Resistance Within Your Own Camp

One of the biggest challenges that you will face in getting to make your business and family dreams a reality are within your own camp. The family, employees and friends who have a direct or indirect connection to your business, family and yourself.

Robert James and James Home Services: The strange thing is that the people who are motivated to make it all a reality are the same people who have the most power to block your ability to make logical, pragmatic decisions needed to make it so.

We do need to be prepared to deal with the most likely areas of “resistance from within your own camp”.

In the early days, you may find yourself “Working Overtime” to make it all happen. Your drive will very likely is the energy hat will build the momentum that will take the business to the next level. Family members may not like you working with you should be with them.  This one is quite straight forward to deal with.

It is called “Negotiation”. First are they right? Are you letting the work invade your relationship? If they are right. See if you can renegotiate the work dairy, put your VIP in your life in first. Sometimes you may have to put focus on a business outcome. If so reinvest time into your personal “VIPS”. Take a week day off or a special lunch or make time.  do the deal give your “VIPs the time they desire. If you are systematic having this problem checkout the chapters on Workaholic. If someone you love wants your time, this sounds like a first world problem, as they say?

One of the most disappointing areas of resistant can come from “Family and Friends” who have their own dreams but aren’t doing anything about making them come too reality. Your Siblings, Cousins, Uncle Fred (Knows everything about everything) or your father in-law who was worked at Telstra for 20 years and hated every day of it.

Robert James and James Home Services: Most people think it takes luck to be success in business, they will say how lucky you are to be living this exciting life as a business owner.  We, your Brothers & Sisters in Family Business know you made your luck.  know but they are also sitting there hoping you will “Crash and burn “to justify their own failure to be brave enough to have a true and proper go at it.’ I know this may sound too simple, just ignore them. Their opinions only have power if you give it to them. You can’t persuade them to change their attitude to living. They can have their opinion, but you can also decide if you take them on. If you want these people un your life agrees to disagree, and talk about the footy or the latest reality TV show.

The resistant you may face is from the family if you are giving up an established income form a job. For business that are already up and running this doesn’t come into the scheme of things, but at different levels of growth, cash flow can be put under pressure and you personally may have to take a “Pay cut’. If your business has value this should be very short term.

I have coached a lot of first time business owners, the first thing they are terrified of is not paying the bills. If this is still you, then work out what your personal breakeven is. Then work out of are you daily sales targets are to reach that income. Then go to work each day making the sales. The business should be held accountable to feed the family very early in the journey.

If you are getting resistant from business partners or employees to the growth plan then there are two areas of likely issues. Are you selling the dream to them? If you are unclear then the dream for them will be uncertain. Uncertainty creates fear with many people. You may give to address your own abilities to sell your idea’s. Get some coaching and education to develop your sale ability to a higher level.

The other angle is hey have a different or their own agenda for the business. Sell the dream, but if this is an employee is still resistant, make it clear it is your business and your vision, they can leave tomorrow.

Robert James and James Home Services: For a business partner it is different, you must be on the same page or go and write separate books. Maybe again you must negotiate the “plan” to be consistent with both partner’s goals. If this can’t be done? Well shake hands, do a deal and go your different ways.

Accept there will be resistance from areas within your own camp. Resistance creates strength. Instead of taking it personally, use it as an opportunity to develop your leadership skills. Understand those around you need reassurance to deal with their concerns.

Originally Posted: https://robertjameshomeservices.com/resistance-within-your-own-camp/

Making Definite Decision

‘YOU CAN’T DO THAT!’

Throughout my business life, I have had endless self-proclaimed experts tell me, ‘you can’t do that’. I actually found that whenever some expert told me it couldn’t happen, I was very close to it actually happening. I learnt that it was a sign that I was about to hit a big outcome, and it drove me to work that much harder at whatever it was.

Robert James and James Home Services: My most famous, or infamous, naysayer was my very first accountant, Gary. Gary was my accountant when I first started down the road to becoming a franchisor. I was a 27-year-old horse trainer, running a successful mobile car cleaning business. I made a definite decision that I was going to franchise the concept, and create a national brand. So, I made an appointment with Gary, as you do when you make a decision like this. Gary’s office was in a little suburban shopping centre. It was just Gary and his one receptionist come admin assistant – it was a small office.

I sat down in front of Gary with my optimistic attitude, a cool logo, drafts of manuals, $20,000 in my bank account, and a business plan in quite a large notebook. I planned to go big, go national, or go home. I was going to recruit 20 new franchisees in the first 12 months, market hard, and make James Home Services a national brand.

When I told Gary about my big dream, what do you think he said? First, he laughed – loudly. Actually, I don’t think I have ever heard any- one laugh any louder. And then, it went a little something like this:

Gary actually said, ‘No-one is ever going to buy franchises from you!’ I said, ‘What the … ’

He replied, ‘Why would they buy franchises from you, instead of the established systems?’

My response: ‘Because we will be better than everyone else!’ To which he replied, ‘You will never get it off the ground.’

‘Can you just sort out the company structure? I’ll deal with the actual business,’ I said, unimpressed.

And, as they say – the rest is history! I kept Gary on as my accountant for those first 12 months, just to prove him wrong of course. I recruited over 45 new franchisees in that first 12 months alone! We were off to a flying start, and James Home Services was born.

FINDING YOUR TRUE NORTH

You do have to decide what you want to achieve. I understand that may sound simple. After all, you make important decisions every single day. You also change your mind daily; it’s the normal pattern of things.

Some decisions will not impact your life forever, while others will. When you are definite on your long-term decisions, it gives you clarity. In today’s world of uncertainty, to lead a growing business and growing family, the true north has to be definite decisions. If you want to start on your journey, you must start with a definite decision as to where you want your journey to end.

Every day, you will be faced with decisions that can, and will, write your story. The decision to have or not have children is clearly one that will form the basis of your ‘big story’. Today many couples aren’t have- ing children as young as previous generations. The traditional or ‘old school’ family unit is no longer the norm. Or you may already have a successful business, and are now considering introducing children into the story. Or maybe you are deciding not to have kids at all. Either way, make a definite decision. Deciding to make no decision is the worst decision of all.

I have seen many business owners struggle with the definite part of the decision-making process. Typically, if you come out with, ‘what if I change my mind?’, you definitely will decide to change your mind.

Robert James and James Home Services: Many things in life are negotiable, other key elements should never be negotiated away. Challenging your own thinking to give you the clarity you need is the starting point.

There is a process that helps us make those definite decisions. Decide- ing what outcomes you want and don’t want to achieve becomes a very powerful tool in the decision-making process. When you have decided where you are heading long term it gives clarity to the decisions you make every day.

Let’s have a look:

1. Give yourself A ‘time out’. Deliberately give yourself time out of the game to think things through. This can be 10 minutes or two months depending on the ‘size’ of the decision.
2. Inspect the decision. What is the real long-term outcome you are trying to achieve? What are you uncertain about? What is ‘real’ and what is only a movie in your own head?
3. Brainstorm options. If you need external information then
   do your homework. Be patient and careful with those you get advice from. Make sure it’s professional advice, not just a mate’s opinion. Be open to the information but make up your own mind as to whether you want to take that advice on board.
4. This seems to be the bit most people don’t do. They free fall even after they have the full story, too scared to decide. Be brave; buy into your vision. Use the logic, not the fear, to make your decision.
5. Be pragmatic. Clear the fog. Put aside other people’s agendas. Disregard the gossip or what may be the ‘nice’ thing to do. The question is, what long-term outcome are you planning to achieve? Now you must decide and stick to your decision.

The future belongs to the brave, so you might as well be brave.

WHAT CREATES UNCERTAINTY IN YOUR THINKING?

All the bad decisions you have made in the past are what create uncertainty. I’ll bet you have mind files full of all the dumb decisions you have made.

That white Camry you bought back in 1994, you thought was sensible at the time. Now, with hindsight you realise it was a very boring car. Maybe you can remember when you invested all your savings into the stock market, the day before the biggest crash in history. How about the ‘Ab Blaster’ you bought on the late-night shopping channel that sits unused at the back of your wardrobe? Even the person you married, who turned out to be a bigger fraud than the ‘Ab Blaster’, more boring than the Camry and way more expensive than the stock market crash?

Robert James and James Home Services: Everyone makes poor decisions, especially with hindsight. You can learn from your mistakes, evaluate them, understand your thought process at the time, and then learn from them. The past can give you clarity on the future, if you learn and then move on.

I guarantee you have made more successful decisions than unsuccessful ones. But, the pain of a bad decision captures your attention quicker than the joy of a great decision. I personally have seen the birth of my five beautiful children; these were the five most amazing days in my life. Each time, I was overwhelmingly humbled to be given the honour of being this beautiful new person’s father. Nothing has ever been more inspiring to me than that gift. To this day, I am still amazed that I was given this great privilege of being the Dad to five awesome individuals. I do remember all of their births, but I have to admit some of the details are vague. (There were five of them?) I very clearly remember how I felt.

That terrifying day when I watched my only daughter Nadine suffer that horrible cardiac arrest right in front of my eyes is also forever embedded in my mind – every detail, every thought, every terrifying second of the 15 minutes it took the ambulance officers to start her heart again.

Fear is a very strong force within us. The adrenaline that hits our brain when we believe we are fighting for survival gives us near super powers, and these memories are stored for future reference, just in case. My mind is determined to never find me in that horrifying position again.

Also, beware of whose opinions you listen to. If you want everyone to agree with your definite decisions then you are going to very dis- appointed – it will never happen. It is actually the exact opposite: the grander your definite decisions are, the more people will be telling you that you can’t achieve them – even having a child and running your own business. How many people will tell you how hard it is and all the things that will go wrong? They have their own agendas to keep you where you are.

Ignore the naysayers. Make your own definite decisions for your business and family life, and then act on them with conviction.

Originally Posted: https://robertjameshomeservices.com/making-definite-decision/

Evolving Successful Small Business

Many people want to franchise their business, but most fail to make a success of it.

Robert James and James Home Services: To successfully franchise your business, you have to start with a successful small business as the foundation of the concept.

The base concept of franchising is to grow a network of businesses by granting of rights to use intellectual property to the “Small Business Owners”. 

Add the combined energy of a motivated group of successful small business owners using proven business systems that can be a nearly unstoppable market force.

