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May 21st
As I’ve written here in the past, I think there are solid business reasons for participating in most social networks these days, but if your business sells primarily to other businesses, you must get more active on LinkedIn.

LinkedIn is not the biggest or most talked about network these day, but when it comes to connecting with people who mean business and generating leads, few can compare to the power of LinkedIn. A study conducted by Hubspot earlier this year suggested that LinkedIn is “277 Percent More Effective for Lead Generation than Facebook and Twitter.”
While those numbers were taken from their user base, my experience suggests that the professional decision maker audience that prefers LinkedIn is much more prepared to participate in the kind of traditional authentic networking that leads to lasting business relationships than any other network.
The power tool on LinkedIn is Groups. For me this is the closest thing to the proven offline networking groups that exists online today. Groups can give you access to people and discussions related to an industry, topic or even geographic region. Working LinkedIn Groups effectively is a solid way to build a network and generate leads.
Back up to that last sentence and dwell on the word effectively. Effective networking is about providing value, sharing, helping and informing – it’s not about spamming, promoting and selling. Participate in the latter before you’ve earned any credibility and your efforts won’t gain any steam.
Join groups
Currently LinkedIn allows basic members to join up to 50 Groups. Find industry, topic and location specific groups that contain concentrations of people that you would like to network with and join them. Spend time looking at the level of participation and conversations. If all you find is updates with members promoting their businesses move on as this group will be of little benefit.
LinkedIn has a “groups you may like” function that suggests groups based on your current profile and connections.
Ironically, the best groups for lead generation are those that don’t tolerate blatant self-promotion.
Connect with members
Once you’ve joined a group, you have a natural common connection with each group member and LinkedIn gives you the ability to connect based on the mutual group membership. It’s a little thing, but it’s a step beyond simply saying you want to connect.
Reach out and make some connections and very simple introductions as to why you joined the group.
Look for active members and add relevant replies to a number of posts. This starts the process of some one on one conversation and, since your replies are publicly available to all group members, you can use this technique to demonstrate that you have a lot to offer.
Create groups
Once you get the hang of Groups you should consider creating your own topic group. This is not a company group, it’s one that is set up to discuss a topic that your prospects, customers, partners, and even competitors might find worthwhile.
A word of warning – if you want your group to grow and give you the ability to benefit by virtue of your status as the group’s manager, you have to commit the time to curate, moderate, stimulate and facilitate group participation.
You must add starter content that gets people talking. You must participate in conversations. You must promote. And above all you must not tolerate spam and self-promotion. Tell people this is you intent up front, give them one warning and kick offenders out. If you don’t set this tone from the very beginning you’ll group members won’t want to stick around.
To get the most from your group manager role create a landing page on your own website that promotes the idea behind the group and encourages visitors to join. This will deepen your connection to the group and help people better understand what the group is all about.
Lastly, use, but don’t abuse, the announcements function. As a group manager you can send direct announcements to all group members via email. This is a great way to continue to keep your group and its activity front and center.
Five notes
Once you start to get more active on LinkedIn make it a habit to reach out to five connections each week with the sole purpose of saying hi, thank you, I see you got a promotion, wonder what you’ve been working on, etc.
I’ve done this in the offline world with handwritten notes for years and the impact is dramatic and long lasting.
I can’t tell you how often this simple, personal touch has led to business – even though that was not the intent in any way.
It’s amazing how relationships bloom when you genuinely care about people.
How and Why I Use LinkedIn Groups to Build My Business is a post from: Small Business Marketing Blog from Duct Tape Marketing
View full post on Small Business Marketing Blog from Duct Tape Marketing
Mar 8th
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Feb 27th
In most cases, you’ll have to be invited to what’s known in the franchise industry as a Discovery Day. And, if you are invited to a Discovery Day, get ready; things are about to get serious.

If you’ve done a good job with your franchise business selections, including making sure that the opportunities you’ve looked into are easily within your budget, and you’ve done a stellar job with your research, there’s only a couple of things left for you to do.
The first thing involves energy. You’re going to have to decide which opportunity you’re going to focus all of your energy on. Once you’ve done that, you’re a lot closer to becoming an owner. The next thing you do will probably involve travel, and with it, some out of pocket expenses. It’s the Discovery Day; it’s the day that you travel to franchise headquarters to meet the franchise team.
