tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88102923869529909862024-03-18T20:55:24.596-07:00Kensington CompanyKensington Company and Affiliates. The Kensington Company is a leading merger and acquisitions firm that delivers professionalism, integrity and extensive market experience to every transaction. There are numerous companies in today’s market place that attempt to bring business buyers and sellers together. There are few however, that offer their clients the degree of sophistication, experience and resources of our unique firm.Kensington Companyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11469878156296120477noreply@blogger.comBlogger26125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8810292386952990986.post-53767485531119666392012-10-18T05:51:00.000-07:002012-10-18T12:05:19.614-07:00Tiered Franchise Models Offer Business Ownership Opportunities at Lower Cost<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The number of small business owners who feel now is the time to expand their companies is on the rise as is the numbers of owners who expect business conditions to improve in six months. This is according to a recent study conducted by the National Federation of Independent Businesses. If you think business ownership might be right for you, now is a great time to schedule a <b>FREE CONSULTATION</b> with <a href="http://www.kensingtoncompany.com/">Kensington Company & Affilates!</a> We will help you discover if business ownership is a good match for you as well as determine the type of business that will be the best match.<br />
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Starting off small may help some people take their first step into business ownership and fortunately, many franchisors are providing this opportunity. In response to the weak economy and the difficulty investors may have in securing large loans, many corporations are offering a number of business models at varying price points. Rather than offering full store options only, a franchisee may be able to choose a small kiosk in a mall or a cart they can wheel to different events.<br />
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Feedback from franchisees has been positive. Many cite the opportunity to test the waters of a new business on a smaller scale and the opportunity to gradually ramp up business as reasons they like the tiered models offered.<br />
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<a href="http://www.kensingtoncompany.com/">Kensington Company & Affiliates</a> has the knowledge and expertise to help you choose the best model for <b>YOUR SUCCESS</b>. Give us a call and schedule your free consultation today!Kensington Companyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11469878156296120477noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8810292386952990986.post-36438806397314508922012-10-03T05:12:00.001-07:002012-10-12T06:20:10.721-07:00Success Rate of Franchised Business is Higher Than Small Business<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The dream of owning one's own business is a dream shared by many. The reality of the risk of business ownership prevents many from pursuing this dream. The answer may be to pursue the dream of owning a franchised business!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A recent study conducted by a well known and respected business consulting company has found that the success rate of franchised businesses was greater than the success rate of small businesses. In fact, <b>91.2% of franchised businesses were still operating 2 years after they opened </b>which was 42% higher than non-franchised small businesses!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There are numerous advantages to owning a franchise as compared to starting a small business. There is a proven business model already in place, brand awareness is already in place, and extensive training and support are offered by the franchisor. These are just a few of the many benefits to franchise ownership.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.kensingtoncompany.com/">Kensington Company & Affiliates</a> can help you decide if franchise ownership if the right dream for you to pursue. Come see us for a <b>FREE consultation</b> and learn all about franchise ownership!</span>Kensington Companyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11469878156296120477noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8810292386952990986.post-54892911376624434912012-09-19T07:24:00.000-07:002012-09-26T07:47:35.299-07:00Buying a Business? Follow These Tips!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Congratulations! You have decided to buy your own business! While exciting, there is a lot of information you should know to ensure the <i>business you purchase</i> is the <i>right business for you</i>. <a href="http://www.kensington.company.com/">Kensington Company & Affiliates </a>offers <b>FREE</b> consultations to help determine if business ownership is right for you. If the answer is yes, then <a href="http://www.kensingtoncompany.com/">Kensington</a> can help guide you.<br />
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It is important to understand that you are not alone in the search for a good business to buy. You will be competing against other buyers so it is imperative to arm yourself with knowledge. <a href="http://www.kensingtoncompany.com/">Kensington Company & Affiliates </a>can provide <i>expert knowledge, advice, and guidance</i> with <b>NO FEE to you</b>!<br />
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Here are some basic tips for you:<br />
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<li><b>Communicate! </b>As your business broker, we are here to service you. Let us know the reasons you are, or are not, interested in a business we forward. This will help us fine tune our search and have you in mind when the right business comes along.</li>
<li><b>Be Honest! </b>Be truthful about your financial situation and your background. We can not properly match you to a business if we have faulty information.</li>
<li><b>Confidentiality Matters! </b>Don't risk the sale by breaching confidentiality.</li>
<li><b>It's Not Only Numbers! </b>While it is important to analyze the numbers, there is more to the business. Learn more about the business, and the seller, by visiting the business and meeting with the owner.</li>
<li><b>This Is Not A Job Interview! </b>Act like a peer, not a job applicant. Show you are a business person who is ready to run the show.</li>
<li><b>Be Respectful! </b>Negotiating is part of the process. Discuss areas where you will need to invest in the business rather than pointing out flaws which may offend the seller. </li>
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Buying a business is a lengthy, detailed process and it is important to understand each step along the way. Schedule your <b>free consultation</b> to learn how <a href="http://www.kensingtoncompany.com/">Kensington Company & Affiliates</a> can help you successfully navigate your way to business ownership!</div>
Kensington Companyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11469878156296120477noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8810292386952990986.post-83944392600299437762012-08-22T06:30:00.002-07:002012-08-22T06:30:20.528-07:00Kensington Company & Affiliates Has Won the HIA-LI Business Achievement Awards for Small Business!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The HIA-LI, Hauppauge Industrial Association, is the recognized voice for business on Long Island and a powerful force and economic engine for regional development. They provide a forum for business leaders to problem solve and network and have developed a series of initiatives and programs to support future growth of Long Island businesses. <br />
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Each year the HIA-LI recognizes business excellence in a number of categories. The Business Achievement Awards are given to a Large Business (100 or more employees), Small Business (less than 100 employees), Rookie of the Year ( companies that have been operating less than five years), and a Not-for -Profit Organization.<br />
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The award criteria is a) positive employer/employee relations, b) commitment to the growth or betterment of the Long Island business community, and c) the three to five year vision for the company's future. Also considered is a) recent outstanding accomplishments, b) technical innovation or innovative processes, c) expansion into new markets, and d) industry leadership.<br />
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The 2012 finalists have been announced and <a href="http://www.kensingtoncompany.com/">Kensington Company & Affiliates</a> has won the Business Achievement Award for Small Business! The winners will be honored at a gala held at the Crest Hollow Country Club on September 12th. We are honored to be recognized for our dedication to Long Island business.<br />
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The Business Achievement Awards Gala draws over 400 business leaders from across the Island making it a valuable networking opportunity. If you would like to attend, and possibly meet your next client, <a href="http://hia-li.org/EventRegistration.cfm?EventID=1658&ResetStruct=Yes">click here for the registration page</a>. We hope to see you there and we look forward to building better business on Long Island!Kensington Companyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11469878156296120477noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8810292386952990986.post-78632290029904514802012-08-02T07:05:00.003-07:002012-08-02T07:05:46.320-07:00Attitude is Contagious! Positive Attitude Can Produce Successful Sales!<br />
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<span class="s1">Being successful in sales as in most things, requires two key ingredients-. a <b>good attitude and positive energy</b>. We have all heard the expression attitude is everything. That saying could not be more true then when engaging a prospect in a sales process. No one likes working with people who have a negative attitude. Attitude is contagious; if you are upbeat and positive this will help create positive, upbeat relationships with your prospects.</span></div>
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It is, however, difficult to be positive and upbeat day after day when you are in sales. After all sales <b>is</b> rejection and hearing ”NO” all day can wear on even the broadest shoulders. <span class="s1"></span></div>
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<span class="s1">If you are a telephone sales warrior, there are ways to help keep your energy and attitude upbeat and positive throughout the day. Here are three tips to help keep your head in the game: </span></div>
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<li><b>Make your difficult calls first:</b> If you have challenging or difficult calls that you need to make, make them early in the day. I think of those calls much like the dreaded visit to the dentist. Or, If you have a dentist appointment in the afternoon, you spend most of the morning feeling anxious and unfocused.) Make those challenging calls early in the day when you’re full of positive energy and then you can quickly put them behind you and move on with your day. </li>
<li><b>Break up your cold calling:</b> The law of numbers says you are going to hear more “No’s” then ““Yes’s” when calling. And that’s only when you actually get someone on the other end of line vs. the endless voicemails you leave all day.…. Break up the cold calling, and reach out to prospects that you know are tracking in your process so you can get some engaging conversations into the mix. You will have rejuvenated energy after speaking with a live voice that is appreciative of the information that you are passing along. </li>
<li><b>Motion creates emotion:</b> Stand up, get out of your chair, pace the floor, do what ever you need to do to get your blood flowing. No one wants to speak to someone who has no pulse, no energy and no passion.. If you are half dead on the phone, you are creating a situation for the prospect on the other end of the line to reciprocate e that low energy. Be upbeat, <b>it is contagious </b>and your prospect will instantly feel that energy. </li>
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<span class="s1">You have the power to change your attitude and energy. They are easy simple steps that can be embraced and bought into your sales process that will help keep momentum moving!</span></div>
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<span class="s1">-Stuart Levenberg</span></div>
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<span class="s1"> <a href="http://www.kensingtoncompany.com/">Kensington Company & Affiliates </a></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><a href="http://www.kensingtoncompany.com/">Kensington Company & Associates</a> understands the importance of connecting a person with the franchise system that is right for them. To that point, Stuart Levenberg has prepared these tips to help prepare to attend a franchise show. </span></div>
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<span class="s1">Attending a franchise exposition allows you to view and compare a variety of franchise possibilities. Keep in mind that exhibitors at the exposition primarily want to sell their franchise systems. Be cautious of salespersons that are interested in selling a franchise that you are not interested in. Before you attend, research what type of franchise best suits your investment limitations, experience and goals. Then, comparison shop for the opportunity that best suits your needs, and ask questions. </span></div>