There is no short cut. 

The network has to be built on foundations of successful small business systems that are fundamentally sound. Those systems have to been tested in the marketplace and evaluated, then thoroughly documented.

If the business is not built on the foundation of the Proven Small Business System,  the network will fail. 

You have to get your hands dirty and build test models of the business. Track the results, evaluate, document the procedures, and Proven by being tested and measured in the marketplace.

An idea is not a business system. 

All businesses do start as an idea, but not all ideas turn into successful business systems.

It is the franchisor’s responsibility to build the systems that transform the idea into functional business systems 

Unfortunately, many franchisors are using Franchisees as Guinea Pigs to test unproven brands and concepts. 

Robert James and James Home Services: In recent years there have been many “Cool Ideas” that have been sold off as franchise opportunities. It can be Yogurt, Donuts, Chocolate,ice-creameries, Deserts or, Açai Smoothies sound fun but in reality, they haven’t got the proven track record in the marketplace.

Funky fads don’t lead to a long-term successful franchise network, a proven small business model certainly can.

Historically, successful franchise networks have a business that delivers to the goals of family business owners. I recommend you keep this in mind as you develop the business systems. Family-friendly franchise systems empower franchisees to succeed.

Many franchisors hate slowing down and documenting their systems. But detailed documented user-friendly manuals are vital to share your intellectual property to others. If you have no documentation, you have no systems. 

The actual process of complying manuals is an interval audit of your systems. As you document your processes it becomes clear where the strengths and weaknesses are in your systems.  You will need to document everything covered in the manuals. I do mean everything, whatever you leave to chance will become the thorn in your side.

What if the business system has a flaw? 

Simply fix it, if it can be fixed.

Investing in developing the systems that overcome challenges in business can add value by becoming a commercial advantage for your franchisees.

If the business has a fundamental flaw that can’t be fixed don’t franchise it, some franchisors seem to believe passing the problem down the line fixes their problem. In reality to magnifies the problem. 

Robert James and James Home Services: Fundamental flaws can be a coffee shop connected to shopping centres and the overheads are so high it is impossible for the Franchisee to receive a wage and return on his business investment.  The Franchisee was to either work 60 hours a week themselves or underpay staff to get by.  Eventually, this catches up with the franchisee they become a slave to the business until they fail, or they end up in legal trouble for wage thief of their employees.

Another example is in the Gym fitness industry.

The industry is very competitive and has tight profit margins. Staffing of Fitness trainers is a major cost for the franchisee.

Systematically, in the Gym industry Franchisors recommend franchisees place trainers on employee contracts that require them to work for less than the award conditions. This is a long-term recipe for failure. The good staff leave and again the franchisee is exposed to a certain risk of legal action.

If a business requires a special high-level skill to be a profitable business then it most likely isn’t a suitable model for a true franchise. Doctors or lawyers or dentists or farrier or veterinarians or physicists?

If the technical skill can’t be written up in a manual that anyone can learn that skill it’s not a small business system. 

A successful small business model is the foundation to build your systems on. The only way to evolve these systems is to enter the marketplace and get in the game. Test and measure a then evolve the systems. If it works keep it, if it doesn’t work change it until it works as effectively as possible.

But there is a trick for new players, that is the documentation of the manuals on each level of the business.

The four vital areas to document in your manuals

1.    Practical Systems.

Whatever it is: cleaning houses, mowing lawns, building houses, running a motel, making coffee, Management of a Gym or making Mexican food, Vacuuming gutter’s, the practical doing on every level of the business is clearly fundamental.

Every business was a level of practical skills. Simply Document all of them.

You can’t be too thorough.

2.    Support Systems.  

Understandably, the foremost reason potential franchisees join a franchise network is for the promised support. The reality is franchisor support is essential for franchisee success. 

Support systems are a proactive positive way to give your franchisees the best chance of success. If all parties are aware of what is offered by “support systems” prior to the signing of the franchise agreement and those systems are followed, then there is less likelihood of a dispute down the track.

As a Franchisor the support systems will be the glue that holds the business together as you grow. I believe all franchisors in 2020 should have a business coaching system in place to proactive support and mentor their franchisees.

3.    Training Systems.

The initial training that is essential for every franchisee to start their business in your franchise system should be in-depth. Every area documented with a timetable and checklist to assure that basics have been supplied.

Ongoing training should also be systemized, that’s one on one or for the staff or group training at, monthly, quarterly or annual meetings.

4.    Marketing Systems.

Every business requires proven marketing systems to maintain constant growth. Every business should be marketing every day. 

The Marketing manual should cover whatever is expected of your franchisees. These expectations will vary from business to business, but these marketing and sales systems should be proven.

The franchisor should test marketing and sales systems before expecting franchisees to comply.

The sale systems are imperative to the success of any franchise system.

The level of sales skills required is comparative to the dollar value of the sale within the business.

Example: A real estate franchisee negotiating $500,000 house sales requires a higher level of sales skills compared to a pet groomer selling a $50 dog hydrobath or the waitress in a restaurant selling another round of drinks. But the sales systems in every business have the most direct impact on the success of each individual franchisee, therefore then impacts the success of the network as a whole.

Marketing and Sales can terrify many new franchisees.

New Franchisees are rightfully fearful. They know they require both support and training in all areas of the business.

Contrasting many franchisors get caught up in the practical systems and ignore the marketing and sales systems.  As a new franchisor developing all these systems it may appear to be quite daunting. 

For an experienced franchisor, it can be very confronting to observe the holes in your systems. The business systems on every level have to keep evolving as the marketplace changes, invest time, money, and resources to the ongoing development of all the systems.

A truly great franchise system has systems to improve the systems.

Systems do have to grow as the business grows. The stronger those systems are for your franchisees, the stronger the foundations of the whole network.    

Ultimately, Successful Proven Small Business Systems are the foundation of an Extraordinary Franchise Network.

If you need help with growing your franchise network or preparing your business for franchising, reach out?

Robert James

Specialist Franchisor Business Coach and Consultant

Originally Posted: https://balance.enterprises/evolving-a-successful-small-business-into-an-extraordinary-franchise-network-is-a-challenge/

Rules Guarantee Satisfied Home Service Clients

Do you want to start your own home service business? Are you running a home service business but want to take it to the next level? Want to know how to guarantee the next level of service to your clients?

Over the last 25 years we have coached over 2000 home services franchisees to deliver professional home services. The systems we built in James Home Services, were based on a strong foundation of practical principles which put the customers needs first.

Robert James and James Home Services: We grow from my one man band car cleaning business to a nation brand of 400 franchisees servicing $20 million each year. These 5 key rules are the base foundations that we built our professional home service culture on.

These rules have been proven over many service business for over 25 years. House cleaning, lawn and garden care, car cleaning or detailing, pet grooming or dog washing, windows cleaning , carpet cleaning ,exterior house cleaning , ironing service even mobile coffee vans have all been built successfully using these 5 key rules.

1) Return the Call Within 15 minutes.

I know that you maybe busy cleaning a car ,washing a dog, mowing a lawn , cleaning a house or spraying the cockroaches. Believe me the cockroaches can wait and the lawn isn’t going to grow that much in the 15 minutes it takes to return the call to the new client.

Don’t let today’s “work” get in the way of tomorrows income.

The quick response will deal with the clients needs as they are available to talk to you. The first service provider who returns the call with have a most likely get the quote. The client wants to talk to you now, that is why they rang now!

Be a professional with your telephones procedures.Communicate effectively ,stay focused and receptive. Create the right impression.

Book a time in to do a quote.

Never quote over the phone, The client who thinks their house is filthy is very often the clean freak and the one that can’t see the dirt is the grub. 

How clean the house is or how dirty the car is: is only a matter of opinion.

You have to see it, to get your own true evaluation.

2) Always Do a Written Quote.

Robert James and James Home Services: A written quote is the only way you can guarantee that you and your clients have the same understanding of the services you will deliver. Make sure you are on the same page. Find out your clients want or need.

The more detail in your quote the better value your quote appears.It demonstrates the attention to detail that is the true point of difference between quality service providers and the also rans.

9 times out of 10 when there is a client compliant there will be no written quote. The problems are usually a communication problem that the service provider doing a slack job.

3) Build Rapport with Your Customers.

Take the time to build rapport. Your client has to be comfortable with dealing with your They are trusting you in their home environment, they have to be comfortable with you.

Don’t talk to much, you don’t need to know about your lasted illness or the bad day you are having. It is not their problem and frankly they don’t give a damn, my dear.

4)  Turn Up On Time

This sounds too simple.

But The home service industry is full of Part timers who just don’t show unless it suits they.

I had a mowing bloke who vanished for 4 months over the winter period with not a mention.Then just turned up without warning and mowed the lawn. He then explained that he goes on caravan holidays at that time every year to see his family. That sounds lovely for him, not so good for my lawn.

Book the next job one from this to the next, alternately give your client a booked in spot each week. A professional service provider should be building a strong regular client base. Filling up your business diary is your goal. The consistency gives your clients confidence in the reliability of you service.

5) Always Deliver the Promise

Do what you say you will do. If you are marketing as a professional service, it is vital to always maintain that high professional standards.

Delivering the promise covers how you present yourself and staff. Uniforms clean and tidy on all staff members.

Robert James and James Home Services: Attitudes towards your clients should always be positive and friendly. If you get a compliant then deal with it in the same manner. I have seen great franchisees turn a compliant into a life time client and then others turn minor complaints into legal battles.

Take pride in the services you deliver, It will be reflected to your clients. They will be happy to pay you as their service provider.

Happy clients will also supply you with a never-ending referrals .

If you buy into the concept of these base principles you can build a successful business very quickly. These are proven rules that have been used successfully for 20 years.

Franchisees from many walks of life built great businesses that feed their families and gave them the lifestyles many only dreamed of.

If you want to learn How to make your business and family life work together, take the time to read. BALANCE: By Robert James.

Also check out Fit For Purpose by Leadership Gigs Leadership Gigs is an invitation only worldwide think-tank and forum for highly successful, new-breed leaders. Here 18 high achievers share their current best thinking on corporate wellness and wellbeing: health, mindset, social, meaning and purpose, best-practice and emerging trends. And what it takes to be fit-for-purpose.

