Franchise unit operation cash flow

With all due respect – I don’t think the above is entirely applicable for the rest of us.

Increasing sales and cutting expense in today’s difficult economy is very challenging, if not very difficult for the rest of us. I do agree that the logic behind it…

1. Dealing with Your Struggling Franchise Units: Learn from Those who Have been There
2. Franchising Podcasts: Learn What the Experts Have Got to Say About Franchise Ownership
3. Franchise Unit Location: Buy or Lease?

Franchising updates on Twitter

Inspired by Mark Siebert’s article, here are 10 ways to grow your franchise using the Internet as a medium, tool and strategy to ace the competition:

1. Use the Internet to lower your budget in franchise marketing
   The Internet allows franchises to grow and expand on a shoestring budget. For less than $500, you can get a decent website that can easily look and function better than Subway’s website (Subway, in my opinion, has a sub-par website design considering the big name.)…

1. How to Use Social Media for the Benefit of Your Franchise
2. Internet Franchises: Are They Worth to Look?
3. Franchising Podcasts: Learn What the Experts Have Got to Say About Franchise Ownership

Refranchising

To me, refranchising is a blessing – I am tired of starting up, and with franchising I expect more than just a start up business. For you who share my vision, you might be interested in refranchising, as well.

Why do franchisors refranchise?

Firstly, you need to know that own units are not always started up by the franchise company. Instead, franchisors…

frozen yogurt

However, I can’t help the feeling that froyo won’t last long as a popular, healthy version of ice cream. And today is not the first time that froyo-craze hit people worldwide.

According to Forbes, the last frozen yogurt craze is…

1. Non-profit Franchise: Social Franchises are Emerging Worldwide

Social franchising

EBay drop-off franchises, science franchises, and some other innovative ideas are popping on daily basis, worldwide. But those share a common characteristic: All of them are for-profit organisation. Any chances for non-profits to be developed in franchising framework? I thought it wouldn’t be possible.

But all things…

1. How can Social Media Help New Franchise Launch?
2. What do Franchises and Franchising Experts Do on Social Media?
3. How to Use Social Media for the Benefit of Your Franchise

Chapter 490.732 of the Iowa Code seems to indicate exactly that (although I have never seen it applied in a case yet). I think this is something that maybe even some of the most experienced corporate attorneys may not realize. So don't be surprised. You should review your shareholder agreement. If it is more than 10 years old, it may no longer be valid and a new agreement may be necessary.  If the agreement is less than 10 years old it may be a good idea to revise it so there is language indicating the agreement applies for more than 10 years. 

• Update (or create) a Business Continuity Policy with specific provisions for H1N1 flu.
• Encourage employees to get flu shots (both seasonal and H1N1) as soon as possible. To the extent that you offer health insurance to employees, determine if those shots are covered under the appropriate plans. And consider offering flu shot clinics if you have the resources.
• Clarify what your absence and illness policies will be. Consider having flexibility in this situation if you can to encourage employees who are sick (who have someone that is sick in their household) to stay home.
• Make sure your infrastructure can handle an increased telecommuting presence if need be.
• Stay updated on the EEOC guidance.

I couldn't agree more that employers need to have flexibility in your policies. This is one time where it is likely okay to vary from your existing leave policies. However, it is imperative that if you do so, you treat all employees in a fair and consistent manner. 

Education is a key to prevention. For more information please visit Flu.gov for helpful information on H1N1 including a business planning section.  

If you didn't catch it live you can watch the podcast here. (The interview begins at about the 30 minute mark).

If you haven't heard about Des Moines Local Live, you should check it out. It's an Internet radio station with 50 local radio hosts talking everything from business to sports.  A real testament to Des Moines' Internet-blogging presence.

Adam Claypool of DeWaay Investment Banking is the speaker. I have worked with Adam on several occasions so I know this will be a worthwhile opportunity to listen to one of central Iowa's more prominent investment bankers. The presentation is this Wednesday, October 21st at the Des Moines Partnership offices, 700 Locust Street, Suite 100, Des Moines, Iowa. It begins at 11:30 a.m.

Afterwards you can listen to me on the radio this Wednesday at 1:00 p.m. with Mike Libbie offering insights on business on Des Moines Local Live.