BAACI Blog

States Unemployment Funds Are Depleting

lafate@baaci.biz (baaciprez) — Sat, 02 Jan 2010 22:51:00 +0000

The states are running out of money to pay unemployment insurance and are looking to the federal governement and are considering increasing unemployment insurance taxes on employers, which will most likely make it more difficult for businesses to hire.

The government's extension plan expires in February of this year (2010) which could affect 1 million unemployed.

Watch the video and/or read the entire article: http://apnews.myway.com/article/20091231/D9CUGAHG2.html

Small Business Still Suffering

lafate@baaci.biz (baaciprez) — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 22:07:00 +0000

There will be no recovery until small business start hiring. Small business cannot start hiring laid off employees until financial institutions start loaning small businesses loans. Unemployment must decrease significantly before a real recovery can be realized in the US. There is no such thing as a jobless recovery!

Men's Fashion Coordination - Dress for Success

lafate@baaci.biz (baaciprez) — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 19:53:00 +0000

For the majority of men, dressing for success is easier said than done. For many of them, the challenge is not having the money to buy what they want, but it's knowing how to coordinate the colors and patterns of the clothes they purchase.

For those who have to watch their wardrobe budget, they are challenged not only with a more limited selection available to them, but they need to understand how to coordinate patterns and colors in a way that will allow them to mix-and-match their pants and suit coats (for example) in such a way that could turn a purchase of three pants/jacket combinations into a potential wardrobe of six different suits or suit combinations.

We all have our strengths and weaknesses. If you find shopping for clothes challenging, I recommend that you CLICK HERE and take a look at this ebook and/or watch the video below. This may very well be the answer you've been looking for.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

How to Start a Day Care Center

lafate@baaci.biz (baaciprez) — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 06:55:00 +0000

Starting a Day Care Center is serious business with a lot of moving parts. Therefore, it is very important that you use a comprehensive plan or blueprint when establishing your center.

The plan should address everything including organization matters such as preparing your home. It should clearly instruct you on how to run your business (i.e. writing a contract, setting rates, etc.) and how to market your business.

Learn more about the ins and outs of starting your very own day care business by clicking the link below:

CLICK HERE

Small Business - PC Repair Tools

lafate@baaci.biz (baaciprez) — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 18:52:00 +0000

In today's world, chances are that you are highly depended on your computer to conduct your business and communicate with customers and vendors. We've all have had those days when our computer essentially takes the day off and starts performing like it's down with the flu or something. This may sound like a metaphor, but it may not be far from the truth. A virus is just one of the potential problems that can cause your PC to perform slowly.

Unfortunately, if the problem persist, the first thing we think about is the potential severity of the problem and the associated cost. Needless to say, it is always a good idea to use tools available to us to try and rectify the problem ourselves or at least get a better understanding of what is causing the problem and the potential cost involved in repairs.

There are diagnostic tools available that you can obtain from the internet that will scan your computer for free and resolve a large percentage of the problems affecting the average PC today with out you ever having to call a technician or take your PC to the shop for repair.

If you would like to try this service, CLICK HERE for Registry Easy free computer scan.

Microsoft Computer Skills Training

lafate@baaci.biz (baaciprez) — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 02:28:00 +0000

Companies providing affordable computer skill training like Deluxe Training is in increasing demand as many people are in need of sharpening their computer skills or learning new skills like Microsoft Word and/or Excel for the first time.

Fortunately, these type of training skills can be obtained a lot easier today as a result of the internet, broadband internet connection and new creative software. Furthermore, often time the courses are being offered in such a way that the student can learn with hands on example at their own pace.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

Franchise Seekers: Word to the Wise

lafate@baaci.biz (baaciprez) — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 20:56:00 +0000

I can't stress strong enough how important it is to learn how to research franchises and business opportunities before you write that fat check.

Many people use equity in their homes and their retirement savings to purchase these businesses making this investment just as important or even more important than any other purchase you might make.

I don't know of any under graduate or graduate or any business school for that matter, that teaches you how to make these type purchases and inform you of what to consider and look for.

Although there is a plethora of information on the internet about purchasing a franchise, most do not offer a systematic approach.

