Author: Contributing Writer

THE RISE OF TIKTOK MARKETING IN FRANCHISING

Posted on by Contributing Writer

Photo by cottonbro studio

 

TikTok has become a dominant tool for franchises looking to market and recruit new franchisees. By embracing the platform’s creative potential and understanding the preferences of its user base, franchisees can engage with a local and global audience, increase brand awareness, and attract new franchisees to join their network.

 

The Rise of TikTok in Marketing

By FMM Contributor

 

TikTok, launched in 2016, has quickly become a worldwide phenomenon, with more than a billion monthly active users as of January 2022. Tikztok’s success rests on its ability to offer short and engaging videos, often accompanied by music and various creative effects. This format is a proven approach that is highly effective for marketing, providing a unique and user-friendly way for businesses to connect with their audience.

Understanding TikTok’s Audience:

TikTok’s user base predominantly comprises younger individuals, with a significant portion belonging to the Generation Z demographic. This generation is known for its affinity towards authenticity, creativity, and social causes. Franchises aiming to recruit new franchisees can leverage these characteristics to create compelling, relatable content that resonates with potential entrepreneurs.

TikTok Marketing Strategies for Franchise 

1. Showcasing Franchise Success Stories:

Franchises can create videos featuring successful franchisees sharing their stories, challenges, and achievements. This adds authenticity to the brand and serves as a source of inspiration for potential franchisees.

2.Behind-the-Scenes Glimpses:

Providing a behind-the-scenes look at the day-to-day operations of a franchise can humanize the brand. This transparency allows potential franchisees to understand better what it’s like to be part of the franchise family.

3. Educational Content:

TikTok’s short-form video format is ideal for creating quick and informative content. Franchises can use this format to educate potential franchisees about the industry, the brand, and the support provided to franchisees.

4. Challenges and Contests:

Creating interactive challenges or contests related to franchise ownership can engage the TikTok community. For example, a franchise could challenge users to pitch their business ideas, with the most creative pitch winning a consultation or a franchise opportunity.

5. Utilizing Influencers:

Collaborating with TikTok influencers within the business or entrepreneurship niche can amplify a franchise’s reach. Influencers can create content showcasing the benefits of franchise ownership and encouraging their followers to explore the opportunity.

6. Engaging with Comments and Duets:

Franchises should actively engage with users who comment on their videos and consider creating duets (side-by-side videos) with interested individuals. This direct interaction can lead to a sense of community and personal connection with potential franchisees.

7. Promotional Offers and Discounts:

Running limited-time promotional offers for franchise opportunities through TikTok can create a sense of urgency and encourage potential franchisees to take action.

Measuring Success and Adjusting Strategies

To evaluate the effectiveness of their TikTok marketing efforts, franchises can track metrics such as video views, engagement rates, and the number of leads generated. Reviewing this data will give you information about the content that resonates most with the TikTok audience, allowing franchises to refine their strategies for optimal results.

Conclusion

TikTok has become a dominant tool for franchises looking to market and recruit new franchisees. By embracing the platform’s creative potential and understanding the preferences of its user base, franchisees can engage with a local and global audience, increase brand awareness, and attract new franchisees to join their network. As TikTok continues to evolve, franchises that adapt and innovate in their marketing approaches stand to gain a distinct competitive advantage for franchise recruitment.

CONTACT THE LEADER IN FRANCHISE SALES, CLICK HERE

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This post was researched and edited with the support of AI

WHAT SUPPORT DO FRANCHISEES NEED TO SUCCEED?

Posted on by Contributing Writer

Photo by Clem Onojeghuo

 

The role of franchisors in the success of franchisees cannot be overstated. The robust and multifaceted support system franchisors provide forms the backbone of a franchisee’s journey toward achieving business goals. This journey begins with comprehensive initial training, laying the foundation for operational efficiency and business acumen. However, the ongoing support truly nurtures the franchisee’s growth and adaptability in a dynamic business environment.

 

WHAT SUPPORT DO FRANCHISEES NEED TO SUCCEED?

Franchising stands out as a distinctive and appealing path for entrepreneurs wishing to embark on a business venture under an established brand and a time-tested business model. This approach to business ownership combines the independence of running one’s own business with the structured support and recognized brand value of an existing enterprise. However, the journey of a franchisee is nuanced and multi-dimensional, heavily influenced by the nature and extent of support provided by the franchisor.

The allure of franchising lies in its unique blend of autonomy and guidance. Entrepreneurs get to operate their businesses, make critical decisions, and reap the rewards of their efforts while benefiting from a well-known brand’s credibility and customer base. This synergy between the franchisee’s entrepreneurial spirit and the franchisor’s established systems sets franchising apart from other business models.

Yet, the road to success in franchising is only partially determined by the brand’s popularity or the business model’s efficacy. The comprehensive and continuous support from the franchisor truly empowers franchisees. Franchisor support is multifaceted, encompassing initial training programs that provide:

  • A deep dive into the brand’s operations.
  • Ongoing guidance to navigate the ever-changing business landscape.
  • Resources to tackle the day-to-day challenges that come with running a business.