At Balance Enterprises, our goal is to empower business owner and CEO’s to get their businesses to work for their families. We believe if the balance is right the business will fly. Nothing is more rewarding than getting it right. Find out more at  https://balance.enterprises

Chase your dream and take control of your future.

Originally Posted: https://balance.enterprises/5-rules-to-guarantee-satisfied-home-service-clients/

Why do Franchisees fail?

Why do some franchisees fail, while others excel in the same franchise system? How do you pick the winners? What makes a successful franchisee?

Robert James and James Home Services: With over 25 years’ experience in coaching and recruiting both franchisees and master franchisees , I have lost count on how many of times I have been asked these questions.

Everyone seems to want the answer ,either master franchisees, potential franchisees or potential franchisors.

No one want to see people fail and no one wants to be the failed franchisee.

Everyone is looking for that secret ingredient to get it to work.

But, There is no straight forward answer.

I have seen people from all walks of life, many different work backgrounds and a diverse range of nationalities attempt to make a success of their own franchise business.

Not all succeed!

A few  will crash and burn in very spectacular fashion .

Many perform to a passable level, while others will excel.

What is the magic formula?

I don’t believe it is about intelligence or education .

Robert James and James Home Services: I have seen university trained professionals fail.There have been accountants, business managers and solicitors fail. I saw an accountant walk out of his business in the first month. A lawyer who spent 6 months auguring with every step of the system to then go back to the protected environment of employee as a suburb lawyer because it was easier.

Alternatively, I’ve seen new immigrants with minimal education and English as a second language excel. It is more about the willingness to learn new skills, than the skills they already bring to the table.

Education and “smarts” is not the key, but “Street Smarts” does seem to be a factor.

There certainly is a need to have a level of self-discipline.

Every successful franchise system has documented procedures that are the system. The whole point of jointing a franchise network is to get the benefits of past experiences that will fast track your businesses success.

If a potential franchisee wants to change the systems before the join they will only get worse after they have paid their money.

90% of changes I have seen attempted, by franchisees or master franchisees, are not about making the business more successful. Usually it is about, avoiding their own comfort zone or going cheaper or short cutting for themselves, without any thought about the long-term impact on the business.

All matured franchise systems have systems to implement changes to the system. Systemically testing and measuring procedures is a vital component to every franchise network.

Robert James and James Home Services: This guarantees the evolution of the system and long term survival of the business. Franchisees can have input to that evaluation of the value of “changes” to the systems.

Taking true ownership of their business is I believe is the key underlining “secret” ingredient for Franchisees.

1. If a potential franchisee is planning to buy a franchise to buy a job,Don’t do it! Go and get a job instead.
2. If the franchisee decides to join a franchise, then emotionally buy into the business 100%.
3. The franchisee who takes true pride in being a small business owner will make it.
4. The franchisee who treats the customers like they are their customers, not the deposable asset of the franchisors.
5. The franchisee that treats their business like it is their own business will always succeed.
6. The franchisee who needs help, asks for that support and then follows the advice will that advice will make their business work.

There is the other side of the story of course.

What are the Franchisors’, (or Master Franchisor), key responsibilities in the failure equation? What are the mistakes made by franchisors that can lead to franchisee failure?

1. The Franchisor or master franchisor doesn’t even have documented proven systems.
2. The”Business Opportunity is oversold. All hype and no reality.Over promises.
3. The Franchisor or master franchisor was no real history in the business.
4. The training and support systems are not thorough enough.
5. The Franchisor put the franchise into a finance situation that places huge pressures on the cashflow. This is usually through vender finance or a “special” offer from the bank alined with the franchisor.

Why do franchisees’ fail?

It can one of  or a combination of all the above.

Franchising is a great way to do business.

But all parties have to be on the same page. The recruitment systems are vital to educate the potential franchisee to what is expected of them. Overselling at the recruitment stage will lead to a disappointed franchisee.

Support and training systems are truly vital.

Franchisee should systematically been shown  see the manuals through the recruitment process. The franchisor’ support ,training and documented systems are the key ingredients that they bring into the equation .

The attitudes ,of the franchisee and the Franchisor, are the secret ingredients that guarantees success or failure either way.

At Balance Enterprises: We have a mission to empower family business owners to get their Business working for their families either a s franchisees or independent business operates.

Education is the key. Take the time to read.

Originally Posted: https://balance.enterprises/why-do-franchisees-fail/

Keys For franchisees Survive Covid-19 Pandemic

If you are a franchisee and your business is in trouble because of the pandemic, what can you do?

Evaluate your business .

Robert James and James Home Services: Did you have a profitable business Before the COVID-19 Pandemic?

Yes, how big an impact was the virus on your income. How long can you hang in there with the low income? 

Can you just get through by lowering costs or finding new income sources? 

No, you can’t get by or no, you were never making enough money, Then ask your franchisor are an immediate mutual release. 

Use a lawyer if needed.

Everyone goes their own ways and looks forward to a restart after the dust has settled.

Ask for Help asap. 

Get on the phone and ask your franchisor for help. Listen and take on board the advice.

Robert James and James Home Services: If your franchisor doesn’t have a Plan B to get the network to the other side , this is a worry.

Also, contact high performing franchisees for some support and brainstorming. 

Look for ideas and possible solutions. Then give them a good go.

Be aware of your own mental health. 

These are some of the most difficult business times we have ever seen.

The stress is very real for everyone.

Stay physically healthy, exercise does help you think clearer under pressure.

Don’t worry, it’s a waste of your energy

You may need help to handle it. 

Don’t carry the weight by yourself.

Remember, If you do lose your business it is NOT the end of the world.

There will be new opportunities when this is over.

If you can still go to work, then get up and do it.  

Robert James and James Home Services: Doing something is always better than waiting for something to happen. Even if it’s marketing towards your future clients our keeping connected to past customers. If you only sell a handful of coffees or cleaning a couple of houses. Each step forward gets you a bit closer to being out of the other side.

Focus on YOUR  long-term survival.  

The reality is there are a lot of small businesses that will fail. No one could have predicted this situation and it is most likely still got a long way to run.

Your business may fail, or you may get it through to the other side of this, but make sure you and your family survive. 

Businesses come and they go, the ones you love are forever. 

No one wins in a losing game!

This is NOT a fight to the death, sometimes the astute move is to walk away and plan for another day. 

Originally Posted: https://balance.enterprises/5-keys-for-franchisees-to-survive-the-covid-19-pandemic/

Covid-19 Pandemic

Covid-19 Pandemic will fast track the demise of the dodgy franchise systems?

Sadly, Many franchisees will go down with the systems.

Robert James and James Home Services: The banks will take the franchisees home and assets, while the franchisor will exit stage left.

Before the outbreak, the franchise sector was in a downward spiral. 

Dropping by 10% each year, conflicting with the rapid growth of the start-up independent businesses 

Franchisors were struggling to sell franchises. Franchisees were struggling.

No one could have predicted this event. 

Pressure brings out the true colours of the leadership, and cracks in the systems become even more apparent. 

Systems reliving on income from franchise sales are doomed. Franchise sales are going to close to zero?

Systems that were fundamentally flawed, those flaws will be sinking the franchisees business and will take the franchisor with them eventually. 

Robert James and James Home Services: Systems top-heavy with Master Franchisors will not be lean enough to get through the tough times ahead. Masters are a speed bump that slows the evolution of systems needed in a rapidly changing marketplace. 

Only the best Franchisors will survive.

 McDonald’s is demonstrating why they are a clear leader in the world of franchising.

The weekly reinvention of the systems to keep up with the unpredictable is impressive.

We can buy our milk and eggs with our coffee through the Maccas drive-through! Great idea McDonald’s.

Originally Posted: http://www.robertjameshomeservices.com/covid-19-pandemic/

Banks more dangerous to Small Business than coronavirus

In these uncertain times, there is one thing that is certain. Small business owners cannot trust the banks.

Ignore the Bank’s PR BS of “we are here to help”

Robert James and James Home Services: If you put your hand up as Hard ship Application expect the banks to fast track you into Recovery Centre.

The recovery centre is more like the morgue, no one cames out alive.

They will start the process of calling in loans, turning off overdrafts, calling in any assets they have security over.

The Banks will look after themselves, especially with the stockmarket in free fall.

Move your family home loan to a different bank than your business loans immediately, not a big four.

Sell your home it to a FamilyTrust if you can?

Company stuctures to protect the intellectualproperty of your business are vital.

Hedge your bets now.
Don’t put all your eggs into one basket.

Robert James and James Home Services: Banks profit through these tough times.
Australia’s banks made huge profits through the GFC

Things are getting tough?
DON”T tell your bank manager.
Keep a positive spin, play your cards close to your chest.

Don’t be naive.

The Banks and their Law Firms are sharks that will feast on the hardships of #FamilyBusinesses

Small business owners need to be pragmatic to survive 2020

Originally Posted: http://www.robertjameshomeservices.com/banks-more-dangerous-to-small-business-than-coronavirus/

Ideas Being Sold As Franchise Systems

There are a lot of “ideas” being sold as franchise systems.

Robert James and James Home Services: The starting point for a successful franchise system is a foundation of a Proven Small Business System.

Ideas aren’t a franchise system, no matter how good the idea is.

The base concept of franchising is to grow a network of businesses by granting rights to the Small Business Owners .

The combined energy of a motivated group of successful small business owners can be a nearly unstoppable market force.

If the business systems are not proven, it will fail when placed in the hands of inexperienced franchise business owners.

Proven by being tested and measured in the marketplace over a period of time under varying situations.

That not only includes the business model but the support, training, and franchisees marketing systems.

A professional franchise network has professional systems to support the growth of its franchisees’ businesses.

Unfortunately, many franchisors are using Franchisees as Guinea Pigs to test unproven brands and concepts.

Robert James and James Home Services: Franchisors must invest in professional relevant education systems for your franchisees for the long term success.

There are a lot of “ideas” being sold as franchise systems but for a franchise to survive and thrive the “ideas’ have to evolve into functional systems.

Originally Posted: http://www.robertjameshomeservices.com/ideas-sold-franchise-systems/

Franchise Business Systems that are Lemons

A”lemon” in slang means a person or thing considered to be useless or defective.

Many franchise systems are fundamentally flawed.

