We are back from our family vacation in the great state of Alaska! While on the cruise portion of the trip, my husband and I fell ill. Last week I ran a poll of what you would do given our situation.
Late at night, my husband and I decided to get tested for Covid. To us this was important because we were to go on an excursion first thing in the morning. If we had COVID, we didn’t want to expose people to it.
It turns out that we did test positive for COVID. We went to the onboard medical clinic at 8:00 a.m., and no showed for our excursion. The medical staff completed the necessary documentation for us to get reimbursed for missed excursions and to alert the ship’s staff that we were in isolation in our stateroom. My husband recovered after one day in isolation, and it took me three days before I was released.
Most people in the poll said they would have waited until the morning to get tested or would have gone on the excursion. It turns out that we were too ill to go on the excursion, whether we had COVID or another bug.
Here’s a shout out to the wonderful staff at Princess Cruises who did an exemplary job of checking on us several times each day while we were in isolation. They brought us our meals daily and asked what we needed regularly. The staff were truly exceptional in their customer service both while we were ill and when we weren’t. It was a wonderful family vacation!
Feed Your Cells. Fuel Your Life!
In a recent podcast of the Franchise Minute, I interviewed Founder, Ben Crosbie, of the The DRIPBaR. My audience and I learned a lot about the growth in IV nutrition.
For decades, elite and professional athletes have used IV nutrition as part of their fitness, wellness, and recovery routines. Now this important part of cellular nutrition is mainstream.
As Ben and I were preparing for the interview, I shared that my family was vacationing soon in Alaska. He encouraged me to visit The DRIPBaR in Anchorage. That I did!
As a matter of fact, I signed up my family of four for the “Jetsetter” drip to help us ward off jetlag upon our return.
I’m a convert now! We took a redeye flight from Anchorage to Atlanta and arrived home in Augusta yesterday morning. Although I barely slept on the overnight flight, I felt great walking into my house. My husband said the same. My two sons hit the road and drove back to their homes in Atlanta and Auburn.
After a big trip with a change in time zone, I usually feel sluggish and not quite well. That was not the case for the lot of us.
What tips do you have to share on avoiding jet lag?
The Health and Wellness Market is SURGING!
Projections show a leap from $4.3B USD in 2023 to an impressive $8.3B USD by 2032!
Why this GROWTH SPURT? Here's what's fueling the fire:
1. Increased Consumer Spending: More of us are investing in our health and wellness than ever before.
2. Rise in Chronic Diseases: Unhealthy lifestyles are leading to a spike in chronic conditions, pushing the need for better health solutions.
3. Fitness and Holistic Health Awareness: From yoga mats to mindfulness apps, holistic health is becoming a global trend and a WAY OF LIFE.
Key Factors Shaping the Market:
🔹Sustainability & Eco-Friendliness: Consumers are leaning towards SUSTAINABLE, ORGANIC, and ECO-FRIENDLY products.
🔹Personalized & Preventive Healthcare: Tailored HEALTH SOLUTIONS and PREVENTATIVE CARE are on the rise, making wellness MORE ACCESSIBLE AND EFFECTIVE.
🔹Innovations in Nutrition: PLANT-BASED and vegan PRODUCTS are revolutionizing our approach to NUTRITION and WEIGHT MANAGEMENT.
This dynamic market is not just about numbers—it's about a global movement towards HEALTHIER LIVING and SMARTER CHOICES. Whether you're in the industry or simply a health enthusiast, these trends offer a glimpse into an exciting, healthier future.
To learn more about on-trend health and wellness franchises, visit our website listed in the comments below.
Sales Or Operations = Profit?
Every successful business owner knows they're in the people business.
There are both INTERNAL CUSTOMERS (team members) and EXTERNAL CUSTOMERS (buyers).
Another way to look at the people in a business is by grouping them into SALES and OPERATIONS.
Which group drives business profits? The answer is both! Business owners need the right people to best serve and attract customers.
When choosing a franchise, consider which group of people you enjoy working with daily. What ROLE do you want in your business?
SALES/business development deals with EXTERNAL CUSTOMERS:
If meeting new people and community involvement excites you, choose a franchise focused on direct customer engagement.