Moreover, the potential of a franchise is maximized when franchisors offer robust marketing strategies, innovative technological solutions, and financial support. These elements are crucial in ensuring that franchisees keep pace with market trends and customer expectations and stay ahead of the competition.

In essence, a franchisee’s success is deeply intertwined with the quality and depth of support provided by the franchisor. This symbiotic relationship is at the heart of franchising, underscoring the importance of choosing a franchisor committed to their franchisees’ growth and success. As such, for entrepreneurs considering franchising as a pathway to business ownership, understanding and evaluating the level of support a potential franchisor offers is critical. This foundational support helps franchisees navigate the complexities of the business world, leverage the brand’s strength, and ultimately achieve success in their entrepreneurial endeavors.

Franchising offers a unique opportunity for entrepreneurs to start a business with an established brand and proven business model. However, franchisees’ success depends heavily on the support they receive from the franchisor. This support is crucial in navigating the business’s challenges and maximizing the franchise’s potential.

Initial Training and Education

The journey of a franchisee begins with comprehensive training. This training should cover all aspects of the business, including operational procedures, customer service, product knowledge, and administrative tasks. Effective training empowers franchisees with the confidence and skills needed to start strong.

Ongoing Support and Resources

Continuous support from the franchisor is vital for addressing day-to-day challenges and keeping the business on track. This includes regular check-ins, access to resources like operational manuals, and assistance with emerging issues. A robust support system fosters a collaborative environment that benefits both the franchisor and the franchisee.

Marketing and Advertising

Franchisees benefit immensely from well-planned marketing and advertising strategies. The franchisor should provide marketing support, including national campaigns, local marketing plans, and digital marketing initiatives. This helps franchisees attract and retain customers more effectively.

Network and Community Support

Being part of a franchise means being part of a larger community. Networking with other franchisees can provide valuable insights, shared experiences, and mutual support. Franchisors should facilitate these connections through conferences, meetings, and online forums.

Technology and Innovation

In the digital age, staying ahead with technology is crucial. Franchisees need access to the latest business technologies for efficient operations, data management, and customer engagement. The franchisor should provide ongoing training and support in adopting new technologies.

Access to Financing

Starting and running a franchise requires significant financial investment. Franchisees often need assistance with financing options. Franchisors can support by offering financing programs or guiding franchisees to suitable lenders and financial arrangements.

Location and Territory Analysis

The success of a franchise often hinges on its location. Franchisors should provide thorough territory analysis and site selection support to maximize market potential and avoid market saturation.

Brand Reputation and Compliance

Maintaining the brand’s reputation is crucial for the success of both the franchisor and the franchisee. Franchisors must ensure franchisees adhere to brand standards and regulatory compliance to maintain quality and customer trust.

Feedback and Continuous Improvement

Finally, a successful franchisor-franchisee relationship is built on open communication and feedback. Franchisees should feel comfortable providing feedback, and franchisors should continuously use this feedback to improve the support systems.

Conclusion

The role of franchisors in the success of franchisees cannot be overstated. The robust and multifaceted support system franchisors provide forms the backbone of a franchisee’s journey toward achieving business goals. This journey begins with comprehensive initial training, laying the foundation for operational efficiency and business acumen. However, the ongoing support truly nurtures the franchisee’s growth and adaptability in a dynamic business environment. This includes regular updates, guidance, and troubleshooting, ensuring franchisees are always able to handle business challenges.

Effective marketing strategies and support are another pillar of success in franchising. A well-executed marketing plan elevates the brand and drives customer engagement and sales for the franchisee. In today’s fast-paced world, staying ahead of technological advancements is crucial. Franchisors who equip their franchisees with the latest technologies and digital tools provide them a significant competitive edge. This includes innovations in customer service, inventory management, and data analytics, all of which streamline operations and enhance the customer experience.

Financial assistance is a critical aspect of support, especially for new franchisees. The initial investment and ongoing operational costs can be substantial, and franchisors who offer financing options or financial guidance help reduce the burden and facilitate a smoother start. Moreover, successful franchising hinges on maintaining and enhancing brand reputation. Franchisors must ensure that franchisees uphold brand standards and comply with regulations, thus preserving the integrity and trustworthiness of the brand in the eyes of consumers.

Another crucial factor is the franchisor’s commitment to listening and adapting based on franchisee feedback. This two-way communication fosters a culture of continuous improvement and innovation, ensuring that the franchise model stays relevant and effective in a constantly evolving market.

The support offered by a franchisor is a decisive factor in a franchisee’s success. Aspiring franchisees should diligently evaluate the level and quality of support provided by a franchisor, including training, ongoing assistance, marketing, technological support, financial guidance, and the commitment to maintaining brand integrity. The right franchisor offers more than just a business model but partners in the franchisee’s journey toward sustainable growth and success. Therefore, choosing a franchise opportunity should be made after thorough research and consideration of the depth and breadth of support available. This comprehensive support system is not just a benefit but a necessity for thriving in the competitive world of franchising.

