Entrepreneurs | FranchiseMoneyMaker.com

Lead Generation, Franchise Sales and Reality

Posted on March 9, 2020April 9, 2020 by Franchise Strategist

This approach is terrible not only because you have empty spots in your pipeline but also because an ebb and flow in the advertising plan sometimes may cause the “brand” to disappear for awhile and send the franchise buyers a less than confidence inspired massage. For a start-up or emerging brand, this is the equivalent of a jet airliner “pumping the brakes” to save fuel while attempting to “take off.” It usually leaves a mess at the end of the runway.

Lead Generation, Franchise Sales and Reality
By Gary Occhiogrosso – Managing Partner – Franchise Growth Solutions, LLC.
Photo by Kees Streefkerk on Unsplash

The best way to get results in franchise lead generation is to remember that NOTHING works a lot, but everything works a little. What does that mean? It means for a start-up or an emerging brand (under 50 units), you need to try various lead sources to test which “streams” bring in the type of leads at the rate necessary to make your sales plan.

Look at all the factors in the game
Cost Per Lead and Cost Per Acquisition are only two KPI’s to look at when monitoring your program and its results. It is not as straightforward or revealing to limit your decision based on “how much did I spend and how many units did I sell.” The Reality is; it takes numerous elements to gain success. Such as time to build your pipeline (5-8 months), consistent follow up by a competent, highly trained, and relentless sales staff. As well as accepting the reality of the selling cycle
(about 120 to 180 days) and a realistic lead generation budget to pursue a professional and sustainable franchising recruiting effort. Your brand will NOT “sell itself.”

The Reality is that consistency in lead flow is also essential. I have seen many start-ups and emerging brands take a hiccup approach to franchise lead generation. This approach is terrible not only because you have empty spots in your pipeline but also because an ebb and flow in the advertising plan sometimes may cause the “brand” to disappear for a while and send the franchise buyers a less than confidence inspired massage. For a start-up or emerging brand, this is the equivalent of a jet airliner “pumping the brakes” to save fuel while attempting to “take off.” It usually leaves a mess at the end of the runway.

Royalties will make you the King or Queen
For me, the most important thing for a start-up or emerging brand to remember is the “value” of your franchisee over the lifetime of the franchise agreement. The Reality is; if you calculate the royalty return over that period, you will see the real reward of consistent lead generation and awarding a franchise. Calculate your Royalties on your AUV’s by the number of years you expect your franchisee to be in business, and it’s obvious. Do the math. Keep that in mind, and you won’t think the “Cost Per Acquisition” is too high unless you are attempting to “fund” your new franchise company from the upfront franchise fee collected. Funding your growth solely with the Initial Franchise Fees is never a good idea.

You should be in the franchising business for the royalties and the eventual exit, not the franchise fee. News Flash, focusing on the collection of Franchise Fees doesn’t work and often puts not only the franchisor in jeopardy of failure but also the franchisee. When you focus on the franchisee’s success, you will build a better organization, better equipped to support your franchisee. Successful franchisees paying long term, residual income from ROYALTIES is the way to BUILD YOUR BUSINESS.

A bigger “kiss” at the end
The Reality is; the sale of franchise companies (especially to Private Equity firms) have proven time and time again, that multiples paid on Royalty driven EBITDA at exit are more significant than the multiple typically offered on EBITDA derived from company operations. That’s because it’s scalable at a faster pace and with a lower cost.

Building a franchise business as a Franchisor requires a great concept, a comprehensive system, manuals and training, proven results, capital, planning and patience. If you remove any one of these components the journey may be an endless winding road with no clear direction.Talk to us to get started.

For more information, visit our YouTube channel and watch the videos titled:
“Using Digital to Sell More Franchises.”
“Private Equity and Franchising.”
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCy6HZTtVYfsO9o8fBFMnZww

It’s Harvest Time – Tips On Selling Your Franchised Business

Posted on March 7, 2020March 7, 2020 by Franchise Strategist

You have used the franchise system, brand, and people to build your business. Don’t be afraid to use them to exit.
They have a critical interest in a successful transition. Use them to help you close the deal.

In today’s post, Tom Spadea, Founder and Partner in Spadea-Lignana Franchise Law shares his thoughts on the best way to sell your existing franchise business. As you might imagine there are steps that you need to be aware of while moving through this process. Working with your franchisor is just one way to expedite and ensure a smooth transition. Selling your business is a big decision. If you’ve worked with the end in mind then it should be a payoff, not an act of desperation. The payoff after years of smart work should be reflected in the multiple paid on EBITDA from an eager buyer who sees value. One thing I’ll remind you; Buyers want “potential” but they don’t often actually pay for it. Smart buyers will pay based on a specific set of guidelines to determine “valuation” or “enterprise value” which directly equate to selling price and price paid. This article explores best practices and tips when selling your franchise.

Where Do I Start if I Want to Sell My Franchise or Buy an Existing Franchise?
By Tom Spadea – Spadea Lignana Franchise Law

If you have made the decision that now is the time to exit a franchise, you need to accomplish three critical things before placing your business on the market. If you are interested in buying an existing franchise, it’s also important to understand these three factors because it can affect how you move forward.