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<span class="s1"><b>Know How Much You Can Invest</b></span></div>
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<span class="s1">An exhibitor may tell you how much you can afford to invest or that you can’t afford to pass up this opportunity. Before beginning to explore investment options, consider the amount you feel comfortable investing and the maximum amount you can afford.</span></div>
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<span class="s1"><b>Know What Type of Business is Right for You</b></span></div>
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<span class="s1">An exhibitor may attempt to convince you that an opportunity is perfect for you. Only you can make that determination. Consider the industry that interests you before selecting a specific franchise system. </span></div>
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<span class="s1">Ask yourself the following questions:</span></div>
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<span class="s2"></span><span class="s3"> </span><span class="s1">Have you considered working in that industry before? </span></div>
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<span class="s2"></span><span class="s3"> </span><span class="s1">Can you see yourself engaged in that line of work for the next 20 years? </span></div>
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<span class="s2"></span><span class="s3"> </span><span class="s1">Do you have the necessary background or skills? </span></div>
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<span class="s1">If the industry does not appeal to you or you are not suited to work in that industry, do not allow an exhibitor to convince you otherwise. Spend your time focusing on those industries that offer a more realistic opportunity.</span></div>
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<span class="s1"><b>Comparison Shop</b></span></div>
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<span class="s1">Visit several franchise exhibitors engaged in the type of industry that appeals to you. Listen to the exhibitors’ presentations and discussions with other interested consumers. Get answers to the following questions:</span></div>
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<span class="s2"></span><span class="s3"> </span><span class="s1">How long has the franchisor been in business? </span></div>
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<span class="s2"></span><span class="s3"> </span><span class="s1">How many franchised outlets currently exist? </span></div>
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<span class="s2"></span><span class="s3"> </span><span class="s1">Where are they located? </span></div>
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<span class="s2"></span><span class="s3"> </span><span class="s1">How much is the initial franchise fee and what are the additional start-up costs, if any? </span></div>
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<span class="s2"></span><span class="s3"> </span><span class="s1">Are there any continuing royalty payments? How much? </span></div>
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<span class="s2"></span><span class="s3"> </span><span class="s1">What management, technical and ongoing assistance does the franchisor offer? </span></div>
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<span class="s2"></span><span class="s3"> </span><span class="s1">What controls does the franchisor impose? </span></div>
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<span class="s1">Exhibitors may offer you prizes, free samples or free dinners if you attend a promotional meeting later that day or the next week to discuss the franchise in greater detail. Do not feel compelled to attend. Rather, consider these meetings as one way to acquire more information and to ask additional questions. Be prepared to walk away from any promotion if the franchise does not suit your needs.</span></div>
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<span class="s1"><b>Get Substantiation for Any Earnings Representations</b></span></div>
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<span class="s1">Some franchisors may tell you how much you can earn if you invest in their franchise system or how current franchisees in their system are performing. Be careful. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) requires that franchisors that make such claims provide you with written substantiation. Make sure you ask for and obtain written substantiation for any income projections, or income or profit claims. If the franchisor does not have the required substantiation, or refuses to provide it to you, consider the claims to be suspect.</span></div>
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<span class="s1"><b>Take Notes</b></span></div>
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<span class="s1">It may be difficult to remember each franchise exhibit. Bring a pad and pen to take notes. Get promotional literature that you can review. Take the exhibitors’ business cards so you can contact them later with any additional questions.</span></div>
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<span class="s1"><b>Avoid High Pressure Sales Tactics</b></span></div>
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<span class="s1">You may be told that the franchisor’s offering is limited, that there is only one territory left, or that this is a one-time reduced franchise sales price. Do not feel pressured to make any commitment. Legitimate franchisors expect you to comparison shop and to investigate their offering. A good deal today should be available tomorrow.</span></div>
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<span class="s1"><b>Study the Franchisor’s Offering</b></span></div>
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<span class="s1">Do not sign any contract or make any payment until you have the opportunity to investigate the franchisor’s offering thoroughly. As will be explained further in the next section, the FTC’s Franchise Rule requires the franchisor to provide you with a disclosure document containing important information about the franchise system. </span></div>
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<span class="s1"><b>Study the Disclosure Document</b></span></div>
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<span class="s1">Take time to speak with current and former franchisees about their experiences. Because investing in a franchise can entail a significant investment, you should have an attorney review the disclosure document and franchise contract. You also should have an accountant review the company’s financial disclosures.</span></div>Kensington Companyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11469878156296120477noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8810292386952990986.post-36137375958042277482012-07-12T07:10:00.001-07:002012-07-24T09:00:25.649-07:00Returning Veterans Make Excellent Franchise Owners<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ4IBzOnXRzBxDi-BcEknpdmmv9W4Wj2uxcoq9a4iCSdOSs9VAdYpkH8ikV3b4dj_QmVVMMsDZ8oLCyc9kQUWnykN4yi9pgJDIyIqnnAJ6LRk8mf92UhhLOG60Rb6P8mFjQLhwzWiX8EK6/s1600/imgres-6.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ4IBzOnXRzBxDi-BcEknpdmmv9W4Wj2uxcoq9a4iCSdOSs9VAdYpkH8ikV3b4dj_QmVVMMsDZ8oLCyc9kQUWnykN4yi9pgJDIyIqnnAJ6LRk8mf92UhhLOG60Rb6P8mFjQLhwzWiX8EK6/s1600/imgres-6.jpeg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Economic times are difficult, layoffs are common, and unemployment is high. People with jobs worry about losing them and those without jobs are fervently searching for one. Times are difficult and especially so for the brave men and women who left our job market to fight for our country. They sacrificed income and time with their families only to return home to a new fight. The fight for employment.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.kensingtoncompany.com/">Kensington Company & Affiliates</a> may be able to help find the solution for veterans returning home by educating them on franchise opportunities. The same skill set that makes a good soldier is often the same skill set thats make a franchisee.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What makes a good franchisee?</span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Passion</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Drive</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Self-motivation</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Work well within a team environment</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Work well with detailed systems</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Franchisors recognize the value in working with veterans and many times will offer incentives to help a veteran get started in the business. Call us to schedule a FREE consultation and learn if franchising may be the solution for you!</span></div>
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<br />Kensington Companyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11469878156296120477noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8810292386952990986.post-75700144477582167762012-06-26T12:48:00.001-07:002012-06-26T12:48:57.687-07:00What to Plan for in a Buy Sell Agreement to Prevent Loss of Business & Litigation.<div style="text-align: left;">
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The <a href="http://www.kensingtoncompany.com/">Kensington Company & Affiliates </a>would like to thank Jeanne Brutman, LUTCF, CBFS, CFS for submitting this informative article.</div>
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What to Plan for in a Buy Sell Agreement to Prevent Loss of Business & Litigation.</div>
<br />The Goal: Transfer of Business shares in a life event to those who wish to keep the business and cash to those that need to be bought out due to the following circumstances:<br /><br /><ul>
<li>Death: The premature passing of a shareholder. Usually Funded with Life Buyout Insurance, assuming all involved are insurable.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Disability: The Unplanned accident or illness of shareholder. Usually Funded with Disability Buyout Insurance, assuming all involved are insurable.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Divorce: Prevention of spouse of shareholder from causing undue stress on other business partners during separation or divorce proceedings.</li>
</ul>
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<li>Discontent: The inability of partners to co-exist in one corporation for any reason not related to legal or ethical violations.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Marriage: Prevention of future spouses of shareholders from making claim to partial ownership of business in future.</li>
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<ul>
<li>Retirement: The ability for any shareholder to leave at agreed upon time amicably. Usually funded through combination of cash value life insurance, corporate retirement plans and possibly installment payments from Annuity products or ongoing business revenue (least practical).</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Felony: The removal of shareholder that has legally or ethically endangered the company through their inappropriate actions. </li>
</ul>
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<br />It is usually recommended to go through some level of third party business evaluation of your business (not done by your cpa) every two to three years to substantiate the value of the business for IRS taxation purposes. Business valuation can be done from 3 different perspectives. sale of business to outside parties, estimation of estate taxes or internal buy sell agreement. This should be done as soon as possible to get a base line of the business value as it hits profitability. Flat value amounts can be used, but run the risk of out-dating rapidly and increased scrutiny from the IRS upon business transfer. Business valuation formula’s are more useful, but also have to be reviewed and possibly revised as the business changes structure over time. As mentioned above ,it is considered in good form to review the entire buy sell agreement and it’s formula’s or stated business value every 2-3 years, but. if the business is expanding or shrinking more rapidly, perhaps more often is advisable.<br /><br />Kensington Companyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11469878156296120477noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8810292386952990986.post-53121360170987651432012-06-13T06:40:00.001-07:002012-06-13T06:40:46.609-07:00Lunch and Learn June 19th<br />