DEALING WITH DRAMATIC, OVERLY SENSITIVE, OR MOODY EMPLOYEES: NAVIGATING WORKPLACE CHALLENGES

Posted on by Contributing Writer

Photo by Antoni Shkraba

In dealing with these situations, managers and HR teams must maintain an open-door policy, offering support and understanding. They should be attentive to employee behavior changes and provide resources or accommodations when possible.

 

Dealing with Dramatic, Overly Sensitive, or Moody Employees: Navigating Workplace Challenges

 

  • Introduction

In today’s diverse workplace, encountering employees with varying emotional responses and behaviors is common. However, these behaviors can disrupt the work environment when they turn dramatic, overly sensitive, or moody. This article explores the challenges such employees pose and offers strategies for effectively managing these situations.

  • Identifying Disruptive Behaviors

Disruptive behaviors in the workplace can range from constant complaints and excessive emotional outbursts to more concerning actions like harassing others or exhibiting controlling behavior. Recognizing these patterns early is crucial in preventing them from escalating and affecting the team’s morale and productivity.

  • The Toll of Drama and Sensitivity

Listening to drama stories or dealing with unpredictable mood swings can lead to wasted time and decreased productivity. It can also create an atmosphere of tension, where colleagues may feel like they’re ‘walking on eggshells.’ This can lead to a decline in team cohesion and overall job satisfaction.

  • Impact on Other Team Members

The ripple effect of dramatic or moody behavior can be significant. Other team members may feel stressed, demotivated, or intimidated, leading to an unhealthy work environment. The emotional toll on coworkers can manifest in reduced productivity and, in severe cases, increased absenteeism or turnover.

  • Dealing with Emotional Outbursts

Handling situations involving crying, shouting, or other emotional outbursts requires tact and professionalism. Addressing these incidents privately and calmly is essential, offering support while setting clear boundaries regarding acceptable workplace behavior.

  • Addressing Harassment and Controlling Behavior

Harassing or controlling behaviors are severe issues that you must address immediately. Employers should have clear policies and procedures for reporting and dealing with such behaviors. Ensuring a safe and respectful workplace is not just a legal requirement but also a moral obligation.

  • Creating a Supportive Environment

Promoting a workplace culture that values open communication and emotional intelligence can help mitigate dramatic behaviors. Training sessions on conflict resolution and stress management can equip employees with the tools to handle challenging situations more effectively.

  • Conclusion

Managing employees who exhibit dramatic, overly sensitive, or moody behaviors is a challenging but necessary aspect of maintaining a healthy workplace. 

It’s essential to consider the medical, emotional, and psychological issues that employees may face, which can influence their behavior in the workplace. Mental health challenges are more common than often realized, with estimates suggesting that 1 in 5 people in the U.S. had some form of mental disorder even before the pandemic, and these numbers have increased since then. These challenges can manifest in various ways, including changes in appearance, behavior, or work performance.

For instance, an employee facing financial stress might exhibit uncharacteristic anger towards coworkers. Another might show fluctuations in performance due to undisclosed personal issues, such as a divorce or mental health conditions like depression or anxiety. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can also impact employees, as seen in individuals who might feel anxious or triggered in specific work environments.

In dealing with these situations, managers and HR teams must maintain an open-door policy, offering support and understanding. They should be attentive to employee behavior changes and provide resources or accommodations when possible. This approach can help manage employees’ diverse emotional and psychological needs while maintaining a productive and supportive work environment.​

By identifying disruptive behaviors, supporting affected team members, and creating a culture of open communication and respect, employers can navigate these challenges effectively and foster a more productive and harmonious work environment.

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This article was researched and edited with the support AI

THE IMPORTANCE OF A WRITTEN BUSINESS PLAN

Posted on by Contributing Writer

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio

Starting a new business can be a daunting task, but it can be easier if you have a plan. A written business plan is an important tool that helps manage your company and keep you on track with your goals. It will help you determine what type of company you want to run and how best to reach those goals. A good plan should also analyze the financials, operations, and market conditions. It’s not just about writing down numbers – it’s about understanding them so that you can make informed decisions about how best to move forward!

The Importance of a Written Business Plan
By Dom Hemingway

You’ve got a great idea for a business, but you need funding. Or maybe you want to keep your company on track by establishing an established plan? Either way, no question that having a written business plan will help propel your venture forward.
A written business plan is a must-have for any new business.

The first step in starting any new business is creating a business plan. A good business plan will help you define your goals, strategies, and objectives for your company’s future. The right business plan can be a roadmap to help achieve those goals.
A written business plan is also essential to secure funding from investors or lenders! In addition, a well-written document can help convince people that you are serious about taking risks and making changes to grow their investment as quickly as possible.Starting a new business requires a lot of thought and research. A well-written business plan is an essential element that can help you reach your goals, so it’s important to give this document the attention it deserves.
The following steps will help you create an effective, comprehensive plan:

Research the market. Before committing to your idea, make sure there’s room for growth in the industry and that there are no existing competitors who could undercut you or drive away customers.