BAACI is attempting to fill this void with its free online tools located att http://www.baaci.biz

Branding Your Small Business - Part 2

lafate@baaci.biz (baaciprez) — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 04:02:00 +0000

Watch this very informative video if you want to learn:

- Why your brand is what differentiates you
- Why you should start with a business strategy when deciding on a brand
- What to consider when developing a personal brand
- What is Market Place Positioning
- What to consider when selecting a business name
- How to select colors for your brand
- Learn the importance of trademarks

Entrepreneurs can change the world

lafate@baaci.biz (baaciprez) — Mon, 11 May 2009 18:58:00 +0000

Chances are that many of the jobs lost as a result of our economic recession will take years to return, if they return at all. Jobs like many other factors (e.g. housing, stocks, car) in our economy have to undergo a period of adjustment and correction now that the bubble has burst on an economy that was booming mostly as a result of credit that was made easily available thereby spurring imaginary demand or demand that was not real.

The quickest way for America and Amercans to get back on it's feet and start accomplishing real production and real demand is for it's citizens to start small and medium size businesses that provide goods and services that our country need and want and by hiring people to do an honest pay for honest work.

This is how our country was built and the time is ripe for us as a people to get back to basics!

Dream... again!

What Are the Most Common Problems New Franchisees Face?

lafate@baaci.biz (baaciprez) — Sun, 03 May 2009 21:47:00 +0000

This video points out at a high level some of the challenges new entrepreneurs face when considering a franchise or business opportunity:

1. Doing quality due diligence of a franchise and yourself.
2. Knowing what industry you're most suitable for.
3. Purchasing a franchise based on guess work.
4. Purchasing based on verbal promises versus contractual provisions.
5. Qaulity of training.

The video ends with the statement "Always analyze before investing". That's good advice. However, most people despite their level of education don't know how to vet a franchise. This is not something that is taught in college (undergraduate or graduate school).

By the way, don't expect your typical franchise consultant to be willing or even capable of doing the research for you.

BAACI was created in an attempt to help fill this obvious void in services needed by new entrepreneurs considering to start a business via a franchise.

Jobs are Scarce but Business Opportunities are Plentiful

lafate@baaci.biz (baaciprez) — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 15:44:00 +0000

So many people are either unemployed are under employed today and are having a very hard time finding a good job that is congruent with their education and years of experience. Many of the economic gurus are saying that job hiring always lags behind other indicators like the stock market and will take some time to recover. I think that the severe economic blow that our economy suffered will cause many more major corporations to fail and or merge with other companies further exacerbating the current unemployment rate. In other words, many of the high paying corporate jobs that have been lost are lost for an indefinite period of time, if not forever.

It would be prudent to consider starting your own business right now; especially if you fall into the category of unemployed or under employed. Use your years of education and know how to provide your own product or service. You can start off very slow investing very little money. The key is to start your marketing as soon as possible so that you start getting the word out that you are in business. The benefit of starting now while the economy is recessed is that when things begin to turn around you are well positioned and ahead of the game with respect to your marketing and advertising. Regardless of when you start, it’s going to take you a good two to three years to get the word out, establish a brand name and build a strong customer base complete with referrals.

Starting your business is something you can do yourself to improve your upon your future. Furthermore, what better way to have a positive effect on the economy than to position yourself to offer others employment through your very own company.

I encourage you to give this much thought.

Click Here for a great article that supports my recommendation.

It's Time to Invest in You

lafate@baaci.biz (baaciprez) — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 02:27:00 +0000

People are having a hard time trying to determine where to invest their money these days with real estate and the stock market tanking at the same time.

Due to the fact that unemployment is on the rise and major corporations are falling all around us, I recommend that everyone think about investing some of their hard earned money into themselves. Do an introspection by taking a good look at your education and your skill sets to see if you need to improve upon either in the event you find yourself in the job market. By doing this, you can be proactive and work on strengthening any weaknesses or voids just in case the pink slip comes. However, since I bleed entrepreneurial blood, I would be remise, if I didn’t highly recommend that you also consider working on a business plan in preparation for starting your own business, so that you are ready and prepared to launch when the economy starts to turn around and relies on small businesses to fill the voids created by corporate failures.