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" 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" 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" 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<a href="http://www.kensingtoncompany.com/"><span style="font-size: 26px;"><span style="color: #21689b;">Kensington Company & Affiliates</span></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 26px;"><span style="color: #21689b;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 26px;"><span style="color: #21689b;">Free Lunch and Learn</span></span><span style="color: #21689b;"><span style="font-size: 24px;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18px;"><span style="color: #21689b;">with a<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 18px;"><span style="color: #21689b;">Leading National Franchise Company</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18px;"><span style="color: #21689b;">and their Local Franchise Owners</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #21689b;"><span style="font-size: 24px;">Next Tuesday, June 19th, 1pm</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 15px;"><span style="color: #21689b;">The Olive Garden,Old Country Road, Westbury, NY</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 15px;"><span style="color: #21689b;">If you are looking for business ownership and want a business that offers</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 15px;"><span style="color: #21689b;">fast ramp up, a proven track record and big earning potential. This event is for you!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 15px;"><span style="color: #21689b;">....and in house franchisor financing.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 15px;"><span style="color: #21689b;">Learn about a franchise that has been ranked by</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 15px;"><span style="color: #21689b;">Entrepreneur Magazine as #1 in their category for 15 straight years.</span></span></div>
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<br /><a href="http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=23375770&msgid=128436&act=BHM1&c=1036720&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.eventbrite.com%2Fevent%2F3703689836" style="color: #21689b;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: 22px;"><span style="color: #21689b;">Free Event, Registration Required - Click Here</span></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 15px;"><span style="color: #21689b;">(also featured at this Lunch and Learn will be a Franchise Resale for Budget Blinds Netting Approximately 125K and only asking $150K)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 25px;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="color: #21689b;">A Few Reasons to Learn More about Budget Blinds</span></span></span></div>
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<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="color: #21689b;">Low Investment Cost, Under $100K Total Investment </span></span></span></li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="color: #21689b;">Very Fast Ramp Up and Big Earning Potential</span></span></span></li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="color: #21689b;">Franchisor Financing Available</span></span></span></li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="color: #21689b;">Few Employees</span></span></span></li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="color: #21689b;">Home Based, No Inventory, Low Overhead</span></span></span></li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="color: #21689b;">Flexible Schedule - Make your own Schedule</span></span></span></li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="color: #21689b;">$8 Million Spent Annually on Marketing - in the top 10% of all franchisors.</span></span></span></li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="color: #21689b;">Average Gross Profit = 53%</span></span></span></li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="color: #21689b;">75% of their franchisees are Men with NO Design or Decor Experience</span></span></span></li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="color: #21689b;">Named the #1 BEST Franchise in their Category for the past 15 Years by Entrepreneur Magazine</span></span></span></li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="color: #21689b;">#1 for 3 years in a row, Franchisee Satisfaction, by Franchise Business Review - AMAZING FRANCHISEE VALIDATION - HAPPY OWNERS, MAKING MONEY</span></span></span></li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="color: #21689b;">Ranked in the top 70 of ALL Franchises by Entrepreneur Magazine</span></span></span></li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="color: #21689b;">Un-paralleled Training and Support</span></span></span></li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="color: #21689b;">Strong Vendor Relationships and Purchasing Power</span></span></span></li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="color: #21689b;">FREE LUNCH</span></span></span></li>
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<span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="color: #21689b;">If you are looking for a low cost, home based business, that offers complete freedom and flexibility and can cash flows positive in a very short period of time, join us for this Free Lunch and Learn. Most of their franchisees are men with no previous design or decor experience that moved forward with Budget Blinds because of their AMAZING business model with strong earning potential. If you are looking for a business and are on a tight budget, want great support, need quick ramp up and cash flow, then you should invest an hour with us for a free lunch and learn. Don't take our word, meet with local franchisees and speak with 100's of others as you validate and learn about this great franchise opportunity.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="color: #21689b;">Furthermore, they will also fly you out to California to see their corporate offices and put you up for 2 nights to meet their team and view their operations.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 15px;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="color: #21689b;">Call or email with questions.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 15px;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="color: #21689b;"><a href="mailto:Stuart@kensingtoncompany.com" style="color: #21689b;" target="_blank">Stuart@kensingtoncompany.com</a></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 15px;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="color: #21689b;"><a href="tel:516-626-2211" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank" value="+15166262211">516-626-2211</a></span></span></span></div>
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</div>Kensington Companyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11469878156296120477noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8810292386952990986.post-85723800494010275442012-05-18T08:54:00.001-07:002012-05-29T05:11:44.976-07:00Why Corporate Executives Make Good Franchise Owners<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
Today's economy has caused fear and stress to become a part of our daily routine. People are worried about finding jobs, keeping jobs, and pay cuts. We worry about providing for ourselves and our families and watch our quality of life diminish. It is even more difficult when we feel a lack of control over our financial future.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKGEjt-bUnnpue9chERDyVJe_YqBMpyOJ-FgKJUmQ6yIHTJAWK1xutKUae-HM6OvMRTJOWK9FImcXHeQBfXQIyuI3pdUUTGGPcMq5K3sx5z9KU9w7ZpZ1zbyZrnaxaHLwGhULvVHmKeK3I/s1600/imgres.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKGEjt-bUnnpue9chERDyVJe_YqBMpyOJ-FgKJUmQ6yIHTJAWK1xutKUae-HM6OvMRTJOWK9FImcXHeQBfXQIyuI3pdUUTGGPcMq5K3sx5z9KU9w7ZpZ1zbyZrnaxaHLwGhULvVHmKeK3I/s1600/imgres.jpeg" /></a>For some, taking control is a real option. How? By becoming your own boss and making the decisions which directly affect your finances. Purchasing a franchise allows you to take the risk of owning your business with the benefits of a built in support system and proven successful business model.</div>
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Corporate executives make especially good franchisees because of their business background. Franchisors typically do not look for candidates that are skilled in their service, but rather look for candidates with good business acumen. </div>
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So what traits make corporate executives good franchisees?</div>
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<li>Long term vision for the business. </li>
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<li>Good leadership skills</li>
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<li>Quality decision making skills</li>
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<li>Reliable</li>
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<li>Good at delegating</li>
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<li>Hard working</li>
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<li>Financial savvy</li>
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<a href="http://www.kensingtoncompany.com/" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> Kensington Company & Affiliates </a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">offers FREE consultations which can help you determine if franchise ownership is right for you. Call us today to set your appointment!</span><br style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;" /><br />Kensington Companyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11469878156296120477noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8810292386952990986.post-57273144801014093522012-05-01T07:29:00.002-07:002012-05-08T06:26:48.571-07:00Surprising Facts Learned at the Meet the Franchisor Workshop<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<a href="http://www.kensingtoncompany.com/">Kensington Company & Affiliates</a> would like to thank everyone who attended and/or contributed to last weeks "Meet the Franchisor Workshop." We are pleased to announce that the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. The franchisors reported meeting many viable candidates who expressed the intent to research and consider the franchise. On the flip side, many people have scheduled their free consultation with <a href="http://www.kensingtoncompany.com/">Kensington Company & Affiliates</a> to investigate which franchise may best suit their needs.</div>
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In speaking with the attendees, we found that the majority of them learned some surprising facts about franchise ownership. Here are the ones mentioned most often:</div>
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<li>Franchises DO NOT have to be fast food restaurants! </li>
<li>85% of franchises can be purchased for less than $250,000!</li>
<li>Many franchises are available for less than the cost of a new car! </li>
<li>Franchises can be service industries such as cleaning, painting, or staffing companies.</li>
<li>Franchises can be educational companies such as day care, tutoring, or test preparation</li>
<li>The franchise owner DOES NOT need to be experienced or skilled in the product of the franchise, in fact many franchisors look for people with business skills instead.</li>
<li>Work from home franchises are available!</li>
<li>No employees, few employees, or many employees are all options.</li>
<li>Most franchisors help with financing!</li>
<li>Displaced corporate executives tend to be very successful franchise owners.</li>
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Kensington Company & Affiliates offers a <b>free consultation </b>to help you determine if franchise ownership is right for you and if so, which franchise is right for you. Not only is the consultation free, but <b>there is no fee to the franchisee (you) </b>throughout the entire process! There is no risk, only tremendous opportunity to create a life you will enjoy so call and schedule your appointment today!</div>
<b style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> </b><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" />Kensington Companyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11469878156296120477noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8810292386952990986.post-19912728367792109042012-04-18T04:59:00.000-07:002012-04-18T04:59:03.752-07:00Stress Management for Busy People<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
In honor of National Stress Awareness Day, which falls on April 16th, Kensington Company & Affiliates would like to share a relevant article written by Donna S. Stein, LCSW, RYT, Psychotherapist.</div>