Robert James and James Home Services: Relying on the franchisee desperation to compensate for a business that has fundamental problems that haven’t been addressed.

Coffee franchisors that use manufactured figures to BS franchisees or Home Service Franchisors that use “conditional income guarantees” to con franchisees in to sign up.

Franchisors who are directing franchisees to under pay employees as contractors to compensate for the lack of profit in the business.

Many franchisors have little or no manuals, support and training for their franchisees.

There seems to be an expectation that the franchisee should be able to work it out and if not it’s their problem.

Robert James and James Home Services: Franchisors with no experience in the business that they are flogging franchises in. A franchisor who has NEVER run a home services business cannot direct franchisees to success.

The lack of professional support is lacking across the sector. There are an in-crowd and the outsiders in most networks.

The In-Crowd help sell a franchise.

The ‘Outsiders’ are vilified to stop them from speaking out about issues in the network.

Franchisors invest in the evolution of the systems if you plan to survive long term.

If it’s broken, fix it!

Originally Posted: http://www.robertjameshomeservices.com/franchise-business-systems-are-lemons/

Successful Quoting in Home Services Business

Robert James and James Home Services: Do you own a service business or a home service franchise? Are you struggling to convert a high percentage of your quotes? Maybe you have no idea on how a professional actually quotes? We have the answers that will make work and make you income now.

If your business is home cleaning, lawn and garden care, window cleaning ,carpet cleaning ,car detailing or pet grooming .These 3 simple keys will give you a professional advantage when quoting to your client.

Step 1 Present Your Quote in Person.

The service provider who makes the time to get in front of their client has a major head start on building a relationship and getting the long term business.

The Face to Face Communication makes all the difference If you are in front of your client you have the opportunity to get the details of your quote exact to meet your clients needs. If they have concerns you have the opportunity to answer those concerns and offer other options.

Robert James and James Home Services: Your client is given the opportunity to evaluate yourself. They will consider your appearance, communication skills and attitude. If the client feels comfortable with yourself that will go a long way to securing the business.

Step 2 Detailed Written Quote

Ask lots of questions about what the client wants done. Write everything down . The more detailed the better. 90 % of complaints will be when there is no writing quote. The majority of the time it will be a communication problem ,not the service provider doing a poor job.

Show true value, cleaners are not all the same. Prove that you pay attention to detail before you do the job. If the client has a pet hate, ask, then deliver the answer. It maybe the mirror in the ensuite’ not being “shiny” enough, but “Shiny Mirror” in the quote and make sure your client gets a shiny mirror.

Step 3 Book the Job in.

A Busy Clients wants to know when you will turn up Have you ever invested time with a service provider quoting but can’t get them to commit to a booking? This is so simple it might sound silly. Book your client in while you are in front of them. Many service providers are scared to ask for the job, so don’t get it.

If the service is a one off show your client that your can supply a regular weekly or fortnightly service. Sell the benefits of your quote and give alterative options.

Offer a alternative close.

Mrs Smith I can do your job tomorrow at 9 or is Thursday at 1,Which time suits you best?

Robert James and James Home Services: The James Family grow  the James Home Services from Robert James’ single one man band home services business to a national brand with 400 franchisees servicing $20 million of clients annually. We believe your family business should work for your family. Follow our blogs for tricks of the trade that will fast track your business success.

Originally Posted: http://franchiseopportunitiesaustralia.blogspot.com/2017/05/3-simple-keys-to-successful-quoting-in.html

Independent business Winning battle Over Franchise

Strong local independent brands are now more powerful than most national franchisor brands. Social media has empowered the local independent small business operators to own their local market.

Robert James and James Home Services: The independent business in 2020, has the tools online needed to grow brand awareness and build a positive image in a local target market.

A franchise brand is a double-edged sword.

Even strong franchise brands like McDonald’s have to deal with negative social media attacks. But in the eyes of the consumer, they have a strong dependable brand image. McDonald’s franchisees (Mostly)do deliver their franchisors’ promises.

Then we have the “other” franchise brands that make headlines for all the wrong reasons. It can be the franchisor or other franchisees in the network doing the wrong thing.

The reality is the loyal franchisee has no control over their behaviors but his business will feel the impact.

Robert James and James Home Services: Many franchise businesses have no resale value because of the negative brand awareness of their franchisor. This is a key factor in the growth of the independent business as franchise systems are declining.

Independent business owners can now design their local brand and own their local market better than a franchise brand.

Originally Posted: https://balance.enterprises/independent-businesses-winning-the-battle-over-the-franchises/

Start your Own Service Business

“Which service should I do?”

I must have been asked this exact same question at least a thousand times over the last 25 years. In the James Home Services network, we developed the systems for seven different services businesses.

Our potential franchisees could choose which service best suited them and their family. This decision had to be made before they became a franchisee; it’s a very personal decision.

Robert James and James Home Services: Throughout the recruitment process, this key factor was heavily focused on. Most potential franchisees came into our program thinking they knew what service they wanted to provide. However, nearly 50% of them changed their selection once they really understood the ins and outs of each business.

This process also gave them the opportunity to gain clarification on exactly what they wanted from their business, and what they really wanted to do.

What Do You Think?

The first question for you to ask yourself, and your partner if you have one:

What service business can I see myself doing? 

For some of you, this may be very clear. While others, not so much …

For example: If you love gardening and landscaping, do it with passion, and are good at it; running your own landscaping and gardening business may very well be your dream come true. You should chase that dream.

Robert James and James Home Services: If you are a crazy dog or cat person who spends as much time as possible hanging with your four-legged friends, or if as a child you spent hours dreaming in the pet shop, then use your passion in a pet business such as grooming and hydrobath, dog walking, or pet minding.

If you are a true clean freak who gets the buzz out of cleaning the house from top to bottom, then you are a very valuable member of society. There are countless people who would love to pay you to show the same “enthusiasm” to keep their homes clean.

Are you a computer nerd whom your friends call on to save their lost data or blue screen of death? You could be a true-blue handyman who can fix anything, anywhere, anytime, with the tools in the back of your ute. Maybe you’re the car detailing freak who spends every Saturday morning cleaning your car until it is cleaner than the day it was brand new.

I think you get where I’m going with this—do you have a natural talent and love for something that is considered a service?

I would recommend starting there.  If you love doing it for fun, imagine how much more you will love it when other people reward you for your enthusiasm and give you money to do it for them.

The funny thing is that if I had taken my own advice, I never would have started cleaning cars in the first place.

Before I started my car cleaning business, I certainly was NOT one of those people; I DID NOT love cleaning cars. I was a horse trainer with young kids. My own car had always been very, very dirty.

The amount of hay, horse gear, and general rubbish I could gather in my car was scary. My family thought it was absolutely hilarious that I decided to start a car cleaning business. But I had good reason:

I started my original cleaning car service business because:

1.    It was a service that I could see myself doing.

2.    I believed other people would happily pay me to do it for them.

3.    The business was congruent with my family goals.

Does your service of “choice” tick these 3 boxes for you?

Whether you have already decided on or you are still working out which service best suits you, I recommend you educate yourself on the opportunities in the market place this simple, 5-step process before making a final decision:

A Simple Business Plan—Don’t get carried away, just answer some simple questions:

1)    What do you want to achieve out of your business? 

2)    How much do you need to earn to break-even? 

3)    What are your first-quarter income targets? 

4)    What are your 12-month income targets? 

5)    What about after that, long-term? 

6)    Who is going to work in the business? 

7)    List your practical strengths and weaknesses.

8)    What are your short-term and long-term family goals?

Do Your Homework—Take a good look around, where do you see a need or want for a service?

1)   Investigate what services are happening in the major franchise networks. Generally, they do their homework—if a service has a strong demand, then there will likely be a major network already doing it. I would recommend you make an internet enquiry and investigate any service that jumps out at you.

2)    Investigate local businesses. Look in your mailbox for brochures or the local papers or webpages. If there is already a business running the service in your area, then there is a demand for it. It is better to have competition than no demand. For example, you want to clean pools, but your immediate area has a very small percentage of built-in pools. Can you widen your service area or consider a different service?

Get Your Hands Dirty

Get your hands dirty, go out and learn from franchisors trail days.

Simply put, have a serious go at the services you are considering.

1)   Spend a couple of days mowing your friends’ lawns or cleaning their houses. You will certainly get a feel for what it is like to go into someone else’s home and provide them with that service.

2)  Go through the “recruitment” process with a franchise system. Many service franchise systems give a “day in the field” with one of their operators. Take the day and learn what they are doing well, what they are not doing so well. Getting your hands dirty is a great way to help you decide if that service really is for you.

3)Approach a potential supplier of products. A chemical supplier for example if you are considering cleaning. They may have current clients that would be able to give you some work or even train you (for a price of course).

4)   Use a service provider and chat with them about their business.

Which Service Will Best Help You Reach Your Goals? 

Write down the lessons you’ve learned; the pros and cons.

1)    Isthis a service that you can see yourself doing?

2)    Do you believe other people would happily pay you to do the service?

3)    Is this “service” business congruent with your personal goals and those of your family?

The Gold:

·  Robert James and James Home Services: Even if you are set on one particular service, go through the steps with 2 different choices. You never know what the outcome will be, it might even change your mind. 

·  This process should clarify your own thinking. In favour or against your service choice.

·  You will learn a lot about your industry very quickly. 

·  This education will become a part of the foundations that you build your business on.

Originally Posted: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/you-want-start-your-own-service-business-which-best-one-robert-james/

ACCC found that Franchisors are Deliberately

“Most of the franchisors made it too difficult to contact former franchisees” According to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC)

Robert James and James Home Services: The #ACCCreport on #Franchising in the food services sector found that: “8 out of 12 franchisors made it difficult to contact former franchisees. Contacting #formerfranchisees is an important step.

However, we found 8 out of 12 franchisors did not disclose contact details for former franchisees in a way that allowed contact to be made easily or at all. Personal email addresses and mobile numbers allow for the quickest and simplest contact method, but only 4 of 12 franchisors consistently supplied these to prospective franchisees.

The remaining franchisors primarily supplied one or more of the following: contact details for the former franchise location, residential or postal addresses, occasional landlines, or no contact details at all.”

How dodgy can you get?

#Franchising is heading for extinction.

Death by #dishonesty

Franchise buyers beware, talk to ex-franchisees or DON”T sign!