You Need to Get an Invite
Not just anybody can attend a Discovery Day. Only candidates that qualify financially, and have been through every stage of the franchise exploration process with their franchise development representatives can get an invite.
Most franchise development representatives don’t extend an invitation to their franchise candidates until they’ve gone through several specific steps in the process. The candidate’s credit history is checked, and there’s usually a background check done, too. In addition, the development representatives must feel confident that their candidates have a good understanding of the business itself, and what their roles would be in the operation of it.
It’s also the job of the representative to help their candidate’s get a feel for the (FDD) Franchise Disclosure Document, and to answer questions that they may have along the way. All franchise buyers must be presented with this document before they’re permitted to actually buy the franchise opportunity. The items listed, (23 of them) include thing like company financials, executive backgrounds, and the actual franchise contract.
If you’ve met the criteria identified above, and you do get invited up to headquarters, should you go?
The answer to that question depends on how serious you are about becoming an owner of the franchise in question.
For Serious Candidates Only
When my clients ask me if they should attend a Discover Day that they’ve been invited to, I tell them to only go if they’ve made the commitment to buy the franchise. That’s because by the time Discovery Day rolls around, the candidate should know just about all there is to know about the opportunity. No more research should be needed. The candidate should have a pretty good idea on how his or her franchise will be financed, and should have a franchise attorney standing by to look the franchise contract over, which may be sent home with the candidate at Discovery Day.
That’s right; a contract. That’s why only serious franchise candidates should pay a visit to franchise headquarters…..candidates that are just about ready to take the leap.
What to Expect
Your day at headquarters will allow you to see the entire operation in action. You’ll get a tour of the facility plus you’ll spend some time in all the different departments. You’ll meet the CEO. You may have an opportunity visit one or two franchise operations located in the vicinity of headquarters
When you attend the franchisors Discovery Day, you’re going to notice a difference in the way that your franchise development rep is communicating with you; eventually, things may start to feel a little more salesy than they have been during your past interactions. Your representative could be close to making a sale-and a commission.
But, two things need to happen before that sale can take place:
Your Discovery Day will fly by. Absorb as much as you can. Get a feel for the company culture. Then go back home and sit on things for a couple of days. Bring the franchise contract to your (franchise) attorney. If everything looks good, you’ll have a decision to make. You’ll know what to do.
Discovery Photo via Shutterstock
View full post on Small Business News, Tips, Advice – Small Business Trends
Jan 4th
Does a Franchise Make Sense as a Business Option
This content from: Duct Tape Marketing
Marketing podcast with Joel Libava (Click to play or right click and “Save As” to download – Subscribe now via iTunes or subscribe via other RSS device (Google Listen)
Franchises have been with us now for more than half a century and in that time the model has produced fabulous business ownership and fabulous business flops.
The promise of a franchise is alluring – proven system, proven processes, successful model, help with marketing and operations.
Of course there’s a price for the promise – less control, limited profit, territorial restrictions.
Buying into a franchise makes complete sense for some, but it’s not for everyone.
In this episode of the Duct Tape Marketing Podcast I visit with Joel Libava, you may know him as The Franchise King, author of Become a Franchise Owner!: The Start-Up Guide to Lowering Risk, Making Money, and Owning What you Do
Libava’s history is perfectly suited to be the one to give you the straight scoop on the franchise industry. He spent a number of years working in a franchise and now consults with scores of would be franchise owners to help them find the right fit.
His advice has a lot to do with knowing yourself – “if you’re someone that needs to be in total control and do it your way, a franchise might not be right for you,” he offered during our interview.
There are a number of books out there on the industry, but none with such a great amount of straight forward advice and realism.
Joel’s publisher asked me to review the book for a possible cover quote, which I gladly offered and still contend: “The decision to become a franchise owner is a big one—you would be crazy to even consider making it without Joel Libava’s years of experience in your corner.”
View full post on Small Business Marketing Blog from Duct Tape Marketing
Dec 24th
Author Joel Libava and I have been colleagues and friends for a few years through our relationship with Small Business Trends and its founder, Anita Campbell. Of course, living in Cleveland and seeing each other from time to time doesn’t hurt either.
