Get LinkedIn: How Franchise Professionals Should Be Using The Networking Site

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This month I have been paying a closer attention to the way in which franchise professionals utilize social media platforms. Specifically this week, I wanted to take a closer look at how LinkedIn is being used in the franchise industry. LinkedIn is a hot topic in the social networking realm right now. Everyone wants to know how to best leverage LinkedIn for their various needs. Franchisors, franchisees, and suppliers all see opportunity in the networking site, but many question how exactly they can use the platform to their benefit.

With a database of more than 238 million individuals, LinkedIn provides a great pool of prospective franchisees and customers. How can franchise professionals tap into this resource? They can start with their profile page. A new article in Franchising World’s November issue gives some tips about how you should go about revamping your page. First, look at your page from an outsider’s view. Does it read like a resume? If you’re seeking employment, that is one thing. But if you are not, it may be time to rewrite your profile to target whichever prospect or customer or prospective employee that you would like to engage.  People are using LinkedIn to better know you. You must actively choose a message: what do you want people to know about you and your company?

The article says that as you read through your LinkedIn profile, you must ask yourself whether your profile answers these questions that the reader may have:

–          Should I pay this person money?

–          Can I trust this person?

–          Can this person help me with my objectives (franchise ownership, employment, doing business)?

–          What benefits does this person and his company provide?

–          Does this person have the ability to help me make a significant decision?

–          Does this person look trustworthy and credible?

 

What is all really comes down to is making your profile a welcome mat to your company. You want to seem approachable, communicable and transparent. People want to do business with people they like and feel at ease with. Let your LinkedIn profile be a peak into your company’s missions and future goals. What LinkedIn tips do you have for fellow franchise professionals?

How to Utilize Social Media to Market Your Franchise

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Though every franchise business is different, every successful franchise has one thing in common: an effective and pervasive marketing strategy.

And while much can be said for classic marketing materials (from billboards to print ads to television commercials), social media has begun to transform the entire face of franchise marketing. From Twitter to Facebook to Tumblr to Vine, social media has created a universal and easily accessible platform upon which committed franchise businesses can both broaden their reach and establish their brands.

 

Here are three ways that your business can utilize social media to market your franchise brand:

1. Match your franchise to the network: Start by learning all you can about each social media platform to help you decide which specific networks will benefit your business the most. Then, choose only three. It may be tempting to incorporate them all, but when it comes to social media, your goal should always be to do fewer better.

2.  Establish a presence: Once you’ve selected your platforms, work on establishing a presence. Make sure that when you start posting or tweeting, you do it regularly: create a schedule and stay consistent. Consider who your audience is, what your brand is built upon, and aim to engage.

3. Never forget your brand: Any franchise consulting professional will tell you: always stay true to your brand. While some of your franchise locations may have different social media teams, make sure that every profile – from Google+ to Instagram – is representative of your brand as a whole. Above all, ensure that every post, tweet, and picture portrays your business in a positive, appropriate, and kind light.

 

When you make the decision to incorporate social media into your franchise marketing plan, you’re taking a definitive step toward developing and fostering an impressive online presence – one which will help you successfully establish your brand. Learn how to create a successful marketing plan alongside a dependable franchise consulting firm today! 

 

A Conversation with Luke from Mighty Kicks Soccer: A Franchise Investment Worth Checking Out

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This past week I spoke with Luke Vercollone, the president and founder of Mighty Kicks Soccer, a mobile soccer program designed to build motor skills, life skills, self-confidence and basic soccer techniques to children ages 2-7. The program brings soccer to where the children are, whether it is a childcare facility during the day, an after-school program at an elementary school, or other various locations in the community for home-schooled children and the general public. Mighty Kicks Soccer is unique in introducing sports and concepts of teamwork to children at a very young, impressionable age – and the coolest part? It’s a franchise.

Following Luke’s graduation from Seton Hall University (where he majored in Sports Management), he was drafted into the MLS and has been playing professional soccer since 2004. He is an NSCAA certified coach, with his USSF National B License and over 17 years of coaching experience. It was his coaching experience at other programs that inspired Luke to develop his own program.

I asked him how long after he began Mighty Kicks did he realize it had the capability to be franchised. Luke said “It wasn’t until I started the program in 2008 that I realized the program had potential to become a franchise. It was early in the first season; I immediately saw the popularity of Mighty Kicks and I realized there was a demand for this type of program and it was profitable.”

