Franchise Euphoria

Today we welcome to the show Joe and Bix Bickson, a father/son duo who focus on “future hacking” and transformational conversations with leaders of great businesses. A Future Hack is to get inside your guts, the guts of your organization and develop the ability to create and fulfill the future of your choosing. Bix and Joe's method is a practical approach to impact our everyday thinking and actions. Their intention is to literally break open what is possible for you and your business. The Bicksons have been instrumental in helping companies find alignment around their values and mission in the world, working closely with teams at all levels in the organization through a deep and iterative process.

Show Notes:

[3:05] One of the biggest challenges in franchising your business is adapting for the inevitable growth that comes as more people become part of your system.

[6:30] Differentiating doing work for people and doing work with people.

[7:46] Making the simple confusing is easy, but making the confusing simple is mastery.

[8:36] Begin by considering what actually causes us to act the way we act and what causes those around us to act the way they do.

[11:05] It is possible to listen to a conversation and critically think through if the content reflects what you believe the future of your business is heading toward.

[14:58] The importance of acting consistent with the conversations that we are listening to.

[18:20] People consistently attack the most vulnerable instead of confront the most powerful.

[20:15] Why 75% of change efforts fail.

[21:30] Ideas are never powerful enough by themselves to have traction, unless you have leader-backed commitment.

[22:10] How does a leader develop themselves?

[24:10] It is possible to harbor doubts and worries while still having commitment.

[25:35] Leaders are there to create an extraordinary future for their business and create the pathways for those they are leading.

[30:15] The combination of being ruthless and compassionate is the secret ingredient for leading your team.

[35:26] Recognizing that we can commit to extraordinary outcomes and creating the path to fulfill them. It is our job to remind each other of what’s possible.

Mentioned in this episode: 

www.Franchiseeuphoria.com/franchise5

[email protected]

[email protected]

http://thebixbook.com/

http://bickson2.com/

[email protected]

Key Takeaways:

[0:17] Introduction to Franchise Euphoria and goals for 2018.

[1:20] This season is dedicated to helping those that are seeking to turn their businesses into a franchise and do it well.

[2:57] Kicking off this season with an interview with Josh Elledge who has worked with me to develop a product to help early-stage franchisors grow their brand through targeted PR, marketing, and branding in specific and targeted geographic locations.

[7:00] What I get asked more than anything else, how do I expand and grow my franchise system in a stabilized and strategic way?

[8:35] It is more difficult to get your first five franchise locations than any others. It’s not just about getting people in these locations, but the right people there.

[10:45] How do we improve the decision-making process for potential franchisees and ultimately overcome the fear of the unknown as a franchisor?

[14:25] If you’re serious about getting ready for franchise growth, here’s what you need to start doing immediately to improve your odds for success.

[15:55] If you want to attract quality, you have to be quality yourself.

[19:13] Why reaching out to the media is crucial and why spamming everyone you know is ineffective.

[24:32] The first step for any franchisor is to grow and dominate within your own 100 mile radius before going beyond.

[25:47] One of the quickest ways to kill your franchise system is to overleverage yourself and get the wrong people in your system.

[28:45] The Franchise 5 is about giving a voice and opportunity in reaching their dreams and doing it in a way that’s authentic to them by building upon their strengths and vision for their company.

[29:48] If your website hasn’t been updated in the past three years by a professional, it’s time for a change.

[33:01] What would I find if I did a Google search for the name of your company? No results are a red flag.

[34:12] The two most critical business-to-business social media platforms are LinkedIn and Twitter.

[38:07] One of the biggest surprises that franchisors find when franchising their business is that your role as the owner will inevitably change.

[39:37] How to get started with the Franchise 5 program, and why it may or may not be the right choice for your business.

Mentioned in This Episode:

[email protected]

[email protected]

franchiseeuphoria.com/franchise5

www.upendpr.com

We have the opportunity to talk with Matt Miller from School Spirit Vending. This is his second time on our show and since his last visit, his business has grown tremendously. He is approaching 109 locations. Matt transitioned from a distributorship model to a franchise model. There are have been challenges along the way, but today he has a thriving business that provides passive income for families and allows schools to fundraise through vending machines.

He continues to grow and develop his business. His focus is on people and maintaining a positive culture. He delivers two podcasts a week to his team. He believes it is his responsibility to provide value and help his franchisees be as successful as possible.

