2014 Will be a Great Time to Start a Business
「如果你認為你有創業動力和勤奮的精神，並計劃於2014年創業，傳統或microfranchising是一個值得考慮的途徑。」
“If you think you have entrepreneurial drive and a resilient spirit and would like to start your own business in 2014, traditional or microfranchising is a route to consider.”
香港專利授權及特許經營協會(HKLFA)連合有志於專利授權及特許經營方面突圍的企業，分享大家的經驗、行業資訊，向企業及創業者推廣利用專利授權及特許經營的成功模式。如欲了解更多資訊，請瀏覽︰www.hklfa.org
資料來源︰Michael L. Evans, “PR Web”, December 16, 2013
2014 Will be a Great Time to Start a Business - Newport Board Group, a CEO Advisory Firm Serving the Middle Market, Advises Entrepreneurs in the New Year
Starting a business in the New Year may not be as difficult as you think!
Franchising is an increasingly important part of the American business landscape. It already comprises about 5% of businesses in America and generates about 8% of all private sector jobs.
Data released by the U.S. Census Bureau in 2010, the first report drawn up by the Bureau that gathered information on franchises, says that franchises made up 10.5 percent of business across 295 industries in 2007. Franchises accounted for $1.3 trillion in revenue and $153.7 billion in payroll disbursed to 7.9 million workers.
Franchising offers grass roots entrepreneurs a chance to get into business for themselves. The franchising model combines a potent mix of capital, brand and initiative. On the other hand, the cost of getting into a franchise business has risen steeply in recent years.
A new concept, which started in less developed countries where it has helped to lift millions out of poverty, is microfranchising. Micro-franchising is a business model that applies traditional franchising to very small businesses. It is a systemized approach to replicating micro-enterprises like drive-in coffee kiosks, mall products and services, food stands and just about any other type of business that sells low cost products or services, primarily in high traffic areas.
For a very small investment, entrepreneurs can now become micro-franchisees in proven businesses without having to make high upfront investments.
How Franchising Works
Let’s define the core concepts of franchising that are at the heart of micro-franchising. A firm with an established product or service (the franchisor) enters into a contractual relationship with other businesses (the franchisees). Franchisees operate under the franchisor's trade name and guidance--in exchange for a fee.
The contract defines franchisor and franchisee responsibilities. The franchisor provides a business model and marketing strategy that specifies segments, products/services and brand positioning. The franchisor also provides advertising, marketing, training and support. The franchisee is responsible for the local facility and management of daily operations. In microfranchising, the franchisee buys a kiosk or cart and generally rents a location in a mall or store.
When the franchise model is executed well, it yields a high degree of alignment between franchisor and franchisees. Not only do franchisees have “skin in the game” because they have invested and own a share of the upside but royalty payments to the franchisor require the franchisee to generate profits above their break-even point. The result? This creates positive pressure to focus hard on being efficient and maximizing cash flow.
Advantages of Franchising
Besides avoiding the high cost of starting a business from scratch and the risk of having to test it, franchising can offer several advantages over starting your own business.
Product RecognitionA franchise business generally offers a product or service that many people are already aware of, often in a market that is fragmented, with few well established brands. Examples include dry cleaners, car washes and other firms that are typically “one off” businesses without name recognition.
Marketing SupportFranchises benefit from established and proven marketing programs and materials. The marketing and advertising campaigns created by the parent company and supported nationally through advertising helps increase sales for your franchise.
Single or Area FranchisesIn many instances, particularly for new franchise operations, the franchisee may purchase rights to a single franchise or to an entire geographical territory. Consider walking before running and starting with a single franchise, and try to get the option or rights to develop more “stores” in your geographical area.
Back-office and Administrative SupportMost franchise companies offer systems support such as information technology services and support, billing processes, accounting systems and call center and customer support at a much lower cost than if you were to create your own business from scratch.
SuppliesKey national contract terms are available through most franchise organizations at terms that you could not negotiate without the buying power of a much larger organization.
Financing the FranchiseObtaining financing for franchised business ventures is often challenging for entrepreneurs. From the startup phase to growing the business, entrepreneurs face difficulties meeting the requirements of traditional bank loans. The SBA 7(a) Program is the SBA’s primary and most popular program. With a demonstrated need for funds and a sound business purpose, an entrepreneur may be eligible for the SBA 7(a) Loan Program.
Successfully Operating a Franchise
There are several guidelines to creating a successful franchise. Failing to meet them is the downfall of many franchisees.
1. Build scale by adopting the defined business model. The franchise model reinforces a meticulously defined business system. Franchise companies drive marketing and product development centrally. As a local franchisee, the entrepreneur must be disciplined in adopting the franchisor’s established strategy to the local market.
2. Get employee buy in. Define and enforce the system to employees as rigorously as the franchisor defines it to you.
3. Be prepared to sustain marketing and advertising efforts. In tougher market conditions, non-franchise companies often reduce marketing and advertising to maintain quarterly bottom line performance. Franchise contracts require spending either a flat dollar amount of marketing/advertising or at least a fixed percentage of revenues.