Robert James and James Home Services: Franchisors have to take pragmatic action to stop unethical practices ASAP! We can help you clean this rubbish out of your network.

Originally Posted: https://balance.enterprises/the-accc-found-that-franchisors-are-deliberately-making-it-difficult-for-potential-franchisees-to-contact-former-franchisees/

Is Buying a Franchise a Safer Option than Going it Alone?

Starting a #smallbusiness can be terrifying!

Is buying a #franchise a safer option?

In 2000, Australia had a small business revolution and #franchising was the fast track to success.

Robert James and James Home Services:-The good old days when franchisors were successful business owners systemising their business,then sharing these systems with newbie business owners.

Franchisors and franchisees had an inter-dependant relationship with an emotional and financial buy-in.

The #business was system based but held together by the relationships.

2018, the world is a different place,the success of franchising has led to a corporate model with a stronger connection to banks than franchisees.

Robert James and James Home Services:-The Parliamentary Joint Committee Enquiryin to Franchising and the Banking Royal Commission are both pointing fingers at the finance deals between Franchisors and their banks.

Franchisees are being thrown to the lions in franchise networks that are losing market share.

#Westpac having the power to grab your home if the business fails,is NOT a safe way to start a business.

Robert James and James Home Services:-The inter-dependant relationship between Franchisor and Franchisees is the foundation of Australian Franchising success.

#Franchisors have to create a business opportunity that is #SAFER for the franchisee.

Originally Posted:-http://www.robertjameshomeservices.com/is-buying-a-franchise-a-safer-option-than-going-it-alone/

Is Buying a Franchise Still a Safe Investment?

Is a Franchise a safe good value investment?

With 2020 now only 12 months away it is a good question?

In 2000,the good old days when  franchisors like Robert James and James Home Services were successful business owners systemising their business,then sharing these systems with newbie business owners.

Australia had a small business revolution and #franchising was the fast track to success.

Franchisors and franchisees had an inter-dependant relationship with an emotional and financial buy-in.

2020 world will be a different place, the success of franchising has led to a corporate model with a stronger connection to banks than franchisees said Robert James and James Home Services.

A take no prisoners attitude that throws Franchisees to the lions in franchise networks that are losing market share.

The franchisor isn’t holding all the cards, there are other options.

The internet has given small business owners access to proven business systems and professional support from specialist business coaches.

#Franchisors like Robert James and James Home Services have to create a business opportunity that gives more than it takes for the franchisee.

The inter-dependant relationship between Franchisor and Franchisee is the foundation of Australian Franchising success.

Without proven sytems and the human factor, any franchise isn’t a safe #investment.

If the franchisor doesn’t have a proven history in the business there is no value.

Originally Posted:-http://www.robertjameshomeservices.com/is-buying-a-franchise-still-a-safe-investment/

The 3 Must Do’s to Bring the Balance Back Into Franchising

Some Franchisors may not like them?

I support ethnically sound franchising, but firstly helping family businesses becoming successful.

The whole reason I entered the industry in the 90s!

There is plenty of PR spin from franchisors claiming support.

Some of the biggest brands Franchisor like Robert James and James Home Services are using their resources to vilify failing franchisees, it’s actually epidemic.

Franchisors’ are going to extreme lengths to bury the true content.

The industry has to bring balance back into the Franchisor/Franchisee relationship.

Here are the 3 Must Do’s to start to give the franchisees a fair go.

1. No Heavy Handed Tactics.

#Franchisor who systematically use their lawyers to #vilify anyone who speaks up about the hardships in their networks has to stop!

Franchisees being systematically bullied by lawyers of the franchisor is the normal practice. This is destroying people and families.

An open format that gives potential franchisees the whole story about networks before they join. Franchise version of Wikileaks. #franchiseleaks maybe?

2. Independent Franchisee Advocates

An experienced external negotiator who is in the franchisee’s corner.

Franchisors have a commercial gun at the franchisees head, a huge emotional advantage in any negotiation. Their lawyers use this position to deliberately create #mentalhealthissues for the franchisee.

Under a requirement of the agreement a percentage of all franchisee’s fees paid go towards this fund. Franchisees in a business that is already failing haven’t got the resources to use lawyers to fightback. Not many could afford to run tne business and a legal challenge.

Lawyers make money out of conflict, franchisees don ‘t!

3. Personal Guarantee by the Franchisor Directors in all #FranchiseAgreement

Franchisors need some hurt in the franchisee’ game.

The franchisee has everything on the line.but most franchise agreements don’t hold the franchisor personallt accounatble.

2 building franchisees under administration in 3 months from a FCA awarding winning franchisor. Leaves $millions owned to Tradies.

Franchisees failing and subbies losing big money all the while the franchisors’ lives a life of opulence.

The tide is turning on the injustice, Franchisors who are hiding the sins of the past should be concerned.

Franchisors who create a #fairgame for their franchisees can still thrive.

The only way franchising like Robert James and James Home Services will survive Is for the poor behaviour to be exposed to protect future victims and we set up systems or practices that balances out the power imbalance. Education of potential franchisees or ethical franchisors is the most effective answer.

I believe “Ethical franchising” needs to be on par with ethical coffee production for a comparison?

Not ALL franchisors are thugs!

But the only thing evil needs to flourish is for good men to do nothing. Social media and the internet are changing our industry forever.

Honest franchisors who get pragmatic and acknowledge the “sins” of the industry can get on the front foot can set up new standards that puts back the balance into franchising said Robert James and James Home Services.

Originally Posted:-http://www.robertjameshomeservices.com/the-3-must-dos-to-bring-the-balance-back-into-franchising/

Why is the Australian Franchising Indiustry in Rapid Decline?

Australia was a world leader in franchising in the 1990’s, what happened? When Australia’s largest franchisor, Retail Food Group, is losing franchisees faster than they can recruit new ones? There is clearly a problem within the sector.

The horror stories of failing franchisees across all networks is growing daily. What is the reasoning behind this current Franchising avalanche of failures?

What has triggered the decline t in he Franchising Industry in Australia? Where will it end?

The writing has been on the wall for some time.

#1 There is a Sharp Decline in Australian Families Buying Franchises

Australian’s are choosing to go it alone as independents as a more attractive alternative to investing in franchise systems.

There is a small business revolution going on, there are more home-based family businesses than ever before, but they are not seeing the value for their money in being a franchisee.

The Retail Food Group(RFG) currently seem to be getting all the headlines, their recent results should be terrifying to all those in franchising in our c country. Consider, in March 2018, Retail Food Group stocks hit 10-year low on $88m loss and 200 stores to be closed in 2019.  The company blamed “unsustainable rent”, “declining shopping centre performance” and a “sharp decline amongst domestic franchise sales and renewals “as the main reasons for its “disappointing performance”.

Our largest franchisor can’t sell franchise!

They have huge financial recourses and the largest marketing budgets of any Australian franchisor, they are planning to close 200 franchises in the next 12 months, what chances do the lessor lights have.

Australian Franchisors are reliant on new franchisee’s buying into their business. In the most part they are “Families’ who invest in franchises. This just isn’t happening at the same rate as in the 90s and 00s.

Secondly, but very tellingly, even long term successful franchisees are choosing not to resign their “renewal agreements”. They are choosing to be debrand from the network, rebrand in their own name and carry on without paying those annoying franchise fees.

The world has changed, but it appears that most Australian franchisors are still “Partying like it is 1999”, but most family small businesses are deciding it is better to go it alone.

 Australian’s aren’t buying franchises like you did in the good old days of 1999 and they aren’t signing up for a second go, even if they were successful.

#2 Australia is Oversaturated with franchisors.

The Franchise Council of Australia,FCA, has some key insights to what is happening in the Australia Franchising. 

The “Franchising Australia 2016 Report”, comply by the Griffith University’s Professor Lorrelle Frazer, sponsored by the Franchising Council of Australia is the last detailed industry report directly from Australian Franchisors’

This is a valid, up to date report that is based on information supplied by Australia’s Franchisors, If anything this report is most likely to be “franchisor friendly?

To quote the report:

Griffith University is proud to endorse the tenth biennial Franchising Australia survey sponsored by the Franchise Council of Australia. Representing the only reliable and systematic data collected on the Australian franchise sector, the Franchising Australia 2016 report provides an up-to-date profile of the sector.

One of the most telling facts in this report , explains the vanishing Australian Franchise industry.

To quote the report

Continuing the trend that began in 2010, the number of franchise brands operating in Australia has declined.

In 2014 the number of franchise brands was 1124; in 2016 there were 1089 brands – reflecting a net decrease of 3.1 percent. (Given that several franchise brands operate multiple franchise concepts the population of franchise systems is estimated to be 1120.) A gradual decline in the number of franchise brands is anticipated as the sector continues to mature said Robert James and James Home Services.

Putting this into perspective, the USA has approximately twice the number of franchise brands as Australia servicing 13 times the population

 Simply: Australia is oversaturated with franchisors, there are 650% more franchisors to ratio of population than the USA, the home of franchising! 

On these numbers “The Australian Franchisors” are an endangered species. We have to lose around 800 brands to be on par with the USA? It will be survival of the fittest. The biggest, strongest and long term ethically sound businesses will be around in the next 5 to 10 years.

On top of these brand franchisors, we have a huge number of “Master Franchisors “with limited rights that will most likely be the first to go.

In 2018, Master franchising in a market as small as Australia is clearly an outdated concept, there are more useful tools now available to manage franchise networks. It only adds a level of unnecessary cost for both the Franchisee and the Franchisor.

It is true, that if Franchisors do go down, then many franchisees may go with them, but successful franchisees will still trade on with their own sign above the door or on the trailer.

Franchise brands are vanish at the rate of 10% each year and the FCA expects this to continue into the near future.

#3 The Internet has Changed the World and Most Australian Franchisors Haven’t Caught Up.

Franchisor are overcharging to compensate for the decline in sales.

The FCA’s”Franchising Australia 2016 Report”, comply by the Griffith University’s reported that

Cost of a new franchise unit

The total start-up cost for a new retail franchise unit was $287 500 compared to $59 750 in a non-retail franchise. This included an initial franchise fee of $31 500 in retailing compared to $28 000 in non-retail franchises.