1. Discuss Future Plans
First, you should discuss with your franchisor what your plans are. All franchise relationships eventually come to an end. You are probably not the first and won’t be the last franchisee to exit the system. You have used the franchise system, brand, and people to build your business. Don’t be afraid to use them to exit. They have a critical interest in a successful transition. Use them to help you close the deal. If you have a specific reason why you think telling the franchisor will compromise your exit, then you should discuss that with your franchise attorney. If you don’t have an attorney that you are comfortable working with, please give us a call for a free initial consultation at 215-544-2452.

2. Gather Documentation
Second, you need to gather documentation and clean up any inconsistencies, errors or omissions in your paperwork. The list is extensive and you can never have too much documentation. Buyers will take lack of documentation or documentation they have to fight to get as a sign of trouble and it will break down the trust between you. Not only will it potentially affect your value, it will cause unnecessary delays.

In a small business transaction, the trust between the buyer and seller is critical. Without trust, the deal will not happen. The way you can build trust is by having all the documents readily available for any buyer who is serious about making an offer. You need to tell a story to the buyer, and that story has to be validated by documentation.

Read the entire article here: https://www.spadealaw.com/franchise-law/buying-or-selling-an-existing-franchise

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About Tom Spadea
Tom Spadea spent more than 15 years in corporate and entrepreneurial positions before completing law school at Temple University’s Beasley School of Law. His undergraduate degree is in finance from Marquette University, where he graduated Cum Laude. Tom is a Certified Franchise Executive (CFE), a non-legal designation earned from the International Franchise Association. He has also been named a “Legal Eagle” by Franchise Times, a distinguished award recognizing Tom as a leader among his peers in franchising.

Tom is the founding member of the Philadelphia Franchise Association and is the current President and Chairman. The Philadelphia Franchise Association holds quarterly networking and educational meetings, bringing together franchisors, franchisees, and suppliers.
Read more about Tom here: https://www.spadealaw.com/attorney-profiles/tom-spadea
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If you’re considering selling your business or buying a business contact Franchise Growth Solutions.
We can help you sell you business quickly and at the highest possible price.
Contact: [email protected] and visit: www.franchisegrowthsolutions.com. We can help!

This Week’s Top Picks – Emerging Franchise Brands

Posted on February 16, 2020March 9, 2020 by Franchise Strategist

If you’re considering entering the world of “Self Employment” one of the best way to reduce risk is to purchase a franchise. A franchise affords you the opportunity to join a company with a proven business model and a track record of success. It’s better than “going it alone” …When you consider the number of “moving parts” connected with starting your own business, franchising makes all the sense in the world. You’ll get a business system along with the guidance and experience of the franchisor. Here are just three brands in our portfolio that are featured as our Top Picks this week.

By Gary Occhiogrosso – Franchise Growth Solutions
Photo by Sharon McCutcheon on Unsplash
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GET THE UPDATED SKINNY ON THIS FRANCHISE OPPORTUNITY
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SKINNYPIZZA
* New Territories available
* Smaller retail footprint
* Lower cost of entry
* Great co-band opportunities

America has a real passion for pizza. Since the first pizzeria opened here in New York City in 1903, pizza has grown to the most popular food in America. An incredible 93% OF AMERICANS gladly admit they eat pizza at least once a month.

Our passion for pizza is staggering. The National Restaurant Association (NRA) indicates that pizza sales represent almost $38 BILLION IN AMERICA — over $100 BILLION worldwide. Where is our love for pizza heading? The trending is actually very clear.

The research firm Technomic® in their most recent “Pizza Consumer Trend Report” found that 41% OF AMERICANS say they would be happy to pay for healthier ingredients including ORGANIC TOPPINGS AND CRUSTS, as well as all-natural LOCALLY SOURCED ingredients.
What makes it SKINNYPIZZA®? We have spent years creating a thin pizza crust that has great taste and complements any topping. At the same time, we have carefully crafted our entire menu for those that are health- and environmentally conscious, as well as those that simply love great tasting pizza, salads and soups.

Our PIZZA CRUST is made with NO PRESERVATIVES or ADDITIVES. That alone is something that is incredibly rare, actually reserved to the top 1% of pizzerias. Our PIZZA SAUCE is made with 100% USDA CERTIFIED ORGANIC tomatoes.

But the SKINNYPIZZA® concept does not end there. Along with the best tasting pizza you will ever eat, we have carefully developed our menu to complement our healthy approach to great Italian fast-casual dining.

To Learn More About SkinnyPizza Click Here https://www.skinnypizza.com/franchise.html

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Ice Cream Franchise — It’s always a good day to…GOFER Ice Cream

IT’S ALWAYS A GOOD DAY TO …
GOFER ICE CREAM
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Our Brand is based on the simple premise of selling high quality American Style ice cream in clean and inviting retail environments, without the use of gimmicks or catering to the latest ice cream fad.We focus equally on hard hand-dipped and premium soft serve ice cream products. Our menu also includes fat free treats like “Gofer Lite” and new innovations like Plant Based ice creams and “Gofer Bites”. We also feature ice cream cakes, party boxes, online ordering and catering options for multiple income streams.Our shops are bright and family oriented.