When the franchise model is executed well, it yields a high degree of alignment and shared commitment between franchisor and franchisees. Franchisees have “skin in the game” because they have invested their money and sweat and own a share of the upside.
If you think you have entrepreneurial drive and a resilient spirit and would like to start your own business in 2014, traditional or microfranchising is a route to consider.
Michael L. Evans is the Managing Director of the Northern California practice of the Newport Board Group. Michael.Evans(at)newportboardgroup(dot)com.
Starting a business in the New Year may not be as difficult as you think!
Franchising is an increasingly important part of the American business landscape. It already comprises about 5% of businesses in America and generates about 8% of all private sector jobs.
Data released by the U.S. Census Bureau in 2010, the first report drawn up by the Bureau that gathered information on franchises, says that franchises made up 10.5 percent of business across 295 industries in 2007. Franchises accounted for $1.3 trillion in revenue and $153.7 billion in payroll disbursed to 7.9 million workers.
Franchising offers grass roots entrepreneurs a chance to get into business for themselves. The franchising model combines a potent mix of capital, brand and initiative. On the other hand, the cost of getting into a franchise business has risen steeply in recent years.
A new concept, which started in less developed countries where it has helped to lift millions out of poverty, is microfranchising. Micro-franchising is a business model that applies traditional franchising to very small businesses. It is a systemized approach to replicating micro-enterprises like drive-in coffee kiosks, mall products and services, food stands and just about any other type of business that sells low cost products or services, primarily in high traffic areas.
For a very small investment, entrepreneurs can now become micro-franchisees in proven businesses without having to make high upfront investments.
How Franchising Works
Let’s define the core concepts of franchising that are at the heart of micro-franchising. A firm with an established product or service (the franchisor) enters into a contractual relationship with other businesses (the franchisees). Franchisees operate under the franchisor's trade name and guidance--in exchange for a fee.
The contract defines franchisor and franchisee responsibilities. The franchisor provides a business model and marketing strategy that specifies segments, products/services and brand positioning. The franchisor also provides advertising, marketing, training and support. The franchisee is responsible for the local facility and management of daily operations. In microfranchising, the franchisee buys a kiosk or cart and generally rents a location in a mall or store.
When the franchise model is executed well, it yields a high degree of alignment between franchisor and franchisees. Not only do franchisees have “skin in the game” because they have invested and own a share of the upside but royalty payments to the franchisor require the franchisee to generate profits above their break-even point. The result? This creates positive pressure to focus hard on being efficient and maximizing cash flow.
Advantages of Franchising
Besides avoiding the high cost of starting a business from scratch and the risk of having to test it, franchising can offer several advantages over starting your own business.
Product RecognitionA franchise business generally offers a product or service that many people are already aware of, often in a market that is fragmented, with few well established brands. Examples include dry cleaners, car washes and other firms that are typically “one off” businesses without name recognition.
Marketing SupportFranchises benefit from established and proven marketing programs and materials. The marketing and advertising campaigns created by the parent company and supported nationally through advertising helps increase sales for your franchise.
Single or Area FranchisesIn many instances, particularly for new franchise operations, the franchisee may purchase rights to a single franchise or to an entire geographical territory. Consider walking before running and starting with a single franchise, and try to get the option or rights to develop more “stores” in your geographical area.
Back-office and Administrative SupportMost franchise companies offer systems support such as information technology services and support, billing processes, accounting systems and call center and customer support at a much lower cost than if you were to create your own business from scratch.
SuppliesKey national contract terms are available through most franchise organizations at terms that you could not negotiate without the buying power of a much larger organization.
Financing the FranchiseObtaining financing for franchised business ventures is often challenging for entrepreneurs. From the startup phase to growing the business, entrepreneurs face difficulties meeting the requirements of traditional bank loans. The SBA 7(a) Program is the SBA’s primary and most popular program. With a demonstrated need for funds and a sound business purpose, an entrepreneur may be eligible for the SBA 7(a) Loan Program.
Successfully Operating a Franchise
There are several guidelines to creating a successful franchise. Failing to meet them is the downfall of many franchisees.
1. Build scale by adopting the defined business model. The franchise model reinforces a meticulously defined business system. Franchise companies drive marketing and product development centrally. As a local franchisee, the entrepreneur must be disciplined in adopting the franchisor’s established strategy to the local market.
2. Get employee buy in. Define and enforce the system to employees as rigorously as the franchisor defines it to you.
3. Be prepared to sustain marketing and advertising efforts. In tougher market conditions, non-franchise companies often reduce marketing and advertising to maintain quarterly bottom line performance. Franchise contracts require spending either a flat dollar amount of marketing/advertising or at least a fixed percentage of revenues.
When the franchise model is executed well, it yields a high degree of alignment and shared commitment between franchisor and franchisees. Franchisees have “skin in the game” because they have invested their money and sweat and own a share of the upside.
If you think you have entrepreneurial drive and a resilient spirit and would like to start your own business in 2014, traditional or microfranchising is a route to consider.
Michael L. Evans is the Managing Director of the Northern California practice of the Newport Board Group. Michael.Evans(at)newportboardgroup(dot)com.
沒有留言:
張貼留言