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<i><b>Stress Management for Busy People</b></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Merely mention the topic of stress management and people grimace. The word “stress” conjures up a variety of unpleasant images: workaholism, neck and back muscle pain, high blood pressure, irritability, agitation or restlessness, exhaustion, sleeplessness, a sense of dread, anxiety, depression and a suppressed immune system, to name a few. There’s a sense that although most of us easily acknowledge carrying way too much of it in our daily lives, that there’s little that can be done to lessen it’s negative effects. Wrong! The question you may have to ask yourself is, “how bad does it have to get before you begin to put your health first?”. Fortunately for our bodies and psyches, relaxation practices, and coping skills can be learned and used to relieve chronic stress and lessen the dangerous cascade of stress hormones (adrenaline and cortisol) that keep us feeling on edge. Relaxing and shutting down an overactive stress response is one of the most important commitments we can make to our health and our sanity. We’ve all heard the professionals warn of the dangerous physical, emotional, and spiritual downside to a fast paced overloaded life. The reasons to pay attention to the symptoms of stress are significant. Simply put, your health and life may depend on it. </span><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Stress itself is not bad; in fact it’s normal. Life is full of positive and negative stressors (events that exert physical or emotional pressure), and the good news is that our bodies are well equipped to handle it. In a perfect world, we deal with a short-term stressful event, it passes, and we return to business as usual. Unfortunately, for most of us that is simply not the case. Today’s stressors are often chronic rather than short term, direct and subtle, and subjective. Issues such as job insecurity, health, finances, childcare, eldercare, juggling the demands of work and family life, information overload and even our homeland security often have no clear conclusion or resolution. Concerns, worries, and fear lurk in people’s minds leaving people in a “wired and tired” state of overwhelmed bewilderment. “Stress is not just something in your head,” advises Harold Bloomfield, M.D., Ph.D., noted author, psychotherapist, and psychiatrist. “It brings about profound physiological responses that lead to disease and disorder.” In other words, today’s tension headache or insomnia can contribute to tomorrow’s major illness. It is an important preventive measure to heed our body’ signals early. We may not be able to change our world, however we can adjust or reaction to it, and potentially both lessen the harmful effects of stress and increase our sense of wellbeing now and down the road.</span><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The following are simple lifestyle adjustments that may help your body-mind become more stress resilient, rebalance your overwhelmed nervous system allowing your battery to recharge and repair itself. Taking charge of the things that make you stressed is not always easy, but it is always productive and will yield enormous physical and emotional payoffs.</span><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">1) Get enough deep sleep- One of the most common symptoms of too much stress is poor quality sleep. Since sleep is a form of surrender, or letting go, it cannot be generated or forced. The last thing a stressed hyper aroused mind wants to do is let go. Many of the suggestions below will assist this process. Learn what helps your mind and body let go of the day and slip into necessary, health promoting, deeply restorative sleep.</span><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">2) Basic R and R- This is nature’s way of recharging our energy reserves. Without proper relaxation the body and mind become overworked and inefficient, good health and peace of mind suffer. Take a break from high-stimulation, plugged-in environments to do something that you enjoy…garden, read, be outdoors in nature, sing, play with your pet, get a massage, tap your creative juices, listen to soothing music, take a power nap or a warm bath.</span><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">3) Establish a regular exercise routine- This is without question the best stress reduction tool available, loaded with physical and emotional side benefits. It will help facilitate easier restorative sleep, reduce the buildup of muscle tension and stress hormones, and help maintain good health.</span><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">4) Eat a wholesome nutrient rich diet- What, where, and how you eat will all have an important bearing on the state of your mind and body. Be mindful of the effects of caffeine and sugar on your particular physiology. Focus on health maintenance, weight loss can come later.</span><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">5) Certain vitamins help lessen stress’s effects by helping the brain produce more of the “feel good” hormones. Nutrients and supplements also support a healthy lifestyle. You really don’t want to add a nutrient deficiency on top of an already overloaded stress response. Life is challenging enough.</span><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">6) Relaxation Techniques/Yoga Breathing/Meditation-These ancient mindfulness practices may seem esoteric, however they are simple, easy to learn, and can be incorporated into a modern and busy lifestyle with little effort or special equipment. Slow deep abdominal breathing interrupts the stress cycle and can help maintain a clear head that can more effectively problem solve and concentrate. These practices reliably increase the production of the calming hormones prolactin, melatonin, and serotonin, while decreasing stress hormone levels. Regular practice produces a wealth of positive results in mind, body, and spirit. Try taking a few long slow deep breaths followed by even longer, slower complete exhales next time you feel pressured. It works!</span><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">7) Social Support- Supportive close relationships can offer emotional buoyancy and a place to let off steam while reigning in negative thinking. If friends or family can’t offer the unconditional sounding board needed, consider seeing an empathic professional who can offer tremendous service if the burden feels too severe. </span><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">8)Cultivate A Positive Attitude/Spiritual Practice- Optimism and positive thinking are well worth cultivating even if you’re not the religious type. The ability to find positive meaning in the inevitable adversity may be one of the reasons why actively spiritually oriented people cope better with challenge, and why they more often describe themselves as happier than those who do not engage in spiritual practices. When we cultivate an attitude that is not driven by approval or results we are better able to move with equanimity through frustration, fear and emotional pain. We become more skillful at dealing with stressful situations, rather than our own emotional reactions to them.</span><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">9) Goal Setting- Beyond acquisition and achievements, materialism and consumption, explore and strengthen qualities that bring enduring happiness: Loving-kindness, courage, composure, tenacity, generosity, insight and humor. When we operate from a place that embraces these qualities we experience liberation from the limited world of desiring “things”.</span><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The above suggestions are most beneficial when practiced regularly. They quickly become self-reinforcing as we feel better when we apply them in our lives. Their effects are cumulative and allow us to better cultivate the emotional resiliency necessary to more skillfully ride the waves of the inevitable stressful challenges we will face throughout life, allowing the possibility of experiencing more of the joy and happiness that is our birthright. </span>Kensington Companyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11469878156296120477noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8810292386952990986.post-22277465497496342212012-04-03T13:51:00.002-07:002012-04-03T13:51:33.908-07:00Qestions for the Francisors<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<a href="http://www.kensingtom.com/">Kensington Company & Affiliates</a> will hold a "Meet the Franchisor" seminar on April 26th. The seminar will provide a great opportunity to learn about a number of franchises and to speak directly with one of their representatives. With this in mind, we are pleased to share the following helpful tips.</div>
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Strong and successful franchise systems don't sell franchises, they award them. It is important to show the franchisor that you are a smart and capable prospect who is serious about their business opportunity and are motivated to be successful. As much as you are evaluating the franchisor to see if they have a successful model and are a fit for your goals, they are evaluating you to make sure that you are somebody they want to work with and have in business using their name and system.</div>
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When speaking with franchisors it is very important to keep scheduled appointments and be interactive with the franchisor. Remember that researching a business or franchise is a process. You are not going to make your decision in one phone call, or one meeting. You do not need to bombard the franchisor with all of your questions on one call.</div>
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It is a best practice to have specific goals and topics that you wish to cover with each scheduled contact with the franchisor. Below is a list of suggested questions that should be discussed with the franchisor. It is very important to take the information that you receive from the franchisor and discuss it with their franchisees to make sure there is no disconnect.</div>
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Here is a list of questions to bring with you when you meet with a Franchisor:</div>
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<li style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">How long have you been with the company and what is your background?</li>
<li style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Describe the industry you are in and the competition.</li>
<li style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Is this a growing industry?</li>
<li style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">How sensitive is the industry to technological changes?</li>
<li style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Who are the competitors and what are the barriers to entry?</li>
<li style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">How do you differentiate yourself from the competition?</li>
<li style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Make sure you understand the fees associated with the franchise.</li>
<li style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Is there a marketing fund and if so, how are the dollars collected and spent?</li>
<li style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">How long have you been franchising?</li>
<li style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">How many corporate units does the company own?</li>
<li style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Have any changes been made to the business model or system in the recent past?</li>
<li style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">What are the costs to opening the business?</li>
<li style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">What is your grand opening support? Have you had any failures in your system? WHY?</li>
<li style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">How many units do you wish to award in the next year, three years, five years.</li>
<li style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Do I get a protected territory?</li>
<li style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">What is the role of the owner in the business?</li>
<li style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Can you recommend some successful franchisees to speak with?</li>
<li style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Do you have an earnings claim? Please describe.</li>
<li style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">What training and ongoing support do you offer? Describe the experience of the management team.</li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Does the franchisor have any plans to sell? Go public?</span></li>
</ul>Kensington Companyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11469878156296120477noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8810292386952990986.post-91684009654359699632012-03-21T07:04:00.000-07:002012-03-21T07:04:08.277-07:00Meet the Franchisor Workshop on 4/26/12<br />
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<strong>MEET WITH 7 TOP NATIONAL FRANCHISORS ON THE SPOT !</strong></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Don’t miss this popular workshop. Find out what it takes to purchase and operate your own franchise..<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