In the 90’s Franchisors had key intellectual property that wasn’t readily available to the average family wanting to start their own business. In every franchise system there are 3 keys systems areas that are the foundations on their intellectual property.

1. Training,
2. Marketing.
3. Support.

In the 1990s to early 2000s, it wasn’t easier for the average small business owner to get access to these tools or education. In 2018, it is a very different world.

Training: There are professionals all around the world who can train you on line in any practical skill you desire to learn. Anyone now has access training in everything needed to run a small business. There are qualified trainers all around the world, who will teach you how to mow a lawn, clean a house, detail a car, groom dogs, run a hair dressing business or make great.

Marketing: has never been easier for small business, you can even hire your own “Marketing Guru” for less than the cost of a $25 each week. Just check out Upwork.   

Family businesses can now market their products on  Shopify for only $9 a month. These are just a small select of the options available to anyone wanting to start their own business.

Robert James and James Home Services Support; The Internet has made Master Franchisor obsolete. There are a huge range of business coaching and support options. The selection of specialist business coaches is never ending. The reality is that the business coach a small business owner can now employ on-line is more qualified than any employee of the franchisor or a master franchisor who bought” his/her way into the business.

There is an oversupply of information, education and business systems. The internet changed the game for franchising in Australia, but most Franchisors are living in the good old days before that “internet” came along.

Franchisor are charging their franchisees more than ever, but the value of their intellectual property is declining in value with the growth of the internet.

If franchisors are asking new business owners to spend for a $30,000 for initial fees only then they have to offer greater value than the same new business owner can receive if they choose to invest the same money with other suppliers that are available on the internet.

For 90% of franchisors, they are offering no intellectual property that the average family cannot be buy elsewhere on the internet for a fraction of the price they are asking them to pay. 

Is there an answer to stop the decline?

There is and answer, but I don’t think the majority of franchisors or master franchisee in Australia want to address the “Elephant in the room”.

The Franchisors have to offer a better product for family business than what is available online!

Simply, the elite franchise systems will continue to grow and prosper. The strong credible brands will be the survivors, McDonalds is here to stay.

The franchise systems who can demonstrate they are true value for money, compared with starting up as an independent business owner, will get Australian families to investments in their franchise.

There is no future for franchise system who function under an outdated “Master Franchisor” system in Australia. They are adding an unnecessary management level that is no longer needed with todays technology.

 In the 1990’s franchising in Australia was cutting edge business stuff, it truly empowered small business owners to succeed and prosper. But the reality is that in many systems there will be in a continuous negative growth over the next five to ten years. For many industries the internet is the catalysts to the beginning of the end for many franchisors.

In 2018, there is a small business revolution around the world, more families than ever are choosing to work from home. The vast majority are choosing to go it as independents with help from experts found on-line. Robert James and James Home Services

Originally Posted:-http://www.robertjameshomeservices.com/why-is-the-australian-franchising-indiustry-in-rapid-decline/

Maintaining Life Balance In An Unbalance World

We live in a time of the most rapid change the world has ever experienced. It feels like everything is changing constantly. Families are under many pressures; both externally and internally. Have you ever felt like your world is charging so quickly that you just can’t keep up with it?

At times, it probably feels like you are constantly chasing a moving target; and it’s totally unreachable. Like a greyhound chasing a mechanical rabbit that just keeps going faster. The speed of these changes is making it even harder to maintain the balance between your family and business life.

Robert James and James Home Services are now connected to the virtual world 24/7.  The family life is not as clearly separated from the business world as it used to be. Social media has changed the way we build relationships and how we spend our family time.

Let’s add another layer to this. The reality is that your own personal world is changing as well. Over the next few years, things will change in your family life. You may get married, you may get divorced. Maybe your family will grow—perhaps you will have your first child, or your fourth; or your first-born may leave home.

It’s even possible that you could lose your current job or start a new business. You may become a millionaire or you might even go bankrupt. Maybe your parents will pass or you lose a child. How about you finally write that book you’ve always been planning to write? You may just take up yoga or decide to eat healthier and lose weight. On top of all of this, there are the things that other people do or don’t that you cannot control, that can certainly put your world in a spin.

It is true that the world is changing, but more importantly your own world is changing. Some of these changes are by your choice while others are beyond your control. All these factors impact the daily balance in your family and work life.

The danger is that the urgent things tend to get in the way of the important things. Every day, you make decisions about your priorities. We can free fall through the days or we can make conscious decisions that decide how we spend our days.

You may feel like you have a handle on this. You’ve got the business; you have a plan, the education, the family, the cash, you are “the man” or “the woman”. You are ready for everything, you have the life. But what does your family think? Does your partner agree? What about your son or daughter? Or, have you still not gotten around to having that first child you’ve both always wanted? What about your own “other” goals, the book or your own health?

Oops, just take a few minutes to check yourself. Are all the balls still in the air or have you dropped a couple? Seriously, just do it, before something or someone external rocks your world and that makes you revaluate your family/work balance.

As humans, we have a true desire to have meaningful relationships with other humans; we are a herd animal by nature. Solitary confinement is the worst punishment you can do to a human. So, when we are out of balance with the key relationships in our lives, it rocks us on many levels. You must actively manage this balance in this world of constant change.

The real secret to this is having a handle on your own personal ethics. Those things that are really, truly important to you in the long run. Then always act within your personal ethics. This is not about what others expect of you, but about what you expect of yourself.  The rules which you have decided to live your life. It’s very easy to get caught up in the need to make a living; you do after all, still have a responsibility to feed yourself and your family.

The first place to start to actively evaluate your current position. Is it congruent with your long-term plans for your family and work life? Decide what needs to change. Then you need to make a definite decision on where you plan to end the journey. And finally, take consistent daily action that is congruent with the long-term outcomes you want to achieve.

This sounds very simple, right? It is, each day you will be faced with choices on where you put your energy. Most of these are small, every day decisions that determine your direction over every aspect of your life, progressively heading towards your long-term outcome. You decide these decisions, they are within your control.

Martha

The toughest challenges will come when the outside world hits you from left field with the “knock out” punch that you never could have seen coming. How will you react when your world gets turned upside down?

Martha is an excellent example of how to actively recalibrate the family/work balance in a constantly moving world. Martha was born and raised in South Africa; and grew up during a time of rapid change in her homeland. She was raised primarily by her mother—a teacher with a passion for science who also did quite a bit of charity work for her local community.

Martha describes her mom as, “The most amazing, strong, loving woman I have ever known.” For the most part, her father was “absent” while she was growing up. Something she doesn’t really feel impacted her all that much.

“My mother was such a strong woman that I never even noticed he wasn’t around until I was much older, and you can’t miss what you don’t know.” she recently told me.

Life was very good for Marth and her mother, despite the political unrest. Martha got her degree in engineering, and met a wonderful man while she was at University who also became an engineer. After school, they both started their careers and then got married. A little later, along came their son and daughter. Her own world had changed for the better but South Africa was becoming a very unstable environment to live in.

One day, that political unrest changed everything. Martha’s mother had worked for many years in a soup kitchen for the homeless. On this fateful day, a man from the soup kitchen followed her home, broke into her house, and took her life. A stranger who her mother had helped just hours earlier, senselessly murdered this caring woman. Martha’s world was turned completely upside down.

As the months passed, it become clear to Martha and her husband that their future was not in South Africa. It was time to find a home to give her children a safer future. They applied to emigrate to Australia and were accepted. They packed up their young family and headed to the other side of the world; a brave new start leaving their heartache behind them.

Major events can instigate major changes for all of us. These changes are happening to people all around us every day. How you react to the changes will decide if you can regain your balance.

The engineering careers of Martha and her husband were the key asset that gave them the opportunity to emigrate to Australia. The opportunity to rebuild in Australia was on the back of their skills and work history.  Not long after arriving they both got new jobs. Then Martha’s career took off and she really found her place in Australia.

Unfortunately, her husband did not settle into the new life as comfortably. His first engineering job didn’t even last 6 months. He struggled and couldn’t find full-time work in his field. He was the children’s primary caregiver while he searched for his new direction.

As the year’s passed, their balance never really recovered. Martha was carrying the financial load for the entire family. Now in a senior leadership role in her field, she had a good income and they could live comfortably. The impact of the change however, became a major struggle for her husband. He tried various career paths, but nothing really worked out for him. His mental health was suffering, his behaviour difficult, aggressive and irrational. Their own home has now become the “volatile” environment that they left behind in South Africa.

Martha found herself working later and later, and even finding work-related excuses to avoid being at home. Work became her escape from the harsh reality of what her home life had become. It was much easier to be working than to be dealing with a husband whose mental health was deteriorating more and more each day.

Her husband had become emotionally and verbally abusive. When she did arrive home, he resented her working. He would go out and not come home until the early the next morning. One morning, she found the car in the driveway with damage all down one side and he couldn’t even recall how it got there.

Martha was missing time with her children to avoid time with her husband. She came to the realization that the marriage had become completely dysfunctional. For the good of the whole family, it was time to finish the marriage. “The day I told him was a very tough. I must admit I have a problem dealing with conflict” she said. “I knew I had to do it, when I did he fell to the floor grabbed my leg and begged me not to go. But, I had to get my freedom.”

The principal goals for Martha had always been to supply a safe environment for her children to grow up in and to have a rewarding career. They left their homeland and found Australia to be a safe place, full of opportunities. Her career had reached heights not possible in South Africa. Her children were now 14 and 12 and both were doing well in a good school.

Martha adapted to the changes, and with each step she rebalanced and stayed focused on the long-term outcome. In the turmoil of everyday drama, it can be very easy to rationalize a way to not have to deal with an issue, such as ending a long-term relationship. She could not control the actions and responses of her husband. She often bought into his rationalisations and stayed comfortable by not confronting him regarding his unacceptable behaviour. Her husband struggled with each and every step of the changes; pressure changes some people for the better, others not so much. “He was not the man I married, he changed!”

It takes pragmatism to deal with these high-level changes. Many people struggle and everyone is affected to varying degrees. It also so takes pragmatism to mend the bridges and to move forward. Once the heat of the separation was done, her family found a newer, much more comfortable balance. The children are living in a shared parenting arrangement. Her ex-husband has found a new partner, and Martha even attended the wedding and shared a dance with him.