I’ve watched Joel grow his Franchise King brand over the years. Naturally, I was thrilled when his publisher sent me a copy of his new book, Become a Franchise Owner! The Start-Up Guide to Lowering Risk, Making Money and Owning What You Do.
You don’t need to be a franchise owner to enjoy this book
Become a Franchise Owner is an interesting business book on several levels. First, it’s a living, breathing case study of how Joel Libava (@FranchiseKing on Twitter) took an area of business that he had experience in and is passionate about, and built a thriving brand around it, in just a few years.

Next, it takes you behind the franchise curtain. The book does it in a way that not only educates you, but also provides intelligent guidelines and advice that will serve any business owner – not just someone interested in owning a franchise.
In a few short pages, Libava gives you context around the history of franchises. Here’s a tasty tidbit of trivia: franchising actually started in the Middle Ages when Medieval courts or lords started granting important individuals licenses to operate certain businesses.
Then he moves into the Colonial era noting that this is when franchising really started to take hold. “The local sovereign or lord would authorize individuals to hold markets or fairs, operate the local ferry, or hunt on his land. The concept expanded to the kings who would grant a franchise for all types of commercial activities including building roads and even brewing ale.” This eventually extended to entrepreneurs who took the risk of establishing colonies, and in return were granted protection of the Crown in exchange for paying taxes or royalties. So now you know the first connection between franchises and kings.
Even if you have no interest in owning a franchise, you’ll find many other creative ideas about developing partnerships and opportunities that don’t require the rigor that owning a franchise does.
Find out if franchising is right for you
Chapters 3 through 5 are devoted to finding out if franchising is right for you. Chapter 3 is titled “Take the Franchise Quiz,” but you won’t get to do that until you read the entire chapter and find the website URL that directs you to the quiz. (You’ll have to buy the book for that one. I already gave you the cool franchise history lesson; don’t push it).
Chapter 4 gives you an in-depth explanation of the franchising model; chapter 5 goes over the results of your quiz. By the time you get to chapter 6, you will not only know if franchising is a good business model for you, but you will also know more about franchising than most of the people who have ever bought a franchise knew at the time they bought it.
Insider secrets … and what no one wants to tell you
Let me make a confession. I have no interest in franchising … buying, creating or running one.
But I was riveted by Joel’s writing style and the plethora of insider experiences that he shares in this book. You’ll find excerpts of conversations with a sort of “look at the camera” commentary right in the middle of the story! While I can understand that some readers may find this distracting, I loved it.
A great example is the story of “Beth,” who came to one of Joel’s seminars and asked about how to sell her franchise because she didn’t like running it. After Joel asked her what she didn’t like about it, he interrupts the story with a sidebar. He says:
“This is probably a good time to share a couple of things about me: I don’t do a real good job with two important things…. The ‘Wait five seconds before you respond’ option… and not being able to stop from saying what’s on my mind…. So, back to Beth…”
As you read on, you discover that “Beth” doesn’t like selling. Yet she purchased a direct marketing franchise where she knew selling was required. She just didn’t think it would be that hard.
This is where Joel dispenses some valuable insight that seems obvious when you read it, but it’s uncanny how many people skip it:
Practical things your mom would tell you if she knew about franchising
I now know and understand why people don’t start out working with a franchising advisor. They simply don’t want to do all the homework needed to make a smart decision. This is where Become a Franchise Owner really shines.
Each chapter leads you through the franchise decision-making process in a way that doesn’t burst your bubble or stomp all over your dream of becoming a business owner. It’s clear to me that Libava’s mission with this book is to actually make those business ownership dreams come true.
An even-handed tell-all about franchising
I’ve read books about franchising before, and one thing I’ve noticed is that they tend to support one line of thinking – their line. Become a Franchise Owner doesn’t do this. Libava tells it like it is even if it includes opinions that differ from his. Take this example of going to “Discovery Days.”
He says ” I don’t recommend traveling to the franchise company’s headquarters unless you’re at a point in the process in which you feel that you have a good handle on the franchise concept and that you’re convinced that it’s the right fit for you and you for it.” But then he goes on to point out how some members of his industry disagree. “They feel that if you’re invited to a Discovery Day, you should just go.”
Then Libava gets into a fantastic car-sales example that outlines exactly why franchisors want you at Discovery Day — and why you should not go until you’ve done all your research.