He went on to explain the unique aspect of this franchise, “Soccer is extremely popular, many other soccer programs play evenings and weekends, and we don’t compete with those programs. Mighty Kicks brings the program to the children. It’s, convenient, it’s economical, and it’s unique.” Mighty Kicks primarily focuses on preschool-aged children, at their preschools, where children can partake in the enrichment program on site during school hours.

Mighty Kicks Soccer is highly successful in developing many skills, including balance, agility, coordination, teamwork and good sportsmanship. Luke says “Our goal is to give young children an overall positive experience with sports, and specifically soccer. If they’re having fun, they’re learning. If they are enjoying soccer, they are more likely to play it in the future.” Even beyond the basic skills Mighty Kicks Soccer helps children develop, he says “We are indirectly teaching them life skills. We provide them with a positive experience, and keep them active.”

After speaking to Luke, I was very interested in checking out the benefits of franchising with Mighty Kicks Soccer. There are many: including a high profit margin with little overhead to maintain, flexible and family friends work hours, tax benefits, saved time (not wasted on the learning curve), as well as the enjoyable and rewarding work that makes a difference to children in the community. There are many other benefits one can receive when franchising with Mighty Kicks Soccer and you can check the rest of them out here.

And Luke’s message to those interested in franchising? “I think we have the greatest value.  As a new franchise, we are eager to bring on quality franchisees. If a candidate is interested in sports, in kids, and in business, this is a great investment.” Luke says this is an “Unbeatable value with a great investment opportunity.” I most certainly agree.

Hyperlocal Marketing: What is it and how can it help your business?

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There has been a lot of talk recently in the marketing world about a new concept: hyperlocal marketing technology. Hyperlocal marketing uses the GPS feature and a mobile app on your smartphone to send targeted messages from a nearby franchise. The marketing is hyperlocal because the messages are for a small, specific area. This specific area can be specified through setting virtual perimeters around a specific location, an action referred to as “geofenching”.

Geofencing technology allows businesses to track when customers enter a defined area nearby their location through the GPS software on a person’s smartphone.

This technology means big things for a franchise.

Say you’re a Papa Murphy’s franchise in the Charleston,SC area. You can set up specific perimeters around your location so that when someone enters your virtual “fence”, you can send that discounted pizza coupon directly to them via their mobile phone. As they are within say one mile of your business, they will receive an alert on their phone with the pizza coupon and, hopefully, stop in at your shop. The key here is that these are also customers who have opted-in to receive offers; therefore, you are reaching a market of people who are already interested in special deals and offers.

The rapid growth of smartphone technology has delivered an entirely new platform to marketers. Businesses are now reaching customers in ways never thought possible in the past. How can this be translated to your business?

What are your opinions on hyperlocal marketing? Do you think that this could lead to an overflow of information to customers, causing them to become disenchanted, or is it an effective marketing tool that has an ever-growing presence in our future?

Are You Using Environmentally Responsible Pest Control Services?

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Are You Using Environmentally Responsible Pest Control Services?

It is not breaking news that many of the products that are used for pest control in our homes are toxic to both humans and pets. Most people are willing to compromise the health of them and their family members for pest elimination when in actuality there are health conscious and eco-friendly ways to rid their home of unwanted creatures. LadyBug Eco-Friendly Pest Control does just that. The company has over 23 years of pest control experience and use products that are entirely National Organic Program (NOP) compliant.

The main product that LadyBug Eco-Friendly Pest Control uses is called Diatomaceous Earth which, once refined, resembles talcum powder. The powder is made from one-cell plant organisms extracted from the bottom of large bodies of fresh water. This natural ingredient kills pests like roaches, ants, crickets, spiders and scorpions without bringing harmful chemicals inside of your home.

Is there an environmentally responsible pest control service in your area?

Read on if you are interested in this eco-friendly franchise opportunity!