Warm welcomes by our staff are often accompanied by the smell of fresh made waffle cones, which are created several times a day.The concept, from a franchisee’s point of view, is to be a quick service and efficient operation. The system allows for a typical shop to function with minimal staff led by a motivated owner operator.

We support our franchisee partners through the entire process.
* Site selection
* Design and Construction
* Comprehensive training
* Grand opening
* Marketing Programs
* Benchmarking with industry experts

We teach you everything you need to know to open and operate your own Gofer Ice Cream shop.

To Learn more About This Sweet Brand Click Here: https://goferfranchise.com/
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Acai Express
Be in the Business of Better…
* Better for You
* Better for the Planet
* Better for Franchisees.
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Our Beginnings

Not long ago, I was just like you. Smart, savvy, and tired of working hard for someone else’s benefit. I spent 10 years in the traditional restaurant business and knew the hard work I was doing could be made simpler with a system, made more enjoyable and less complicated, and better fit my lifestyle. My dream was to be able to put my experience to work in an easy and fun restaurant concept and support my family doing something I love. Acai Express is that.

When Passion Turned to Profit

I’ve always been an active guy who loved surfing and perfecting Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in my native Puerto Rico, but finding healthy and delicious food on the go and at the beach was a challenge. So, I started selling my own homemade organic super food bowls and smoothies. I used only the freshest ingredients and the centerpiece of all my creations was the 100% organic Grade A acai berry, a rich anti-oxidant stone fruit that grows on trees in the Amazon river basin. I just knew then that it was packed with flavor and goodness, but today the acai berry is considered a benefit to all kinds of health and well-being: cognition, heart health, aging, and weight loss. My acai-based menu got so popular, I started adding to the menu and selling out of my own food truck. When the number of my trucks went from one to thirteen and were located throughout Puerto Rico, I knew I had a business concept that small business owners anywhere could use. And, one that could marry an active lifestyle and career with an appreciation of honest, organic and nutrient rich foods. That’s the best part of Acai Express for me. I was able to be successful on my terms without sacrificing my intrinsic values.

Join the Family
When you become a member of the Acai Express family, even though our system is simple and easy to follow, you’ll work one-on-one with me and my team of franchisees and employees to ensure your success. We’re not some faceless corporate giant, we are the guys who get it done, and like you, are committed to success. Because your success is our success. You’ll also benefit from our hard won knowledge of what works, how to market and what consumers want. And, you’ll be part of a healthy lifestyle movement that has quickly gone from trend to established consumer demand.

To Learn More About this LifeStyle Brand Click Here: https://acaiexpressfranchise.com/
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TO SEE ALL THE BRANDS IN THE FRANCHISE GROWTH SOLUTIONS PORTFOLIO CLICK HERE: https://www.franchisegrowthsolutions.com/clients

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Franchise Disclaimer
None of the communications on this website should be construed as an offer to sell a franchise. We will not offer any franchise for sale: (1) until your state has duly registered our franchise offering or duly exempted our franchise offering from registration, if your state requires registration or exemption; and (2) until we have duly delivered our franchise disclosure document to you in compliance with applicable law.

Key Points To Consider When Securing The Right Location For Your New Restaurant

Posted on February 14, 2020June 2, 2020 by Franchise Strategist

Gather data on the type of people living in the area. For example, if you’re planning to open a hip hamburger joint, you want a younger demographic, which might be present near a college campus. Do the people in the area like the type of cuisine you’re going to serve?

By Gary Occhiogrosso Managing Partner, FranGrow & Forbes Contributor
Photo by Louis Hansel @shotsoflouis on Unsplash

How many times have you seen new restaurants open their doors only to close them six months later? Ever wondered why? Among the top 3 reasons is improper location selection. The most successful restaurants are not only those with a great concept, outstanding food, legendary service but also the perfect location.

I spoke with David Simmonds the Founder & President of RESOLUT RE. He shares his insights on some key factors to consider when looking for the perfect restaurant location.

Here are some critical points to evaluate when selecting a restaurant location.

Conduct a Thorough Location Analysis
To be a successful food service establishment, the restaurant must fit the demographics; the restaurant needs to be accessible to the type of guests that live and work in the market it serves. Location analysis is an in-depth look at the general area you’re considering for your establishment. Gather data on the type of people living in the area. For example, if you’re planning to open a hip hamburger joint, you want a younger demographic, which might be present near a college campus. Do the people in the area like the type of cuisine you’re going to serve? Going back to the same example, an upscale seafood restaurant is probably not going to be a popular choice for most broke college students. Examine what types of businesses have been in the location you’re seeking in the past. It’s essential to understand why those previous restaurants failed to ensure you don’t repeat their mistakes.