The violent death of her mother triggered the journey to a new country. The changes presented great opportunities but also created instability in their home. Martha had to actively deal with the change. Her ability to stay clear on the long-term outcome got her there. When she avoided dealing the unacceptable behaviour of her husband, the problems at home just got more out of control. The balance of her family went into a spin.

In the short term, it can be easier to immigrate to a new country than it is to deal with the unacceptable behaviour of someone close to you. Our own comfort zones can be the biggest blocks when it comes to a true family/work-life balance.  You have to get uncomfortable to deal with issues that have an emotional charge to move forward.  Sometimes, it can be easier to work longer hours than it is to go home and deal with a family member said Robert James and James Home Services.

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Family/Work-life Balance

The keys to maintaining a family/work-life balancing in this forever moving world:

• Find Your Own True North

When you get a good handle on what is important to you, it gives you clarity in your decision-making process; with the big decisions and the little, daily ones. Like a compass on a ship at sea, even when you can’t see the shore, it will guide you to keep you on your course. Take the time to get this clear in your mind and that of your life partner. Hopefully, you share the same “True North”. If not, it’s probably time to sit down and talk about it.

No one can tell you what your personal “True North” is. It is based around your own personal ethics. Only you can make that decision. When you do make it a “definite” decision that will drive you, it’s very important to take your ethics into consideration.

• Take Responsibility to Actively Stay on Course

Each day, you are faced with decisions about where and how you will spend your time. The key relationships in our life are the areas that have the most impact on you. It takes a conscience effort to invest in your key relationships. Evaluate whether or not you are investing the right ratio of your time. This is an ever-changing ratio: your 12-month-old son needs a different investment of your time than your 27-year-old son does. They both still need you and you need them, but the balance is very different.

Remember, you are also someone’s son or daughter. Your parent’s still need you and you still need them. As they age the roles will reverse, if you are fortunate enough to have parents live into old age. You will find them in the position to need you in a different way.

If you have a VIP life partner, then invest daily in communicating to keep you both heading on the same course. Without open, honest communication you won’t both stay on the same course.

Key relationships include the people in your work environment. The caution is that these are commercial relationships and understand that no matter how great the relationships are with work colleagues, it is still based on a “financial arrangement.” Employees will take the better job offer or your boss could lay you off next month, without giving it a second thought.

If something in your life is out of balance, take action today. Sometimes it is huge action like emigrating to Australia or just telling your partner what you are really thinking and feeling? Maybe not staying the extra hour at work.

• Not Carrying the Past Forward

When the “Emotional Storm” hits, the danger is learning the wrong lesson. Stuff happens to all families. It is not fair; the world is not fair. Bad things happen to good people all the time. For some, it becomes a weight they carry forward. What it was like before … happened. The weight of the sadness can be a lifelong burden, or it can be a lesson to appreciate the moment and the people around you.

People in your life are going to do the “wrong thing” by you. People close to you may “break your heart.” A stranger may take someone or something of great value away from you. It may be wrong and totally unjustified.

A stranger violently took Martha’s mother from her. I asked how she moved on from such a heart-breaking loss at the hands of a stranger. She said, “I have found that forgiving people makes it so much easier to move on.  When you ‘hold on’ to a grudge, no matter how justified, you are effectively holding on to a person too.  I prefer to live my life free of the people and circumstances that cause me grief, and to be happy in each and every moment.  It sounds a bit cheesy written down like that, but that is my philosophy and it seems to have worked ok so far.”

Martha’s are words to live by—accept what happened and move on.

• Quickly Adapting to the Changes

When the “weather” changes, you do need to recalibrate and readjust. We can get caught up in the external changes in our world. Our world is changing on all levels: the new US President, global warming, and even the terrorists threating our world peace.

Social media changes the way we perceive this world as well; people living their lives in a virtual world. It’s all about how your life appears on social media. Having the most “likes” and how many Facebook friends you have seem to be distracting us all from the real world.

We now even see tribute pages for people who have passed away. I do often wonder if in 10 years will we be doing “Facebook Live” at our funerals. Are we going to value people’s lives by how many followers, likes, comments, or shares they had? The real key, I think, is to quickly adapt to the changes while managing to stay true to your own direction.

• Hanging in There and Staying Focused on the Long-term

The race is long and in the end, it is only with yourself. The challenge of “getting it right” when balancing the family and business life struggle is a work in progress. If you keep working on it then you will progress. When you get it right, you will be living the life you’ve always dreamed of.

At Robert James and James Home Services, our goal is to empower business owners to get their businesses to work for their families. We believe if the balance is right the business will fly. Nothing is more rewarding than getting it right, but to achieve that balance of family and work life it does take consistent, determined action on your part.

Originally Posted:-http://www.robertjameshomeservices.com/maintaining-life-balance-in-an-unbalance-world/

Finding Your Personal True North in Your Business and Family Life Balance

Are you struggling with your Business and Family life balance? The real problem maybe more straight forward then you think?

You do have to decide what you want to achieve!

I understand that may sound simple. In your business or family life get it clear where you want your story to head. After all, you make important decisions every single day. You also change your mind daily; it’s the normal pattern of things said Robert James and James Home Services.

Some decisions will not impact your life forever, while others will. When you are definite on your long-term decisions, it gives you clarity. In today’s world of uncertainty, to lead a growing business and growing family, your true north has to be definite decisions. If you want to start on your journey, you must start with a definite decision as to where you want your journey to end.

Every day, you will be faced with decisions that can, and will, write your story. The decision to have or not have children is clearly one that will form the basis of your ‘big story’. Today many couples aren’t having children as young as previous generations. The traditional or ‘old school’ family unit is no longer the norm. Or you may already have a successful business, and are now considering introducing children into the story. Or maybe you are deciding not to have kids at all. Either way, make a definite decision. Deciding to make no decision is the worst decision of all.

I have seen many business owners struggle with the definite part of the decision-making process. Typically, if you come out with, ‘what if I change my mind?’, you definitely will decide to change your mind said Robert James and James Home Services.

Many things in life are negotiable, other key elements should never be negotiated away. Challenging your own thinking to give you the clarity you need is the starting point.

There is a correct process that helps us make those definite decisions. Deciding what outcomes, you want and don’t want to achieve becomes a very powerful tool in the decision-making process going forward. When you have decided where you are heading long term it gives clarity to the decisions you make every day.

Step #1 Give yourself a “timeout”.

Deliberately give yourself time out of the game to think it out. This can be 10 minutes or 2 months depending on “size’ of the decision.

Step #2 Inspect the Decision.

What is the “Real long term outcome you are trying to achieve. What are you uncertain about? What is “real” and what is only a movie in your own head?

Step # 3 Brain storm options.

If you need external information, then do your homework. Be patient and careful with those you get advice from. Make sure it is professional advice, not just a mate’s opinion. Be open to the information but make up your own mind if you want to take that advice on board.

Step # 4 Evaluate.

This seems to be the bit most people DON” T do. They free fall even after they have the full story. Too scared to decide. Be brave, buy into your vision. Use the logic, not the fear to make your decisions, then make it.

Step# 5 Be pragmatic. Clear the fog.

Put aside other people agenda’s. Disregard the gossip or what maybe be the “nice” thing to do. The question is “What long term outcome are you planning to achieve? Now you just must decide and stick to your decision.

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What creates uncertainty in your thinking?

All the bad decisions you have made in the past are what create uncertainty. I’ll bet you have mind files full of all the dumb decisions you have made.

That white Camry you bought back in 1994, you thought was sensible at the time. Now, with hindsight you realise it was a very boring car. Maybe you can remember when you invested all your savings into the stock market, the day before the biggest crash in history. How about the ‘Ab Blaster’ you bought on the late-night shopping channel that sits unused at the back of your wardrobe? Even the person you married, who turned out to be a bigger fraud than the ‘Ab Blaster’, more boring than the Camry and way more expensive than the stock market crash?

Everyone makes poor decisions, especially with hindsight. You can learn from your mistakes, evaluate them, understand your thought process at the time, and then learn from them. The past can give you clarity on the future, if you learn and then move on.

I guarantee you have made more successful decisions than unsuccessful ones. But, the pain of a bad decision captures your attention quicker than the joy of a great decision. I personally have seen the birth of my five beautiful children; these were the five most amazing days in my life. Each time, I was overwhelmingly humbled to be given the honour of being this beautiful new person’s father. Nothing has ever been more inspiring to me than that gift. To this day, I am still amazed that I was given this great privilege of being the Dad to five awesome individuals. I do remember all of their births, but I have to admit some of the details are vague. (There were five of them?) I very clearly remember how I felt.

That terrifying day when I watched my only daughter Nadine suffer that horrible cardiac arrest right in front of my eyes is also forever embedded in my mind – every detail, every thought, every terrifying second of the 15 minutes it took the ambulance officers to start her heart again.

Fear is a very strong force within us. The adrenaline that hits our brain when we believe we are fighting for survival gives us near super powers, and these memories are stored for future reference, just in case said Robert James and James Home Services. My mind is determined to never find me in that horrifying position again.

Also, beware of whose opinions you listen to. If you want everyone to agree with your definite decisions then you are going to very disappointed – it will never happen. It is actually the exact opposite: the grander your definite decisions are, the more people will be telling you that you can’t achieve them – even having a child and running your own business. How many people will tell you how hard it is and all the things that will go wrong? They have their own agendas to keep you where you are.

Ignore the naysayers. Make your own definite decisions for your business and family life, and then act on them with conviction.

Originally Posted:-http://www.robertjameshomeservices.com/finding-personal-true-north-your-business-family-life-balance/

How to Survive the Journey of a Successful Family Business Owner

STOP THE FREE FALL, START THE ADVENTURE

Robert James and James Home Services:-When you started your business, it took a major leap of faith. It took a generous helping of true courage to chase your dream, and to convince yourself to start your business. As a business owner, you are in the very brave group of individuals who have done what the majority of the population is too fearful to even attempt.

If your business is actually growing and succeeding, you are in an even more elite group. Did you know that 95% of small businesses in Australia fail? That means only 1 in 20 make it to the five-year mark? If your business is succeeding you have beaten the odds. Nice one.

Starting your business probably felt like you had just jumped out of a plane and found yourself in a chaotic free fall. There’s no doubt that free fall can be exciting, but it’s not going to bring your business success in the long run. Even if you love the rush of free fall, it could be time to take control of that feeling and start to enjoy the adventure.

