A business plan means business W hen starting a business there are many factors that come into play that need to be analysed to ensure its success. Price, place, promotion and product are but some of the important aspects in the business mix that need to be planned and executed meticulously. In the flurry of dynamics to consider, many entrepreneurs tend to forget that having a business plan to drive the business processes is actually the most crucial, regardless of the sector type. This is especially true in franchising. Even though the franchising model affords owners the benefit of added support that is rooted in an established foundation, the business plan is just as important as in any other industry. Sally J’Arlette – Joy, the franchisor of Sandwich Baron , shares more on the importance of a business plan for the franchisee and the franchisor. A business plan is basically a document that summarises the operational and financial objectives of a business. Additionally, this...

Working on and in your business - a must in franchising   In the business world, owners are often told that the key to steering their company to success comes down to how well they can delegate to others to complete the front-of-store activities, allowing them to do the more ‘strategic’ work. This with the idea that they will then have the opportunity to focus on the brand, with the bigger picture in mind. While it is never a bad idea to work smartly in business, this way of running things will not be effective in all instances. The franchising concept, for instance, does call for a franchisee to be as involved as they possibly can in building the store or brand – from the inside and out. National Operations Manager of The Fish & Chip Co, Werner Hedder, shares more insight on this topic below.   The definition of owner management basically goes that working in your store means physically performing the core functions that the business is built upon. From taking ...

How to keep feet coming through your doors during the winter blues   Shaazia Bhika, the proud owner of Maxi’s Overport Halaal, a franchise of nationwide family restaurants that forms part of the Taste Holdings group, discusses how to keep a consumer-driven businesses thriving, especially during the colder season.   It is no secret that the restaurant industry takes a bit of knock during the colder months as customers prefer ordering take-aways and eating it in the comfort and warmth of their homes.  Although, if the customer is going to a restaurant that boasts a warm and welcoming environment that offers great food and excellent service, it does tend to make their visit much more pleasant -- and more frequent.    Here are a few tried and tested tips on how to keep your customers loyal and coming back for more, even during the colder seasons.   1.     Winter-proof your premises Sitting in a chest freezer is nobody’s ide...

The business of managing expectations in franchising Sally J’Arlette-Joy Within the franchising model, the premise goes that the business concept is one that offers entrepreneurs a sure-fire way of being successful. With its foundation firmly established on a legacy that has stood the test of time, a franchised business offers any entrepreneur the tried and tested plans and practices to make a business excel.   While the expected success rate of a franchise proves to be its strongest point, it can also be one of the most misleading points, which has blinded many owners once they are in the business, as the expectations that many franchisees have upon entering into this industry are often too high. Founder of Sandwich Baron, Sally J’Arlette-Joy , who is both a franchisor and franchisee, knows first-hand how unmet expectations within a franchise can often lead to frustration and even conflict within a group and shares more insights below. When the negotiations between...

Real People Group expands finance offering to local entrepreneurs The Real People Group, a responsible lender that offers purpose specific lending to individuals for home improvements, SME business finance , education finance and rehabilitative finance, announced the conclusion of a deal to expand its business finance offering to local entrepreneurs.   Neil Grobbelaar The Group has acquired the management team, SME loan book and entrepreneurship training facilities from Wizzit Bank. Neil Grobbelaar, Group Chief Executive Officer of the Real People Group, believes the acquisition will promote the Group’s business finance agenda within the South African operating environment. “The acquisition allows us to offer business loans to small and medium sized enterprises with the intention of servicing the needs of both new and existing entrepreneurs sourcing specialist funding primarily within the franchise sector. However, it is envisaged that this original spe...