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<li><span style="font-size: x-small;">Complimentary LUNCH.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: x-small;">One-On-One time with TOP NATIONAL FRANCHISE REPRESENTATIVES.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: x-small;">LEARN HOW TO FINANCE YOUR BUSINESS IN TODAY’S LENDING ENVIRONMENT.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: x-small;">Learn how to find a business that is right for you.</span></li>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Get up close and personal with the development teams of 7 Top-Rated Franchise Companies looking to grow on Long Island. These carefully pre-screened companies are searching for business professionals that are looking for the right opportunity to be their own boss.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Featured Franchise Resales<br />Kensington Company represents exclusive business resale opportunities. Whether you are looking for a Million Dollar facility or a home-based business visit us at our resale table.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">If...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">You are in a career transition or considering one</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">You want the freedom and control of owning your own business</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">You have been or might be downsized or outplaced</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">You are looking for financial security and independence</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">You have always dreamed of owning your own business</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />Then this Workshop is for YOU!!!<br /><br />You will...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Learn how to find a business that is right for YOU</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Learn how to finance your business</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Have one on one time with Top National Franchise Executives</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Thursday, April 26, 2012 from 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM (ET)<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><strong>FREE DINNER</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; display: inline ! important; float: none; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">Thursday, April 26, 2012 from 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM (ET)<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><strong style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">FREE LUNCH</strong></span><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></strong></div>
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<br />Kensington Companyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11469878156296120477noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8810292386952990986.post-29439445709609259522012-03-21T06:53:00.003-07:002012-03-21T06:53:34.533-07:00Master Franchising, The Best Kept Secret<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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One of the BEST kept SECRETS in franchising is MASTER FRANCHISING, which is sometimes known as Regional Developers. Everyone understands that franchising is about duplication and consistency. Everyone is looking for the next McDonalds. But did you ever ask yourself if YOU own the next McDonalds, WHY would you franchise? <a href="http://www.kensingtoncompany.com/">Kensington Affiliates & Associates</a> is happy to answer this for you.<br /><br />Company’s franchise for two basic reasons, an excellent source of capital and the ability to help insure consistency by owners having a vested interest in the success of their operation. As John Paul Getty once said: “I would rather have 1% of 100 good men, then 100% of just myself.”<br /><br />Master Franchising allows you to strategically partner with the Franchisor and share in the growth of the concept by managing and growing a region. The KEY word is “Managing.” The Master Franchisee owns the rights from the Franchisor to develop and manage a defined territory, which can be a large metropolitan area, an entire state, an entire region or even an entire country. As the owner of your territory you grow the concept by selling franchises within your region. The reward is sharing with the franchise company the royalty revenue and franchise fees that are generated from the operations within your defined region. LIKE the Franchisor you do not have to be involved with the daily operations of each franchise, but instead Support, Assist and Manage your franchisees. <br /><br />If you are fortunate enough to own the Master Franchise rights to an exciting concept that is growing you will be able to generate consistent residual revenue from sharing in the royalties that the franchisees pay. The best kept secret of Master Franchising is that you are able to generate all these benefits without the upfront expense that the franchise company had to spend to develop the concept. Master Franchising is the ultimate EMPIRE BUILDING Business. <br /><br />Master Franchising or Regional Developers usually have numerous revenue streams. Each company is unique, but usually the following are some basic parameters: <br /><br />Company owned site: The Master Franchise or Regional Developer usually operates at least one unit within their defined region. There are tremendous economies of scale for the Master Franchisee is able to operate their corporate office from their operating unit. In addition, their franchise fees are usually half of what a franchisee pays, which results in more profits to the bottom line. <br /><br />Franchise Fees: Usually the Master Franchise or Regional Developer share equally the up front franchise fees. Typical franchise fees range from $20,000 to $50,000, and therefore the portion of the fee that a Master Franchisee earns would be $10,000 to $25,000. <br /><br />Monthly Royalties: This is the GOLD. This is why you purchase the rights to develop a territory. As the Master Franchise or Regional Developer you share in the on going royalties with the franchise company. Typically you will receive between 2.5% to 5% of your franchisee’s revenue every month. This is a tremendous wealth creation vehicle for you and your heirs. <br /><br />Additional Sources of Revenue: Depending upon the concept and your personal situation, some franchise companies allow for you to share in the profits from the sale of products and services. <br /><br />Benefits of Master Franchising<br /><br />Own an Entire Territory for many times less than the price of building one Fast Food Restaurant<br /><br />Own an Exclusive Territory which will produce Residual Income that YOU are able to control<br /><br />Excellent Life Style Business<br /><br />Tremendous Freedom to create an Empire Building Business<br /><br />Work ON your business INSTEAD of just in the business<br /><br />Ability to develop sites within your territory with the added bonus of being able to then sell them as an on going business, AND still keep your share of the monthly royalties.<br /><br />Acquire under performing units and turn them around with the option of either keeping them within your portfolio or selling them and receive your share of the monthly royalties, WITHOUT worrying about the daily operations of the unit.<br /><br />Minimum Customers, for the franchisees are your customers. The primary job is to help support and guide them. Remember you also have the support and help of the franchise company. Basically a Master Franchisee is a coach to their franchisees. <br /><br />Minimal Employees, the primary role is to develop the territory and provide assistance to the franchisees. Until market penetration is developed, very few employees are required; in fact many Master Franchises have at the most an administrative assistant and a trainer. Once the territory is developed a number of Master Franchisees or Area Developers are able to semi-retire and enjoy their monthly residual income which is created by the successful development of their franchise territory. <br /><br />Equity is built in the business as your territory is developed. As new franchisees join the system the value of the Master Franchise business should be greatly affected in a positive manner. This is what most buyers of companies are looking for; GROWTH and RESIDUAL Income. <br /><br />Industry specific experience is not usually required, it is more important to have excellent communication and people skills to be a successful Master Franchisee. Remember you are NOT running each unit, you are instead overseeing all of your franchisees. <br /><br />If you believe that you have the necessary skill set to help grow a company, and desire to build a large empire with consistent residual income then Master Franchising might be just right for you. At Kensington Franchise Sales, we can help navigate the many choices that you have with our professional Master Franchise Experts. <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Kensington Companyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11469878156296120477noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8810292386952990986.post-85729399911565664012012-03-07T08:30:00.002-08:002012-03-07T08:30:53.575-08:00Get the Word Out- Using Public Relations to Promote Your Business<br />
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Bill Corbett Jr., President of Corbett Public Relations, Inc. wrote the following article for <a href="http://www.kensingtoncompany.com/">Kensington Comapny & Affiliates.</a> We are happy to share the article with you.</div>
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Few business owners want their businesses’ to be known as “the best kept secret” in their industry. If you own a business or manage one the goal is simple, grow and make a profit. To grow businesses owners need to communicate regularly with their customers, prospects and referral sources who can impact the bottom line. <br /><br />Does your company have the best product in your sector? Does your business offer industry leading services with innovative approaches? Do clients benefit more when they choose to work with your firm versus engaging your competition?<br /><br />If you answered “yes” to any of these questions or perhaps all of them your marketing program should contain a public relations component. Marketing a business can be done in many ways, all have their benefits and drawbacks. E-mail and direct mail campaigns bring customized messages directly to specific individuals. The problem is that direct mail is expensive and yields low results. Marketing via e-mail is less costly but must be personalized and reach many prospects to be effective. While, advertising brings messages to millions, the cost is very high and consumers often mistrust advertising claims. For professionals, speaking at seminars and networking both offer the chance to communicate directly with prospects. The drawback is that audiences are often very small. <br /><br />This brings us to public relations, the process of working with the media to get your message out to key audiences. Public relations program objectives are to build name recognition for a company, product or service, educate prospective customers and inform referral sources. All of these efforts support a company’s overall marketing goal, which is to create more leads, support sales teams and drive sales. <br /><br />What is public relations? Public relations is a systematic approach of placing stories about companies, products or individuals in the media. Examples include a review of a new electronics product in a magazine, an interview with a labor attorney in a newspaper about a sexual harassment case or a live television broadcast at a music festival. In each case the media is used to attract attention to a specific business. Whether it is selling a product, promoting a service or seeking to bring consumers to an event, each of these vehicles will accomplish the objective. Although being in the newspaper one time or doing a radio interview is helpful, a public relations program seeks to position a company in a mix of media outlets over time. Programs will include different messages designed to reach key audiences. Over time, prospective customers will become more familiar with products and services as well as the company’s name. When prospects are comfortable with a company or brand name they are more likely to be receptive to choosing the company’s products or services when it comes down to making a decision for a purchase or entering into an agreement. <br /> </div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Media relations programs lead to publicity in newspapers, magazines, on television and on the web. With the explosion of the internet, opportunities for publicity have become almost limitless. The internet is where most people start looking for products and services. Failure to have a web presence beyond your own website in today’s business world is a competitive disadvantage. Media relations is one of the best and most cost effective ways to get your company name out on the web and spread it around the world. The more websites, blogs or online communities where articles, interviews and information about your business can be found, the more likely potential customers will be able to find your business. </span><br style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;" /><br style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The value of media coverage should not be overlooked. Because media coverage comes from independent third parties it is often regarded highly by customers and prospects. When reporters offer their independent views on products or services, consumers perceive this as a tacit endorsement. This type of coverage carries a significant value and strengthens corporate credibility. When competing for a contract or a customer, having a sales package that includes articles that have appeared in the media can be a significant advantage. </span><br style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;" /><br style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Today media coverage comes in many forms; regardless of the vehicle, having been covered by the media provides the recipient with tremendous value which will positively impact the bottom line. </span><br style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;" /><br style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">This article was provided by Bill Corbett, Jr. President of Corbett Public Relations, Inc., an award winning public relations and marketing firm based in New York. Mr. Corbett has developed hundreds of publicity campaigns for clients over the past 20 years. He can be reached at wjcorbett@corbettpr.com or visit his website www.corbettpr.com. </span><br style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;" />Kensington Companyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11469878156296120477noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8810292386952990986.post-80946418551429421452012-02-17T10:41:00.000-08:002012-02-17T10:41:38.767-08:00Marketing as a Customer Driven Process<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<a href="http://www.kensingtoncompany.com/">Kensington Company & Affiliates</a> offers this marketing advice prepared by the New York State Small Business Development Center.</div>