Key Takeaways:

[:36] Matt Miller is welcomed to the show.

[1:57] Matt recaps what School Spirit Vending is.

[3:00] In the beginning, School Spirit Vending often starts as a side hustle for franchisees.

[5:41] School Spirit Vending is a system where proprietary vending machines are set up in schools. They provide students the opportunity to buy school spirit items.

[6:06] Focus shifts to the process Matt went through to transition his business to a franchise system.

[8:15] Transitioning from a distributorship model to a franchise model.

[15:15] Building a team to help the operational aspect of franchising; bringing in expertise when needed.

[18:10] Matt spends the majority of his time working with franchisees, focusing on maintaining culture, leadership, and training.

[20:40] A private podcast for people inside the business is a great way to communicate and educate team members. It also allows a way to share the success of individuals.

[23:23] The podcast is a win-win for everyone and is an excellent resource.

[25:45] Challenges of being a franchisor include having a steady stream of prospective franchisees, reaching new areas, and keeping up with the legal ramifications of being a franchise.

[29:25] Matt has written an ebook available for anyone interested in the possibility of becoming a School Spirit Vending franchisee. You can also check out his Vending Secrets course.

[30:50] Thanks again for listening, and please, reach out to Josh anytime through email at [email protected]. If you enjoyed this interview, please leave us a review on iTunes.

Mentioned in This Episode:

[email protected]

Schoolspiritvending.com

Mybusinessonpurpose.com

Ssvbusiness.com

Ssvbusiness.com/franchiseeuphoria/

Matt-miller-u.thinkific.com/courses/vending-secrets-to-passive-income

Victoria Murray is a Senior Regional Director for a franchise called OpenWorks, a leading national commercial cleaning and facilities services company established in Phoenix, Arizona, in 1983. Through their franchise owners and preferred partners, OpenWorks services more than 2,500 facilities each day across the United States. They offer more than simple cleaning and maintenance. They help their customers fundamentally improve their work environment. Their services include janitorial, landscape, maintenance, pest control, handyman supply management, and much more.

Key Takeaways:

[1:19] Josh welcomes Victoria Murray to the show.

[2:55] The founder, Eric, started OpenWorks in 1983 to franchise commercial cleaning services.

[3:08] Victoria tells how OpenWorks grew into a national organization.

[4:23] OpenWorks has advantages that set them apart from other commercial cleaning franchises. Victoria explains the differences.

[5:32] Victoria mentions the relatively low cost of entry to purchase an OpenWorks franchise and other advantages enjoyed by franchisees.

[6:19] Victoria covers how a new OpenWorks franchisee starts up.

[9:12] OpenWorks franchisees do commercial cleaning. A franchisee at a growth point can branch into additional service offerings for multiple revenue streams.

[15:20] Victoria talks about the continuing growth of OpenWorks. Their structure is the key. Regional support offices help different markets replicate success.

[17:59] OpenWorks has many national customers. These organizations can consolidate services across the country by using the same franchise system at different facilities.

[19:48] OpenWorks conducts in-person training in regional markets.

[21:39] Franchisees can find their own customers, besides the customers provided through OpenWorks and franchisees can get back office support for these customers.

[22:45] For more franchise information go to OpenWorksFranchise.com or to Facebook at @OpenWorksAZ or Twitter at @OpenWorksAZ.

[23:30] Thanks again for listening, and, if you enjoyed this interview, please leave us a review on iTunes. If you have questions for Josh or would like to contact him, reach out to Josh at [email protected].

Mentioned in This Episode:

[email protected]

OpenWorks

Victoria Murray

OpenWorksFranchise.com

Facebook: @OpenWorksAZ

Twitter: @OpenWorksAZ

Nunzio Presta is an ex-professional athlete turned entrepreneur. He is the founder and CEO at BizON. BizON is an online marketplace where people can buy, sell, and grow businesses or franchises. It is a community of people looking for opportunities to connect with buyers or sellers. There are also resources available for people who may need some guidance in the process of acquisition. His company is growing and is a fantastic place to look for business opportunities.

Key Takeaways:

[1:12] Josh welcomes Nunzio Presta to the show.

[2:01] Nunzio was a former professional hockey player; the Canadian go-to sport.