Don’t even think about a franchise without reading this book
If you or someone you know is unemployed or contemplating owning a franchise, then buy this book yesterday. It’s that good. Not only that, it’s really fun to read. You’ll find this book is a touchstone of truth in a franchising environment that is overwhelming at the very least.
And the rest of you business book junkies are going to love this book for its sheer educational and entertainment value. I feel at least a hundred times smarter about the world of franchising than I did before I read it.
Read Become a Franchise Owner and you’ll become a smarter business owner and a happier franchisee.
Become a Franchise Owner Gives Insider Secrets About Franchises
View full post on Small Business News, Tips, Advice – Small Business Trends
Dec 22nd
There’s certainly no shortage of dynamic concepts to explore in franchising in 2012. Finding opportunities to get into a business of your own is the easy part. Finding a willing financial partner to help you invest in a franchise business is still a bit more challenging.

For example, if you want to get involved in a franchise business that’s focused on renewable energy and maybe even sustainability, no problem; do a Google search of “green franchises.” Maybe you’re comfortable calling on customers and giving sales presentations; there are several opportunities (such as Sandler Training) available for you. Do you like food? (Silly question!) If you’ve always wanted to own your own restaurant, there are hundreds of unique food franchises, such as these gathered by Franchise Direct, to choose from.
Not all franchises require a commercial space; Pillar to Post and Mosquito Squad offer ways to be your own boss without having to negotiate a lease for the business. Another advantage of investing in a home-based franchise is that you can be up and running pretty fast. One more thing: Remember that your customers aren’t going to find you if you’re sitting at home. You’re going to have to do some serious networking. Your networking should always include being on the lookout for strategic referral partners, as John Jantsch suggests.
Some Things Haven’t Changed
In last year’s post on the top franchise trends, I wrote about the fact that small business lenders weren’t all that excited to lend money for franchise startups. As much as I don’t want to start going all negative here, it’s still true today; lenders aren’t lending enough, The New York Times reports, especially to small businesses.
I also wrote about the fact that homes had gone down in value: “Real estate is usually a major part of a franchise candidate’s net worth statement, and that’s now a problem. Home values are low, and in some cases, homes are underwater.” According to Carole Cohen, a Cleveland Realtor who’s really dialed into the market, “Home prices in our area are down 26 to 28 percent.” (Her income took a hit because of the low prices.) Carole works for a family-owned real estate company, but there are real estate franchises, too, as this Red Carpet report points out.
What Has Changed?
The franchise industry’s focus has changed. By “industry,” I really mean only one part of the industry, but it’s a big one: The International Franchise Association, which is an association that promotes franchising.
I’m still trying to decide whether the combination of social media, and the business transparency that tends to be associated with it, has turned the IFA into a more powerful industry force, or not. On one hand, some of the higher-ups from the IFA, like Matt Haller, the Sr. Director of Communications, are starting to get a bit more active on Twitter, and have started to write some blog posts. However, the growth of social media has evened the playing field in the franchise industry; now voices outside of the IFA–independent ones–can be heard loud and clear, too. The industry is changing, and anyone with an Internet connection can watch some of the changes that are happening in real time.
For 2012, the IFA has decided to focus on two areas in 2012; one is nothing new, but the other one…
1. Military Veterans
Veterans who are interested in possibly becoming franchise owners will undoubtedly run across the VetFran program. This program, founded in 1991, features 400-plus IFA member franchisors that offer training, mentoring and financial incentives to veterans interested in small business ownership and/or a career path in franchising. To date, approximately 2,000 veterans have become franchise business owners through this popular program.
I’ve personally assisted with our veterans, and have even been able to help a few of them become franchise owners. Today’s veterans have three things going for them when it comes to operating a franchise business. They are:
I’m all for helping the men and women who’ve made major sacrifices to help us keep our freedom. Thousands of veterans are returning home from our wars, and need jobs and opportunities. For veterans who want to become business owners, franchising is certainly one path that they should look into.
Of course, they’re going to need small business loans in order to start these franchises, and that’s the part that worries me. That’s because a large number of veterans have had several tours of duty. It’s not like they’ve had a chance to build up their nest eggs. Hopefully, banks will come up with some creative loan programs to help veterans get into business for themselves.
