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July 2011

Five Tips for a Successful Franchise

No one said running a business was easy. Beginning a franchise business is hard work no matter what type of product or service is being sold. Yet with planning, focus, a solid network and the right training and support tools, business owners can position their company for continued growth and success.

Below are five tips from Bart Puett, president and CEO of Maid Brigade, the leading maid service franchise, to help today’s franchisees flourish.

1. Have a plan and stick to it
Setting goals and having a plan to achieve them is crucial for the development of the business. Make it a priority to meet with key team members on a regular schedule to discuss business objectives, results, new programs, and promotions.

2. Focus on customer service and satisfaction
Repeat customers and referrals are vitally important to business growth, especially in the beginning when brand awareness within the local community may be weak. Listen to customers when they have suggestions and provide pricing incentives for repeat customers to show appreciation toward the most valued customers.

3. Use all the of the tools and support offered by franchisors
Utilize all of the resources provided by franchisors such as financing, training, sales, marketing, technology, and web support.

4. Get involved in the community
Consider donating time and services to help support local charities, schools, libraries, hospitals, churches, veterans and women’s groups to build local awareness and relations within the community.

5. Network, network, network
Join a local chamber of commerce, industry association(s), professional organization, small business owners, and entrepreneur groups to meet with other business leaders, to share ideas, and to discuss success strategies.

About Maid Brigade Inc.
Maid Brigade Inc. is the only Green Clean Certified® cleaning services franchise with more than 400 locations throughout the United States and Canada. Ranked a “Top 100” franchise by Entrepreneur magazine and a “Top 50” Franchise opportunity for both Minorities and Veterans by USA Today, Maid Brigade is a low investment, high return, and recession resistant business opportunity that offers a great lifestyle. For more information visit http://www.maidbrigadefranchise.com or call 1-800-722-MAID.


Back to School Coupon Clipping

Mead Composition book

It's that time again - for schoolkids across the country it's the annual decision-making time to figure out which kinds of pencils, pens, folders, markers, and paper is needed for the school year.

I had two personal favorites -- first, that terrific black-and-white composition book -- one for every subject, and then the other all-time cool accessory was the Trapper Keeper -- I had a green one that I loved, with the velcro strap and the ample pockets inside!

Now, as a parent of school-aged children, I'm aware of the costs involved with kitting out my kids for the new academic year, and as a smart mom, I'm compelled to look for deals all around. I've found some amazing resources at www.savings.com, which has great coupons, discount codes, and deals, as well as user-submitted entries on the latest finds.  

So, a checklist for school savings:

 

School Supplies:

  • Pencils
  • Eraser
  • Ruler
  • Compass and Protractor (depends on which math class they're in)
  • Black Pens
  • Sharpie marker
  • Colored markers
  • Composition  books
  • Folders

 

Clothes:

  • Shirts
  • Jacket
  • Pants
  • Shorts
  • Socks
  • Shoes
  • Gym uniform

 

Other essentials:

  • Laptop computer (if your kid is lucky)
  • Calculator
  • Dictionary
  • Healthy snacks
  • Lunchbox (if they bring their own lunch)

 

Happy back-to-school to all!

 


Mead Composition book

Mead Composition book

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