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ARTICLE | March 12, 2010

Here at FBR we are proud of our award-winning clients, and have put together 12 tips for successfully promoting your high franchisee satisfaction! We know it takes a lot of hard work and dedication to your franchisees to maintain high satisfaction ratings - So part of your gratification should be publicizing it!
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NEWS | March 3, 2010

Home Instead Senior Ranks Best in Category for Franchise Business Review's 2010 Franchise Satisfaction Awards. Home Instead continues to believe that franchisee satisfaction is a monumental indicator of development and success.
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SECTOR REPORT | February 11, 2010

Take a look at our 2010 list of award-winning franchises! We are proud to announce 133 franchise companies - out of over 500 brands surveyed this year - that are doing things right and putting their franchisees first.
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ASK FBR | January 25, 2008

Wow... that's a tough one! It's similar to buying a car or a house - there is a huge range in price between various franchise opportunities. What's important to understand are three key pieces of information related to cost: 1.) initial capital required, 2.) total initial investment, and 3.) on-going or recurring costs. Here's the breakdown...
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Are you new to franchising or an old hand at being your own boss? The executives at Franchise Business Review share their insights into the ever-changing and ever-challenging world of franchising.

BLOG POST | FEBRUARY 19, 2010

Franchise Performance Resources

Here's a short list of incredible resources for franchisors and franchisees to help improve franchise relations and drive franchise system performance forward...
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BLOG POST | FEBRUARY 18, 2010

FRANomenon: Social Media at the IFA

The New Girl assesses the franchise industry and social networking just one year in the making...
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BLOG POST | FEBRUARY 17, 2010

Technology at the IFA Conference

Sharing my favorite topics and take aways from the IFA convention this month in San Antonio.
 
 
 
 
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BLOG POST | JANUARY 19, 2010

3 Ways to Guarantee Satisfied Franchisees

Small Business Expert, Rieva Lesonsky, reports on Franchise Business Review's satisfaction surveys, transparency within your system, and the importance of the franchise relationship.
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BLOG POST | JANUARY 18, 2010

A Top Franchise Quick-Draw

In just a short two and a half weeks, FBR will join hundreds of other franchise companies, and thousands of colleagues and friends in Texas to reveal our Top Franchises for 2010.
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BLOG POST | DECEMBER 22, 2009

Holiday Shopping: Franchise Style

Discover how FBR's partnering companies can help guide you to the franchise of your 2010 dreams...
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BLOG POST | DECEMBER 8, 2009

They Are Coming...

Do you have what it takes to join them? FBR's 5th Annual Franchise Satisfaction Awards are under way...
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BLOG POST | DECEMBER 3, 2009

A Wealth of Franchise Relations Information

IFA Franchise Relations Committee Document Library... a great resource for both franchisors and franchisees.
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BLOG POST | NOVEMBER 23, 2009

Want to Buy a Franchise? The Wall Street Journal Reports

Wall Street Journal reports on Franchise Business Review, Our President, Eric Stites, and the importance of third party franchisee surveying... Read more!
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BLOG POST | NOVEMBER 5, 2009

Disney World may be the Happiest Place on Earth, but Here Are Where the Happiest Franchisees Live & Work!

With 5 years of franchise satisfaction research under our belt, we decided to take a look at where the most satisfied franchisees live and work in the United States.
 
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BLOG POST | NOVEMBER 3, 2009

Want to Buy the RIGHT Franchise?

The New Girl promotes FBR's webinar, Franchise Success: The Ins and Outs of Buying the Right Franchise. It will be held Wednesday, November 4th at 1pm ET and is free to register! Take a peek...
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BLOG POST | OCTOBER 27, 2009

Social Media "Savvy?"...

With the advice of a Hollywood pirate, The New Girl takes a look at the definition of being "Social Media Savvy," and gives just a few critical ideas that will keep you up to speed with your networking platforms.
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BLOG POST | OCTOBER 15, 2009

Calling all Franchisors for our 5th Annual Franchise Satisfaction Awards

FBR is on the hunt for franchisors up for the challenge of our 5th Annual Franchisee Satisfaction Awards. No risk, great data, why aren't you registered? 
 
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BLOG POST | OCTOBER 10, 2009

Tips from The New Girl: Bill Withers had it Right All Along

The New Girl delves into the words of an old classic rock song to uncover social media strategies for attaining franchisee satisfaction now...
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BLOG POST | OCTOBER 5, 2009

Risky Business...

Continuing from her last entry, Social Media 101, the New Girl discusses simple ways to avoid a Social Media storm...
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BLOG POST | OCTOBER 2, 2009

Got Satisfaction? And a great story to tell?