[3:15] BizON is explained in more detail by Nunzio.

[4:06] The story behind how BizON began.

[6:28] How the marketplace works; how to utilize and get involved in the market; three types of offerings in the marketplace.

[10:36] Subscription fee breakdown for a franchisor looking to attract leads through the marketplace.

[12:59] What does franchisee involvement look like in the marketplace?

[15:25] Nunzio discusses the challenges of launching BizON.

[17:33] BizON is growing and has over 5,000 active users.

[18:35] BizON is a community growing and connecting buyers and sellers and it is worth checking out.

[20:20] Thanks again for listening, and please, reach out to Josh anytime through email at [email protected]. If you enjoyed this interview, please leave us a review on iTunes.

Mentioned in This Episode:

[email protected]

MyBizON.com

Today I’m excited to introduce Frank Cottle. He is the CEO of Alliance Virtual Offices, as well as a Chairman for The Alliance Business Center’s Network. He is an expert when it comes to virtual work spaces, flexibility, and third place working. He’s spent close to 30 years meeting the needs of small businesses and entrepreneurs. Frank is the go-to authority on cost-effective, smart, and flexible work space.

Key Takeaways:

[2:00] Frank started his company.

[3:40] Frank explains the value provided to entrepreneurs and business owners through virtual offices.

[5:11] “Just-in-time” officing is an economic advantage of virtual offices.

[7:30] Frank describes third workplace.

[9:41] Alliance Virtual Offices is similar to a franchise in the way they have scaled their business.

[10:44] Alliance Virtual Offices allows companies to casually move in and out of markets to help them scale quickly.

[11:19] Frank mentions a licensing program they offer in selected markets.

[12:30]  How to bridge the gap when clients want to cross international borders into new markets.

[17:00] It is more efficient to leave people where they are.

[18:20] The onboarding process for new clients through Alliance Virtual Offices.

[21:40] Franchisors often use meeting rooms or temporarily use virtual offices as they grow and move into new areas.

[22:55] Venture capitalists are common customers because they want what they are investing in to be successful.

[26:24] Thanks again for listening, and please, reach out to Josh anytime through email at [email protected]. If you enjoyed this interview, please leave us a review on iTunes.

Mentioned in This Episode:

[email protected]

Alliancevirtualoffices.com

Allwork.com

Facebook.com/alliancevirtual

Twitter.com/alliancevirtual

Linkedin.com/company-beta/1493610/

Today I’m thrilled to have on Nathan Hirsch. Nathan is a serial entrepreneur, an expert in remote hiring, and an e-commerce guru. Since he began selling online in 2010, Nathan has sold more than $25 million worth of product. He is now the cofounder and CEO of FreeeUp.com, the hands-on hiring marketplace connecting hundreds of online business owners with reliable, pre-vetted, remote workers. FreeeUp is redefining how businesses are able to hire remote freelancers online. Nathan has a really cool story to tell behind his business and how many employees he has, which we’ll get into in this episode. Welcome Nathan Hirsch!

Key Takeaways:

[1:44] The topic of hiring remote business owners is relevant for almost any business owner today.

[2:08] Nathan built a multi-million dollar business out of his college dorm room, and he learned his first hiring lessons in that business.

[4:08] How is FreeeUp different than other online hiring platforms?

[5:28] FreeeUp can help you to hire a wide variety of remote workers.

[7:43] How do you know if you need a remote worker?

[9:43] What businesses are hiring the most remote workers?

[10:45] What is the hiring process like with FreeeUp?

[12:53] If you don’t know what you’re doing, you need to hire an expert.

[15:18] Step one is identifying what you want.

[18:37] Thanks again for listening, and please, reach out to Josh anytime through email at [email protected]. If you enjoyed this interview, please leave us a review on iTunes.

Mentioned in This Episode:

[email protected]

FreeeUp

Online Hiring Mastermind Group

www.facebook.com/FreeeUpMarketplace

Bill Troy is an Inc. 500 CEO and a natural-born contrarian, who, for 25 years, has helped global brands like Sony, Disney and Nestle see the world from a different perspective. Bill’s forthcoming book Clicksand: How Online Marketing Will Destroy Your Business (And the Unlikely Secret to Saving It), is an explosive wakeup call and warning for business owners, about the dangers and hypocrisy in online marketing. In Clicksand, Bill compares giant firms like Hubspot, Google and LinkedIn, as well as local agencies and consultants, in towns big and small, to snake oil salesmen of the 1800s.

