For Yourself, Not by Yourself: Understanding Franchise Support

Part of the beauty in franchising is the chance to capitalise on the benefits of professional independence whist enjoying the guidance and established reputation of a stable company. With that said, there is a gamut of support levels available, and this varies from one opportunity to the next. If you’re seeking a franchise that offers true five-star support, consider the following criteria.

Reputation. Reputation can be as simple to gage as asking friends and colleagues what they may think of a company. Of course, the most important impressions to consider will be your own, and these ought to be developed by considering yourself a potential customer. Even if the company isn’t well known (getting in on the ground floor of a growing business is often the best bet for anyone on a budget), take a look at how they present themselves to the public and decide whether or not you’d trust them to satisfy you as a client.

Accessibility. Does the company hold up to modern standards of communication? If they don’t have a professional website and plainly provide e-mails and phone numbers to contact real people, you may want to reconsider whether or not they’ll help you provide first-tier customer service.

Training. What kind of training tools and events are available? A great franchise will give you everything you need to conduct business without any hesitations.

Company Resources. Does head office provide marketing materials, reliable contacts, and exciting extras like a location website or laptop? Remember, the way they treat prospective franchisees is the best indication of the kind of support you’ll receive in the long run.

Testimonials. Unless the company proudly provides positive testimonials from satisfied franchisees, you may want to scrap the idea. Happy franchisees mean great support whilst disappointed franchisees indicate that opting into the opportunity may make way for you to share a similar fate.

Occupational Control May Boost Heart Health

According to a report in the Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, professionals who enjoy a good amount of occupational control find themselves at lower risk for cardiovascular disaster. Whilst those who answer to one, two, three or more supervisors often feel overwhelmed by pressure, people who make most of their own daily work decisions live life with less stress.

No doubt everyone experiences work anxiety from time to time, and anyone in a power position has all kinds of worries to contend with. Not only that, but managers, supervisors, and entrepreneurs have few to blame if things go poorly. However, it seems that the amount of stress is less relevant to heart health than a person’s ability to cope. Naturally, anyone with enough control to navigate through turbulent waters their own way will feel more secure about the future.

Among those with the highest risk for heart attack were workers with little control and a lot of psychological demand. Examples are waiters, telephone operators, fire fighters, and sales clerks. Those with more control and healthier heart records were nearly all professionals with management-level positions.

When you consider the benefits of operating your own franchise, health might not be the first concern that leaps to mind, but heart wellness is certainly no benefit to ignore. Have you been suffering from stress imposed by others? Consider that climbing the corporate ladder to attain the kind of power you are looking for can take years or even decades. Fortunately, franchisees take the lead immediately, and so can you!

Here’s to your heart.

Source: Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology 56, 334

Beat the Short-Term Blues with a Long-Term Plan for Success

The people who thrive in tough times are those who can keep calm and maintain some long-term vision. After all, isn’t it flawed short-term thinking that often leads to crisis in the first place? Fixation on quick profits and overly ambitious expansion are two of the most common causes of financial woe for small businesses, but in globally rough times it’s easy to get carried away thinking there are a million things that can go wrong.

Fortunately, a troubled economy provides savvy entrepreneurs with every opportunity to shine. For you, here are five things that can go right by keeping your eyes on the future.

Job Security. Everything is in your own hands when you are your own employer. Paranoia and panic may hinder the productivity of many employees, but you’ve got nothing to fret over.

Less Competition. The market may seem strained, but as companies who fail to adapt and grow fall, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to pick up new clients looking for better alternatives.

Motivation to Innovate. Let the pressure push your business strategy to a whole new level. A changing market means there will be exciting new challenges at each turn. Consider the needs of people today and your products, service, and advertising may benefit.

The Chance to Earn a Great Reputation. Be a fish in these sink-or-swim times and people will remember your name. Prove yourself to be a leader and innovator and people will be lining up to work for you as you grow.

Steady, Sustainable Growth. Young businesses that experience an initial boom frequently spend themselves into the ground with misguided ambition. People today don’t have a lot of extra money to spend, so if you win their business, chances are you’ve really sold them on it. Build a loyal clientele now and you’ll always enjoy success.

While others may be quick to throw in the towel or panic, remember that for anyone smart enough to take control of their own future, there will be ample rewards in the long run.