Franchise Speak

Change Concepts: A Reflection

alina77vere9uk — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 23:34:40 +0000

“He who rejects change is the architect of decay. The only human institution, which rejects progress, is the cemetery. “~Harold WilsonMy consulting takes me sometimes to organizations that seem to love the status quo. They will cling to it, fight for it, and drown anyone who tries to rock their boat. It is not easy. My role is made even more difficult by the fact that I am usually being hired in order to look into this status quo and initiate changes.

Organizational Change

I normally ask; why these things are being done this way? Alternatively, why does the system go that way and not the other way? The typical answers I get: Well, you have to admit that things are as they are. Followed by a frowned forehead and shrug of a shoulder. Why do people react that way? For the last 5 years, that continues to puzzle me. No matter how prepared you are to preclude objections and have clarified your objectives, people will naturally resist change.

Change is inevitable. I remember a company whose motto is “innovate or stagnate!” How profound! If you resist change, that is for the better, you will surely degenerate and be relegated to a cemetery as Wilson pointed out. An organization can only compete in a highly competitive, unpredictably ever-changing, and globalized market if it is willing to adopt to and adapt with changes. Otherwise, it will be left behind, overran by its competitors, and eventually close shop.

Personal Change

A person’s maturity does not come with age. Maturity is not the product or result of experience either. Maturity is the result of learning from life’s experiences and from that of the others. Maturity most of all hinges on our ability to adopt and adapt to changes (I mentioned this earlier). Have you heard the maxim: Everything is changing except change? True! A mature individual is one who strives to find ways and means to improve and who tries to influence and initiate positive changes around him. He is not the product of change itself but the mover of change.

However, having said that, I have to admit that there are things that cannot be changed (I know, this will be easily construed as contradicting my premises above, I must admit too). Given that, I will go with Mary Engelbert’s admonition:

“…if you cannot change it, change the way you think about it.“

Article Byline: Practical Tips for Young Urban Professionals

Article courtesy of the Recruiting Blogswap, a content exchange service sponsored by CollegeRecruiter.com, a leading site for college students looking for internships and recent graduates searching for entry level jobs and other career opportunities.

Job Satisfaction

alina77vere9uk — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 14:06:01 +0000

Job satisfaction for some stems from the challenges in the job or a sense of purpose while for others it’s more extrinsic and, for example, may be measured by the money they make. For others it may come from the learning that takes place or from knowing that their work matters or from helping others. Still for some simply having a job to go to everyday in order to have “other” things in life is fine, and it’s from “accepting” that they can derive their satisfaction.Defining the factors for your own job satisfaction requires you jumping all the way back to the beginning and walking through your career life, but instead of identifying duties, responsibilities, job descriptions etcetera as you might to create an outline for your resume or vitae. This time only look at your successes and the underpinnings of those successes; for example instinctive skills – the automatic – the intuitive, creative, type skills perhaps that you drew upon at that time, or learned skills. When you take this walk-through, don’t limit it to successes in the workplace either. Consider too alumni associations, community and civic organizations, councils with which you may have been involved and teams on which you played or Boards on which you served through the course of your life. Once you have all these successes out on the table, you can identify the actual skills, personal and professional characteristics and knowledge areas, inherent or learned, that you drew upon to succeed – “underpinnings” to your successes as it were, or, success attributes; but you don’t stop there.

You need to divide those success attributes into two groups – those you are interested in perpetuating in your career and those in which you have little or no interest … motivated and unmotivated success attributes we’ll call them. Very simply, the success attributes of interest are those you not only do well but enjoy doing – you’re “motivated” to do. The others may also be things you do well, maybe very well, but are not interested in doing – you’re “unmotivated” to do. Say for example you’re terrific at editing research reports but don’t enjoy it. If you’re caught on the job being very good at it and it becomes 20% of your job, well…there goes 20% of your job satisfaction, right out the window. Too many people get caught doing something well that they don’t enjoy, it becomes part of their job, consequently, and depending on how much a part, will determine their level of angst – the most severe being that which requires them to pull themselves out of bed every morning. How many people do you know like that? They live for Fridays and vacations. Hey…Life’s too short!

Once you have defined and thus classified your success attributes you have laid the groundwork and are well on your way to defining the “best fit” positions for your next career step. When you know what it is you CAN do, WANT to do and will ENJOY doing most you are in the best position to capitalize on the opportunities that await you; and why? … Because we are at our best when doing that which we enjoy doing most.

Article By: Rob Taub

Jobs On and For the Web

alina77vere9uk — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 12:51:36 +0000

Article Byline: Affordable Website Design & Maintenance

Many people want to break away from the traditional 9 – 5 desk job so that they can work flexible hours out of their home. The web offers many opportunities especially for freelance web designers, developers and copy writers.