Our current economic down turn will be followed by a demand for products and services that can be provided more efficiently and cost effectively with a personal touch and superior customer service. Who can provide this better than small businesses? Uncle Sam will no doubt turn to small businesses in a big way also and will thereby be seeking to enter into government contracts with them. If you start your own business that can service the government, you could possibly get your hands on some of that bail out money.

Now that you have at least one viable alternative for investing your money, take action!

Franchise Consultant Services

lafate@baaci.biz (baaciprez) — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 14:41:00 +0000

As a result of the slowdown in the economy caused by a decrease in consumer spending, because people are spending more of their hard earned money on gas and food, businesses are starting to lay people off. Fewer people are coming into their stores and/or requesting their services, so unemployment is on the rise. Unfortunately, some of the jobs that are being lost are going to be lost forever. If that should happen, what do smart, college educated and very capable people do when the number and talent available in the workforce triumphs the number of jobs available. These people will of course kick into survival mode and they will adapt and overcome by finding a way to sell their talents without a J.O.B. In other words, these talented very capable hard working Americans will start their own businesses. This last sentence probably has Franchise Consultants salivating.

I, however, am interested in assisting the fellow or prospective entrepreneur. I am writing this blog to communicate as clearly as possible a very important piece of advice to you. Although a good Franchise Consultant will aid you tremendously in finding a business opportunity from the 50 to 100 or so that he represents, do not expect him/her to always share with you any inauspicious information on the company you select. Remember this: Most Franchise Consultants are paid a commission by the Franchisor! Therefore, do not rely on them to do anything more than present you with opportunities; some of these opportunities may be good and some may be bad. In other words, the onus is on you to thoroughly research all companies you are contemplating pursuing.

For the record, Business Advisor and Counselor, Inc. does not endorse any Franchise. We provide information, guidance and tools to assist entrepreneurs who are contemplating starting a business by investing in a franchise or business opportunity by becoming a franchisee, partner or licensee.

The Shipping and Packaging Industry

lafate@baaci.biz (baaciprez) — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 14:40:00 +0000

One of the things I’ve learned during recent interviews with shipping and packaging store owners is that their stores seem to be experiencing a reduction in profit margin. I visited owners representing three name brands and this appears to be a trend that is affecting the industry and is not unique to anyone store or brand. Of course some reduction is being caused by the stalled economy and this is understandable. Nonetheless, several of the store owners stated that they experienced a noticeable squeeze in their profit margins beginning in 2006. Some of the reason that they gave for the cause is 1.) Several retail companies are placing prepaid return labels in their product packaging thereby making it easier for customers to return un-wanted products and 2.) Some shipping companies (e.g. . Fedex, and UPS) are allowing their customers to open up accounts online and the ability to create and print packaging labels off of their computers. The customer can then do their own packaging and simply drop the package at a respective companies’ mailbox or at one of the shipping and packaging stores (e.g. UPS Store, Post Net, Parcel Plus, etc.).

Needless to say, meeting with a handful of owners does not a case study make. However, I don’t foresee shipping companies discontinuing this new convenience being offered to their customers and I expect that more and more retail companies will start placing return labels in their deliveries, which will go far to ease one of the main concerns of those who shop online. Consequently, anyone considering a business opportunity in this industry should probably give both of these factors considerable thought before making a decision to sign a seven to ten year contract with one of the franchisers in this industry.

Coffee Franchises in the News

lafate@baaci.biz (baaciprez) — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 14:33:00 +0000

One thing is for sure, experience in the 9 to 5 world and formal education does not prepare one for dealing with unscrupulous or misrepresented franchisors and business opportunists. This is a personal testimony because like Criston, I have an MBA and over 20 years of work experience working with major corporations in various capacities (e.g. management, contract management, project management, etc.). I sincerely believe that after ten years of researching and seriously considering approximately thirteen different franchise opportunities that what helped me avoid a bad franchise investment experience is 1) My built in paranoia, 2) Conducting extensive research, 3) Following my gut instincts.