Write down all ideas for how your company will operate and how it will make money (i.e., what kind of product or service do you want to offer customers?). This section of your plan includes information about who will be running the company, where funds will come from, how much money you need to start up operations, and whether there are legal issues related to registering as an LLC or other business entity). It also includes information about what kind of employees are needed for specific tasks–and whether those people currently exist within your network!

A written document acts as a road map for your company’s future.
A business plan helps you make early decisions about the future. It also allows you to make better decisions and avoid mistakes, problems, and pitfalls.

A good plan analyzes the financials, operations, and market conditions.
A good business plan should include a financial analysis of the income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow statement. It should also include an operations analysis outlining the business’s marketing strategy, sales plan, and distribution channels. This section will help you understand how to conduct these analyses successfully.

A good plan must also analyze market conditions—what they are and how they might change over time. Understanding market size is essential to your success: If there’s not much of a market for what you’re selling, then it won’t matter how great your product or service is because no one will buy it. So, in addition to analyzing current market conditions (size), predict future trends that may affect these conditions so that you can adjust accordingly for future changes in demand for your goods or services.

The executive summary
The executive summary should introduce critical players in the venture. In addition, it should include a description of the business, the business plan, and how you will implement it.
The executive summary should be able to stand alone and give investors an overview of your company’s goals, methods, and management team.

Identify your customers
It would be best to outline who your customers are and describe your brand. What do you want your business to be known? What type of person is your catering customer? For example, what image comes to mind when someone looks at your work if you’re selling artwork? Are they buying it to hang on their wall, or are they buying it as an investment piece?
You can answer these questions by creating a brand profile that describes your qualities and those who buy from you.

You must include information on financing requests, use of funds, and exit options.
If you’re seeking funding for your business, it’s crucial that you include your financial request in your plan. The financial presentation will give potential investors an idea of how much money is needed to get the company up and running. You should also include a breakdown of where you intend to use the funds and the percentage allocated for each plan section.

Return on investment (ROI) is another aspect you will address in a written business plan. This term refers to profitability, or how much profit a company can generate after considering expenses. It’s essential for investors considering putting money into your company to know how much return they’ll receive on their investment compared with other opportunities available at the time. This information will help them make an informed decision about whether or not they should invest in yours specifically.
It should also discuss challenges and opportunities, projections, and more.

A business plan should also discuss opportunities and challenges. Then, it should explain how you plan to overcome those challenges or exploit those opportunities. Finally, the plan should also include projections—a forecast of what your company’s performance will look like in the future. If you are seeking funding, you may need to provide more detail in the financial section than you would if you were using it internally as a planning tool. A business plan differs from an investor presentation in that a business plan focuses on how your company will succeed. In contrast, an investor presentation focuses on how much money investors will make. The financials should be detailed and quantitative if you are trying to raise capital from angel investors or venture capitalists. On the other hand, if you are only trying to obtain financing from friends or family members for your startup idea, then having more of an overview may suffice.

Executive Summary
The executive summary should be able to stand alone and give investors an overview of your company’s goals, methods, and management team. The executive summary is a summary of your business plan. It should be able to stand alone and give investors an overview of your company’s goals, methods, and management team. It should not include any confidential information or data.
The executive summary should be no more than two pages in length. If more information is needed, you can expand in later sections of the plan, such as the market analysis or financial forecasts section.
It’s important not just for investors considering investing in your company but also for potential partners or employees who may read through it before deciding whether they want to work with you or invest their time (and possibly money) into helping you succeed as an entrepreneur.

Operations Explanation
You need to be able to explain how your business will operate at the most basic level to get funding and grow your company.
A written business plan is a fundamental tool that helps you to explain how your business will operate at the most basic level. The document should include: An overview of the company, its products or services, the market, and whether there are any competitors. As a new company, it’s crucial to clearly define who your customers are and how you will reach them.
A description of each part of your operations — finance, marketing, sales, operations (production) — with details on how each area supports others within the organization in achieving goals for growth and profitability.
Use of funds: How much money do you need? How long before investors get their returns? What exit options do they have? Challenges and opportunities: Is there room for growth within this industry or niche market? Projections: Financials (income statements/profitability ratios)

Conclusion
Starting a new business can be a daunting task, but it can be easier if you have a plan. A written business plan is an important tool that helps manage your company and keep you on track with your goals. It will help you determine what type of company you want to run and how best to reach those goals. A good plan should also analyze the financials, operations, and market conditions. It’s not just about writing down numbers – it’s about understanding them so that you can make informed decisions about how best to move forward!

Can a Company Be Great Simply By Doing Good?

Posted on by Contributing Writer

When we embed corporate social responsibility initiatives into the culture of an organization, we create a culture of caring for employees and greater value and accountability to all business stakeholders.