There are so many opportunities available that it can be difficult to know where to start looking. The problem you will find is that a lot of freelance job opportunities that are posted online do not compensate well. Others, you have to pay for (and it’s hard to know which services are worth paying for and which are not).

Since all time spent weeding through jobs board postings is time you are not able to bill we’ve narrowed your search. Here are our top freelance job board picks, based on number of projects available, pay scale and quality of jobs.

http://odesk.com
Jobs are constantly being posted to this website. Some jobs pay a fixed price, and others pay an hourly rate. Either way, you bid on the jobs that you are interested in. You can also showcase your skills by taking tests that validate your knowledge and capabilities. ODesk also has software that monitors your work activity to make timekeeping a breeze for your hourly projects.

http://www.elance.com/
Elance has an amazing amount of opportunities available for web designers and programmers.

http://jobs.freelanceswitch.com/
Freelance Switch requires $7 a month in order to apply for jobs. You can browse a list of available jobs before deciding whether or not to subscribe.

http://authenticjobs.com/
Authentic Jobs is a job board for “standards-aware designers and developers” and “the companies seeking to hire them.” There is no cost to apply for these jobs. Most of the time the employers post their direct email addresses on the project announcements.

http://www.sologig.com/
SoloGig is excellent for finding any kind of freelance work, whether it be for web design, or nursing. There are no project fees, and there is no bidding. You just choose which projects you are interested in and negotiate the pricing directly with the employer.

http://guru.com/
Guru.com lists a ton of freelance opportunities on anything from web development to illustration or accounting. As a basic free member you are only allowed to apply for 10 jobs a month, but as a subscriber (between $29.95 and $99.95 a quarter) you are allowed to apply for 100 jobs a month, and Guru.com charges you a smaller project fee.

I Need Specifics…

ProspectiveOwner — Sun, 23 Mar 2008 19:15:28 +0000

Hi all,

I’ve read this entire blog and have some questions re: Corporate.

Many of you stated what Corporate has done well (i.e. Curriculum), however, none of you cite specific examples of what Corporate has done wrong besides communication and nepotism problems. What was actually promised for the $30k that they did not deliver? Many of you feel that you are not supported, so, in what specific ways are you not being supported by Corporate? What specific problem(s) is Corporate NOT addressing?

We are very excited about this concept, but after reading what you all have to say, we are thinking of simply going out on our own. Any advice? Thanks!

Thinking Big

alina77vere9uk — Sun, 23 Mar 2008 19:14:25 +0000

Article By: Karen Burns, Working Girl

Here’s a thought: Huge, exciting, challenging, unique goals are easier to attain than smaller, more ordinary goals.

First, there’s less competition for the fabulous goals, because most people think they have to be sensible and realistic.

Second, there’s more competition for the ordinary goals, for the same reason.

Third, a big goal fills you with energy because the potential payoff is big so you try harder. A mediocre goal produces mediocre effort.

So what are you waiting for? Think big, people. Here’re some other goal-attaining tips:

Make your goals specific, not general. “I want to live in San Francisco, work in the software industry, and buy my own condo” is a specific goal. “Gee, I’d like to live in a big city someday” is not specific.

Write your goals down. This will help you to make them specific. And help you to do the next step, which is:

Figure out your mini-goals. Mini-goals are all the things you need to do to get you to the big fabulous goal.

Figure out your daily goals. You should do something that moves you toward the big goal every single day. These daily goals need to be doable and unintimidating. Daily goals lead to mini-goals; mini-goals lead to the big kahuna.

Tell other people about your goal. This has two effects: (1) if people know what you’re going after, they might help you–probably will help you, because everyone likes and admires a dreamer, and (2) it will be harder to give up on your goal–think of the public humilation!

Think about what you might do when you’ve attained the Big Goal. Weirdly, there’s often a little letdown when you get something you’ve been chasing a long time. You should always be working toward a goal.

Children’s Franchises

ProspectiveOwner — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 12:32:56 +0000

There are a lot of different franchises opportunities in the childen’s services area. Some franchises focus on physical fitness, others on entertainment and others still on education. Here is a list of the top franchise opportunities in children’s services from the Franchise Business Review 2008 Franchisee Satisfaction Awards.

If you would like an unbiased review or some input from franchisees on any of these do let us know. FranchiseSpeak will contact them and ask for their comments.

Abrakadoodle
Abrakadoodle offers art classes, art camps and art parties for children ages 20 months to 12 years old.