 

Lady Bug Eco-Friendly Pest Control  Franchise Specifics:

Benefits Of Unit Ownership With Lady Bug

  • Life-Style Opportunity (M-F 9 to 5)
  • LOW Unit Investment Of $30,000 Per Unit, 2nd ½ price
  • Fast ROI With HIGH Net Return
  • 1 Truck/Route With 300 Monthly Customers =$150,000
  • A Unit Can Have Multiple Truck Routes!
  • Pest Control Operation – Repeat Monthly Revenue
  • All Training At Corporate Office For Unit Owners

Benefits Of A Regional Developer

  • Multiple Revenue Streams
  • Revenue From Their Own Unit
  • Unit included In The RD price
  • Revenue from Selling Units & Collecting Franchise Fees
  • Developing Territories & Selling Customers to Units
  • Receiving Royalty Stream
  • All Training at Corporate Office For RD’s

Unit Investment

  • $30k Franchise Fee
  • Capital $40,000+
  • 70k Total Invest
  • 7-10% Royalty
  • 2% Advertising Fund

Unit Numbers

  • $150,000 Revenue Per Truck/Route (300 customers)
  • 1 Unit Can Have Multiple Trucks/Routes
  • Avg. Pest Control Service $45 rate
  • Up To 50% Net Profit

What is Social Franchising?

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The success of franchising comes from the transfer of knowledge and experience from one successful enterprise to another. With an established business concept, as well as support and training, a franchisee can quickly become successful thanks to the foundation upon which his or her business is built. While with most commercial franchises the goal is to maximize profits, social franchises use the principles of franchising for a social goal.

What is social franchising and how does it differ from commercial franchising?

Social franchises are driven by social goals, rather than profit. While the franchise does make profit, this profit is used to develop its social aims. Social aims can include food security, poverty alleviation, or environmental conservation. According to the European Social Franchising Network (ESFN), a social franchise should be a social enterprise, and  have the four following characteristics:

  1. An organization that replicates a social enterprise business model – the social franchisor.
  2. At least one independent social franchisee that has been replicated by the social franchisor.
  3. A common brand under which the social franchisees operate.
  4. An interchange of knowledge between members.

Social franchises can operate in various ways, but generally a social franchisee pays the social franchisor a fee for their support. Differing from other non-profit charities and foundations, where most of the funding comes from grants and personal donations, social franchises use the sales of their successful business model to create a better world.

For example, Community Renewable Energy (CoRE), a European social franchise, helps communities develop their own renewable energy systems to generate community income and address climate change. The franchise does so through working in partnership with a specific community, where the community is not charged for CoRE’s work, but rather as a stakeholder in the the renewable energy systems, where they take a share of the profits. This share is then used to help the next community. The social franchise essentially supports their members by providing “technical skills, shared services, and replicable models for developing renewable energy systems.”

Are you familiar with any social franchises in your area? Please feel free to comment below!

Tomasino’s New York Pizzeria

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After years in the family restaurant business, and more than a decade after opening their first restaurant location, Tomasino’s founders Jon and Liz Gegaj are beginning a new chapter in their lives as they enter the world of franchising.

As they begin this new adventure, their goal is to share their dream with others who believe in their product and the operational strategy they have developed within their own locations.

The Gegaj family knows exactly what it takes to start, operate and perfect a New York style pizzeria restaurant franchise. They are excited to invite others into the Tomasino’s family, and share their experience with them, so they may one day experience the same rewards of being “the neighborhood spot.”

Franchise Opportunity:
At Tomasino’s, their franchise model perfectly positions you for success by providing:

  • An affordable menu and our proprietary family recipes.
  • Established alliances with the best suppliers in the pizza industry.
  • A business the entire family can work in and show pride.
  • The real deal. The actual franchisor founding team. Leaders who understand the business and really care about their franchisees.

Did you know?
Tomasino’s is part of a hugely popular segment within the immense restaurant industry:

  • When eating out, Americans choose Italian more than any other type of ethnic cuisine.
  • The pizzeria market alone generates $38 billion in annual sales.
  • Ninety-three percent of American eat pizza at least once a month!

Their concept appeals to a wide customer base (families, singles, couples, working professionals, and students, to name a few!). Plus, it benefits from multiple potential revenue streams, including different dayparts, dine-in, carryout, catering and delivery. It all adds up to a great opportunity for franchise owners. To learn more about this franchise opportunity, please visit the following link: http://www.franchiseclique.com/franchise/Tomasinos-Pizzeria.

Now Open: Maui Wowi Debuts New Long Island Location

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Maui Wowi Hawaiian, a dual beverage concept specializing in fresh brewed Hawaiian coffees and all-natural smoothies, opened its newest location this week on Long Island in Wantagh, New York. The island themed franchise is located at 1896 Wantagh Ave. and is the first store for franchise owners Joseph and Nicole Marsh.

 

“Maui Wowi is open for business and we are proud to offer the ideal place for customers to come relax and enjoy a one of a kind beverage,” said Nicole. “This store is a destination for our community where they can experience the Aloha Spirit and escape to paradise.”

