GlobalBX Entrepreneur Business Articles - July 2012

Business Owners Are Optimistic About Franchise Growth

A survey undertaken by the International Franchise Association of 2,000 franchise leaders shows the bullishness of franchise owners.  More than half of the respondents say their current business conditions are good.  This is up compared to 38% in 2011.  “Franchising remains a bright light in a still-struggling economy,” says IFA chief Stephen Caldeira.  Katherine Ellison […]

Read More

Are You An Effective Manager?

CBSNews.com lists some attributes of effective managers.  Good managers have open communication lines with their employees.  They understand the needs of their employees.  They create a working environment where the employees can develop their work skills.  They encourage and guide their employees to do great work.  They give credit to the accomplishments of their staff.  […]

Read More

Small Business Owners Talk about Tax Policies and the Economy

In an article that appeared at Forbes.com, small business owners with businesses that netted $250,000 and below last year were interviewed to get their views on the economy and tax policies. Chad Archibeck of CWA Enterprises and Edward Sullivan G2Link LLC whose businesses are product-oriented say their companies are doing well. Rajendra Hariprashad of Ace […]

Read More

2012 Worst Franchises to Buy According to SBA

The Small Business Administration gave data to BlueMaumau.org on franchises that continuously failed to meet their loan payments.  This is the same list given by the SBA to its affiliated lenders throughout U.S.  Topping the list are ice cream shops and quick service restaurants.  They lead the lowest performers among major franchise brands in terms […]

Read More

CruiseOne to Award Free Franchises to Veterans

After launching new careers in the travel industry for five unemployed educators in 2010 in its ‘Second Chance at Success’ campaign, CruiseOne will be doing the same for former military men.  ‘Operation Vetrepreneur: Become Your Own General’ is open to those who are retired, off active duty and/or were honorably discharged prior to May 15, […]

Read More

Subway, Dairy Queen, Wendy’s, Five Guys & Chick-fil-A are the Top Brands

Subway, Dairy Queen, Wendy’s, Five Guys, and Chick-fil-A are the top choices of over 20,000 people who participated in the Harris Poll EquiTrend Study for the most familiar and best quality quick-service brands.  About 1,500 brands were included in the survey, according to QSR.  Mary Bouchard of Harris Interactive says, “The more these restaurants have […]

Read More

Low Cost Franchises Are Becoming More Popular

The Franchise Business Review reports a significant growth in franchise opportunities in its survey of over 11,000 franchisees. This growth is manifested in low-cost businesses with investments that range from $5,000 to $150,000. Most of these franchises are involved in offering services rather than goods. During the economic downturn, many franchisors reduced their initial franchise […]

Read More

10 Tips to Succeed in the Business You Love

Starting a business is a daunting task. Without the passion for the business and its products or services, you may feel overwhelmed by the challenges you face day in and out. To increase your chances of success, you have to love what you do. Choose to work with talented people who help you develop and […]

Read More

5 Steps for Effective Document Control

Document control has become one of the most efficient ways for businesses to manage their various documents, from policies through to internal memos, contracts, proposals and other vital documentation. As an online system, the need for traditional filing cabinets becomes obsolete with a wide range of useful features to archive, create versions, edits and delete […]

Read More

Exit Planning in the 2012 Deal Market: Value Added Commitment

“It’s not whether you get knocked down … it’s whether you get up”  Vince Lombardi on Commitment  We know it’s been a rough and tough market to get deals done:   Values are down Buyers are interested, but worried Deal terms and conditions are different in today’s “new normal” Financing remains uncertain, though improving Yet, […]

Read More

Being a Technology Leader Means Staying Focused on the Goal

“He owns Pan-Am. He owns Congress. He owns the Civil Aeronautics Board. But he does not own the sky.” – Howard Hughes, “The Aviator,” Warner Bros, 2004 One of the biggest frustrations in working at Xerox’s PARC (Palo Alto Research Center) or Bell Labs had to be having out-of-focus images of what new ideas, technologies, […]

Read More

Applebee’s Overhauls Menu and Image

USA Today featured an interview with Mike Archer, president of Applebee’s. Archer took over the helm of Applebee’s four years ago. The Applebee’s casual dining chain is over thirty years old and Archer is instituting changes to keep up with consumers and the times. Among the changes are the menu, the restaurants’ looks and marketing. […]

Read More

With Practice, You’ll Get Better With Twitter … Or Not

“Has anybody here read a real book about vampires, or are we just remembering what a movie said? I mean a real book.” – Jacob, “From Dusk Till Dawn,” Dimension Films (1996) We admit that Twitter has done a lot of good in recent years. It has help topple tyrannical governments. It has made people […]

Read More

Using Social Networking Sites in the Hiring Process

Social media websites can offer substantial opportunities for employers who are searching for information about prospective employees. However, these social networking sites also create serious challenges if employers want to use them for employee screening purposes and background checks. For some businesses, searching for the names of potential employees on popular social networking sites such […]

Read More

7 Tips to Buying a Business or Franchise for Sale

Will you achieve your dreams or plans for the future by buying a business or franchise?  Will this fit the lifestyle that you want?  Buying an existing business or franchise is advantageous because both have an established customer base and ongoing operations or an operations template.  Financing from traditional sources is also easier.  Below are […]

Read More

Is Obamacare Bad for Small Businesses?

Matthew Yglesias in his Slate.com article believes that small businesses should embrace the Affordable Care Act, popularly known as Obamacare. He does not share the thinking of the National Federation of Independent Businesses that this health insurance law is a disaster for small businesses.  He says that NFIB’s main priority is low taxes and laments […]

Read More

Where to Get Business Grants

If you need funds to start or develop a small business, do not look far.  This Bangor Daily News (Maine) article present some tips on where to look for business grants.  You have to be patient and persistent.  Look for these in industry publications and the local paper.  There are development agencies that offer grants […]

Read More

Partners Should Put Their Business Agreement in Writing

Ann Logue in an Entrepreneur.com article advises partners in a start-up business to put the terms and conditions of their business relationship in writing.  This should be done before your open the doors for your business.  The agreement should cover each party’s roles, responsibilities and obligations.  Changes in the business and in its ownership should […]

Read More

2012 IFA Expo Signals Exciting Future for Franchises

The 2012 International Franchise Expo attracted the most attendance since 2006.  There were 334 exhibitors on hand to talk to prospective franchisees.  All interests and specialties were represented in this exposition.  Successful franchises, new and unique franchise opportunities were evident that the franchising business is growing.   Steve Caldeira, president and CEO of the IFA, said, […]

Read More

Today’s Boomers – Contributing, Savvy, Buying

“I was there, I can prove it! When I was a kid, you could buy meat anywhere! Eggs they had, real butter! Not this… crap!” – Sol, “Soylent Green,” MGM, 1973 A few months ago, we read a mouse type news item – with our glasses on – that noted we had just passed the […]

Read More