Grins 2 Go® Photography announces the opening of its newest franchise unit in Rancho Cucamonga.
Franchisee Pete Meisenzahl opens the event and portrait photography franchise unit just in time for the holiday season. Read more…
Click to view Pete’s comments on launch: Grins 2 Go Photography in Rancho Cucamonga Launch Video
The strong suit of any good franchise organization is the initial training. After all, this is what sets up the franchisee to learn the systems and processes to get started and succeed in the business.
At Grins 2 Go® our initial training program is top-notch. It’s a 10 day intensive course for the franchisee, out of which 6 days include the very important photographer.
Here’s what the Grins 2 Go® initial training program covers:
· White Glove service to the customer: the philosophy, the delivery, the measurement. We get into the specific behaviors associated with giving our trademark service
· Hands on photo shoots. 3-5 different shoots for the photographer to practice and fine-tune the Grins® photography styles and for the franchisee to learn how to manage the process. We even shoot real customer events with the trainees (under the watchful eye of our Photography Manager)
· What it means to be in business and how to achieve success with a Grins 2 Go® franchise. Our franchisees go through extensive classes on management, operations, pricing, marketing and sales
Our trainers are specialists in adult learning techniques. With years of training experience our trainers know how to impart the right information at the right time in the right way so that the students learn and are able to apply the knowledge.
The Grins 2 Go® training is serious stuff, but our students always tell us they had fun at training. It is designed to be fun—just like the Grins 2 Go® business!
Check out other benefits of joining the Grins 2 Go® franchise at Franchise.Grins2Go.com
Choosing the franchise business that may be best suited for you requires a fit on three separate fronts: An organization fit (see previous blog), an attribute fit (future blog) and a business model fit, our topic of discussion today.
There are six areas to help determine if there is a good business model fit:
1. Facility. Make sure you are comfortable with where you will do business from—a retail space, an industrial space, mobile, home-based, etc.
2. Employees. The people that work for you are there with you everyday. You must be comfortable with the type of people working for you. Are they ‘blue collar’, professionals, salaried, hourly, full-time or part-time? The business you choose will determine the kind of people that work in the business. People are your most important asset and as such you need to be ‘in-tune’ with the people working for you.
3. Customers. Every business attracts different types of customers. There are customers who appreciate and value different things, price, quality, service, experience. In your business there could also be many customers with small transactions and a few customers with large transactions. Be comfortable with the type of customers and the transactions that your business will bring.
4. Products and services. Some businesses sell products, some sell services and some may sell both. You have to be comfortable with what your business is selling. After all your passion for your product and service will be essential in your success.
5. Sales. The scope and size of your potential business is important as it will help you achieve your goals and objectives. How you realize that potential and opportunity is equally important. How do you grow this business, is it through a wholesale distribution, a retail store, over the internet, door to door selling etc. It is one thing to have the potential but important to know how to realize that potential and your comfort in being able to do that. In every business you have to sell otherwise your business isn’t going to grow, but the intensity may vary and too often people get into businesses that require heavy sales and they freeze and never get out.
6. Financial. Obviously the economics have to make sense. Your ability to afford the business, your ability to grow the business to a size that allows you to meet your goals and objectives are important. Your financial metrics have to make sense as you choose your business.
It is not important that there be a 100% match in all six areas, however, you must be comfortable that there is sufficient fit between you and the business. The six areas of a fit also have varying degrees of priority to different people and you have to determine if all six areas are equally important or some areas have greater importance to you than others.
For example, at Grins 2 Go® (www.Grins2Go.com) we are mobile/home-based business, with 1-2 employees, our customers are of varied size of transactions but they all live and work in the community. Our product is capturing happy memories that everyone needs and wants and the opportunity for growth is tremendous and is realized by networking, marketing and selling and to top it off, our investment is modest.
In making a decision to go into business, it is first and foremost important to ensure that there is a good fit between you and the franchise you are intending to join. In all my business ventures, I place up to 75% of the decision-making on the people and the organization match.
Here are seven areas you should consider for matching:
1. Passion of leadership team. The passion of the leadership team should be such that you become enthused and excited about being part of that organization.
2. Clear Vision. You must share and be convinced with the vision of the organization. Why does it exist? Who is it trying to serve? Where are they going?
3. Enthusiasm for growing the business. Are you comfortable with the growth plans the company is pursuing. Some companies like to grow slowly while others pursue an aggressive growth strategy. Who are you more comfortable with?
4. Enthusiasm for franchisee success. Make sure you are comfortable with their approach and attitude towards your success. Legitimate franchise companies certainly don’t look at franchisees to not do well. However, some have a more ‘laid back’ approach while others have a more ‘involved’ approach. There is no right or wrong; it is a matter of your comfort.
5. Commitment to innovation. Be sure that you are comfortable with the organizational commitment to innovation. What areas are they strong in innovating? How often are new products, services, process etc. introduced?