Key Takeaways:

[1:23] So many businesses think they are building relationships with clients while they are in fact damaging them.

[3:34] Bill has been a rule-breaker from the very beginning, and he continues to defy norms in the marketing world.

[4:57] What is the danger in online marketing?

[5:57] How do you balance technology and intimate customer relationships?

[7:34] Social media is a bridge to relationship development, not a substitute for it.

[8:39] How does Bill help companies improve their marketing?

[10:11] Marketing can be annoying and ineffective.

[11:19] There are two groups in the online marketing world: the evil group and those that really believe in the industry.

[13:59] Josh bought into the marketing myth earlier in his business.

[15:03] Bill offers special relationships training from his website.

[16:46] Bill is offering three free gifts to Franchise Euphoria listeners.

[18:35] Thanks again for listening, and please, reach out to Josh anytime through email at [email protected]. If you enjoyed this interview, please leave us a review on iTunes.

Mentioned in This Episode:

[email protected]

Civilis Marketing

Today I got to interview Jeff McManus. Jeff is the Head of Landscape Services at the University of Mississippi, and a grower of plants, people, and ideas. Jeff is a problem solver who understands that doing more with less is a 21st century mandate. Faced with a multi-million dollar landscaping project, a demand for excellence and high productivity, and a stagnant budget, Jeff knew that growing the people would be critical for growing the plants.

Key Takeaways:

[:35] Jeff has done amazing things for the landscape department at the University of Mississippi, but he thinks of himself primarily as an entrepreneur.

[1:46] If you want to make money, save money, and have more time, you must be proactive with your team.

[5:07] Jeff tells us about how his landscaping business is structured, and how he keeps structuring himself out of a job.

[8:42] Leaders determine team mindset.

[10:04] Jeff’s Landscape University program took about four years to develop, but it has significantly increased productivity and accountability.

[12:32] You have to understand what motivates your team.

[15:50] Jeff is happy to see his past employees start their own landscaping businesses.

[17:55] How do you find the time to put systems and processes in place?

[19:19] Jeff has created a conference called How to Create Your Own Landscape University.

[23:11] Jeff coaches business owners and is very picky about whom he works with.

[26:05] Thanks again for listening, and please, reach out to Josh anytime through email at [email protected]. If you enjoyed this interview, please leave us a review on iTunes.

Mentioned in This Episode:

[email protected]

Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us, by Daniel Pink

JeffMcManus.com

Jeff McManus on Facebook

Jeff McManus on Twitter

Today I’m thrilled to have Adam Anderson on as our guest. Adam is a longtime small business owner who also happens to be one of the leading authorities on small business cybersecurity. He is a serial entrepreneur, author, and founder and chairman of Palmetto Security Group. With twenty years in cybersecurity, and thirteen as a small business owner, Adam is positioned to understand both sides of the cybersecurity equation in a way most aren’t.

Key Takeaways:

[1:41] Josh has been a victim of cyber fraud.

[2:32] Adam has been involved in starting fourteen companies.

[3:55] How did Adam become involved in cybersecurity?

[5:15] Business owners naively assume that they won’t be affected by cybercrime.

[7:50] What are the main cybersecurity threats that business owners should be on the lookout for?

[9:59] What should business owners look for in a cybersecurity insurance policy?

[16:11] The impact of a single cybercrime can be huge.

[17:42] Adam is offering a free, online self assessment for Franchise Euphoria listeners at adamanderson.info/euphoria.

[19:22] Most cyber attacks happen to small businesses.

[23:11] Who is the Shadow Broker?

[24:45] To learn more, please visit adamanderson.info/euphoria.

[26:05] Thanks again for listening, and please, reach out to Josh anytime through email at [email protected]. If you enjoyed this interview, please leave us a review on iTunes.

Mentioned in This Episode:

[email protected]

Palmetto Security Group

Small Business Cyber Security: Your Customers Can Trust You...Right?,
by Adam Anderson and Tom Gilkeson

“Cyber Crime Isn’t About Computers, It’s About Behavior,” Ted Talk by Adam Anderson

AdamAnderson.info