Tag Archives: Training

03May 2011

Franchise News: 5 Good Reasons to Choose a Franchise Opportunity

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By Joel Caws

Selecting a franchise business as a route to starting up a business can be a great choice. Like anything, there will always be two sides to the coin, but lets look at five important characteristics that a franchise can offer in contrast to a non-franchised business venture:-

1. The Franchise Business Formula

The heart of any franchise business is its franchise formula. This is primarily comprised of the business structures and processes that make the business happen and that make it a potentially profitable venture. These elements make up a core part of the franchise manual that becomes a new franchisees ‘bible’ to read and follow, in order to reproduce the achievement of the original franchise pilot businesses.

2. Proven Track Record

The good thing about a franchise is that you can often talk to other aspiring business people, just like yourself, who are already running the franchise opportunity you are considering as a business. The franchisor will usually be able to provide a list of franchisees that they are happy for you to contact which can act as references for the franchise venture. It can give you extra peace of mind to speak to people who have already travelled the road you are on and have already taken on, and are actually running day-by-day, the franchise business.

3. Training & Support

Unlike starting up business by yourself, franchise opportunities are usually provided with a level of training and on-going support. This is to enable you to run the business effectively and successfully by understanding the franchise formula and how to apply it to the day-to-day business activities.

4. Financing

The majority of high street banks have franchise sections that specialise in funding franchise business start-ups. You will still need to prepare your business plan, but having the weight of a franchise system behind you can give the bank some extra assurance that you are working with an already established and proven business concept. This may give you an edge in getting any funding you might need.

5. Franchise Association Support

There is plenty of help and support offered to those considering franchising as a route to starting a business. In the UK, the British Franchise Association (bfa) is an organisation of which many franchise businesses are members.  The Association helps to promote ethical franchising in the UK and it can therefore give some extra peace of mind if the franchise system you select is a member. Additionally, the bfa can be a resource for any other help you might need such as pointing you in the right direction for professional support such as for legal and financial issues. Other countries have similar franchise organisations in place to hope promote franchising in their respective countries.

Finally, its worth bearing in mind that, a franchise is a business like any other. A willingness to work hard, be determined and dedicated to the franchise system, are all essential to give you the best possible chance of success. A franchise in itself is no guarantee of success, but it does give you the chance to get out of the starting blocks running.

07Apr 2011

Letting Agent News: To tweet or not to tweet?

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By Matthew Carter

Lots of letting agents are still questioning whether twitter is right for their business. The primary role of twitter for a letting agent is to connect with their local community, be more accessible to their potential client base, promote their latest properties and generate business leads. I started a twitter account for our business back in 2009, over the years I’ve picked up a few tips that you might find useful:

  • If you’re new to twitter you might want to follow lots of people to start with to inflate your own follower numbers – you follow them they might follow you back – simple (remember the more followers you have the more people there are to see your tweets – potentially).
  • But do your followers care what your business is saying? Possibly not, so after a few weeks start to be picky about who you follow and create you own niche/community this could include existing clients, potential clients, trade press, and competitors (why not keep an eye on them?).   
  • Make the most of lists – I utilise lists in twitter this way you can keep track of how many clients or potential clients are following you
  • Get it on your phone – it can be difficult to tweet when you’re busy, so register your business profile to a mobile twitter App this way you can do it on the move! (You don’t necessarily need an iPhone)
  • Keep it personable – relax a bit, use your tweets to get the more human side of your company or organisation across from time to time
  • Show of your knowledge every now and then – You want your customers to know that you’re a thought leader so, comment on the latest industry news, flex your grey matter – show your customers what you know and why they should chose you  
  • Get your twitter feed on your website (not just a link!) – this can be great for Search Engine Optimisation, the content is constantly changing and you’ll be using keywords in your tweets that could help you float up in the Google rankings     
  • Link twitter to your facebook page, this way any facebook updates go straight out as tweets! (I usually use twitterfeed.com)
  • You can also create a news feed in Google reader and link it to your twitter account, subscribe to stories and keywords that you customer base might find interesting in Google reader – ‘share’ a story and it appears on twitter (again you can use twitterfeed) 
  • Use tiny cc to shorten your links – more space to get across what you want to say! You can also chose the name of the link to make it more appealing 
  • Add a link on your email footers – let your customers and suppliers know that you’re contactable through twitter 
  • Make sure you link to any articles or PR that you might have been mentioned in to help spread the good word and give your PR more longevity (and hopefully more exposure)
  • Get some conversations going, take the time to comment on your clients tweets and strike up a conversation
  • Report the success of twitter – let your board know about twitter, don’t keep them in the dark! Who’s following you? How many referrals from twitter does your website have? How many people follow you? (You might also like twittergrader to keep track of your stats) 