Can a Company Be Great Simply By Doing Good?
By Bizman
Photo by William White on Unsplash

Today we hear so much about corporate responsibility. Organizations focus on building sustainable products and taking a proactive interest in the communities where they operate. Many budget for initiative programs designed to ensure that the company is connecting and engaging the people they classify as “customers.” This shift to “Corporate Conscience” is due in part to how younger workers think about the world and choose the companies they decide to work for.

Corporate Mission With A Broader Approach
Companies now employ people who have a specific mission; to create and/or seek opportunities in the community whereby the company can connect and participate in outreach aimed at at supporting locally motivated programs.
When we embed corporate social responsibility initiatives into the culture of an organization, we create a culture of caring for employees and greater value and accountability to all business stakeholders.

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Stakeholders can include any and all – customers, communities, employees, the environment, investors and shareholders.

It’s this conscientious business philosophy that can help companies not only in their pursuit of profits but also in leading and inspiring their people, customers, vendors and partners to greater responsibility, enrichment and sustainability.

In Conclusion:
* Corporate Conscience is not a fad or publicity narrative, rather it is a focused effort to give back to the community.
* Corporate Social Responsibility has grown into a more “grassroots” approach to creating a better work/life balance in and out
of the company.
*Corporate Conscience initiatives lead to increased customer engagement, employee moress , productivity and eventually ROI.

Comment below if you believe in the idea of  Conscious Capitalism?

 

 

 

PRESS RELEASE: Go! Go! Curry! Opens 7th NYC Location in Hell’s Kitchen

Posted on by Contributing Writer

Go! Go! Curry!® is a fast-casual food company that specializes in franchising opportunities and Japanese comfort food namely, Kanazawa-style Japanese curry originating from Kanazawa-city, Ishikawa prefecture.

PRESS RELEASE
Go! Go! Curry!® Opens 7th NYC Location in Hell’s Kitchen
First Location to Feature New Restaurant Design by Super Paprika
Japanese, Curry, franchise, Comfort Food, Katsu


Go! Go! Curry!® Signature Menu Item – Chicken Katsu Curry

NEW YORK (PRWEB) NOVEMBER 25, 2019
Popular fast-casual Japanese comfort food chain Go! Go! Curry!® will be opening its 7th location in New York City on November 29, 2019. Celebrating 12 years since the first location opened, Go! Go! Curry!® is answering the demands of heavy traffic in its nearby locations in Time Square and East 53rd. The store will be located at 366 W. 52nd St in the bustling neighborhood of Hell’s Kitchen.

“When we came to New York, it was around the time of the recession and the market was uncertain, it certainly has had its challenges and Go! Go! Curry!® has been able to display staying power which I am incredibly proud of. As we celebrate our growth and success, we are focusing on our franchising program and how we can support new franchisees. I believe that among other things, professional and modern design for our new stores is a step in that direction.” said Go! Go! Curry!® CEO, Tomoko Omori

This year , Tomoko Omori decided to work with renowned designer Hiromi Tsuruta, who has worked on projects like Juice Generation and Blue Bottle Coffee. Omori’s decision to work with Mr. Hiro of Super- Paprika is based on the current positioning of the company. With soon to be 8 corporate stores under her belt, Omori is focusing on finding driven individuals who are dedicated to entrepreneurship to expand Go! Go! Curry!® through the company’s franchise program.

Go! Go! Curry!® has teamed up with franchise industry expert Gary Occhiogrosso, founder of Franchise Growth Solutions, LLC, to expand the turnkey Go! Go! Curry!® business model. Franchise Growth Solutions LLC (FGS), is a New York-based strategic marketing, franchise development and sales organization. Mr. Occhiogrosso was instrumental in the successful launches of nationally recognized brands such as Ranch *1, Desert Moon Fresh Mexican Grille and multi-brand franchisor, TRUFOODS, LLC. Franchise Growth Solutions routinely introduces the hottest new franchise opportunities to business-seeking entrepreneurs and multi-unit franchise developers.

Updates on Go! Go! Curry!®’s openings are available online at Gogocurryamerica.com and on Facebook at Go! Go! Curry!® America,” Instagram at @GoGoCurryAmerica and Twitter at @GoGoCurryAmerica.

About Go! Go! Curry!®
Go! Go! Curry!® is a fast-casual food company that specializes in franchising opportunities and Japanese comfort food namely, Kanazawa-style Japanese curry originating from Kanazawa-city, Ishikawa prefecture. Go! Go! Curry!® has opened more than 75 locations in Japan since its launch in 2007 and now 9 stores in the United States The company strives to spread smiles and “Genki”, a Japanese word for happiness, to every customer through the quality and authenticity of its food and service.

The New Revenue Recognition rules – What is the Impact for Franchisors

Posted on by Contributing Writer

Typical separate performance obligations for a franchisor include site selection, training and equipment necessary to operate the franchise The remaining portion of the franchise fee must be deferred and amortized over the life of the franchise agreement .For nonpublic companies(most franchisers) this new rule is effective with the year ending December 31,2019.