OPERATIONS management deals with INTERNAL CUSTOMERS:
If supporting and managing your team, overseeing processes, and hitting KPIs is your strength, opt for a franchise where you can leverage your business management skills.
Many franchises let owners decide their role and hire for the other skill set, allowing you to LOVE WHAT YOU DO and contribute to the bottom line.
JUST BECAME A FRANCHISEE: WHAT'S NEXT?
If you're wondering "What's next?" after becoming a franchisee, the answer lies in franchise Training and Support. These are essential services that kick in immediately after signing the franchise agreement and paying your franchise fee.
They are the crucial elements that distinguish franchises from other business ventures.
As a new franchisee, you gain access to:
A proven business model
Training to become proficient in operations
Ongoing support throughout your franchise term.
For those entering service-based franchises, scheduling training becomes a priority task. Meanwhile, for retail-focused franchisees, training typically occurs after securing a site but before the Grand Opening.
Thank you, Gary, for trusting my knowledge and expertise to help you find the right business.
Remember, each franchise offers its own unique value proposition. Take care to thoroughly evaluate the training and continued support during your research phase. They can be critical aspects to your success.
To explore more about Training and Support, check out this Franchise Alert!
Money Monday: A Life You Love Living!
What's missing from your life? When I was a corporate ladder climber, my soul gradually got sucked out of me. These were the things I found MISSING FROM MY LIFE:
A good night's sleep
Waking refreshed and eager to go to work
Work/life balance
Acknowledgement and appreciation for my efforts
Enjoyment of simple pleasures
Enjoyment of most anything eventually
Friends - my job took me to different cities and I didn't have time to grow roots
These are the UNWANTED THINGS IN MY LIFE instead:
Office POLITICS
People pleasing, boss pleasing
PERSONAL SACRIFICES of time, sleep, and peace of mind
STRESS and frustration
Being arm's length from decisions affecting my work and career
LACK OF CONTROL over who I work with and what projects I worked on
Not the best bosses
LIMITS ON INCOME regardless of how well and hard I worked
With the cumulation of these factors over time, I decided to EXIT the CORPORATE WORLD. My next career move was ENTREPRENEURSHIP!
I decided it was time to LIVE A LIFE I LOVE. This meant BEING IN CONTROL of the decisions affecting my personal and work life. My decision: If it was to be, it was up to me.
For the past twenty years as an entrepreneur, franchise advisor and podcaster, I have modeled HAVING TIME FREEDOM AND MONEY FREEDOM as I help people live lives they love.
The Heartwarming Story Behind National Kids and Pets Day
Hey everyone! Did you know there's a special day dedicated to celebrating the beautiful bond between kids and pets? It's called National Kids and Pets Day! This day is all about recognizing the pure love and joy that children and animals bring into our lives.
As a pet parent late in life, I can attest to the wonderful difference having pets in our family means to each of us, my husband and two college-age sons. We have two rescues, a miniature labrador, Annie, and a darling beagle, Katie.
The genius behind this heartwarming celebration is former E.M.T. Colleen Paige, who discovered her passion for animals at a young age. She's not just an animal lover; she's a writer, photographer, and expert in all things pet-related! Colleen created this day to highlight the importance of choosing the right pet for our little ones and to raise awareness about pet safety.
I’d love to hear about your pet in the comments below. If you have a photo to share that will be grrreat!
An Early Mother’s Day
I know it’s not May 12th yet but my son, Sloan, has me celebrating it early. He sent me two texts Tuesday night that started the special day early for me. The texts are in the photo. They are actually a celebration of him and his teammates on their Senior Project Georgia Institute of Technology. My mighty mother’s pride kicked in. It’s truly shameful how powerful that feeling is.
Here’s the story about this special recognition. Sloan Wilds spent his final semester taking no classroom courses. He worked with his team of 7 other students in the Georgia Tech H. Milton Stewart School of ISyE on their senior project. It is known in advance to be a demanding and challenging project so he finished his coursework by this last semester.
Each of 27 Industrial Engineering senior project teams worked on real-world projects for real businesses. Each team presented their findings in a competition on Tuesday. To Sloan and his teammates COMPLETE SURPRISE, they won FIRST PLACE!
CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR GOOD WORK AND RECOGNITION FOR IT!
On Time and Within Budget
When a home services business owner does work ON TIME AND WITHIN BUDGET, expect to see THE COLOR OF MONEY.
During today’s Franchise Minute podcast at 11:30 a.m. Eastern, I interview the founder of a dynamic FRANCHISEE CENTRIC franchise.
What sets it apart is that it integrates TECHNOLOGY in the BOOMING home services category. Before you yawn or conclude that that doesn’t sound too interesting, let me encourage you to spend 15 minutes to have your mind do a complete 180-degree turn on those PRECONCEIVED NOTIONS.
In the podcast, you’ll learn why it is simply NOT TRUE that it’s hard to get and keep good subcontractors.
You’ll gain insight on how integration of TECHNOLOGY differentiates TODAY’s FEATURED FRANCHISE in a sea of commodity home services.
If you want to see 💰THE COLOR OF MONEY💰 from being a BUSINESS OWNER, join me at 11:30 a.m. EDT.
Money Monday: Can You Make Money With A Green Business? YES!
Happy Earth Day, everyone! Let’s talk about applying SUSTAINABILITY to ENTREPRENEURSHIP.
- People Want It: Customers love to support businesses that care about the PLANET.
- Save Money: Did you know that being green can actually save you money? Things like using less energy or reusing materials can lower costs and make businesses more profitable.
- Stand Out: Being green differentiates businesses.
- Think Long-Term: Being ECO-FRIENDLY is a smart move for the future 🌟.
ENTREPRENEURSHIP + ENVIRONMENTALLY CONSCIOUS = $$$GREEN
So, if you've been thinking about starting a business, there's no better time to start than today, on EARTH DAY! Let's make a positive impact on our planet while also building successful businesses. 🌎💼💸
Download and read our #FranchiseAlert about Eco-Friendly Franchises and remember to tune in to my #FranchiseMinute PODCAST discussing it!
Happy National Exercise Day!
As a franchise advisor, what’s ironic to me is that for so many years, the single biggest growth area of franchising is fast food. After that comes the general categories of HEALTH, WELLNESS, FITNESS, AND BEAUTY. They have opposite appeals to investors and consumers both.
The pandemic taught us lots of things. One important takeaway for me in my work is that fitness and taking care of one’s health is integral to many people's LIFESTYLES.
Year in and year out, I continue to see strong demand for health, wellness, fitness, and beauty franchises from people looking to make a SMART BUSINESS INVESTMENT. They understand that these businesses are NOT TRENDS, rather, they are fueled by lifestyle choices.
From an INVESTOR standpoint, what makes these brick-and-mortar businesses so VERY APPEALING is that they are MANAGER RUN. They lend themselves beautifully to “MANAGE-THE-MANAGER” or SIDE HUSTLE businesses. The role of the owner or franchisee is to manage the managers of each location. Most franchisees CONTINUE to have FULL-TIME JOBS while growing a NICE BUSINESS ON THE SIDE.
The managers are responsible for daily operations and dealing with the employees and customers. The owner works “on” the business and makes sure the KPIs are in line.
My message to you is twofold: on this National Exercise Day, let's lace up our sneakers, break a sweat, and commit to making exercise a regular part of our routine! And, if you are ready to explore what a franchise can do for you, reach out to me on LinkedIn.
Scottie Scheffler: He Looks Good in Masters Green
At Augusta National, history was made as Scottie Scheffler clinched his second Masters victory in three years. His unwavering focus and unmatched skill shone as he dominated the course, showcasing consistency and mastery in the sport.
Scheffler's journey to victory was remarkable, maintaining a one-stroke lead amidst the world's best golfers after 54 holes. His performance was a blend of precision and grace, leading him to golfing glory.
The final round demonstrated Scheffler's resilience as he joined the elite few with multiple Masters titles, finishing at 11 under par with a final-round 68.
Scottie Scheffler's win reminds us of the beauty of sportsmanship and golf's spirit, shared with enthusiasts worldwide. Congratulations on your well-deserved victory, Scottie. Your second green jacket symbolizes hard work, dedication, and the heart of a true champion.
Fun Franchise Fact!