 

20Jan 2011

Franchise News: Franchisee guidance and timetable – The key to clarity.

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By Steve Roulstone

If I have learnt anything in my first year as a Franchisor, it is that the best help and assistance I can give to any potential Franchisee is twofold; clarity of purpose and a clear route to achievement. I should not be surprised at all and really should have known from day one, as it was what I was looking for when I first approached Franchising as a way of achieving my objectives in life, back in 1999. But as it is something that happened in my case rather than something I knew I needed, it was something I accepted without questioning why or even realising it was what was being offered and subsequently was then delivered to me.

Franchise visits.

At the time that I was investigating the Franchising market, which luckily for me was in the autumn of that year, just at the time of the National Franchise Exhibition, I visited several organisations from differing trades and Industries, all of which in my mind could be an industry that I could operate in. In the end it did not take me long to choose the Company I now head, but looking back at why, is more revealing.

Why Castle Estates?

So why did I choose Castle Estates? I had decided that it was an Industry that I felt comfortable operating in (Requirement number one!) but they were not the only organisation that I looked at as I visited the possible partners in Franchising with my Wife (which is exactly what any prospective Franchisee should do, right from the start, as it is so important to ensure that all partners believe in the venture you are about to launch) so I asked her when I was thinking about the answer what she remembered of the day at the then Head Office in Milton Keynes and her answer was what formed the basis for this Blog.

A vision of how it worked!

Jenny’s words not mine, that was her answer and it is exactly what I have learnt in putting together the manner in which I present not only our Company, but also the Industry and most importantly, Franchising itself, to all who come to discuss the opportunity of becoming a Letting Agent with Castle Estates. It can be frustrating sometimes to realise why and how some things come together, what I have come to describe as ‘earth shatteringly obvious moments’! As a Franchisor, we need to offer a clear route to becoming a Franchisee, so that it is understood what is needed and how our goals are achieved, offered within a timetable which clearly states when all of this fits together as we work towards starting this all important and all encompassing venture for both parties. Added to clarity of vision, so that what we are trying to achieve is clear for all to understand and how it is achieved is understood as well as what is needed to continue to progress towards completion and the start of a new business. 

What to look for.

This is not something that has come easily and needs careful consideration in ensuring the plan (which in my case has taken the best part of six months to assemble, this with the assistance of professionals trainers to ensure nothing is left to chance) that every franchised organisation puts together is consistent and delivers ‘what it says on the tin’ (a saying I am using more and more) but I would recommend everybody looking at a Franchised Company considers this methodology above all others. Only when what you buy in too can be clear and decisive about what they deliver, can the end result be worthy of your investment.

14Jan 2011

Property Landlord advice: Rent arrears kept in control.

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By Steve Roulstone

It is that time of year again when as all Letting Agencies know, rent arrears are at their worst. The Christmas credit card bills start to arrive, if the bank account has not already been left dry because of too much celebrating during the Christmas Holiday, especially with the current financial climate So we must be extra vigilant and ensure that our systems are up to date and no time is lost in dealing with the issue.

Proper methods

The key to dealing with arrears is communication and a system that is tried and tested. At Castle Estates we use a system that has been built over the last twenty years and is based on regular communications that whilst leaving the Tenant in no doubt as to what the problem is, also ensures that they know we are always available to discuss the matter to hand.

Lets talk!                  