6. Organizational values. What is the company’s mission statement and value system? This is big and you need to make sure you are totally comfortable with this. At Grins 2 Go® (www.Grins2Go.com) this is huge for us and we base our value system on the Six Pillars of Character.
7. Customer values. Make sure you are comfortable with the way the franchise organization expects you to treat the customer. After all, we exist because of the customer and if you are not comfortable with what is expected of you in terms of the customer service standards, then you may not have a good fit.
These seven points are important in analyzing a fit between a potential franchisee and the franchisor. The business model and what success attributes are required of me are secondary to these seven point. In my view, if I can’t get past these areas, it doesn’t really matter how good the business may be because I will always be uncomfortable with the people, the organization and what it stands for and as such it will have a huge impact on my success.
Do check out Grins 2 Go® and the values we stand for at www.Franchise.Grins2Go.com
October brings the Grins 2 Go® Kids’ Watch month, an annual campaign sponsored by the Grins 2 Go® franchise units. Free Child ID/fingerprint kits along with photos are distributed to parents at Kids’ Watch Day in various different locations around the nation. Read more…
You have spent time searching for a franchise business. You have identified the business and done your research. You feel good with your narrowed down option.
The first step in the decision making process is to re-affirm the reasons for going into business. Keep these reasons in focus because as the intellectual exercise of research is complete, the emotional aspect of decision-making kicks in. Like a roller coaster, the emotions will take you up and down and being steadfast in your decision for going into business will help you ride out the emotions.
The reasons for going into business must be sufficiently important to you in order for you to take action, otherwise you will continue to be in the ‘pain’ of your circumstances.
Over the years, these are some of the reasons I’ve heard over and over again:
· ‘I need to build up my assets for retirement and working for someone else is not going to do it’
· ‘I am tired of the corporate politics and back stabbing at work and I need to be in a positive environment that I can control’
· ‘My talents and skills are under-appreciated and not being utilized’
· ‘I need to have more control over my own destiny’
The most important questions you can ask yourself is: how important is it to you to solve the problems you face by taking some action to change the situation? If the answer is ‘very important’ than you are ready for your own business. As we have discussed previously on this blog, a franchise business is the smart way to go into business (www.Franchise.Grins2Go.com) .
You have a choice to make: continue down the path as a victim of your current situation or get motivated to make a change by refusing to accept the role of a victim and instead unleash the potential within you to become a victor.
Future blog entries will discuss other aspects of the decision making process. Stay tuned.
The housing crisis, record foreclosures, high unemployment, high oil prices, value of the dollar… the streaming video of bad news can continue. During such times is it prudent to go into business or is it better to wait for things to turnaround?
My view is that going into business is a noble calling and provided you have done your research and determined your affordability, you shouldn’t wait. In fact, you should probably move quicker. Here is why:
What goes down comes up. Granted these are challenging times but it is also important to keep in view that this is how economic cycles work and as such the current dip has no choice but to go up. It is just an issue of time.
Plan and prepare during a down cycle. It takes time to identify the franchise business of your choice and it takes time to open the business after you have made your decision. A retail business, in some parts of the country, could easily be one year away from opening the doors. Even a mobile business like Grins 2 Go® (www.Grins2Go.com) will take 2-3 months to open.
Mitigate risks with a franchise. A franchise business must be of high priority in these uncertain times, because the support of the company will be instrumental in helping you navigate and establish your business. You don’t want to be starting a business alone.
Take advantage of opportunities. During down economic times, opportunities to reduce costs may be available as suppliers want to encourage you to buy from them. As such, the things you need to open your business may be available at a discount.
Employees. During down economic times many times you have better choice of available employees and many could be hired at reduced costs, helping you during your start-up phase.
Trial marketing discounts. As a new business, if you come in with an aggressive marketing plan and trial discounts you may be able to capture customers while established businesses may be controlling their advertising.
I believe there is never a bad time to open a business. In fact, during down economic times, it is best to get past the fear of what we see, hear or experience around us and look ahead at the opportunities associated with owning a business. For myself, I would rather forge ahead and build my dream. As William Shakespeare said, “Our doubts are traitors and make us lose the good we oft might win, by fearing to attempt.”
Is this a good time to go into business? You bet! May your dream of owning your own business propel you to your success.
Visit Franchise.Grins2Go.com
Whether you’re simply toying with the idea of owning our own business or you are close to making the jump and purchasing a franchise of your own, internet portals that enable you to research what business is right for you can be invaluable tools in your business ownership journey.
Portals such as Franchise Solutions (www.FranchiseSolutions.com), offer a no stress or pressure place for you to research the idea of business ownership, locate resources such as business financing providers, and of course, find the right business to meet your needs. You can do all of this, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week from any place you can access the internet.