David Simmonds, recommends “Know who your customer is- what he/she looks like from a demographic and psychographic perspective. One can accomplish this from the analysis of customer data from existing locations, or one can make as educated of a guess as possible. We recommend hiring a qualified professional who has access to different platforms of data that identifies the many characteristics and behaviors of people in defined areas.”

Also, the size of the local population is essential. You need to assess the number of customers you’ll need for your restaurant to remain profitable. Can the area sustain those numbers? The individual restaurateur can find many of these demographic data points, but Simmonds states: “While there are databases of comps available to people within and outside of the commercial real estate industry, nothing beats a CRE professional who is very active in the subject market and has relationships to obtain comps that are recent and pertinent.

Don’t Forget The Basics
In addition to the location analysis, there are some critical fundamental factors also to consider. Unless you’re going to open your restaurant in an extremely high foot-traffic friendly part of town, you’ll need an easy access parking lot as close to your restaurant as possible. Additionally, the side of the street you’re on relative to the traffic flow matters as well. If people need to make a left turn ten feet from a busy intersection to get into your parking lot, they may go elsewhere. Customers love convenience, so you must build that into your restaurant footprint.

Other things that matter include the overall safety of the area, as well as whether the entrance to your restaurant is openly handicap accessible. Your patrons need to feel safe and secure, and they need to be able to easily access your building, even if they require the use of a walker or wheelchair. You need to diligently go over each one of these factors when examining possible restaurant locations in your area.

Everything is Negotiable
To lease or to buy? This can be a tough but crucial question. You need to seriously weigh the pros and cons of leasing space or buying one outright. It may come down to your budget and how much you plan to spend on the remodeling and to set up your new space, as well as how much you have available to pay as rent or a mortgage. There are pros and cons to both leasing and buying. Leasing is a much more flexible option as far as the future of your business is concerned since it enables you to change locations (depending on your lease, of course) without having to worry about resale values or investing large sums of cash as a down payment. However, leasing requires knowledge in a lease negotiation. When asked about what can be negotiated, David Simmonds points out, “Absolutely, everything is negotiable, in theory. Of course, the extent to which landlords are negotiable depends on the type of business being talked about for the space, the credit and financial history of the person or entity that would be signing onto the lease, local market conditions, and each landlord’s current position in the property and goals for it.”

Another negotiable point is how much free rent time you can secure from the landlord so you can build out your space without paying rent. Simmonds answers it bluntly, “As much as you think you can get away with, without aggravating the landlord enough not to respond at all. Again, this is where a qualified professional with a thumb on the pulse of the market earn their money.”

Exclusivity For Shopping Center Locations
If you’re considering opening your restaurant in a shopping center, you’ll want to negotiate some measure of exclusivity with the landlord. This will prevent another restaurant featuring the same cuisine from opening in the same shopping center. I asked David if this is a realistic expectation from a restaurant tenant. He explains it explains this way: “Typically- yes, but again, this will depend on a myriad of factors: type of restaurant, credit/financials on the lease, local market conditions; meaning how much of a landlord’s market it is, how big the center is and what tenant mix the landlord would like to see in the center.

On the other hand, if you can afford to buy a piece of property or an existing building, you won’t have to deal with any potential landlord issues or rent increases. It’s important to weigh all factors specific to your situation and location before signing a lease or buying space.

Take Your Time to Secure the Perfect Spot
Using a professional commercial broker can accelerate the process, but patience is a necessary component. Though it may be difficult, don’t rush through the process. It’s completely normal to feel pressured into finding a space and jumping right in, but settling for a location that seems to be just “good enough” simply won’t cut it. The perfect space for your restaurant is out there, so if it’s a success you’re seeking, wait to find the right location, then snap it up!

ABOUT: David Simmonds

David Simmonds founded RESOLUT RE in January of 2009 and has since built a massive, international, 3rd-party, brokerage platform. RESOLUT has 6 offices across Texas (Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston, Austin/San Antonio, McAllen, Midland & El Paso), and services the great states of Louisiana out our Lafayette office, and New Mexico out of our offices in Albuquerque and Sante Fe.

RESOLUT RE represents over 40 tenants nationally, in Mexico and in Canada. We have the ability to service our clients’ expansion needs anywhere in the United States and up to 77 countries around the globe.

RESOLUT RE markets over 800 projects and exclusively represents over 250 tenants regionally across Texas, New Mexico and Louisiana.

David is a member of the International Franchise Association (IFA) and the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) and received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from Columbia College/Columbia University in New York City.

George can help you move out of the city and into a spacious home in the suburbs or find the perfect business location. text George at 201-245-3550 for a private consultation.

The Japanese Curry Craze

Posted on February 7, 2020March 6, 2020 by Franchise Strategist

The Japanese Curry Craze
By Tomoko Omori – CEO Go!Go!Curry America

Japanese curry has been around for over 140 years, and people are still catching on to the curry craze. So let’s get you up to speed. Curry introduced to Japan during the Meiji era (1868–1912) when India was under colonial rule by the British Empire. By the 1870s, the curry was being served in Japan and became a staple in the Japanese diet. Since its introduction, curry has been completely adapted to the tastes and spices of Japan, making it something entirely native to the East Asian island. It isn’t hard to understand why people in Japan look for the comfort of curry at least once a week. The taste of curry, warm, and rich in flavor coming together with rice or udon to lull you into a happy food coma. Every region boasts its curry recipe with preferred pairings. Still, none are as unique as the curry rice recipe hailing from Ishikawa’s capital city, Kanazawa.