The New Revenue Recognition rules-What is the Impact for Franchisors

By Barry Knepper – The Franchise CPA

The Financial Standard Board(“FASB”), the rules setting body for the accounting industry, has issued a new comprehensive revenue recognition model for all contracts. Franchise agreements are directly impacted by this new rule.

New Rule
This new rule requires that each contract be analyzed to identity the separate performance obligations that the franchiser has assumed as part of the franchise agreement and then allocate a portion of the franchise fee to each obligation .Typical separate performance obligations for a franchisor include site selection, training and equipment necessary to operate the franchise The remaining portion of the franchise fee must be deferred and amortized over the life of the franchise agreement .For nonpublic companies(most franchisers) this new rule is effective with the year ending December 31,2019.

Why this change matters to you:
It requires restatement of prior years financial statements issued or a cumulative catchup including analysis of every franchise agreement in place as of December 31,2019
Your financial statement will likely show greater liabilities and less equity-particularly in smaller companies -thus weakening your financial position.
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There is an increased likelihood of state-imposed restrictions on use of franchise fees
There is the potential to scare off prospects based upon the weakening of franchisor’s financial position due to deferral of recognition of franchise fees.
Taxes are due on fees received but not recognized in financial statements

It is important that you begin the analysis process now so that it does not hold up the completion of your audit. We are available to help you implement this new rule.
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ABOUT THE FRANCHISE CPA

The Franchise CPA’s CEO, Barry Knepper, CPA, has had a 40-year career as a senior financial executive including the international public accounting firm, Ernst and Young. While serving as CFO of a $100 million company he managed its initial public offering (“IPO”) and raised a total of more than $100 million of equity and debt financing for expansion. Barry is a member of the Board of Directors and chairman of the audit committee of Coffee Holding Company, a publicly traded integrated wholesale coffee roaster and distributor.

At The Franchise CPA we are dedicated to the accounting needs of franchisers of any size and industry, providing financial statement audits, royalty audits and part time CFO services.

Our success and client satisfaction is due to the specialized service we provide to clients. Our fee structure is lower than others because we keep overhead to a minimum and focus on franchising.

We have a unique combination of real-world franchise experience. Our team has served as the full time CFO of multi concept franchisee and as a part time CFO for diverse concepts. We have performed financial statement and royalty audits for more than 80 franchisers. Having experience as a franchisee as well, we understand the sensitive nature of the franchisor/franchisee relationship and work hard to preserve that relationship.

Through our part-time CFO services we meet the needs of franchisers that do not need or cannot afford a full-time controller or CFO. As your part time CFO, we will assist you in improving your financial performance, maximizing cash flow and building long-term value.

Franchises Need To Protect Themselves From Increased Sexual Harassment And Cyber Security Claims

Posted on by Contributing Writer

Photo by unsplash-logofreestocks.org

Our friend and franchise expert Ed Teixeira interviews Peter R. Taffae, MLIS, CFE and Managing Director Executive Perils, Inc. on the topic of Cyber Security Claims and Sexual Harassment claim that all employers need to protect themselves against.This important topic has faded from the mainstream ews media but remains a real problem that employers need to focus on…

Franchises Need To Protect Themselves From Increased Sexual Harassment And Cyber Security Claims

By Ed Teixeira – Chief Operating Officer of Franchise Grade

After hitting a two-decade low in 2017, sexual harassment complaints to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission increased by more than 12 percent from last year. The federal agency has also been aggressive with litigation this year, filing 41 sexual harassment lawsuits so far, up from 33 in 2017. At the same time, cyber-crimes which involve the theft of personal information has cost some companies millions of dollars in damages to its reputation and from monetary claims.

Employer Liability Claims Increase

Over the course of this year, stories of sexual harassment have dominated the headlines. In what USA Today dubbed the “Weinstein Effect,” various sized companies have witnessed employees take part in the #Me To movement. This increased focus on sexual harassment has created a surge in protests, discrimination lawsuits, and government investigations, with almost no industry being immune, including a recent demonstration against McDonald’s franchise locations. Regardless of whether a sexual harassment allegation has merit, these claims can cause a company significant damage to its brand and sales. Seven in 10 human resource professionals said they believe sexual harassment complaints at their workplaces will likely be “higher” or “much higher” in 2018 compared to previous years.

A poll by the Human Resource Certification Institute found that “63 percent of HR professionals said that acts of sexual harassment “occasionally” or “sometimes” occur in their workplaces and 30 percent said that such acts “frequently” occur. Only seven percent said that such acts “almost never” or “never” occur.” The trend toward more sexual harassment lawsuits appears to continue as the EEOC increases efforts to crack down on sexual harassment. The EEOC has launched online access for employees to file harassment charges from their homes, with the EEOC.

Employment-related risks can represent the most damaging exposure to a franchiser. Claims involving sexual harassment, wrongful termination or discrimination, from a current or former employee can potentially cause irreparable damage to a franchise brand and reputation resulting in significant financial cost.