Did you know that the Singer Sewing Machine Company pioneered the first modern franchise system in the 1850s?
Back in the mid-19th century, Singer didn't just revolutionize the sewing industry with their innovative machines; they also transformed the way businesses expand!
Instead of just selling sewing machines, Singer granted individuals the right to sell and service their machines in specific territories. These individuals, known as "franchisees," operated under the Singer brand, benefiting from its reputation while contributing to its growth.
From sowing the seeds of entrepreneurship, Singer's franchise model set the stage for the dynamic world of franchising we know today!
SLAM DUNK Franchise!
With March Madness just concluded, it’s timely to use a basketball analogy for today’s podcast franchise feature - it is a SLAM DUNK! This franchise is truly ONE OF MY VERY FAVORITES of all the thousands of franchises I’ve worked with and known during my 20 years in franchising!
Why do I say this franchise is a Slam Dunk?
- It’s owned by a 100-year-old household brand
- It’s recession-resistant
- Always in demand essential service
- Both residential and commercial customers
- Lifestyle business, FAMILY FRIENDLY
- It’s got all the benefits of a service franchise
- Low startup and operating costs
- Fat, juicy margins
- Rapid ramp-up
- Quick break-even point
Learn its playbook and watch the replay of Franchise Minute podcast on our YouTube channel. Hear directly from the Founder how this mature, established franchise grew by 100 territories last year!
JUST STARTED AS A FRANCHISEE: WHAT'S NEXT?
When you're asking "What now?" the answer lies in franchise Training and Support. These invaluable services come into play the moment you sign the franchise agreement and pay your fee.
They're the backbone that sets franchises apart from other business ventures.
As a new franchisee, you gain access to:
🔹 A proven business model
🔹 Training to master operations and
🔹 Ongoing support throughout your franchise term.
For those diving into service-based franchises, getting scheduled for training is a priority task. Meanwhile, for retail-focused franchisees, training typically occurs post-site acquisition and before the Grand Opening.
Thank you Gwen Pipatanagkura for your trust in my knowledge and expertise to guide you in finding the right business.
Remember, each franchise offers its own unique blend of training and support. Make sure to thoroughly evaluate these crucial aspects during your research phase.
To delve deeper into Training and Support, take a look at this Franchise Alert!
LUCRATIVE World of PET Services FRANCHISES!
Did you know that the Pet Services Franchise industry is BOOMING? With over $137 BILLION IN REVENUE generated annually, it's an incredibly LUCRATIVE market to tap into.
Millennials lead the pack as the largest percentage of current pet owners, making up 33%, followed closely by Gen X (25%) and baby boomers (24%). In 2022 alone, pet expenditures jumped an impressive 11% from the previous year.
What's more, essential dog expenses tally up to an AVERAGE OF $1,533 annually. This shows how easily pet owners pull out their wallets to ensure their furry friends’ well-being.
The pet industry has experienced EXPONENTIAL GROWTH over the years. Employment SOARED by over 90% from 2005 through 2015. From $48 billion in 2010 to a WHOPPING $110 BILLION during the pandemic, the industry's upward trajectory is undeniable.
Why the remarkable REVENUE POTENTIAL? Well, with pets increasingly considered part of the family, pet owners are INVESTING more in their furry companions' well-being. Plus, as busy lifestyles become the norm, the demand for convenient, reliable pet services continues to skyrocket.
So, whether you're an aspiring ENTREPRENEUR looking to tap into a booming market or an INVESTOR seeking LUCRATIVE opportunities, the pet services industry offers a paw-some path to success!
Download and read our #FranchiseAlert about Pet Services. remember to tune in to my Franchise Minute PODCAST discussing it!
Here’s my Katie snuggling with my husband on the sofa.
Who Will Win the Green Jacket? Predictions for the Masters Golf Tournament
The Masters Golf Tournament is on the horizon, and the buzz is all about who will emerge victorious at the hallowed greens of Augusta National Golf Club. With a lineup of golf's elite, the predictions are as thrilling as the game itself!
Tiger Woods: The Legend Returns
Tiger Woods, an icon with 82 PGA Tour wins, is set to grace the field once again. His storied past and indomitable spirit make him a perennial favorite. Can he capture another green jacket?