The critical difference of Kanazawa curry is its caramelized color and flavor, giving it a delicious melt in the mouth effect that you don’t find in other curries. Every recipe for this pot of pure indulgence suggests that in Kanazawa, the idea is to let the subtle notes of sweet ingredients catapult the savory and smoky flavors. Kanazawa curry is meticulously placed over every inch of Koshihikari rice. Then, it’s generously topped with crispy yet juicy katsu and drizzled with sweet and smokey tonkatsu sauce. Adorned with perfectly sliced cabbage for a mild crunch factor, completes this classic serving of Katsu Curry. This plate of food that will make you miss your mom. When people recount having Kanazawa curry rice, they always end with,
“I swore to myself I would never eat that much again, and then I was craving it days later.” It appears that the comforting nature of Japanese curry is what makes it so addictive and gives it foodie staying power.

If you want to learn more about great tasting curry, click here.

About the Author
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Tomoko Omori, CEO of Go!Go!Curry was born and raised in Japan. She came to the USA alone to become an actress, where she received an AA degree from college majoring in Drama. She received a scholarship to study music at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in NYC. When she was performing in an Off Broadway play, her residential apartment was burned in a fire and she lost everything.

Tomoko was then hired to work at a Japanese TV station that broadcast major league baseball. At the time, she had no idea about the rules, but learned from zero. After 4 years of traveling nationwide about 2/3 of the month, she met the perfect man in her life. However, he wanted her to stay at home, so she became a housewife for 3 months. Tomoko and her husband decided it would be best if she returned to work, so she obtained a position in advertising/sales at a local Japanese publishing company. 3 years later, she created a free magazine called Chopsticks NY to introduce Japanese food and the culture.

Now, Tomoko is working in her fourth carrier as a restaurateur. Her restaurant is called Go! Go! Curry, a grab-and-go Japanese comfort food restaurant. There are over 75 locations in Japan, and the first location in the USA was established near Times Square on 38th St. and 8th Ave. in 2007. At that time, Tomoko helped the company with their advertising in her magazine. Five years from their first establishment, in 2012, she was asked to be President and joined their company.

When Tomoko took over as President, the restaurant was not making any profit. With only $30,000 in the bank, no credit history, and no systems in place, their 5 employees were afraid the restaurant would close at any time. Tomoko used her personal credit card to build the second restaurant and leased the equipment needed. Within 4 years, she opened 5 more in NYC and one in Cambridge, MA, and is now supporting new franchisees to expand nationwide.

She says, “Our mission is to serve our tasty curry nationwide in USA and Canada to enrich people’s food lives and make all our employees happier and richer lives both physically and spiritually. Our vision is to make many Go Go Curry locations where we make our customers smile when they eat our curry at where the people who work with smile and pride. I’m visioning all our employees’ children are proud to say their parents work at Go Go Curry.” Tomoko received the Nikkei BP Woman of the year award in 2015.
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None of the communications on this website should be construed as an offer to sell a franchise. We will not offer any franchise for sale: (1) until your state has duly registered our franchise offering or duly exempted our franchise offering from registration, if your state requires registration or exemption; and (2) until we have duly delivered our franchise disclosure document to you in compliance with applicable law.
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franchise, fast food, Japan — www.gogocurryfranchise.com

WELCOME TO Go! Go! CURRY USA Franchising. Since 2007 we have been serving our Japanese Curry to our hungry customers, and are proud to be at the forefront of the growing Japanese Curry craze. Over the last decade, Go Go Curry has established itself as the industry leader in this emerging culinary market which brings a unique style and flavor to the fast casual industry. Click Here For Franchise Information
OFFER BY PROSPECTUS ONLY

Can a Company Be Great Simply By Doing Good?

Posted on January 13, 2020January 17, 2020 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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franchise, small business, senior citizen — Own the Franchise of your Dreams…Click Here to Learn more

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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?

Franchising: The Best Investment Older Americans Can Make?

Posted on January 11, 2020May 26, 2020 by Franchise Strategist

Franchising allows the silver economy to invest in themselves, and have an active hand in their own success.” Occhiogrosso adds, “Older Americans are one of the fastest-growing segment of franchise buyers. The percentage of adults 50+ who are franchise owners has grown from 20 percent in 2010 to an estimated 35 percent in 2020.

Photo by Simon Wijers on Unsplash

Franchising: The Best Investment Older Americans Can Make?