2. Pro Athletes
There’s really only one reason that the IFA is courting professional athletes, and it’s pretty obvious; the athletes don’t need small business loans. Can you think of any other reason?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were about 16,500 professional athletes and sports competitors who held jobs as of 2008. This includes every sport, including all of the athletes who aren’t ready for prime time yet (that is, the minor leagues).
The thought of having 16,000 wealthy prospective franchise owners eventually searching for business opportunities in the world of franchising is a nice one. After all, what franchise development director wouldn’t want to have a slew of highly qualified candidates like Magic Johnson requesting information about a particular franchise concept?
While I don’t see hundreds of former professional athletes clamoring to become franchisees, if enough of them do, it could be terrific publicity for the franchise industry. I just don’t see it as a game-changer. (That sporting reference was unintentional!)
2012 will be a very important year in franchising. If the U.S. economy continues to struggle, growth will continue to be sparse in the franchise industry. But if things finally do start to turn around, there’s a lot of pent-up demand for the great products and services that franchises provide to both consumers and businesses.
If lenders start making more loans available for people who want to start businesses, there’s a large pool of prospective franchisees sitting in the wings, waiting to take their shot at The American Dream.
The franchise community is ready and waiting to help them do just that.
Franchise Photo via Shutterstock
The Top Franchise Trends for 2012
View full post on Small Business News, Tips, Advice – Small Business Trends
Oct 22nd
Weekend Favs October Twenty Two
This content from: Duct Tape Marketing
My weekend blog post routine includes posting links to a handful of tools or great content I ran across during the week.
I don’t go into depth about the finds, but encourage you check them out if they sound interesting. The photo in the post is a favorite for the week from Flickr.
The Basilica at Notre Dame – Notre Dame, IN
Good stuff I found this week:
Magmito – This tools allows anyone to create a mobile application on the fly – imagine creating your own app just for an event or special promotion
PrintFriendly – Turns any web page into a PDF. Great way to save from printing pages that you want to keep. You can also put a button on your own site to make easy for people to use it.
WorkFlowy – This dead simple tool allows you to create one list to run your life – its simplicity is perhaps its greatest appeal. It’s hard to describe but may change your brain.
View full post on Small Business Marketing Blog from Duct Tape Marketing
Oct 19th
On Thursday, October 20, 2011 at 8 PM Eastern time I’ll be on a Twitter chat hosted and sponsored by FedEx Office®. And I’d love to have you join us! Bring your questions, bring your expertise, bring your advice for others in the small biz community.
The topic is going to be branding – how to brand your business online and off, cost effectively. We’ll also cover re-branding for those of you who think your business brand needs a facelift or just freshening up. We’ll talk about logos, business cards, cost effective strategies for print collaterals and signs, and much much more.
To participate in the chat, just log on to Twitter on October 20th at 8 pm Eastern and follow the hashtag #FedExSmallBiz. Be sure to use the same hashtag in your tweets, too, so others will know you are participating.
$100 Gift Card Giveaway
To sweeten the pot a bit, Small Business Trends will be doing a $100 gift card giveaway. The gift card will be good for services at a FedEx Office store near you. To be entered into the giveaway here’s what you need to do. Just give a Twitter sized tip to answer this question:
Q: Which social media profiles should go on your business card, and why?
Your answer needs to be no longer than 140 characters, and must include the hashtag: #FedExSmallBiz.
Please tweet your tip answering that question, prior to or during the chat. At the end of the chat I will choose the best tip to receive the gift card. To be eligible you must be located in the United States. The gift card is to be used at a FedEx Office near you. Void where prohibited. No purchase necessary. FedEx Office has no involvement in the selection of winners. This is sponsored by Small Business Trends.
Disclosure: FedEx Office compensated me to write this post and participate as a small business expert during the FedEx Office Boost Your Small Tweet Chat program. FedEx Office also provided the $100 gift card. The ideas in this blog post are mine and not ideas or advice from FedEx Office.
This Twitter chat is the third in the FedEx Office Boost Your Small Business Tweet Chat Series. We earlier published the press release about the chats – you can find more information there.
This Twitter chat is sponsored by FedEx Office. Questions will be asked by a representative from FedEx Office.
Save the Date: Twitter Chat, October 20, About Branding
View full post on Small Business News, Tips, Advice – Small Business Trends