Rory McIlroy: Chasing Glory
Rory McIlroy is on the cusp of making history. A win at the Masters would complete his career grand slam, a testament to his enduring talent and determination. Nearly a decade since his last major win, could this be Rory's year?
Jon Rahm: Defending Champion
Jon Rahm, last year's Masters marvel, is back to defend his title. With a game that's both powerful and precise, Rahm is a formidable force on the course. Will he make it two in a row at Augusta?
Scottie Scheffler: He is currently the world number one, first reaching the position in the Official World Golf Ranking in March 2022. He has held that ranking for over 50 weeks. He has won one major championship, the 2022 Masters Tournament. Will he do it again this year?
Conclusion: A Green Jacket Awaits
As the anticipation builds, so does the speculation. With such a stellar field, the 2024 Masters is set to be a showcase of golfing greatness. Who will rise to the occasion and claim the coveted green jacket? Only time will tell.
Personally, I’m rooting 📣for Irishman Rory McIlroy.
Pay Attention To What Pays
It's time for Spring Cleaning! You might think recommending a cleaning franchise is dull, but hold on! Before you dismiss it, consider these four key points:
ROLE OF THE OWNER: Your job is to grow and manage the business, not to scrub floors yourself.
REPEAT, LOYAL CUSTOMERS: Think about all the things people need regular cleaning for - cars, carpets, swimming pools, pets, clothes, houses, offices, exteriors of buildings, parking lots, BBQ grills... the list goes on! There's a demand for all of it.
IMMEDIATE PAYMENTS: Customers pay in cash or with credit cards on the spot. Cha-ching!
IMMUNE TO THE UPS AND DOWNS: No matter what's happening in the economy, politics, technology, or the world, people still need clean spaces. They're not going to Amazon for this service! In this post-COVID world, which way is the trend for cleaning and disinfecting moving?
These services are essential in our daily lives, and customers happily fork out for them.
What’s Your Last Name Mean?
What’s Your Last Name Mean? Did you know that behind every Irish last name lies a captivating story? Many Irish surnames boast Gaelic roots, offering a glimpse into ancestral lineage.
Ever wondered about those "O'" and "Mac" prefixes? They signify "descendant of" and "son of," respectively. For instance, "OCallaghan" traces back to “descendant of” or “son of” Callaghan. Patrick O’Callaghan was my great-grandfather. It’s interesting to note that the Callaghan lineage started with a famous King of Munster who died in 951.
Embracing Clan Connections: Irish last names often carry the legacy of ancient clans and regional affiliations. Callaghan is a common surname in Cork, where the clan ruled over a large territory in the north country until 1650.
Global Influence: Through waves of immigration and cultural exchange, Irish surnames have left an indelible mark on the world stage. From New York to Sydney, Dublin to Tokyo, Irish last names serve as a reminder of the Irish diaspora's enduring legacy. It's like a global family reunion, with every name carrying a unique chapter of the Irish story.
So, whether you're sipping a pint of Guinness in Dublin or crunching numbers in New York City, take a moment to appreciate the story behind your Irish last name. It's a connection to a rich tapestry of history, heritage, and humanity.
Feel free to share your Irish heritage in the comments below. Who knows? We could be related!
Adding Value To Real Estate
An industry that continues to be in demand for investors is REAL ESTATE. Let me share with you an interesting service franchise that ADDS VALUE to a home just prior to it getting a FOR SALE sign in the front yard.
Anyone who has sold a home knows how exhausting it can be to get your house ready for sale. There are so many things to do all at once:
- Clearing out unwanted items
- Painting interior and exterior surfaces
- Putting in landscaping
- Updating flooring (carpet removal and new installs)
- Conducting a thorough move-out cleaning
Both homeowners and realtors alike need these services. And, they usually need them right away. Wouldn’t it be great to have all those services provided by one company? Well, there’s a franchise for that.
This flexible business model provides the ROLE OF THE OWNER to be either HANDS-ON working “in” the business OR to serve in a MANAGEMENT ROLE.
This franchise has a NATIONAL PARTNERSHIP with SHERWIN WILLIAMS. Their expertise and training are there to guide personnel in how to ADD VALUE to homes as they get ready for quick sales.