To gain more insight into employer liability and especially sexual harassment claims I spoke with Peter R. Taffae, MLIS, CFE and Managing Director Executive Perils, Inc. In 2014 they introduced a management liability policy, FranchisorSuite®, designed for the unique needs of Franchisors.

Q. How extensive are employer liability claims?

A. Companies of all sizes and industries have been affected by a surge in employment-related litigation and rising legal damage awards.

Q. What can be done to mitigate those risks?

A. Be sure that franchisers, franchisees and their employees are properly trained to understand the risks of sexual harassment, unlawful terminations, and discrimination claims. Have the proper procedures and protocols in place and have financial protection.

Q.What does the future hold for sexual harassment claims?

A. The threshold has been raised for what is appropriate in the workplace. This means that the expectation for proper employment practices is higher. Some experts believe that it will take 10 to 15 years to reverse the trend as current middle age retirees are replaced by today’s younger generation.

Q. Any other threats that franchises face?

A. One area related to the franchise industry that doesn’t receive a lot of coverage is cybersecurity. Every state has primary notification laws, which that when there is a breach of a customer’s personal data, the company or franchiser must notify every customer. In addition, there is no statute of limitations regarding these crimes. For example, if I purchased a meal at a franchise location 10 years ago and their system was hacked, and my personal information was stolen, that franchise is liable.

Franchise restaurants process so many credit cards and have the extensive point-of-sale equipment, that they are vulnerable to data theft. Websites, Wi-Fi and digital kiosks represent additional threats. Any franchise which does any of the following is at risk for a cyber-attack; Accepts credit cards, handles or views private information of employees or customers electronically, has Wi-Fi or conducts a portion of their business online.

It’s important that each component of the franchise industry be prepared to protect themselves from the threat of employer liability and cybersecurity claims.
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About the Author:
Ed Teixeira is Chief Operating Officer of Franchise Grade and was the founder and President of FranchiseKnowHow, L.L.C. a franchise consulting firm. Ed has over 35 years’ experience as a Senior Executive for franchisors in the retail, healthcare, manufacturing and software industries and was also a franchisee. Ed has consulted clients to franchise their existing business and those seeking strategic solutions to operational, marketing and franchise relations issues. He has transacted international licensing in Europe, Asia, and South America. Ed is the author of Franchising from the Inside Out and The Franchise Buyers Manual and has spoken at a number of venues including the International Franchise Expo and the Chinese Franchise Association in Shanghai, China. He has conducted seminars, written numerous articles on the subject of franchising and has been interviewed on TV and radio and has testified as an expert witness on franchising. He is a franchise valuation expert by the Business Brokerage Press. Ed can be contacted at [email protected]

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The Last Mile – On the Ground in Delivery Land

Posted on by Contributing Writer

As a long-time restaurateur primarily in the franchised, fast-casual business, I understand the need to outpace and add more value & service to customers. Our contributing writer today, Roger Lipton highlights and adds his insights to what he calls the “The Last Mile” in the restaurant business. As more and more operators are fighting for the same dollar, speed, value, and convenience become the point of differentiation for many restaurant brands.  Enjoy Roger’s take on ‘Delivery Land.”

 

Another potential problem, as pointed out by a group of restaurant operators in Los Angeles, is that delivery agents are not trained in food handling and temperature maintenance standards. One LA-based operator said, “If a customer gets hepatitis, they are going to sue the restaurant.” Another stomach-turning pitfall, as described, is the hungry delivery person that helps themselves to part of the milkshake or a couple of the ribs.

 

DELIVERY, THE BIG THING IN RESTAURANT LAND – THIS IS WHAT “THE LAST MILE” LOOKS LIKE.

 By Roger Lipton

Reposted with permission

Restaurant companies are unanimous in their pursuit of delivery as one of the huge opportunities to increase the productivity of their physical plants. Too much square footage continues to be a burden on productivity, especially when it takes labor at $15.00 (ex the tip credit) per hour to service the space. It’s also clear by this time that control over the “last mile” is of major concern to restaurant operators. Not only is the reputation of The Brand at stake, but valuable information relative to the customers is in the hands of the third-party agent, potentially not as useful to the food provider.

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A reality of this new source of business is that margins for the restaurant company will be affected since 15-30% of the ticket is paid to the delivery agent. While some argue that a large portion of the delivery dollars is “incremental,” it stands to reason that a customer who receives the product at home on Wednesday night is less likely to visit that restaurant on Thursday or Friday. On the hopeful side: delivery companies are already competing for market share, negotiating their fees lower, therefore improving the remaining margin for the restaurant. Overall, this is a portion of dining dollars that is very much in a state of flux.

ON THE GROUND IN DELIVERY LAND

Two articles caught our eye in the last day or so, in the New York Times and the New York Post, describing the reality of “the last mile,” and it’s not pretty.