Over 10,000 Americans turn 65 every day (*1) and by 2030, it is estimated (*2) that the entirety of the Baby Boomer generation will be over the age of 65. For corporations, this older workforce presents challenges. An estimated 41% workers over the age of 60 choose to work well past age 65 for social or financial reasons (*3). Many companies would prefer to clear the way for younger, less costly employees, and as a result, more than half of older U.S. workers are being pushed out involuntarily, or are being asked to take a voluntary early retirement. (*4)

For these still active workers, and especially those with a large buy out in the bank, franchising may be a viable Act II. “Many adults by age 60-65 have an investment or retirement portfolio of stocks and bonds,” says Gary Occhiogrosso, Founder and CEO of Franchise Growth Solutions LLC, a New York-based strategic planning, franchise development and sales organization. “That means that for years mature adults have basically invested in other businesses, passively counting on the success of those businesses for their own financial success. Franchising allows the silver economy to invest in themselves, and have an active hand in their own success.” Occhiogrosso adds, “Older Americans are one of the fastest growing segment of franchise buyers. The percentage of adults 50+ who are franchise owners has grown from 20 percent in 2010 to and estimated 35 percent in 2020.”
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The appeal of a franchise for an older American looking to take an active role in their own business, includes:

Benefit from the success of an established business
– Almost like a business in a box, when you align with a successful brand you are buying the benefit of their established brand, and their marketing, distribution and supply chain.

Choose a franchise concept and size that works for you
– Today, there are franchises of every size and budget. Most important is to find a concept you can get behind and champion.

Take advantage of a franchisors image, marketing, and location services
– In addition to speed to market, when you invest in a franchise, you are buying into a proven concept and a proprietary operating system. Rather than DIY, a franchise means in-depth training and hands-on support in every aspect of the business: from financing and location to store design and local marketing.

Franchising lessens the obstacles of financing through a bank
Many franchisors are registered with the SBA (Small Business Administration) thus reducing SBA obstacles to getting financing. Lenders take into account the franchisor’s experience and reputation when deciding whether or not to lend money.

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MATTO FRANCHISE
A Revolution is Brewing
LEARN MORE HERE:
https://www.mattofranchise.com/

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Work the system to make it work for you
– Many older workers have been successful by following a system or way of doing business. Adapting to a proven formula helps you avoid costly small business mistakes. Once you are up and running you are no longer working the system, the system will be working for you.

Long term growth
– Franchising can offer a shortened timeline to profitability. The structure a franchise offers lessens the learning curve, allowing you to get up to speed faster. Once you have the brands system working for you, you can think about expanding to become a multi-unit franchisee.

Fulfill a lifelong dream
– Nearly two-thirds of Americans would rather have their own business than to work for someone else. The idea of starting a business from scratch can be intimidating, but a franchise provides a proven model of success and unmatched support.

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Create a legacy
– In addition to creating an asset, successful franchisees create a legacy for their families. Older franchisees can pass on their business to their children as a growth opportunity and enjoy continued income during retirement. If you do decide to sell, most franchisors will help you locate a new buyer and assist with the arrangements.

Occhiogrosso, who has over 30 years experience in selling and marketing brand name franchises, states, “As the saying goes; If you want to go into business for yourself but not by yourself, then franchising is a great option. This is especially true for experienced older people looking for an exciting and rewarding Act II.”

For more information on franchising over fifty, visit the Franchise Growth Solutions website at www.franchisegrowthsolutions.com or call 917.991.2465

ABOUT FRANCHISE GROWTH SOLUTIONS, LLC
Franchise Growth Solutions, LLC is a strategic planning, franchise development and sales organization offering franchise sales, brand concept and development, strategic planning, real estate and architectural development, vendor management, lead generation, and advertising, marketing and PR including social media. Franchise Growth Solutions’ proven “Coach, Mentor & Grow®” system puts both franchisors and potential franchisees on the fast track to growth. Membership in Franchise Growth Solutions’ client portfolio is by recommendation only.

For information on Franchise Growth Solutions or any of its franchise opportunities, please contact Marisa Rae at 917.991.2465 or via email at [email protected]

Sources: (*1) Yahoo Finance 2018 (*2)AARP (*3) Gallup Poll 2018 (*4) ProPublica

Financing a Business? – What You Need to Know About SBA Loans

Posted on January 11, 2020January 14, 2020 by Franchise Strategist

Photo by Vladimir Solomyani on Unsplash

Many people are often misled to believe the money from an SBA loan is essentially “free.” That the funds are provided with the help of government grants and no-interest offerings; however, that is not the case.

Financing a Business?
What You Need to Know About SBA Loans
By Gary Occhiogrosso – Managing Partner, Franchise Growth Solutions, LLC

Whether you’re taking the plunge and starting a small business, or you’re interested in purchasing an existing one, or buying a franchise, you may benefit from utilizing an SBA loan program.

What Is an SBA Loan Program?
The Small Business Association (SBA) 504 Loan, also known as the Certified Development Company (CDC) program, was created to assist small businesses with the financing of their startup or growth. SBA loans are used to purchase everything from franchises to equipment to inventory. The SBA loan program was also created to help eliminate the “risk” banks take.
Through an SBA loan program, applicants can take out loans at below average market rates, which makes it an affordable option for small business owners.
Because of the complexities, it’s crucial to speak with a lending officer at a local bank. They may offer many options. Often, SBA loan benefits go untapped because many people are unaware of the program. In some cases, the information is not generally provided upfront.