 

As customers enter the new location they are warmly greeted with a cheerful “Aloha,” quickly transporting them to an island oasis. Comfortable seating and inviting atmosphere make it easy to stay a while with a menu that provides plenty of options to satisfy the taste buds.

 

Maui Wowi Hawaiian, with over 30 years in business, has a full line of fresh fruit smoothies that are made with all-natural ingredients, are gluten-free, kosher certified and made to order. Flavors include Mango Orange, Strawberry Banana, and Piña Colada and also come in a variety of combinations. The popular frozen smoothies are conveniently matched with a warm beverage counterpart: Hawaiian-grown coffee and hand-crafted espresso drinks.

 

The new location in Wantagh is brewing and blending daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. More details will be announced soon regarding a grand opening event planned for next month to officially welcome Joseph and Nicole Marsh and their local Maui Wowi business to the community.

 

For more information visit them on Facebook athttp://www.facebook.com/MauiWowiLi. To learn more about opening up your own Maui Wowi location, please visit http://www.franchiseclique.com/franchise/Maui-Wowi-Hawaiian-Coffees-and-Smoothies.

 

About Maui Wowi Hawaiian Coffees & Smoothies:
Since 1982, Maui Wowi Hawaiian has embraced the Hawaiian culture and has been serving paradise in a cup since the day it began, 30 years ago. From event carts, mall kiosks and stand-alone retail locations Maui Wowi Hawaiian offers premium, all-natural, gluten-free, fresh-fruit smoothies, as well as gourmet Hawaiian coffees and espresso beverages. With over 400 operating units in eight countries, Maui Wowi Hawaiian has truly gone “Global” by adding an online store, shop.mauiwowi.com. Now customers from anywhere in the world can experience the prized-gourmet Hawaiian coffees and taste the ‘Aloha Spirit’ with a ‘Click-of-a button!’ To learn more information about Maui Wowi Hawaiian’s, products, locations, or flexible, low cost franchising opportunities, visit http://www.franchiseclique.com/franchise/Maui-Wowi-Hawaiian-Coffees-and-Smoothies.

Benefits of Youth Soccer

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Easy to learn, doesn’t discriminate, great exercise
This article is from From Healthykids.com

 

More than 18 million children participate in soccer leagues and programs each year, making it the most popular and fastest-growing youth sport in the United States today, according to the United States Youth Soccer Association (USYSA). Why is it so popular? Here are three reasons:
1. It’s easy to learn. Children don’t need to be taught to run or kick a ball (okay, running and kicking in the right direction does take some work), and the object of knocking the ball through a goal is simple to grasp. And soccer’s fast pace allows it to hold the attention of kids who would frequently get bored playing other sports. Kids as young as 4 years old can participate — albeit with a smaller ball and on a smaller field than older children.

2. It doesn’t discriminate. Boys and girls of all shapes and sizes can play.

3. It’s an excellent form of exercise. Its continuous action helps kids build stamina, strengthen their heart and muscles, and develop coordination. Soccer can also help keep kids fit and trim — an important benefit now that one in every five children in

 

America is overweight. Studies show that children who play organized sports, such as soccer, at an early age are more likely than non-athletes to adopt healthy habits that stick for life.
Some of the physical benefits include:
 Cardiovascular endurance
 Muscle strength
 Flexibility
 Coordination
 Balance
 Weight control

Other benefits include the development of social traits such as discipline, teamwork, leadership, fairness and self-esteem.

Do your part in helping to raise awareness of the benefits of youth soccer and learn more about the Mighty Kicks franchise opportunity here: http://www.franchiseclique.com/franchise/Mighty-Kicks.

 

Nature’s Pet Market

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For most of us, our pets are members of our family– for some owners, their pets are their favorite children!

 

 

The increase in spending on our furry friends has given rise to numerous pet franchises, including Nature’s Pet Market.

 

Nature’s Pet Market is one of the most innovative pet supply retail franchises in the United States and offers to different brands depending on geographic location: EarthWise Pet Supply and Nature’s Pet Market. The company strives to better the lives of owners and their pets by providing all natural products, great customer service and green business practice.