Criston gives good advice regarding using the internet and the different blogs to conduct research on the company’s an investor is considering investing in. Thank goodness for the internet. It is imperative that would be franchise investors utilize this resource! Obviously and unfortunately the internet is being used by predatory and nefarious companies to promote their so call opportunities. Investor can level the playing field, so to speak, by making others aware of inauspicious companies and investor’s bad experiences.

There is a plethora of information available online to franchise investors that will assist them with vetting franchises. I know because I’ve used these sources during my ten years of investigations. The problem is that most investors are not aware of these sources and it takes time to research and find them. Most investors simply do not have the time to do the research and pull it all together. The majority of Franchise Consultants will not do the research for you, if even if they knew how to. There is now an electronic book available entitled Leveling the Franchise Playing Field which can be downloaded immediately for a free preview that will allow investors to benefit from the experiences I’ve gained from researching franchises and other business opportunities. My company (Business Advisor and Counselor, Inc.) has also created online tools called Franchise Analyzer Pro that are available for free use at www.baaci.biz. The ebook not only provides insight, recommendations, real life experiences, referrals to important links, etc.; it also provides the investor with a step-by-step process accompanied with worksheets to aid the investor in an attempt to level the franchise playing field.

I personally came very close to investing in a company headquartered in Canada. Although the company sold franchises, it was not registered as a franchise in the state where I reside, which is Maryland. Consequently, the franchisor offered me a license agreement that required me to pay approximately $30k in an initial franchise fee and roughly $600 per month in royalty, advertising and other fees. After a few weeks of negotiating, I managed to negotiate a reduction in all of these fees and a termination in the monthly fees if the license agreement was terminated for any reason.

Nonetheless, after placing a call and speaking to someone in my state Attorneys General office and receiving a stern warning from them not to invest in this company, I decided to pass on the opportunity. After this close call, I decided to find a way to educate and help others (like me) who just want a good business opportunity and work hard for themselves in an attempt to control their own destiny; to help them avoid being victimized by savvy marketers and business opportunist that are less than honest.

I failed to mention that I learned during my research of the aforementioned company that the company came close to going into bankruptcy less than five years ago. I also failed to mention that I was introduced to this company via a Franchise Consultant that I was working with. That is until I learned that the Franchise Consultant was aware of the company’s not so long ago financial woes, but fail to mention them to me.

There is just so much that a franchise investor must be made aware of before investing their hard earned money into a so call business opportunity. Business Advisor and Counselor, Inc. (BAACI) was created to fill the education void in this industry from a franchise investor perspective. We are not affiliated with any companies offering a franchise or business opportunities. We seek to empower and consult franchise investors by providing them with resources and knowledge in an attempt to simply level the franchise playing field.

Read Criston Menz’ full franchise interview at Unhappy Franchisee.Learn more about coffee franchises at the FranBest Coffee Franchise Guide.

The Franchise Alternative

lafate@baaci.biz (baaciprez) — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 14:26:00 +0000

Can’t seem to find the quality and caliber franchise investment to match the amount of money you have to invest? Are you finding that a lot of the franchises are not very well known except for in certain parts of the country or state, but not where you reside? Are you concerned about possibly being obligated to monthly franchise and advertising fees regardless of whether or not for some reason you are not able to continue your business? Have you spoken with franchisees that reported that they are struggling to earn a profit (e.g. Shipping and Packaging and Coffee franchises)? Perhaps it dawned on you that albeit support and a ready-made system are benefits to starting a business via a franchise, the downside is that the very nature of a franchise arrangement renders you dependent on a parent company. What happens if your supporter or parent goes out of business or sales the company?

I’m not surprised if you have not given much thought to this notion or if no one pointed out this serious potential detriment to a franchise arrangement. On the flip side, this is a potential problem that does not exist for entrepreneurs launching their business on their own. Another benefit gutsy business owners realize from starting their business from scratch is that they get the opportunity to promote and build their very own brand name. Let’s face it there are only a small percentage of franchises in the industry today who really has strong nationwide brand notoriety and appeal.

Basically what I’m saying is that before you jump the broom with a franchise company, you might want to re-evaluate going it alone; especially when you can educate yourself on how to start your business with a business system and model that is just as strong as what is being offered by franchises. Download for free the ebook offered by Business Advisor and Counselor, Inc. (BAACI) called The Franchise Alternative”.