It is dealing with matters in this way that leads to resolution in most cases and even if the Tenant is unable to pay the rent, because of the loss of a job for example, it is communication and relationships that are going to give the best solution in the long term. I am not saying that legal action can be avoided just because we are on speaking terms with the Tenant, but the ability to have reasoned conversation does mean in most cases, that you will get a reasoned response!

Not forgetting protection           

Of course policies are available for Landlords to ensure they are covered for any loss and of course as I have stated before, we highly recommend Landlords take such a policy and that they also investigate which policy suits their needs of course to be sure that we are in line with FSA regulations, as a Company we do not recommend any particular Policy or provider, but we must ENSURE Landlords know that Rent and Legal Insurance policies exist.

Range of coverage.

But what I will comment on is the range of policies and differing levels of cover that they give and in some cases not always for the best. Letting Agencies can now link themselves to services which will take over the Management of the debt and serve the appropriate notice for them. Well forgive me, but that is like saying we are a Letting agent – to a point! These are intrinsic parts of a Letting Agents role to me and once again give clear demonstration of the difference between a Letting Agent and Letting Agencies. I for one would not wish to ‘offload’ what is a vital part of the service we offer our Landlords.

Be aware!

Every Landlord should of course not only expect their agent to be able to offer the service themselves but also ensure good communication to keep them fully aware of not only missed payments but what is being done and the responses received to deal with the problem. This will also ensure that progress towards the possible appointment of a solicitor if insurance is not in place will be known and not come as a shock. So be aware, act at the appropriate time and keep all informed. That way we can hopefully reduce the problems rather than increase them during difficult times.

 

12Oct 2010

Property Landlord advice: Letting Agencies or Letting Agents

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By Steve Roulstone

I have just spent two days telling people what I do at the NEC National Franchise Exhibition and have come to the conclusion as the result of what my answer was that I might be a bit of a snob!

Vive la Difference!!

You see, I discovered that I always answer the question ‘Who or what are you?’ with the answer that I am a Letting Agent. It was only when the question was put to me in a different context that I found myself explaining the reasons why I call myself a Letting Agent – so what is the difference?

Individual Agent or Company Agency?

I see myself as a Letting Agent, because I am qualified through my professional body and having passed my exams it is something that I rightly feel proud of. As a Company we have always and still do look to have all of our agents qualified (There I go again!) because exams are a confirmation of knowledge and it is something tangible that our Landlords can rely upon. But that does not mean that our offices are not Letting Agencies, because they are.

Agency AND Agent.

The difference is that not all Letting Agencies are run by Letting Agents, if you believe as I do, that to call yourself an Agent, you should carry some qualification, through the Industry you serve, that is recognised by the people who work in it, that marks you as qualified to carry out the role. Those who have read my Blog in the past will recognise a theme here, because I firmly believe that as an Industry, it is only by Industry recognition and Legal registration that we will become truly professional and that has to be the goal for all agencies.

Landlord advice.

So I will continue to call myself an Agent first and my advice to all Landlords is check the professional qualifications of any Agency they wish to employ. As a Franchisor who is aware of the competitors in my sphere of operation, I know that the systems we employ mark us out as protective of our clients interests in all that we do, but why not go that extra mile and prove our knowledge through qualification, then, especially if legally registered, all Letting Agencies will be run by Letting Agents!

06Oct 2010

Franchise News: Franchise Business

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By Steve Roulstone

 

Well we have just about recovered from what was a draining two days at the National Franchise Exhibition this weekend. There is no doubt that standing on your feet for two days does take it’s toll (I used to work in retail and you can get used to standing – eventually!) but it is a small price to pay for what is a refreshing experience every year.

Renew your Franchising passion.

When I first became a Franchisee, I felt so passionate and proud about what I set out to achieve and by visiting the show every year, firstly as a Franchisee on behalf of Castle Estates and latterly as the Franchisor, I have always find my passion and pride lifted once more by so many people setting out on the same road. It is always a great reminder of why I do what I do and sets the playing field level again for the next year.