 

Pet franchise Nature’s Pet Market and EarthWise Pet Supply believes that pets are an integral part of our families and deserve to be treated accordingly:

 

  • Pets should receive the best care possible
  • A holistic approach should be taken with regards to nutrition, exercise and grooming
  • Only products from manufacturers that use green practices and recycle materials should be promoted
  • Varying family budgets should be accommodated through the offering of a wide range of natural products
  • Local shelters and rescue organizations will be supported
  • Reducing pet overpopulation should be a priority
  • Customers should be provided superior service delivered by knowledgable, helpful staff

 

For those interested in becoming involved with Nature’s Pet Market, there are a few advantages provided to its franchisees, including strong growth potential in a recession-resistant industry for a relatively low investment in protected territories.

 

Nature’s Pet Market offers a great deal of hands-on support to its franchisees, including demographic analysis, site selection, business plan development, loan assistance and marketing help.

 

For more information on Nature’s Pet Market and EarthWise Pet Supply visit http://www.franchiseclique.com/franchise/NPM-Franchising.

Good News For Food Franchise Industry

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There’s good new in the food and beverage and franchise industry: businesses are hiring!

 

Though the economy’s growth remains sluggish and less than expected, new hires are filing into rank at food franchises and establishments nationwide. The total number of hospitality and leisure related jobs reached 14.2 million in June– and all time high. The food and beverage sector accounts for 10.5 percent of the total U.S. Workforce, another record for the industry since the government began tracking jobs in the 1930s.

 

Sales at U.S. restaurants and bars are predicted to reach a record $461.3 billion this year, a 3.8 percent gain from 2012 the National Restaurant Association estimates.

 

These positive numbers alone are reason to celebrate, as they indicate an economy that’s finally eating out again and enjoying life a bit more. The pursestrings are not cinched as tightly as before and spendthrifts feel more comfortable spending on dining experiences. For some establishments, business has returned to pre-recessions levels. Casual and quick-casual dining establishments have seen the biggest increases.

 

The increase in spending both in terms of tabs and traffic isn’t only paying off for those searching for jobs. Investors and new franchisees are also seeing major returns on their investments. So far, shares of Starbucks stock has risen 29 percent; 30 percent at Dunkin Brands Group Inc. and 51 percent at Sonic Corp., all are good barometers for the food franchise industry. Domino’s Pizza is finalizing plans for its first-ever national hiring week.

Maui Wowi Has International Appeal

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Maui Wowi Hawaiian, an international company specializing in premium Hawaiian coffees and nutritious fruit smoothies, has announced it was ranked in the July 2013 issue of Entrepreneur Magazine among the top 200 global franchises, an annual listing of North America’s top franchisors seeking international development.

“Maui Wowi has built a concept and brand that has incredible international appeal,” said Justin Livingston, director of global franchise development. “The tropical island theme and superior quality products resonate with people on a global scale and our acknowledgement on the top 200 global franchises list is further proof that our foundation is strong and future bright.”

The honor of appearing on the list is based on a company’s ranking on the 2013 Franchise 500 list, a compilation of franchises, which is developed through objective and quantifiable criteria, such as growth and financial strength. The companies are then attributed additional clout based on its international size and growth to determine which will make the cut for top 200 global franchises.

Maui Wowi Hawaiian has a presence in 6 countries outside of the United States and is actively seeking international partners to bring the Aloha Spirit to more people. For more than 30 years, Maui Wowi Hawaiian has continued to grow and become a leader in the industry. It’s simplistic approach has allowed a diverse franchise system to flourish through proven systems, support, and flexibility. The company is actively franchising both domestically and internationally. For more information please visit http://www.franchiseclique.com/franchise/Maui-Wowi-Hawaiian-Coffees-and-Smoothies.

About Maui Wowi Hawaiian Coffees & Smoothies:
Since 1982, Maui Wowi Hawaiian has embraced the Hawaiian culture and has been serving paradise in a cup since the day it began, 30 years ago. From event carts, mall kiosks and stand-alone retail locations Maui Wowi Hawaiian offers premium, all-natural, gluten-free, fresh-fruit smoothies, as well as gourmet Hawaiian coffees and espresso beverages. With over 400 operating units in eight countries, Maui Wowi Hawaiian has truly gone “Global” by adding an online store, shop.mauiwowi.com. Now customers from anywhere in the world can experience the prized-gourmet Hawaiian coffees and taste the ‘Aloha Spirit’ with a ‘Click-of-a button!’ To learn more information about Maui Wowi Hawaiian’s, products, locations, or flexible, low cost franchising opportunities, visit http://www.franchiseclique.com/franchise/Maui-Wowi-Hawaiian-Coffees-and-Smoothies.