So where do you start? If you’re not sure whether business ownership is even right for you, Franchise Solutions, like many portals, offers numerous articles as well as the latest franchise and business ownership news and press releases. The website also features testimonials from real business buyers that have recently purchased businesses. Once you determine that franchise ownership is right for you, you’re ready to begin your search for a business to own.
Here are some helpful pointers which will help you narrow down your search:
· Determine how much liquid capital (cash) you have to invest in a business, what your net worth is, and whether you feel comfortable financing part of the investment.
· Next, decide whether you have a business industry in mind. Have you always dreamed of owning your own photography business (like Grins 2 Go®), or a restaurant? Franchises typically offer plenty of training so there will be no need to have industry experience. Some franchisees, however, prefer to use their professional experience in their new business. The biggest determining factor when choosing which industry to purchase a business in is to choose a business that has high market demand in your community.
· Then decide whether you will be working full time on your business, having a manager run your business, or whether you’d like to keep your current job and start your business on a part-time basis only.
Once you’ve laid out these basic preferences, you can start your search for a business to own. Portals like Franchise Solutions often offer various search tools that can help you narrow your search down. You can search for a specific company name on the portal’s alphabetical Franchise Directory. Or use the Franchise Finder tool to search by your available capital and/or a specific industry. If you prefer, you can also explore businesses available in specific industries or view all opportunities in a specialty category such as home-based businesses for sale.
Online portals such as Franchise Solutions can ultimately connect you with the right people at the franchise companies which interest you. They feature an information request form which is delivered right to the correct person at the company you specify. Once the form is received, you will receive additional information about the brands that interest you and you can ask the companies any questions you may have about their franchise opportunities. It’s best to go ahead and inquire to multiple companies before making a final decision regarding which franchise is right for you. Remember, you’ll be under no obligation by requesting additional information from a franchise company and since you’ll most likely be in a multi-year franchise agreement, it is important that you make the right decision when buying a business.
For more information on Grins 2 Go, the #1 event and portrait photography franchise check out Franchise.Grins2Go.com.
Visiting a franchise expo event may seem like the perfect way to find the franchise that’s right for you. And it is, but only if you’ve done your homework and have constructed a plan to make the most of your experience. Franchise expo events offer countless ways to help make the most informed choice about which franchise concept will fit best for you.
Hundreds of Companies
The first thing you’ll notice when you walk onto the expo floor is the variety of opportunities available. Franchise buyers need to invest sufficient time researching their options. What type business appeals to you? What skills do you have? What type of lifestyle do you want? What is your budget? These are the important questions to consider as you review the extensive range of choices available.
Dig Deeper
You enjoyed that delicious sandwich at a franchise location recently and now you’re thinking, “I could own one of the restaurants”. Food franchises are great for some people but typically employ many workers, require a large upfront investment, and characteristically long hours. Different franchises feature different requirements – some more flexible than others. Most people don’t realize the array of franchises offered until the serious research starts. Look for a franchise that can integrate your skills and goals.
Do Your Homework
Choosing the right franchise is a challenge. Learning as much as you can about franchising and the types of businesses you’re considering is critical. Franchise expo events feature free seminars and in-depth symposia on a range of topics that provide the facts you’ll need to make the most informed decision. Education at the expo events is presented by the experts in franchising – professionals who have the experience and knowledge to deliver the information you need to be informed.
Resources
After you’ve done your research with tools like publications and websites, gear up to visit the next expo coming to your area. Be prepared to speak with representatives about your expectations, objectives and goals. With over 2500 franchises in 75+ industries, there’s a franchise out there just waiting for you. Use the expo events to find the right franchise for you.
Joel Goldstein
For information on a Grins 2 Go franchise opportunity, call (866)GoGrins
Grins 2 Go® announces an innovative new portrait product line for the upcoming holiday season. This sophisticated new product, called Portrait Expressions, shows off the personality of the subject by capturing the many different facial expressions, and creating a single unique portrait.
Portrait Expressions come in two different sizes—large and small. Each Portrait Expressions print contains one large image in the center with 12 smaller images around. The 16 x 16 or 10 x 10 sizes are ideal for framing and displaying in a home. These unique Portrait Expressions will be treasured by family and friends.
The trick to creating a perfect Portrait Expressions is the ability to capture the various emotions shown on the face of the subject. The certified photographers at Grins 2 Go® franchise units are trained to get a variety of expressions from the subject. Our goal is to get our subjects relaxed and natural so that we can shoot those genuine looks. If that means our photographers have to dance or get silly or get down to the subject’s level, they will! It’s all about our customers.
A typical family portrait session lasts about 1 hour. Grins 2 Go® franchise units go on location to shoot family portraits in homes and/or outdoor locations. Within that time, the professional photographers will shoot various different poses and backgrounds, including clothing changes, as well as concentrated images of those ideal expressions.
For Grins 2 Go®, the portrait season runs in full force September through December, when families have the most propensity for buying portraits in preparation for the holiday season.
(866)GoGrins for more information.
###
