Franchise Speak

I Need Specifics…

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!

Posted in Young Chefs Academy | 1 Comment »

Thinking Big

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.

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.

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Children’s Franchises

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/

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Are You a Martyr To Your Job?

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!

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.

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Thinking About Starting a Recruiting Business?

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.

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.

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