Total Investment: $40,700-$72,500
Franchising since: 2004
Website: http://www.abrakadoodle.com/

BouceU
BounceU is an indoor gymnasium filled with giant inflatable toys.

Total Investment: $129,700-$535,500
Franchising since: 2004
Website: http://www.bounceu.com/

Computer Explorers
Computer Explorers is a home-based computer education program targeted at schools and learning centers in your area.

Total Investment: $57,000-$65,000
Franchising since: 1988
Website: http://www.iced.net/ctce_cosy.cfm

E. Nopi Daekyo
E.nopi Math is a unique after-school education program that you can provide for children in your community. It has a focus on math because the subject can be so challenging.

Total Investment: $9,500-$17,000
Franchising since: 1976
Website: http://www.enopi.com/

Educational Outfitters
Educational Outfitters is the first franchise opportunity that sells school uniforms and dress code apparel.

Total Investment: $82,600-$198,200
Franchising since: 2001
Website: http: http://www.educationaloutfitters.com/

High Touch-High Tech
High Touch-High Tech offers in-school interactive, hands-on science and nature programs for children at all educational levels, from pre-school to high school.

Total Investment: $20,100
Franchising since: 1993
Website: http: http://www.sciencemadefun.net/

Images 4 Kids
Images 4 Kids has specialized in providing daycares, private schools and other children’s organizations with high-end, studio quality portraits.

Total Investment: $57,200-$83,200
Franchising since: 2004
Website: http: http://www.images4kids.com/

JumpBunch
JUMPBUNCH offers sports and fitness programs for children 15 months to 12 years of age.

Total Investment: $35,200 - $77,200
Franchising since: 2002
Website: http://www.jumpbunch.com/

Kinderdance International
A nationwide dance and gymnastics program for children ages 2 through 8.

Total Investment: $12,950-$27,100
Franchising since: 1985
Website: http: http://www.kinderdance.com/

The Little Gym
Physical fitness classes that help children develop motor skills and confidence.

Total Investment: $194,500 - $274,000
Franchising since: 1992
Website: http://www.thelittlegym.com/

Mathnasium
Mathnasium is an afterschool program designed to boost children’s math skills.

Total Investment: $41,600-$65,200
Franchising since: 2003
Website: http: http://www.mathnasium.com/

Oxford Learning Centers
Oxford Learning Centers not only tutor, but also teach students how to learn. For students Kindergarten through High School, and college.

Total Investment: $125,000-$215,000
Franchising since: 1989
Website: http: http://www.oxfordlearning.com/

Stretch-N-Grow
Stretch-n-Grow offers exercise programs for kids from 18 months to over seven years old.

Total Investment: $19,300
Franchising since: 1993
Website: http://www.stretch-n-grow.com/

Stroller Strides
Stroller Strides is both a pre and postnatal fitness program for moms with their children.

Total Investment: $3,200-$16,980
Franchising since: 2005
Website: http: http://www.strollerstrides.com/

Young Chef’s Academy
Young Chef’s Academy offers cooking classes and parties for children in a safe environment.

Total Investment: $57,300-$116,500
Franchising since: 2005
Website: http: http://www.youngchefsacademy.com/

Are You a Martyr To Your Job?

admin — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 13:07:25 +0000

Article By: Marilyn J. Tellez, M.A.

I believe anyone reading this article knows or has known about job martyrs. Maybe you are one. My definition of a martyr is one who has a calling to become self sacrificial and is willing to sacrifice themselves to a purpose that is larger than themselves and not one that is making happiness come easily..

Being a job martyr is common. Many people keep a job that is either dreadful, boring or harmful to one’s inner being. (I’ve been there).

Here are my reasons people use for staying with a bad job:

1. Fear of making a change.
2. Economic hardship, either real or imagined.
3. Avoiding risks.
4. Inner conflict about self worth.
5. Lack of other goals.
6. Self punishment as a personal choice in life.
7. Seeing the glass as “half empty”.
8. Not enough emotional support.
9. Fear of not “making it”, whatever that means.
10. Parent’s or others have said to grin & bear it.

I don’t think more definitions are needed for this list.

If you find yourself using one of these reasons or all of them, it’s time to take stock and understand why your are stuck. Venturing out of a false comfort zone may be needed to help you find a job you need and want. It might be the right time to find a career coach or counselor coach if “stuckness” becomes a way of life!

Thinking About Starting a Recruiting Business?

admin — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 14:38:35 +0000

Article By: HireAbility Connects the World’s Recruiters and Parses the World’s Resumes

If you want to start your own recruiting agency there are a few things you need to think about. Contrary to what a recruiter mentioned to me recently, there is a little more to this than buying a box of business cards.

