The next time one of your sales representatives comes in after landing a big sale, will you be left wondering how much money you lost on the deal?

You’re in business to make a profit. Yet if you’re still paying your salespeople based on the volume instead of the profitability of the deals they generate, you’re doing so at the sake of your bottom line.

Sending your sales team out to hit the streets without a specific profit directive is as bad an idea as if a…

Today’s consumer is more discerning and more connected than ever before. Whatever you may feel about the current state of social media - whether you consider it an overwhelming wave of too much information or an integral part of your marketing mix - there is no denying that social media is redefining the lines of communication between brands and their clients and allowing them to forge relationships like never before.

As a franchise business owner, it’s important to know that the…

Q.  What is networking anyway?

A.  Depending on personal experience, past job duties, industry, and many other factors, people see “networking” as different things.  It might be a social event, a key way to meet new prospects, knowing and being known by the right people, positioning and “branding” of yourself and your business, online social network activities, or perhaps a pain in the posterior.  For our purposes, we’ll consider it to be intentionally meeting people in order to…

A: It’s really important to remember that most reporters get hundreds of e-mails a day and won’t have the time to respond to every single one. Therefore, we suggest following up with a polite, brief phone call one or two days after you send your press release. Just keep in mind that the reporter you are reaching out to may be on deadline and quick to get off the phone. Jot down a few notes so you can quickly explain why you are calling once you’re able to connect live. 

Q.  What marketing methods are best for my business?

A.  This is a common question.  But in order to determine that you need to understand what is your target market.    Let’s use a fishing analogy to explain this.  Where would you go and what bait would you use if you were fishing for tuna?   Would it be the same if you were fishing for trout?   Of course not.

Q.  How do I define my target market?

A.  Ask…

Q: I’ve received several negative posts on my Facebook page and I’m not sure whether I should delete them or not. Any recommendations?

A: Before deleting any negative posts, we suggest adding a set of “House Rules” on your Facebook page. Many of today’s most-recognized brands have implemented “House Rules” or something similar on their pages. By doing so, you have the opportunity to explain to users that photos, comments, links and other material deemed “unproductive” will be…

Q.  Does my attitude affect my business results?

A.  In a word…YES.   As Zig Ziglar’s famous quote states, “Your attitude, not your aptitude, will determine your altitude.”   Positive attitude can overcome most of the issues you will face as a business owner, and as a business owner you will face many issues.   They never stop coming.  How you handle them depends on you.

Q. Can you learn or be trained to have a positive attitude?

A. …

Did you know that 97% of consumers search for businesses online? Looking up phone numbers and addresses in a big, bulky phone book is a thing of the past. That’s why it’s so important to take control of your business online and make it easy for people to find you. One of the first things business owners, including franchisees, should do is register (for free) with Google Places.



What is Google Places? It’s a free local platform to help businesses connect with customers and vice…

Finding the right people, and finding them fast. Its possible, but one has to win out over the other.

Lets assume “the right people” is your first priority. Here are a few tips for hiring.

Always be hiring: Yes, always. When you meet that perfect candidate who happens to be browsing in your store in August, let them know you’ll be hiring over Christmas. Get their number and call them by Mid-October!

Put flyers in every bag.…