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The American Marketing Association defines marketing as the process of planning and executing the conception, pricing, promotion and distribution of ideas, goods and services to create exchanges that satisfy individual and organizational objectives. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGDGeAxEpzdgWyq9i-9RLFy77qtPrk2sbo3tp15Vzkr_x-C7HCNwPIYoH4zg_sEuRpqo0btqdwqJwSapgHJowt4-rjND_B0cq8l1FC8H49FTwBbrWIgCEvFPf1GBIRe2XwAxoZJ-OwY7EN/s1600/imgres-15.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGDGeAxEpzdgWyq9i-9RLFy77qtPrk2sbo3tp15Vzkr_x-C7HCNwPIYoH4zg_sEuRpqo0btqdwqJwSapgHJowt4-rjND_B0cq8l1FC8H49FTwBbrWIgCEvFPf1GBIRe2XwAxoZJ-OwY7EN/s1600/imgres-15.jpeg" /></a>Marketing includes diverse disciplines like sales, public relations, pricing, packaging, and distribution. In order to distinguish marketing from other related professional services, S.H. Simmons, author and humorist, relates this anecdote, "If a young man tells his date she's intelligent, looks lovely, and is a great conversationalist, he's saying the right things to the right person and that's marketing. If the young man tells his date how handsome, smart and successful he is -- that's advertising. If someone else tells the young woman how handsome, smart and successful her date is -- that's public relations." </div>
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<br />Marketing is all about the art of persuasion. In business, there exist individuals who want to make money, and marketing is finding those people to persuade to purchase their good or service. Without identifying the right customers, a small business with the greatest product on Earth is destined for failure. <br /> </div>
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The four P’s of marketing, product, price, place (distribution), and promotion are very much alive. Though it may seem counter-intuitive, good marketing isn’t about finding the right product and to promote it at a good price at the right time. Rather it is about finding those customers who will need or want your product and will go out and purchase it. In terms of the four P’s then, it is the customers that should be the driving force behind them. <br /> </div>
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What are your customers' needs? What do they expect to get when they buy your product or use your service? The right product is the one that best fits their requirements. People who eat in restaurants want more than a good meal. They might expect value, quick service, beer and alcohol, a vegetarian menu, a children's menu, entertainment, a drive through window, or to be identified with a trendy crowd. It becomes a difficult and probably an unprofitable venture trying to satisfy everyone's needs.<br />Once the customers have been identified and listed their expectations, a small business can design its product or service around their requirements. Too many small businesses owners are in love with their ideas, and they should be. After all, why would anyone commit their energy, life savings, and no small part of their sanity to anything less than a consuming passion. Because entrepreneurs are passionate about their idea, product, or service, they innocently assume other people will feel the same. Here's the bad news, it just doesn't work that way! <br /> </div>
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People have their own unique perceptions of the world based on their belief system. The most innovative ideas, the greatest products, or a superior service succeed only when you market within the context of people's perceptions. <br /> </div>
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Once you have identified your customer and listed their expectations, you can design your product or service around their requirements. The more you fulfill your customer's expectations, the better the quality of your product. Think of your product or service as more than just what the customers pays for. When you are planning your business consider how the whole transaction meets the customer's needs.<br /> </div>
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So what is a small business owner to do? Plan, plan, plan. A good marketing plan can help you focus your energy and resources. But a plan created in a vacuum, based solely on your perceptions, does not advance the agenda. That's why market research, however simple or sophisticated, is important. The Small Business Development Center can assist entrepreneur’s with creating an effective marketing plan in order to locate their customers to insure success. </div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Prepared by Ritu S. Wackett, Senior Advisor</span><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
New York State Small Business Development Center</span><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
Farmingdale State College</span><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" />Kensington Companyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11469878156296120477noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8810292386952990986.post-17202096848299173072012-02-02T16:12:00.000-08:002012-02-03T07:40:49.588-08:00Financing in Today’s Economy, Beauty is in the Eyes of the Beholder!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Beauty is in the eyes of the Beholder!!! What looks bad in the eyes of one institution may look good to other companies that have the flexibility to be more creative. <br /><br />Due to regulatory requirements banks must be conservative and generally do not lend to companies with consecutive years losses, capital deficiencies and those that are too highly leveraged. The good news is that there are many non-traditional financing sources that are very creative and flexible and specialize in distressed and special situations. These Beholders see beauty in a Company’s collateral. These lenders include asset-based lenders, real estate lenders, inventory lenders and leasing companies. Other Beholders see beauty in the credit worthiness of a Company’s customers. These lenders include factors, and companies that specialize in purchase order financing, trade finance and inventory financing. There are even finance companies that will advance funds against streams of periodic and balloon payments one expects to receive over time or in the distant future. Examples of these payment streams include; lottery winnings, tax refunds, structured court or insurance settlements, inheritances, annuities and royalty payments. <br /><br />There are also many Beholders that will make equity investments in a company. Venture Capitalists (VC’s) like to invest in start-up companies with a new proven product or service that has demonstrated customer acceptance. VC’s look for unique products/services with huge market potential. They frown on “me too” products that lack barriers of entry and protection of intellectual property. There is a group of Beholders often referred to as “Angel Investors”. These Angels tend to be very wealthy individuals who seek to invest seed money in start-up companies often overlooked by VC’s. Angels often like to invest in companies that are in industries in which they have experience. Angels will generally invest less money than VC’s. <br /><br />Other Beholders that make equity investments are groups that specialize in buying or investing in “troubled companies”. To these Beholders or “Opportunistic Investors”, the more troubled and the more problems the better, as a small investment can result in a significant ownership percentage in this scenario. A troubled company with few remaining problems may not be as attractive as a company that still has numerous problems as there is less upside potential after fixing the few problems that may still remain. <br /><br />While Opportunistic Investors take risks with troubled companies, there are still other types of Beholders that prefer successful companies that require additional assistance to get to the next level. These Beholders are referred to as either “Equity” or “Buy-Out” groups. These Groups seek companies that operate under constraints that often hamper their growth. These constraints may include, lack of adequate capital for expansion and growth, limitations on managerial or operating resources, excessive financial leverage or poor capital structures, or neglect from parent companies that no longer deem a division or subsidiary important. <br />This Beholder’s goal is to identify these constraints, alleviate them, and fund the opportunity to unlock its potential value. Thus, the goals of these Groups is to take an already "good" company, limited by financial or operational constraints, and make it a "great" company. <br /><br />There is another group of Beholders called “Mezzanine” lenders. Mezzanine lenders are riskier than commercial banks and asset based lenders as they are not the “senior” lender and therefore are not in the first position with respect to a company’s collateral. In the case of a liquidation, a Mezzanine lender would only be entitled to collateral after the senior lender is made whole. To compensate for this risk, these Beholders charge very high interest rates and are often given warrants to purchase equity in the companies they invest in. Mezzanine lenders will give a company the right to buy back equity at a hefty price. These Beholders are expensive due to the additional risks they take. <br /><br />The process of raising capital is very complex and time consuming. When company personnel devote too much time to this process they often take their eyes off of running the business. Companies should consider using financial consultants to assist in managing this process for their company from start to finish. Remember, Beauty is in the eyes of the Beholder! An experienced financial consultant will know where to find the appropriate Beholders for the appropriate situation.<br /><br />__________________________________________________________________________________________<br /><a href="http://www.kensingtoncompany.com/">Kensington Company & Affiliates </a>would like to thank Neil A. Seiden for contributing this informative article.<br />
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Neil A. Seiden, Managing Director, Asset Enhancement Solutions, LLC<br />neil.seiden@assetenhancement.com - 516-767-0100 – www.assetenhancement.com<br />Kensington Companyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11469878156296120477noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8810292386952990986.post-15325324777221678512012-01-25T08:31:00.000-08:002012-01-25T08:31:47.080-08:00Startups Need Defined Goals. And Deadlines.<div style="text-align: center;">
Startups Need Defined Goals. And Deadlines.<br />Contributors: <br />Lucille Wesnofske, Director<br />Small Business Development Center at<br />Farmingdale State College<br />Doug Boyce, Director, <br />Small Business Development Center at Binghamton University</div>
