area and ask them if they’ll let you use their empty boxes. Of course, if you choose to go with UPS for your shipping needs then they’re likely to give you free shipping supplies. Making the most out of these free options will help in cutting packaging costs.

#2: Print Own Labels

If you’ve got a good printer in your office, then use it to print your own labels. You’ll find a number of websites out there that let you create and customize your own labels and get them ready for printing. This will not only save you time but also gas money as you won’t have drive around to a distant location to get them printed. This will require a bit of effort and creativity from your end, but it’s worth it in the end.

#3: Use the Right Type of Box

Always keep in mind that packaging is nothing but an extension of your brand, which is why it needs to offer a real sense of quality. While it’s important to save on the boxes for shipping, it’s also important to consider what your customers will think/feel when they receive and open the box. The type of box you choose also matters. For regular shipping needs, you can use personalized corrugated shipping boxes that will expose your company brand everywhere. It’s recommended that you create multiple depth shipping boxes in multiple sizes.

#4: Make a Positive Impact

Not placing any packaging materials inside the shipping box will save you money, but it may also create a bad, unprofessional impression of your company on the customer’s mind. Why not make a strong, lasting impression by doing a little more? Show that extra care to your customers and let them know their satisfaction matters. Use higher quality packaging materials when you have the choice and use tape that will indefinitely reinforce your packages. This may create a positive impact on your customers, leading to more sales in the future.
Packing & shipping don’t count as the most happening parts of a small business and may not help you save big, but they can still make a considerable difference to the overall success of your company. Just by paying some focused attention to your packaging process, you’ll make a good impression on your customers and save money – while taking your business to the next level.
Source: Small Business Bee

The Franchise Manual

Upon execution of your franchise agreement/contract and payment of your franchise fee, you should receive a complete manual or handbook of all the company's systems, procedures, rules and guidelines. You may have to wait until you attend the training sessions to receive the manual so it can be explained thoroughly. This is a valuable book that you invested a lot of money to get so take care of it and read it often.

The home office should send you new or replacement pages as things change and the will change as time goes on. Don't just store the manual on a shelf and just pile up the new pages, read them and put in the book. You will need to refer to this manual often as questions come up when operating your franchise unit. The system you purchased in expalined in this book and should help you to be successful.

The manual will also include problem-solving ideas that you will need as the business grows. Others may have already asked the questions you have and the answers are there for you. The manual is available 24/7 and you don't have to sit on hold with the home office. And the questions usually come up when the home office is closed so use the manual anytime. When you have ideas that could be included in the manual email them to the home office for consideration.

 Barry is a business & franchise coach who has started & operated about 20 businesses. www.idealetter.com

How to Motivate Employees

Everyone was surprised when they first heard that Google employees are given free meals and haircuts. They were even more surprised when they learned that, in between coding sessions, employees could play a game of foosball or go for a massage.
For the caveman MBA, trained in the classical theories of margin optimization, there is nothing more vexing than moving beyond the zero-sum and into the complex calculations that underpin employee motivation.

Companies with fat margins are usually the first to reinvent business practices, and the rest are dragged along with them. It was Apple that taught us retail success could be achieved without sales commissions, and it’s the boutique consultancies that are letting their employees nap at work. High-margin businesses are like the labs where conventional business wisdom is tested. If a new idea seems to work, competitors soon follow and – over time – so do the majority of the market.
Look at a tech job advert today and it’s like Roald Dahl wrote the job descriptions. Instead of Oompa Loompas, you have hairdressers and chefs. TechCrunch Cribs shows us that today’s tech workers take the slide instead of the elevator, scooter to their next meeting and hang out in the office bar. Beer kegs are almost mandatory, and no office is complete without video games and ping pong tables.
Some ideas are so good that others can’t help copying them. And much like the way companies have copied Google, you can’t help but imagine that companies will soon be copying some of the techniques that have led to Stanton Optical’s Success. Each year the company rewards top performers by giving them their own line of eyewear, and the winner in 2011 named her line of glasses after her daughter.

When employees are treated well, and success is rewarded, the culture of an organization can quickly start to change. It may take time, but the results can be startling when they come. The trick is not to abandon the old-school methods of managing the costs of employees, but to think about the value of motivational tools in a more nuanced way.

Recognizing the success of your employees through a reward system comes at almost zero cost, but – managed correctly – it could have untold effects on productivity and results. When you give your employees free meals, it may seem expensive, but it could mean that your employees are healthier, that they work more hours, or that they are less likely to switch jobs, which could save you tens of thousands in recruitment costs.

If your managers believe you have a zero-sum relationship with employees, and their minds fritz out at the thought of giving employees anything for free, it’s time they were schooled in methods of modern employee motivation.

Doing Business with China

Looking to expand your business? You might want to look to the Far East - as in China. There is a groundswell of eager Chinese consumers with money to spend. As the middle class expands they'll be looking for the same types of products and services as every other group of middle class workers around the globe.