Attending the Leadership & Development conference last week confirmed business and franchising is changing. Thanks to social media and internet research, prospective buyers are more knowledgeable before they even have the first conversation with your corporate office. Franchisee (& Employee & Customer) Satisfaction is more relevant than ever.
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BLOG POST | SEPTEMBER 28, 2009

Social Media 101: Tips from the New Girl

What I've learned as a social media newbie turned groupie here at FBR...
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BLOG POST | JULY 24, 2009

Finding (and Keeping!) the Right Customers - An Important Webinar Series by Dr. John Hayes

From what we have seen in today's economy, it seems undeniably clear that finding and keeping the right customers must be a top priority. Recently, there has been a lot of talk about this in the franchise world...
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BLOG POST | JULY 1, 2009

Buying an Existing Franchise Business

Question: I am about to purchase a sandwhich shop near a 22,000+ student campus that is a Franchise store.  My question given the recession (if we are really in one), what is your opinion on this idea outside of the scientifcal and business facts needed to give an even more accurate opinion?
Thanks, Torrey
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BLOG POST | MAY 26, 2009

i9 Sports franchise opportunity investment

Q: What can you tell me about the i9 Sports franchise opportunity from an "outside voice." Thanks, Bo
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BLOG POST | MAY 15, 2009

Buying a New Franchise Opportunity

Q: What are your thoughts on investing in a fairly new franchise and what are the risks. The franchise I am looking into is less than 2 years old. What are your thoughts?
 
A: Be very cautious and approach the "opportunity" like an angel investor. (read full response)
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BLOG POST | JANUARY 21, 2009

Can you negotiate franchise fees?

Q: Are franchise fees negotiable? I was told by a certain franchise that the FTC regulations restrict this from happening. Thanks - Rob
A: Yes... franchise fees are negotiable! But...
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BLOG POST | DECEMBER 16, 2008

Should you invest in a PuroClean franchise?

Q: I was looking into a franchise called PUROCLEAN. They are a disaster restoration company that claims to have an edge over all others. They also claim that the return on investment is fantastic. What do you think about the company? Is this market too saturated with too much competition that I wont be able to survive? How much do you think its worth investing in them? Thanks for any help - Jim
Jim - Thanks for your question...
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BLOG POST | DECEMBER 8, 2008

Is Now the Right Time?

Recently, I have been receiving dozens of emails every week from people wondering if now is the right time to invest in a business. This morning I received an email from a guy who's thinking about investing in a handyman service. My advice to him applies to anyone looking at buying a franchise right now - or really any time for that matter.
Here's my advice...
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BLOG POST | DECEMBER 1, 2008

Franchises vs. Business Opportunities

Q: What has been the feedback on waste management consulting companies such as Environmental Waste Solutions? Do you think that it is a good opportunity?
Thanks, Idrees
A: Survey says... NOT a good opportunity. Read more...
 
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BLOG POST | JUNE 13, 2008

Hungry for Franchise Success?

Whether you’re a fast-food junkie or just an occasional eater, quick service restaurants (QSR) are as American as baseball and apple pie. From Main Street to Wall Street, and just about every highway exit and rest area nationwide, QSR franchise options have exploded in recent years.
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BLOG POST | APRIL 21, 2008

Evaluating Franchises in a Down Economy

Just because the economy is down doesn't mean that a smart investment decision can't be found. In fact, I would argue it is actually a great time to look at investing in a new business -- as long as it has a history.
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BLOG POST | MARCH 26, 2008

Interviews, Interviews and More Interviews

We've been busy this week interviewing some of the best minds in franchising. We already have an archive of almost 40 interviews and this week alone we've added interviews from Two Men and a Truck, Bruegger's, Snap-on Tools and more.
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BLOG POST | MARCH 19, 2008

Bad Economy, Good For Franchising

It's common knowledge that the US franchising industry expands as the US economy dips. At first blush this doesn't make sense but let's break it down.
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BLOG POST | MARCH 10, 2008

FBR 50 Awards Announced

When nearly 45,000 franchisees talk about their franchise systems, they have something to say. The 2008 Franchisee Satisfaction Awards presented by Franchise Business Review highlights those franchises whose validation among their franchisees was superior in the industry.
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BLOG POST | JANUARY 18, 2008

FBR 50... The Anticipation is Building!

Just a few weeks away from the 2008 FBR 50, we are keeping busy collecting data, measuring franchise systems, and growing our client list!
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BLOG POST | OCTOBER 17, 2007

Franchising Going Green?

Franchising follows trend of capitalizing on the Green Movement. more >   comment

BLOG POST | OCTOBER 10, 2007

Validation is Easy... HA!

I've heard franchisors mention that validation is easy for their prospective investors. What planet are these guys from? Have they tried it themselves? more >   comment

BLOG POST | SEPTEMBER 21, 2007

Where Is All the Financial Information?