<br /><br /><br />Sitting on the fence is not living on the edge. For start-up businesses, the clock begins to tick as the idea begins to form. One of the most difficult processes for any start-up businessperson is turning an imaginary concept into an action plan. “How do I get from A to B?” is the common question. And, by the time a would-be entrepreneur has made the decision to go for it; the dream may have become obsolete either through technological advances or even new local competition. If the decision is to proceed, there are goals that must be defined.<br /><br />In the United States, about 675,000 new businesses are created each year. Unfortunately, more than 80% of start-up businesses do not make it to the fifth year. The primary reason is lack of planning. Dreams evolve into goals with the development of a business plan. This concept of business plan can not be overly stressed. It is a road map, a timeline and a deadline. It is a feasibility study in which dreams are broken down to nuts and bolts. It is a working document which requires periodic review and revision as the business progresses. Too many entrepreneurs fail to develop and follow specific short and long term realistic goals – the business plan. <br /><br />Most successful entrepreneurs are self-motivated, energetic, creative, visionary, profit–oriented, above average in communication skills and controlling. Although these characteristics have a positive impact during the conception and birth phases of development, several can become negatives if not recognized for what they are. Entrepreneurs have a tendency to need to be in control and many have difficulty in delegating. They go into business and quickly lose focus as they become all things rather than concentrating on core competencies. It is important that a full self assessment of skills be done to help recognize what areas are weak and will need outside help. i.e. The entrepreneur may be strong in marketing and weak in finance. Staffing needs should be identified.<br /><br />Competition is always underestimated. A startup businessperson may not realize how difficult it is to convince customers to change vendors or how deeply entrenched competitors are in the marketplace. An analysis of the market will help determine if there is sufficient unfulfilled need. A product or service must have a “unique selling proposition” that differentiates it from the competition. The startup businessperson must answer the question “Why should I do business with you rather than your competitors?” <br /><br />Other considerations in setting realistic goals should be: prior experience in the type of business being started; family requirements and expected support; the economic outlook for the industry as a whole, and the personal sacrifices the startup businessperson is willing to make. <br /><br />Finally, of all other things considered, cash flow is the most vital component of any startup. Few new businesses are properly capitalized and most do not realize a profit through the first or even second years. Capital sources can vary from personal equity, to friends and family, to lending institutions. Lack of oversight or sloppy control of expenses can choke any startup business and prior to raising outside capital, an accurate assessment of capital needs is required. Planning cash flow needs and sources should warrant a separate section of any startup businessperson’s plan.<br /><br />Wesnofske is Director of the Small Business Development Center at <br />Farmingdale State College and can be reached at<br />SBDC@farmingdale.edu or 631-420-2765<br /><br /><br />Boyce is Director of the Small Business Development Center at Binghamton University and can be reached at sbdc@binghamton.edu or 607 777-4024<br />Kensington Companyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11469878156296120477noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8810292386952990986.post-72536243800627404622012-01-25T08:26:00.000-08:002012-01-25T08:26:32.708-08:00Control, Don't Cut Costs<div style="text-align: center;">
Control, Don’t Cut Costs<br />By Gregory Bavaro</div>
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In these times of economic woe, controlling costs is essential to the survival of your business. When sales are down and expenses are up, we as entrepreneurs are forced to take a closer look at how we can run our businesses more efficiently. This simple analysis can do so much more than get you through this recession; it can create a windfall of profits when the economy rebounds.<br />
<br />Many “old school” business owners, all too often, focus on cutting costs. This can be detrimental to your business, and it is important to know and understand the difference between cutting costs and controlling them. When costs are cut, quality and service are sacrificed and your customers suffer. As a result, you lose customers. Loss of customers equals loss of sales forcing you to cut more costs and creating a vicious downward spiral ending in another store available for rent. However, if costs are simply controlled, you are able to maintain the same service and quality your customers know and expect while spending less to do so.<br />
<br />Easier said than done, right? Wrong! It’s simple. Open up your checkbook or general ledger, whether you use Quickbooks or a composition notebook; take a look at your expenses. Start with your biggest numbers. If you are in a service business it will probably be your payroll, utilities, and rent. What can you do about these? You’re already short-handed, and neither the local utilities nor your landlord want to negotiate. <br />
<br />First, stop letting your business run you for a moment and take a look around. Is your business really short-handed or is it just you? Look at your staff. Are all of your hourly employees really necessary at all times they are present or can their shifts be staggered so they only overlap during peak hours? What about your salaried personnel? Are they managing their time properly or are they robbing you blind? (I could virtually guarantee that time is the most pilfered asset in your business.) Take a look at their computers (hint: check their internet history). I’m sure there are plenty of more productive tasks they could have been performing instead of all that online shopping and personal emailing. In addition, this might not be the right time to dole out raises. You’d be surprised at how well you staff will handle a pay freeze when tens of thousands of jobs a month are being cut nationwide.<br />Concerning utilities, rates may not be negotiable, but you’d be surprised how helpful the local gas or electric company can be when you express interest in an onsite consultation on preserving energy. They will send an expert out to your location and inform you as to how your energy costs can be drastically reduced. In addition to the money you will save, your customers will be thrilled to hear you’ve “gone green” to help save the environment! (Make sure you capitalize on that one too!) With regard to your rent, contrary to popular belief, most landlords are reasonable businesspeople. They would much rather renegotiate a lease to retain a reliable tenant and continue receiving rent than sit with a vacant space.<br />
<br />If you’re a seller of products as opposed to services, take a look at your suppliers. If you can buy from other suppliers, through co-ops or direct from manufacturers, do it! There is no doubt that keeping your suppliers honest will save you more than any volume discount. It doesn’t matter how many “rebates” and “discounts” you’re receiving, that is just your suppliers’ way of saying, “thanks for paying too much for the products you’ve been buying.” It is important that the products you are purchasing are less expensive, not cheaper. Also, eliminate items that aren’t selling. <br />
<br />Simplify your operation and trim the fat, too. In every business there are some luxuries you just don’t need and now is the time to find them. If it doesn’t generate income or improve your service, you don’t need it. Assess the services you pay for. Can any of them be performed by your employees? Some people enjoy cleaning, landscaping, and even doing repairs. If there is someone in your organization who can help out with some of these tasks, not only can it save your business money, but it can also make employees feel more secure in their position. If an employee can pick up a couple of extra hours performing a task they enjoy, it can break up the monotony and boost morale. <br />
<br />The list goes on and on, and controlling costs becomes addictive. Stay in discount hotels while traveling and compare airfares and car rentals. Join business associations to receive group discounts on insurance. Sublet any unused space you may have. Cater meetings in-house instead of in fancy restaurants. Shop shipping rates, webhosting, etc. <br />
<br />Controlling just your top three or four expenses can keep you out of the red and in the black right now. As your competition falls by the wayside and your business grows, you will soon be rolling in the green. <br />Kensington Companyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11469878156296120477noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8810292386952990986.post-50449934948040168762012-01-25T08:19:00.000-08:002012-01-25T08:19:22.152-08:00What You Should Know About Buying a Food Franchise<div style="text-align: center;">
What You Should Know About Buying a Food Franchise<br />
By DAVID STEIN</div>
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If you have the capital, there is no better time to buy a franchise than right now. While many potential franchisees dream of owning their own restaurant franchise, there are a few things to note prior to venturing down the path of franchising. <br />
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IS RESTAURANT EXPERIENCE NECESSARY?<br />
My experience says yes, especially for those wanting to buy into the major brands. Some lesser known concepts may be willing to overlook this, specifically if you have extensive experience in corporate America on the management side. But major brands, especially the ones seeking multi-unit candidates, are looking for some type of restaurant managerial experience.<br />
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The food business is a management business. Having management experience is important, especially in dealing with unskilled labor (vast majority). If you have mastered management at some point in your career, you have an edge in opening your concept. Your hands-on education will also be valuable in your selection of the right manager to operate your location and future locations. <br />
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These days many major brands only want multi-unit operators. This means you, and your management staff, will be responsible for potentially hundreds of employees (based on owning 3-5 units). You must have the ability to improvise when someone calls in sick or quits. These are headaches business owners face daily. Understanding how restaurants operate will ease the execution of your team, which will become much smoother as you become a more established franchisee and restaurateur. <br />
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IS MULIT-UNIT OWNERSHIP THE BEST ROUTE?<br />
Multi-unit operators strike franchisors as their top option when looking for franchisee candidates. For franchisees, taking the multi-unit road is also the most financially sound. When you become a single-unit franchisee, it will take longer to reach financial freedom (if that is what you are looking for). <br />
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This brings me back to my first point – the need for restaurant experience. With restaurant experience, and a good manager in your first location, you will be set up for continued success, as that manager can become a part of your multi-unit development team. That manager can then manage two locations as you focus on finding your new real estate, extended financing options, and marketing your business.<br />
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Multi-unit goals will impress franchisors and will set you up, if done right, for better success and a better exit strategy.<br />
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WITH THE DOWN ECONOMY, IS FINANCING STILL AVAILABLE?<br />
Financing is more difficult to come by than it was a year ago, but for the major brands, banks are still somewhat friendly. If you are joining a lesser established restaurant concept, you should be prepared for a longer fight for financing. Banks will look at your plans similar to how franchisors will. Banks want to see restaurant experience. They want to see long-term goals. They want to make sure you are set up for success so that you will eventually have the best chance of returning their loan.<br />
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DO I NEED REAL ESTATE EXPERIENCE?<br />
If you have it, it will help you to understand location and lease negotiations. Experience is the key word in venturing into restaurant franchising. The more you have, the easier business operations and growth will be. In my days at Dunkin’ Donuts, we found that the best candidates for new development were the ones who understood at least the basics of real estate and construction. We also found that the best candidates were the ones who had good partners. It was always attractive to us, the franchisor, to see two sides of a team: one that understood real estate and construction, and one that understood operations.<br />
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If you have limited real estate experience, franchisors, in most situations, will hold your hand throughout the real estate process, but you will have to rely on your own skills to make the best real estate decisions. And the good thing about today’s economy is that landlords are hurting too. They are coming down to reality and are bending over backwards to have major brands fill their spaces. Think about that when you start your brand search.<br />
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EVENTUALLY I WILL SELL MY CONCEPT, HOW DO I PREPARE FOR THE END?<br />
Every good beginning has a great end. Your plan should include an exit strategy. Sure, you will want to build your 3-5 units to the top, but then what? Think about the end sale. Think about setting your franchise empire up for the end.<br />
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Keep in mind it is much easier to sell a franchise that has brand awareness and name recognition. You will have a much bigger pool of applicants when selling an established concept. However, if you choose to go with a relatively new brand, remember, if you use your experience and your success and continue to connect with your consumers through strong local store marketing, you can be influential in taking your younger brand to an established brand. This will be big as you eventually look to mature your concept portfolio by becoming a multi-unit/multi-concept franchisee.Kensington Companyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11469878156296120477noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8810292386952990986.post-82388041678881308802012-01-11T06:51:00.000-08:002012-01-11T06:51:17.761-08:00Tips For Successful Cold Calling<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Being successful in sales as in most things, requires two key ingredients- a good attitude and positive energy. We have all heard the expression attitude is everything. That saying could not be more true then when engaging a prospect in a sales process. No one likes working with people who have a negative attitude. Attitude is contagious; if you are upbeat and positive this will help create positive, upbeat relationships with your prospects.<br /><br />