Looking like a bumper year.

But this year, as most commentators have agreed, the level of enquiry has been really good and personally I found those choosing to visit our stand, showed a consistent high level of research and knowledge both of what was possible as well as what they wanted from Franchising. It is probably the first year that I have not heard those immortal words, ‘What’s this all about then’!

13 Months please.

The days after the show are all about speaking to and arranging with potential Franchisees the next step that was agreed at the show, with Literature being sent to those who truly want to read about you and arranging to meet those who really want to get to learn about what we offer. At this time of the year, I could do with fitting in an extra month, just to cope with the demand, but that is probably my fault as I like to see everybody myself and especially on a one to one basis.

Franchise Opportunities.

But there is no doubt that it is also the most important time, as we move to make the best of the opportunity, in the correct way for both Franchisee and Franchisor. If I am impressed with the standard of potential in the people I am going to see over the next three months, then it is right and proper that we ensure we allow this potential to make the most of the partnership’s we will develop over the coming years. Now is the time that the passion that has been renewed again this year, to shine through!

23Sep 2010

Property Landlord advice: Property Letting Agents

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By Steve Roulstone

 

As against Property Estate Agents, and this is the subject of my blog for today. Why do people still visit Estate Agents to carry out a role covered by a different trade? and we are different, in all the training I have gone through, I have never been taught how to manage a property sale and I can guarantee you that at no stage has any Estate Agent under the guise of training for selling houses, ever been taught how to be a Letting Agent.

So do you just not like us?

But people still knock on the door of Estate Agents to place their property on the Rental market. Of course, one of the reasons is the image that has historically hounded our trade, but I firmly believe that is changing. With the proliferation of Franchised offices throughout the Country over the last ten years, we are finally getting the professional image across and it is with great pride that I count Castle Estates as one of the Companies creating the change, but I believe this goes deeper than image and is tied to tradition.

Habits die hard.                      

I believe that it is habit that causes most people to look to the traditional office to look after our property interests. This is of course where Estate Agents score, because the Letting Industry is still new compared to the traditional route of property ownership, but this situation is changing, as the % of UK rental property continues to rise, currently sitting at 14%.

Property Letting Agents, a developing Industry.

This is where we must now concentrate as an Industry and look to educate the public, that our Industry is not one that can be turned to in a time of need (most Estate Agents started to offer rental services because they could not sell enough houses) but rather to be able to provide the correct Management that ALL of our Landlords need, the agent should be trained and specialise in its own field. After all, you rarely see a Letting agent who sells as well!!

15Sep 2010

Franchise News: Training Letting Agents.

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By Steve Roulstone,

Business develops so fast today, that no matter what industry you are in, training and ensuring Staff and Company systems are at the front end of both Business and people trends has never been so important. When I first started in business in the mid 70’s nothing really changed for many years and whilst you had to be much smarter to be ahead of the field, today we need to be aware of the possibilities that the electronic age has afforded every business in the world.

How to achieve the best return.

This is where I believe Franchising really delivers results. There are of course many scenarios where Companies get together to train their staff. But the only situation where it matters so much to every outlet or office, that I am aware of is Franchising.

Because it matters!

Franchising delivers because the people who are being trained need and appreciate the importance of delivering whatever they are being trained for, to ensure their business continues to perform and stay ahead of the competition. Of course some multi outlet National Companies are managed by people who also care, but I seriously doubt they care as much as those who have put their own future on the line by starting their own business!

The links that make the difference.

Of course there are as many who do so, on their own, but that is where they differ and would struggle to be so well informed. Franchise organisations have the not insignificant backing of the Franchisor, who can arrange training at reduced and more cost effective rates, and because it is not only in the interest of the Franchisor that the business succeeds, but also that they stay ahead, the Franchisee can rest assured that the training will be offered when needed and by professionals.

Hence the difference.

I do of course recognise that Franchising does not suit everybody, but what it does do is offer more than just a system and knowhow and through the training offered, it can ensure that a business that is Franchised is kept at the top of the pile, and of course run by people who really care about the success it achieves.