The Post described how a delivery worker (from DoorDash) punched a pizza store employee in the head because the order wasn’t ready for pickup. We are not trying to focus on DoorDash (DD) in particular, because this could happen with any third party agent, but another DD employee posted a negative review on Yelp because the food “trash” wasn’t ready on time. Another DD hire made a scene after getting a parking ticket while waiting for a delivery pickup. Since delivery agents, including DD, UberEats, Postmates, and others, get paid primarily for completed deliveries and little, if anything, for waiting time, they are obviously very sensitive to the availability of the order. At the same time, restaurant employees, including one cited at (well run) Cheesecake Factory, are not necessarily treating the delivery person with great courtesy.

TRAINED TO DELIVER FOOD BUT NOT HOW TO “HANDLE” IT

Another potential problem, as pointed out by a group of restaurant operators in Los Angeles, is that delivery agents are not trained in food handling and temperature maintenance standards. One LA-based operator said, “If a customer gets hepatitis, they are going to sue the restaurant.” Another stomach turning pitfall, as described, is the hungry delivery person that helps themself to part of the milkshake or a couple of the ribs. All of this can be considered “anecdotal,” but the proper selection and training for third party agents are no doubt far from optimal at this early point in the evolution of the food delivery industry. Parenthetically, stock investors might well keep all of this in mind before they pay a considerable valuation for DoorDash when it comes public.

The New York Times described the experience of a bicycle delivery person in Manhattan, obviously a unique market, but still indicative of urban issues. The bicycle person, working for UberEats as well as Postmates, had continuous decisions on the run to make, all while anticipating traffic patterns and potential delays. Should he pick up several orders at a Mexican restaurant five blocks away for UberEats, or divert to two orders for Postmates at Shake Shack that was a little closer. As he said, “I had to decide: take on three orders at once and risk falling behind? Stick with UberEats, which was running a $10 bonus for doing six deliveries by 1:30, or try for a Postmates bonus? Information was limited. The UberEats app doesn’t tell you where the delivery is going until you pick it up. I could not know what the Postmates job would pay. The Postmates clock ticked down – you have seconds to accept or decline an order. I was threading my way around lurching honking trucks and oblivious texting pedestrians and watching for cops and looking down at the phone mounted on my handlebars and calculating delivery times.”

The article goes on to describe the intense competition among companies like Grubhub Seamless, UberEats, Caviar, DoorDash and Postmates, and delivery agents are often representing more than one company. The restaurants have been forced into the e-commerce business, outsourcing their product to the hands of a fleet of freelance personnel who may or may not appropriately represent the restaurant Brand. Especially as competition has increased, the net hourly pay for delivery agents has become closer to $10/hour than $20, sometimes even less than $10. We can only imagine the professional skills, or lack thereof, of a person that is going to subject themselves to this kind of pressure for that kind of wage. There is a myriad of other hurdles that delivery agents in urban areas will have to deal with, but that will vary by venue. We can say with assurance; however, just as above described in suburbia, there is enormous work to be done to iron out the issues, reduce the risk, and improve the profitability for the restaurant operator.

CONCLUSION:

The challenge remains to make delivery incrementally profitable, without taking on considerable risk to The Brand in the process. To whatever extent possible, maximum control over the delivery process should be at The Brand level. In the meantime, takeout and curbside pickup may be convenient enough to maintain market share, without incurring the risks as described above. Perhaps orders, above a specific size at limited times of the day within a certain radius, can be delivered by properly trained store-level employees. There is a large market to be served, but not necessarily at the risk of The Brand.

Read more from Roger Lipton here

The Growing Appetite That’s Fueling Acai Express’ Success

Posted on by Contributing Writer

ACAI EXPRESS A HEALTHY AND DELICIOUS FRANCHISE…While food fads come and go, real trends that point to major shifts in attitudes and behaviors are invaluable cues for entrepreneurs looking for emerging and sustainable business opportunities. “Consumer Trends in Health and Wellness”, published in Forbes magazine reveals “the “new healthy” is a consumer journey of contradiction and discovery: Progressive health and wellness consumers are seeking alternatives to fear-based information, a phenomenon that has been driving wellness views for decades.

(They) are paving the way, sharing their enthusiasm and knowledge with mainstream consumers who are hungry for guidance and direction. As shoppers, progressives are no longer thinking about condition management (lowering cholesterol or blood pressure) or dieting (low fat, low carb) but are focused on real quality food, positive nutrition, fresh, less processed foods, and beverages and fun.” Translation: there is a growing wave of consumers — particularly among Gen Xers and Millennials — who are looking for a change in wholesome eating and are prime targets for the Acai Express experience and a healthy lifestyle brand. Entrepreneur, Hector Westerband, founder of Acai Express, has developed his low entry cost franchise concept to meet the cultural lifestyle change that is underway. With three flexible footprints: brick and mortar venues, trailers and food trucks — and a menu featuring new health-rich options — acai berry and pitaya bowls, smoothies and natural juices — he offers solutions to consumers and franchise owners alike.

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