There are many forms your business can take on. Some agencies only offer perm placement on a contingency basis. Others provide executive search and ask for up front retainers. Still others provide contractors for temporary assignments. What are you going to focus on? What is your geographical coverage area, what is your niche staffing market expertise?

You will need to think about getting signed fee agreements, recruiting top candidates, job board advertising, resume databases, applicant tracking systems (ATS), billing & collections, contracts, agreements, training, etc. When you work for a large agency all of this is provided for you. When you hang your own shingle you are on your own to figure things out. And the costs can get steeper than many people imagine.

One option is to join a network of recruiters. HireAbility for example is a network that provides members with a social network with thousands of other staffing professionals, access to contract placement funding and payroll, discounts on popular recruiting tools, job posting feeds, and a split placement exchange (with no ‘per placement’ fees) to get you a quick leg up.

Many have tried, some have done well, and some have not. Think about it, what do you need to insure your success? Do you want to build equity in your new business by being able to generate a recurring revenue stream by offering contract placement services? An average IT contractor for example can generate $20/hr in profit, that’s over $40,000 for a one-year contract. You will need to pay your contractor weekly, have workers comp insurance, file taxes…Having a partner in your recruiting network to handle this for you can be a huge asset.

Have no doubts, even a small agency consisting of you and only you can be a very profitable enterprise. At an agency many perm people can bill $200K/yr and earn about half or 50%of what they bring in. The agency covers your phone bill, provides you with an office, health insurance, a computer, a manager, a receptionist, a coffee machine, occasional training, support, a daily commute, and more. On your own you can keep the $200K and cover your own expenses..pretty tempting for sure!

The market is heating up and there’s no time like the present to launch your own business. Be sure to make a list of your options, your costs and your required bank roll before you start. And maybe splurge on a really good coffee machine for your office.

Face To Face Webcam Interview

admin — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 14:34:54 +0000

Article By: Real-Time Video Interviews

Is this a face to face Interview? When you receive an invitation or request to interview for a job via a webcam online, it should be treated as you would any other interview. Virtual interviews are here, and candidates must prepare properly to be considered. I’m not talking about Video Resumes, these can be edited and done over again and again to get it right. This is interviewing in real-time or vitually via a webcam online for a job you’ve applied for. Candidates and employers are interviewing face to face or Cam to Cam, it’s imperative both parties are prepared. Webcams must be checked and tested prior to interviews, sound and video must be working or adjusted. Candidates are encouraged to do a test with a friend or colleague prior to the interview day. Preparation is the key for a candidate to differentiate him or herself from the competition. Employers will want to see you are educated about their company and the position you are interviewing for. Being well prepared and not to mention a nice new suit will help your Webcam interview be a succesful one.

Does a Great Idea Equal Great Success?

admin — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 03:33:17 +0000

How many times have you heard someone say that they had an idea a long time ago, about something that is a new successful product. How many times have you heard, “I’ve got this great idea for a business.”, but then nothing comes of it? Why?

A great idea is nothing but air, unless excellent execution and management are behind it. Exactly what this excellent article addresses…

There’s a lot of talk among entrepreneurs about the value of an idea. Many entrepreneurs believe that a brilliant idea will spawn a great company. We read about companies like eBay that took one simple idea – on-line auctions – and turned it into a powerhouse company.

Yet ideas alone aren’t worth much. Very few companies, including eBay, became successful based on just an idea. Unless your idea turns into a patent that no one can replicate, it’s worth nothing until you can add the right elements to it.

Therefore a savvy entrepreneur will quickly try to back their idea with smart management, paying customers, and strategic partners as early as possible in order to build value around their idea. All of this can be done even before the company is ever officially launched, generating a ton of value in the formative stages.

Smart Management There’s an old saying that the wrong idea with the right management team can at least have a chance of surviving, but the right idea with the wrong management team is altogether doomed.

That’s because the true value of an idea isn’t about the idea itself, it’s about the execution of that idea. There were lots of companies that easily replicated the idea of on-line auctions to compete with eBay. Do you remember them? No? Neither do I. That’s because eBay’s management team executed so much better than their competitors who had the exact same idea.

You can brag and boast about your great idea, but unless you can pull together a team that can actually pull it off, you’ve got nothing. Investors are well aware of this fact, which is why they often evaluate their investments on the merits of the management team of a new startup company more so than the business idea itself.

You can pull together a management team on paper without having to actually hire all of the members. Many startups have commitments from each key member of their management team long before the company actually launches, and most of those folks will probably be working at their old jobs for a while even after the company launches.

Article taken from Go Big Network / http://www.gobignetwork.com/