Who’s Eligible
Only small business owners are eligible for an SBA loan. Specifically, their business’s net worth must not surpass $7 million, and their income cannot be more than $2.5 million in the preceding years.
Applicants must be able to provide records from the past two years that show stability and income, and they must have a credit score of at least 650. However, it also helps if the applicant has a background in the field of business they wish to start.

Setting the Record Straight
Many people are often misled to believe the money from an SBA loan is essentially “free.” That the funds are provided with the help of government grants and no-interest offerings; however, that is not the case.
Like any loan, SBA loans are offered through banks, but only SBA-approved banks can offer the program. You do not pay the SBA back; you pay the bank back directly.

Undoubtedly, taking advantage of an SBA loan can be a game-changer in the world of small business. If your interested learning about funding your new business please contact us at [email protected] – We can schedule a call.

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Sources:
https://www.smartbizloans.com/requirements-eligibility
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SBA_504_Loan
https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/79254
https://www.sba7a.loans/sba-7a-loans-small-business-blog/2017/12/1/sba-7a-loan-for-a-restaurant

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About the Author:
Gary Occhiogrosso is the Founder of Franchise Growth Solutions, which is a co-operative based franchise development and sales firm. Their “Coach, Mentor & Grow Program” focuses on helping Franchisors with their franchise development, strategic planning, advertising, selling franchises and guiding franchisors in raising growth capital. Gary started his career in franchising as a franchisee of Dunkin Donuts before launching the Ranch *1 Franchise program with it’s founders. He is the former President of TRUFOODS, LLC a multi brand franchisor and former COO of Desert Moon Fresh Mexican Grille. He advises several emerging and growth brands in the franchise industry. Gary was selected as “Top 25 Fast Casual Restaurant Executive in the USA” by Fast Casual Magazine and named “Top 50 CXO’s” by SmartCEO Magazine. In addition Gary is an adjunct instructor at New York University on the topics of Restaurant Concept & Business Development as well Entrepreneurship. He has published numerous articles on the topics of Franchising, Entrepreneurship, Sales and Marketing. He was also the host of the “Small Business & Franchise Show” broadcast in New York City.
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Leads – A Never Ending Challenge For All Companies

Posted on December 14, 2019January 13, 2020 by Franchise Strategist

Photo by Berkeley Communications on Unsplash

He explained that through his experience and the help of a little sonar gadget on his boat, that he knew there was a shoal of fish below. We all slung our rods over the side and dropped our lines.

Fishing for Leads – The 5 Steps
By: Peter Lawless

The first thing that I noticed when I got onto the small boat at the harbour in Enniscrone, Co. Sligo, was the cleanliness and order of the boat. The skipper in charge had all of the rods, upright, with their lines neatly tucked away, in holders. The holders were made out of piping, about 30cm long, which had been welded to the side of the boat.

A simple, inexpensive aid had made me sit up and pay attention. This skipper thought about his customers, and this device left a strong impression. We then got a very short lecture on safety, checked we had our life jackets on, and off we went. About 12 of us!

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Finding your target market
About 12 minutes later, the skipper stopped the boat, and told us we should find some mackerel here. He explained that the lures on the hooks looked just like what mackerel wanted to eat. It certainly was not something I would have fancied!

He explained that through his experience and the help of a little sonar gadget on his boat, that he knew there was a shoal of fish below. We all slung our rods over the side and dropped our lines.

Reeling in the sale
Now I don’t know about you, but this was totally new to me. I wound up the line frantically, as soon as I felt a tug, and hey presto, there were three fish dangling off the hooks. I started flailing about, one jumped off before I even got it in over the side, and when I was trying to reel it in the final bit I lost another one. The one that I got in, I lost down the gutter when I finally got it off the hook.

The skipper explained to me, that once a fish took the bait, I should give a quick tug on the rod, to make sure it was firmly hooked. I should then take my time, to reel it in. Secure the rod in the holder, with the fish hanging over the bucket and deal with them one by one – I did, and I ended up with 20 fish, which delighted me, as I had set a target of 10, since my friend had caught 9 on his first time

So what are the lessons for marketing – if you are still with me, and have not already got most of them, here they are in business speak;
1. Set goals and targets that are realistic, and based on some valid foundation or research.
2. Have simple procedures set up, to make it easy to operate and for your customers to conduct business with you.
3. Speak in your prospects language, about what they want – it’s a bit like the fish bait, unlikely that strawberries and cream will catch many mackerel!
4. Once you know what your prospects like, find out where they are, do some research and target them accordingly – as in our example, not much point in putting down shark bait in a shoal of mackerel.
5. Once you get your customers attention or have a lead, qualify it, and ensure you follow up at all time to close the sale. Again the use of a good sales process is essential here.

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The bottom line, if you know what problems or desires your customers have, and you can solve or fulfill these, while providing value for money, you will always be a winner.

And if you don’t know the answer to that question, go ask the people who have already bought from you – they do!