How can you break into the Chinese market? It's going to take a little groundwork and investment.

Here's what you need to think about to do business in China:

Get the Lay of the Land

You really can't just drop your products into China and expect them to sell. You'll first want to explore the country.

Don't worry about seeing it all. Stay focused on the urban centers where people are spending their money. The language barrier could be a huge hurdle but it is easy to overcome. There are many locals who are happy to act as an interpreter. Try going through a reputable service to find someone to take you around. For a few bucks you can also download the iTranslate app on your Smartphone which will get you through the basics in a pinch. If you're really serious about doing business in China you might take a language course. That will show your Chinese counterparts that you're respectful of their culture.

Keep in mind that you're not guaranteed to make a quick buck in China. Build a long-term strategy, with a network of employees, business professionals and consultants.

Find a Trade Show

Just like there are trade shows and expos happening all the time on this side of the Pacific, there will be the same kind of opportunities in China. Depending on your business these could be a perfect way to start building up your new Chinese network of business associates.

Retain a Qualified Lawyer

The Chinese have a different way of doing business. Once you embrace that you should be able to navigate the intricacies of the Chinese marketplace. For instance, the Chinese don't embrace contracts as a legally binding agreement but more of a show of good faith. Does this mean you could get ripped off? Perhaps which is why you want to do your homework before setting up shop in Shanghai. A good lawyer will provide you with the legal backing and advice to help you navigate the business culture.

Work With a Consultant

You might find that a solid business consultant on this side of things can be the best introduction into Chinese business and culture. Once again, because of the many business opportunities happening in China you should be able to find a qualified consultant to help you set up your business. Look for a consulting company with many resources as opposed to an individual. You'll get more bang for your buck that way.

By Corporationcentre.ca

3 Ways to Start Marketing

1. Start a Facebook fan page. With this type of page, your business can have unlimited likes. It’s also opt-in, so you know every single follower you have is actively interested in whatever you’re sharing or selling. Keep your posts and promos authentic, value-added, and aligned with your core goals, and your fans will respect you for it. Over time, that respect builds into trust. With trust, positive and purposeful word-of-mouth grows, as does your bottom line.
2. Start a blog. Or write for other magazines or blogs in your field. Writing isn’t easy or for everyone, but it is a great way to get the word out about yourself or your product, and add value to the world and your audience. Win-win for sure. This article you’re reading right now is a perfect example. Genuinely helpful information, with your name and company attached. Simple as that. So is this one, helping you choose which free blog platform is right for you. I use WordPress and love it.
3. Start a YouTube channel. And make funny videos to pimp your product or service. People like to laugh. People watch funny videos. This Geico commercial, perfect example. Hilarious. Tons of views. Mental saturation of brand recognition rising with every set of eyeballs. Marketing achieved. With a little education and effort, you can do this too.
Just like anything else, there will be a learning curve with each of these things. With commitment over time, you will earn the results you’re after. My advice… throw your hat over the fence… start the page, start the blog, start the channel. Tossing it over, forces you to take action. To climb the wall. To do the work. It forces you to tap your courage and try when you would normally stay crippled with fear, overwhelm, or both. My bet… by the time you get over the wall, you really like wearing that hat.

By Melanie Curtis

Franchise Concern?

When I talk to someone who is considering buying a franchise I have many questions that will determine if they will be happy even being a franchise owner. For some people the right franchise will be a wonderful investment but for others starting their own business is a better choice. One big concern I have with selecting a franchise to own is whether they have corporate stores or offices. That means that every unit is not franchised and some are operated by the franchisor. I believe this is always a good thing and will help franchisees be more successful.

Having company owned units will allow the franchisor to see the day-to-day happenings and sometimes problems that occur in a unit. Without company units they can take aurveys or listen to input from franchisees but won't have that first hand experience in operating their original business. Some franchisees won't give honest input and some won't respond at all and suffer the outcome of something that could be improved. I suggest that if you are considering a franchise choose one in the industry you enjoy that has at least 2 company units, preferrably more.

One of the biggest franchises SUBWAY has "zero" company stores, how can this be? They don't know what goes on in a Subway store from early morning to late night (or think they do). If they had a few company units they would understand what's going on all the time and be able to improve or add new ideas they can test themselves (they are welcome to respond). Others I see with NO company units are house & carpet cleaning businesses. Maybe they don't like the work but will sell you a franchise? It's just my opinion but if a corporation can't operate a unit in their own business, why should you?

Other franchises with NO company units:

  Jiffy Lube                           Dunkin' Donuts
  Servpro                               Servicemaster
  Super 8 Motels                   Days Inn
  Jan-Pro Cleaning                Great Clips
  Ace Hardware                    The UPS Store
  Matco Tools                       Sign-a-Rama
  Minuteman Press                Molly Maid
  Chem-Dry Carpet               Fast Signs
  Heaven's Best Carpet         Weed Man
  Dryclean USA                    Marble Slab Creamery

By Barry Thomsen, business and franchise coach  www.idealetter.com