Why Financial Details on Franchises Aren't Easy to Find more >   comment

BLOG POST | SEPTEMBER 14, 2007

Expectations and Angry Franchisees

Even the franchise systems with the happiest franchisees have dissatisfied owners. The reasons why these people are unhappy are a varied as the people themselves. more >   comment

BLOG POST | JULY 31, 2007

Marketing your franchise to a moving target

Reaching the 21st century consumer. more >   comment (1)

BLOG POST | JULY 17, 2007

Advertising Funds - Part II

Part II of a look at advertising funds for franchise companies. more >   comment

BLOG POST | JULY 11, 2007

Advertising funds for franchises

As part of many franchise agreements, franchisors require franchisees to contribute to an advertising fund. Sometimes these funds are national (i.e. McDonald's) ... more >   comment

BLOG POST | JULY 6, 2007

Make sure your spouse is on board with the franchise!

Including your spouse in your search for a franchise may help ease their worries and make for a more successful business AND marriage! more >   comment

BLOG POST | JULY 3, 2007

Home based franchising

A few examples of franchises offering home based opportunities more >   comment

BLOG POST | JULY 2, 2007

Things I've Learned... Continued

One of the things I realized early on here at FBR is how hard it is to find a good franchise information online. If you've done some research yourself you know what I'm talking about. If not, do a Google search for "franchise." Go ahead, I'll wait... What did you get? more >   comment

BLOG POST | JUNE 26, 2007

My First Post!

I'll start with the most obvious lesson in franchising: if someone out there has found a profitable business model, someone is offering a franchise of that model. Honestly, the number of franchise opportunities available is astounding and there is no doubt one that a perfect fit for you... more >   comment

BLOG POST | MAY 23, 2007

Richard Branson's "Luck"

I just read this in the May 14 issue of The New Yorker and wanted to pass it along. Richard Branson, CEO of Virgin Atlantic (and about 130 other "Virgin" brands) says about entrepreneurship
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BLOG POST | MAY 22, 2007

The Art of Selling ... What techniques work well for you?

The ability to market (sell) your business to the public could be one of the most important steps to succeeding. Franchisors are not only selling products to consumers ... but they are also convincing other entrepreneurs to buy in to their businesses. more >   comment

BLOG POST | MAY 16, 2007

Getting things done

Entrepreneurs are often go-getters; people that can do anything ... for anyone ... and, yes, sometimes overcommit. I recently read David Allen's, Getting Things Done and found it one of the most helpful books I've read in 2007. A quick excerpt on the five phases of project planning. more >   comment

BLOG POST | APRIL 30, 2007

Betting on the established brand or the hot, new franchise concept?

I am often asked whether or not it is a good idea to invest in a “hot, new franchise concept” or to go with a “safe” established brand. Certainly, established franchise brands typically have a higher success rate as compared to younger franchise systems. Yet, while investing in a new franchise concept may come with higher risks, the return on your investment, if successful, may be higher as well. Which is right for you? The answer really depends on two factors: you and the franchise itself. more >   comment

BLOG POST | APRIL 25, 2007

Not Necessarily a Franchise

It’s a common misunderstanding that businesses with many locations are all franchises. In fact, many of the places you frequent on a daily basis are NOT franchises at all, but corporate-owned and operated stores. For example, FedEx/Kinkos, The Gap, Red Lobster and yes, even Starbucks are NOT franchises. more >   comment

BLOG POST | APRIL 25, 2007

Show Me the Money!

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been asked by someone thinking about investing in a franchise “How much money can I make?” It’s far and away the number one question prospective franchisee want answered. And why not? Isn’t money the primary reason most people go into any business? I love my job and the work I get to do helping people discover the best franchise opportunities in the marketplace today – but heck, if it weren’t for the equity I’m building as part of owning my own business, I’d rather be fishing! more >   comment

BLOG POST | APRIL 25, 2007

The ultimate form of entrepreneurship

A few questions to start: What are the keys to franchising? How do you (or I) know if franchising is right for me? And the frequently asked, “What are the hot franchises right now?” Most of these questions will be covered in the articles and resources section in the upcoming Franchise Center and while I may not know what the hot concepts are, I can try to provide you with the information and guidance to make a more educated decision yourself. more >   comment

BLOG POST | APRIL 24, 2007

Life Is Short

Last week was a tough week. Hundreds of people lost their lives in the escalating war in Iraq. The Virginia Tech massacre left 33 students and faculty dead and 29 others injured. A neighbor of mine was killed in a car accident, leaving behind his wife and three young kids. So much tragedy. So much loss. Yet for most of us, life continues on. more >   comment

BLOG POST |

Is now a good time to buy a franchise?

With bad news on the economy and instability in the job market, there are a lot of people questioning if it is a good time to think about buying into a franchise system.
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