Author Bio
Business Owners who need more sales and better marketing advice, turn to Peter Lawless, of 3R Sales & Marketing. For previous articles and interviews like this, visit our website and subscribe to Success. We also provide free Sales & Marketing Assessments for Business Owners with an Irish Connection.

Article Source: http://www.ArticleGeek.com – Free Website Content

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After 16 Years, Family Owned Gofer Ice Cream Launches Franchise Program

Posted on December 12, 2019December 12, 2019 by Franchise Strategist

Gofer Ice Cream Franchised Shop, Darien Connecticut

From traditional hard and soft ice cream to fat-free treats, and more recently expanding into plant-based ice cream products with the same promise of high quality for which the brand is known.

PRESS RELEASE
Beloved Connecticut based Ice Cream Company plans to expand in the Northeast

Stamford, Connecticut. Gofer Franchise Systems LLC. Today Gofer Ice Cream announced it has launched a program to offer Gofer Ice Cream Franchises throughout Connecticut immediately. The company is set to expand beyond the State in 2020.

Jay Ragusa, Gofer Ice Cream’s Founder, said: “We’ve been preparing for this day since we launched the brand in 2003. It has always been the plan to prove and perfect the concept and then replicate it through the franchise model. We’ve learned a lot over the years, and we feel we’re in a great position to help others own, operate, and prosper in their own business. Prospective franchisee partners can be confident in the Gofer Ice Cream Brand and system that we offer. The fact is that many concepts have come and gone, but we are here thriving and growing.”

Gofer Ice Cream Franchised Shop, Darien Connecticut

The successful “Gofer” brand has been serving the Fairfield County Connecticut area for over seventeen seasons, through its current five locations, and it has become a local favorite for many. The concept of Gofer Ice Cream, which was founded by Jay Ragusa and his family, is to be the “home team” of ice cream places. In every town or city, the goal is for Gofer Ice Cream to become the center of the community, where family and friends can enjoy a high-quality frozen treat in a welcoming environment. The shops are simple, easy, and fun to operate. Also, Gofer Ice Cream Shops are built for a relatively low cost. Franchise Partners are already scooping smiles daily, and the goal is to bring this experience to more and more communities. Gofer Ice Cream offers a variety of frozen treats for the entire family. From traditional hard and soft ice cream to fat-free treats, and more recently expanding into plant-based ice cream products with the same promise of high quality for which the brand is known. In 2019 a new company, “Gofer Franchise Systems LLC,” was formed to focus on expanding via franchising the concept beyond Fairfield County.

It’s always a good day to…GOFER Ice Cream

For the past several months, in preparation for the franchise opportunity launch, the team has been working with Franchise Industry Veteran Gary Occhiogrosso of Franchise Growth Solutions. “Gary brings his experience in not only the Franchise Industry but specifically in the frozen dessert business. He has the deep knowledge and connections specifically needed at this point in our growth. With the addition of Franchise Growth Solutions to the team, we are working with the best in the business to make sure we do franchising right. An investment made by a Franchisee is, in many cases, a once and a lifetime decision, and we don’t take that responsibility lightly.” commented Jay Ragusa.

Mr. Occhiogrosso has 30+ years of experience in franchise development and sales and was integral to the success of nationally recognized brands, including Ranch*1, Desert Moon Fresh Mexican Grille, and brands found under the multi-brand franchisor, TRUFOODS, LLC.

Occhiogrosso stated: “It’s a compelling franchise opportunity, the frozen dessert business continues to grow. People love ice cream. But more than merely the best cream, Gofer creates memories by delivering a family and community experience. With frozen treats to meet virtually every customer trend, whether Plant-Based, or Fat-Free or Soft Serve or our Premium Ice Cream, Gofer Ice Cream gives our Franchise Partners a unique competitive advantage in the Ice Cream business.”

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ABOUT GOFER ICE CREAM
Gofer Ice Cream provides premium hand-dipped and soft-serve ice cream, plant-based ice cream, fat-free Gofer Lite, Italian ice, smoothies, and Razzles, as well as ice cream products and novelties through five retail locations in Southern Fairfield County, Conn. Gofer opened its first store in Greenwich in 2003 and has since grown with both company and franchisee-owned shops also now open in Cos Cob, Stamford, Wilton, and Darien. The company is a multi-year award winner of “The Best of the Gold Coast,” a people’s choice award conducted through Moffly Media. Gofer Franchise Systems LLC awards franchises to operate under the Gofer Ice Cream brand.

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ABOUT FRANCHISE GROWTH SOLUTIONS, LLC
Franchise GrowthSolutions, LLC is a strategic planning, franchise development and sales organization offering franchise sales, brand concept and development, strategic planning, real estate and architectural development, vendor management, lead generation, and advertising, marketing, and PR including social media. Franchise Growth Solutions’ proven “Coach, Mentor & Grow®” system puts both franchisors and potential franchisees on the fast track to growth. Membership in Franchise Growth Solutions’ client portfolio is by recommendation only.

For more information, please contact Gary Occhiogrosso at 917.991.2465 or via email at [email protected].