It is, however, difficult to be positive and upbeat day after day when you are in sales. After all sales is rejection and hearing ”NO” all day can wear on even the broadest shoulders. <br /><br />If you are a telephone sales warrior, there are ways to help keep your energy and attitude upbeat and positive throughout the day. <a href="http://www.kensingtoncompany.com/">Kensington Company & Affiliates</a> offers these three tips to help keep your head in the game: <br /><br />Make your difficult calls first: If you have challenging or difficult calls that you need to make, make them early in the day. I think of those calls much like the dreaded visit to the dentist. If you have a dentist appointment in the afternoon, you spend most of the morning feeling anxious and unfocused. Make those challenging calls early in the day when you’re full of positive energy and then you can quickly put them behind you and move on with your day. . <br /><br />Break up your cold calling: The law of numbers says you are going to hear more “No’s” then ““Yes’s” when calling. And that’s only when you actually get someone on the other end of line vs. the endless voicemails you leave all day.…. Break up the cold calling, and reach out to prospects that you know are tracking in your process so you can get some engaging conversations into the mix. You will have rejuvenated energy after speaking with a live voice that is appreciative of the information that you are passing along. <br /><br />Motion creates emotion: Stand up, get out of your chair, pace the floor, do what ever you need to do to get your blood flowing. No one wants to speak to someone who has no pulse, no energy and no passion. If you are half dead on the phone, you are creating a situation for the prospect on the other end of the line to reciprocate that low energy. Be upbeat, it is contagious and your prospect will instantly feel that energy. <br /><br />You have the power to change your attitude and energy. They are easy simple steps that can be embraced and brought into your sales process that will help keep momentum moving.<br />Kensington Companyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11469878156296120477noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8810292386952990986.post-37357975660782378722011-12-21T12:03:00.000-08:002011-12-29T08:00:21.360-08:00Displaced Corporate Executives Find Solutions To Their Career Transition<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGCJ4CMdXUNkoTN1_zYppMPY2l1Lj1EuH_wCWYnK9mSu0jkLgLiGzoxhuYmgxXOj7mDMRtL3A30rQ137-ewvYuCC1SBO3vPuVypfuK10bASV7fvHPTbnv7fDOKOhKjtxW9VmCRpQlsw6eT/s1600/imgres-1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGCJ4CMdXUNkoTN1_zYppMPY2l1Lj1EuH_wCWYnK9mSu0jkLgLiGzoxhuYmgxXOj7mDMRtL3A30rQ137-ewvYuCC1SBO3vPuVypfuK10bASV7fvHPTbnv7fDOKOhKjtxW9VmCRpQlsw6eT/s1600/imgres-1.jpeg" /></a></div>
Everyday in the news we hear about the high rate of unemployment and see segments on people who have been struggling for years to find work. We see people who at one time earned six figures, but now are grateful for a minimum wage job. Job fairs are crowded as people desperately try to set up interviews in the hopes that someone will hire them.<br />
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Instead of searching for someone to hire them the answer may be to hire themselves! There are many people for whom owning their own business may be the perfect opportunity to change their lives. For them, buying a franchise may be the answer.<br />
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Most people think of businesses like McDonalds or Dunkin Donuts when they think about a franchise. These are great opportunities for some, but there are so many more options available. Displaced executives have a plethora of opportunities to sort through to find one which will match their skill set as well as their optimal work week.<br />
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Franchises such as McDonalds or Dunkin Donuts require large start up capital and will require managing a staff who works seven days per week. There are other franchise opportunities that will allow the owner to work regular business hours and perhaps manage just a small staff. Opportunities are available in diverse industry's. There are franchises who do taxes, paint homes/offices, clean homes/offices, education, or child care. The list goes on and on.<br />
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has been in the franchising business for over 15 years. Our free consultation is designed to help you answer the questions which will help guide you to the best franchise choice. The process of choosing and buying a franchise can be long, arduous, and confusing. <a href="http://www.kensingtoncompany.com/">Kensington Company and Affiliates</a> allows you to gain from their experience and remove the headaches.<br />
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If you are unemployed, underemployed, or just wanting a change, you owe it to yourself to learn about franchising from the franchise experts at <a href="http://www.kensingtoncompany.com/">Kensington Company and Affiliates</a>. This may be the start to the best life you never knew you wanted!<br />
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<br />Kensington Companyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11469878156296120477noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8810292386952990986.post-47523056264592823802011-12-06T11:04:00.001-08:002011-12-06T11:12:25.998-08:00Should I Franchise My Business<div style="text-align: left;">
Please enjoy the following informative article written for <a href="http://www.kensingtoncompany.com/">Kensington Company & Affiliates</a>. </div>
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Should I Franchise My Business?</div>
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By Harold Kestenbaum, Esq.</div>
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Entrepreneurs often ask themselves the question: Do I want to expand my business? If the answer is yes, then the question becomes, what is the most efficient way of doing this? Should I open my own units with my capital and my human resources, or should I let someone else use their capital and human resources and I will supply the systems, intellectual property and training? Those are the key questions facing the entrepreneur who is anxious to expand but who wants to do it in the most cost effective manner. The answer to this vexing question is that the business owner should seriously consider franchising his/her business model as the best way to expand. Then the question becomes, is my business even a candidate for franchising? The answer can be found below, as I have set out the four basic questions that the business owner must answer:<br />
<br />Have a successful model. It is impossible to create a franchise program without having at least one successful operation, a pilot, if you will. It is not feasible to think that if your core business loses money and is unsuccessful, that a franchisee will be any different. It is imperative that your franchisees be successful, otherwise franchising does not work.<br /><br />
Make sure your business model is replicable. You must be able to build clones of your operation, otherwise the system will not work. Have you ever seen a McDonalds without the infamous golden arches? That is just one example, but it goes beyond the look. It is the method of operation that must be duplicated.<br /><br />
Attain capital for your franchise. You must have capital in order to roll out the franchise program. You cannot believe that franchising will cure your cash flow issues, you need to have money in order to roll out the program. Do not view the program as a way to fund an undercapitalized business model.<br /><br />
Prove your model works! The concept that you are trying to franchise must lucrative. You must demonstrate that your concept works before you try to offer it to the public as a franchise. If the business model is a failure, your franchisees will inevitably fail as well. Franchising can be a wonderful business model, but your initial model must work first, otherwise franchising will not be possible.<br /><br />
These simple tenets will aid the business owner in determining whether the franchise model is the proper vehicle. Once that determination has been made, the business owner should enlist the assistance of seasoned franchise professionals who will assist in developing the franchise program. Franchising is a vehicle for growth using the capital and human resources of someone else (the franchisee). How great is that? It is simple, yet complex. The franchising relationship goes much deeper than building the unit and collecting royalties. It is a starting place for companies that want to grow but do not have the internal capital or human resources, like Starbucks, to do it by themselves. Franchising is not for every company, but for those who meet the criteria set out above, it is the most efficient method to expand with a minimal amount of cost.<br /><br /><br />Harold L. Kestenbaum, Esq.<br />Gordon & Rees, LLP<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #4d4d4d; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 13px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"></span>Ph: (516) 745-0099</span><br />Website: www.franchiseatty.comKensington Companyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11469878156296120477noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8810292386952990986.post-26205032882929786522011-11-16T08:26:00.001-08:002011-11-16T09:14:32.859-08:00How Do I Know What Business Is Right For Me?<a href="http://www.kensingtoncompany.com/">Kensington Company & Affiliates</a> would like to share the following article written by Elaine Iucci.<br />
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HOW DO I KNOW WHAT BUSINESS IS RIGHT FOR ME?</div>
<br /><br /> Having the desire to become an Entrepreneur is the beginning steps down an exciting path of business ownership. But most people do not have enough knowledge to know where to go from there. As you drive along Main Street in your home town, you will notice the many different businesses there, and how vast your options may be. <br /> <br />Now that you have made the decision to go into business for yourself, you need to start narrowing the field of options. Manufacturing, Service, Retail or Internet are some of the categories these companies fall into. But what strengths do YOU bring to the table? A successful business acquisition is not only a result of identifying a company that has been run well and profitably for many years and now you will take over its ownership as if nothing would change. NO! You need to think about your strengths and weaknesses and how they come to play with each potential business opportunity. Can you ADD something to the existing business? Will it fit your lifestyle? What is your comfort level for down payment, working capital and how much money do you really need to earn to live? As Business Intermediaries, we work to help you answer these questions and narrow the field of opportunity.<br /><br />Often I speak to a potential Buyer who is looking for a business where the owner is retiring or may be ill and does not have family members to take over the operations. They may be skeptical if the owner has only owned the business for a few years or is too young. Yes, it is important to have an understanding of WHY the current owner is planning to sell. But assuming that the retiree offers a better opportunity couldn’t be further from the truth. Each business opportunity comes with its own unique situation. There are plusses and minuses to each that have to be carefully weighed. Would you really want to buy a business where the owner has not reinvested in their company in years, and yet still wants to be paid for every paperclip and past relationship they ever had? Would you not find value in a company that a young entrepreneur found, built up and fine tuned and now wishes to move on to a new challenge or project? There are many opportunities where a Company has been run well and a retirement situation is a huge opportunity, but there are many other good opportunities beyond this scenario. It is important to keep your eyes wide open as well as your options. Evaluate each Business on its own benefits and weaknesses and see where you can compliment or enhance the current operation.<br /><br />Once you have narrowed the field of opportunity and have identified a Business for acquisition, you will need to employ the skills of professionals to assist you. You will need an Attorney to consult and eventually negotiate an Asset Purchase Agreement. You may choose to work with a professional Accountant to review the financials of the Company. <br /><br />The road to Entrepreneurism is an exciting path, but can also be challenging. By taking the right steps early and throughout your journey, it can lead to the lifestyle and success that you desire.Kensington Companyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11469878156296120477noreply@blogger.com0