I see it like evolving into the professional skydiver who can do amazing moves that the novice never dreamed possible. If you want to be able to enjoy your adventure on all levels, there is a proven framework that can help you take control of your free fall.

Take time out to evaluate

Do you sometimes get so busy that when the day ends you have no idea where the time disappeared to? Monday turns into Friday and you think, where did the week go? You were very busy but not sure if the important stuff actually got done.

To have a successful business adventure it is vital for your business, your family and yourself that you start taking some ‘time out’. I’m not talking about useless going on, like checking Facebook, reading junk emails or watching videos on YouTube. I mean real downtime, to help you evaluate how you are investing your time and to help you focus on the direction in which you are heading.

‘I don’t have time, I’m too busy,’ I hear you saying. Not true. You can diarise your timeouts. Every day, give yourself at least 20 minutes to yourself, to focus on where you are investing your time and energy – make it a habit.

Before you start your work each day, find a quiet spot where you can really think. Take a fresh attitude, a notebook and a diary. You are now ready for an effective timeout to get you on the right track for the day.

I use this time to evaluate yesterday and plan the day ahead. is this before the urgent issues of the day attempt to start calling the shots.

Taking yourself and your partner away for the big picture timeout, where you can both focus on where you want to head, is both fun and inspiring as well. In the Robert James and James Home Services Group, we had an annual general meeting, a conference that was meant to reward the top franchisees and educate the group. Every year, it ended with a celebration for all.

As the leader, I used this weekend as an annual trigger for me to evaluate the year past and refocus on the year ahead.

Give yourself consistent time out to think. When you are always in reactive mode, the res that turn up in your day will eventually burn you out.

Make a plan

I don’t mean a formal business plan, although they are also very useful. I’m talking about a plan for your future, family, business, and all things that are important to you. Where is your adventure heading? What is it going to look like when you get there? Throw in every single detail that comes to mind – everything you plan to achieve on this cool, exciting adventure.

Then evaluate again. If you don’t really want that new house on the water or the Rolex, draw a line through it. The things you take off your list will help give you clarity as to what direction you don’t want to go. Don’t make it what other people think you should do or be.

This is not a ‘wish list’ but a plan for your future.

Make a definite decision

What is the difference between a definite decision and a normal decision? The definition of definite tells the story. According to the Oxford Dictionary:

Definite: Clearly stated or decided; not vague or doubtful.

It makes all the difference in the world. You may look at the menu when you go out to dinner and decide on the steak. Then, by the time the waiter gets to your table to take your order, you see the seafood platter and decide on that instead. Some decisions in your life aren’t ‘definite’ and that’s fine.

The decisions that form the foundations of your life’s work have to be de definite decisions for you to succeed.

Find your why

Ask yourself the question, ‘Why am I doing this?’ Find the spark that sets your soul on fire; the emotional drive that makes you keep going even when things don’t go to plan. What keeps you moving when you hit the wall and you can’t see a way through? This is the reason you will not give up when you are faced with huge obstacles that mere mortals have not even considered attempting to defeat.

Find the ‘why’ that will give you the courage to face your greatest fears and take them on. It is the same why that drives you to make time for the important family stuff, like shooting hoops with your 12-year-old son or jumping on the trampoline with your 9-year-old. Or, making time in your day to have lunch with your wife.

As I write this paragraph, I look up at photos of the five people who have always been my why – my awesome children. I have always done my very best to be their inspiration, to show them first-hand how to be brave enough to chase their dreams.

Your ‘why’ is your personal true north. Find it and stay true to it, especially under pressure.

Take inventory

You have assets and liabilities in your business and in your family life. Some are in both. This does sound very clinical – even contradictory – after talking about your why, but the pragmatic evaluation of the assets, weaknesses, threats and opportunities in your business and family life is key to building an effective strategy to balance both parts of your life.

This may even show you very clearly why you are out of balance. If you are married to someone you really shouldn’t be, it will make it impossible to get your balance right. You will be spending more time at work to deliberately avoid the person at home, who you don’t want to be spending your life with. A divorce is a terrible thing to go through, but staying married to someone you should have divorced is a lot more painful (believe me, I know).

If you have employees that are assets, then recognise them as such. If you have employees that are liabilities, they should be dealt with as soon as possible.

Lay down your foundations

Every great adventure requires a compelling mission. The more compelling the mission, the more exciting the adventure will be. If you chase your dream and are brave on all fronts, you will create your own luck. Fortune does favour the brave, and you do get a bigger rush this way. Your mission should have clear foundations on all fronts.

The foundation for your family mission is the first foundation to address. Create a clear picture of your personal ethic. What do you believe it means to be a true parent, spouse, friend, brother or sister, son or daughter? This is a big question. These are the foundations you will use when you make decisions.

The business foundations have to be consistent with your foundations at home. You can’t be honest, caring, loving and pragmatic at home, then become lying, selfish, hateful and back-stabbing the moment you walk into the office. The Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde thing will blow up in your face.

I have dealt with many people who think they can play both sides of a situation and ‘play people’ to suit themselves. They will even argue they are different at work, but they are not. The businessperson who cheats at work will also cheat at home. You may think you’re smart enough to get away with it. Let me tell you, you are not. The people around you get to know you, and although they may be reluctant to call you out, eventually someone will. And the person in the mirror knows for sure.

If you deliver on your mission, you have every right to demand the same from those in your life. If you are a loving, supportive, fun, caring, honest, faithful, hardworking and giving spouse, you shouldn’t expect or accept anything less from your partner and family said Robert James and James Home Services.

Document your family and business mission based on your personal foundations – be clear, definite, and long-term focused.

Originally Posted:- http://www.robertjameshomeservices.com/how-to-survive-the-journey-of-a-successful-family-business-owner/

The 3 Key Traps to Avoid When Buying a Home Service Franchise

Do you need advice in selecting a home services franchise? Are you considering buying a home services franchise opportunity or starting your own home service business? What are the key questions you need to ask to avoid making the  common mistakes?

With over 20 years experience as franchisor for Robert James and James Home Services, I have been involved indirectly and directly in the recruitment of over 2000 home service franchisees. I have seen all of the mistakes made by individuals in the recruitment process.I have also seen what it takes be be one of the many successful franchisees.

Here are the 3 most common mistakes made by potential franchisees investigating the home service industry. I’ll arm you with the questions you need to ask to make sure you don’t get caught unawares.

Mistake #1 Buying Service Franchise You Dislike ,Because You Think It Will Make The Most Money.

In the Robert James and James Home Services network we had 8 different service franchise opportunities to choose from. I don’t know how many times I’ve been asked “Which services makes the most money?” The answer is the one that suits you and your family needs the best.

If you hate mowing lawns ,it doesn’t get more inviting mowing 15 of them a day, if you do have a green thumb then don’t hedge your bets go for it as a pro garden guy.

If you hate dogs, no matter how much cash is in dog grooming you will not have much fun in your business washing 25 dogs a day.

If you hate dogs you won’t make much cash washing dogs

The trap here is if the “Franchise Sales Person” sells you ,what he wants to sell ,instead of the business that suits you personally long term. If you hear things like

Listen for the personal agenda from the person selling you the business. There can be a list of reasons that they want to push you towards that particle franchise

QUESTIONS #1 “.

Ask Sales Person: Why do he/she think this services will suit me? How will this business help me achieve our families goals? 

Ask Self: Can you enthusiastically deliver this home service to a professional level?

Pick a service that suits you long term, do your own investigations about the demand.

Mistake #2 Neglecting to make enquiries of  “Current Franchisee” if they are happy with the support offered by the Master Franchisor or Franchisor.

Support, support, support and more support is what you will be promised from all of home service franchise systems. The true acid test of the “support promise” is what the franchisees in their network say. Ask them directly.

Will you get the support you need to deliver the service required?

Many franchise systems have master franchisees in place . A master franchisee buys the area then sells of franchises to make money. These masters usually have no experience in the industry or franchising. They have a history as real estate agents, fish farmers, ex military or bankers.

Questions #2 “.

Ask Salesperson: Who is my support person? What experience do they have in running the business I’m investing in? 

Can I speak to all franchisees that have been in the network , including the franchisees who have failed?

 How many franchisees left the system in the last 2 years?Please supply contact details?

Ask Self. Can this support person add value to the fees I’m paying them ?

If you aren’t 100% happy with the answers, you could be better off as an independent.

Stay well clear of inexperience master franchisees and franchisors.

Mistake #3 When You buy a Franchise You Think You are Buying Yourself a Job.

This is the most frequent trap for inexperienced franchisees. If you have been an employee for your life and think this is just a job you can’t be sacked from, DON”T DO IT!

When you invest in a franchise you are an independent business owner. 

You are not an employee. If you want a job, then get a job. Legally in Australia it is easier to terminate a franchisee breaching his franchise agreement than to sack an underperformed employee.

Beware the systems that sell on income guarantees. These guarantees are a sales tool first and foremost . They play on the understandable fears of the new franchisee . Remember that you are buying the proven systems of the franchise network.

Take time to learn and understand the systems of the network you planning to invest in. If there are no documented systems, leave it well alone. Don’t buy any business because of a guarantee said Robert James and James Home Services, all of these documents are “conditional”.

The”Key Questions #3 “.

Ask Salesperson: Do I get a income guarantee? If you get offered a guarantee, vital to ask “How many franchisees didn’t get paid under this guarantee ?

Please supply all these franchisees contact details?

Please supply the manuals of the documented systems that I will be expected to follow to collect the income guarantee?

Ask Self: Are you really just buying a job? Do you understand the differences between being self employed and an employee? Are you ready to be your own boss?

As a Franchisee you are an independent business owner, the franchise systems are the tools you use to fast track your business. 

If the systems are valid, the income will come. 

You do have to use those systems of course.

Becoming your own boss is a very rewarding experience. Embrace that independence wholeheartedly.

Originally Posted:- http://www.robertjameshomeservices.com/the-3-key-traps-to-avoid-when-buying-a-home-service-franchise/

Is Australian Franchising’s Future in Danger?

Franchising’s future in Australia certainly appears to be uncertain.  Any brand that isn’t global, isn’t really a strong brand anymore. Being a big fish in a little pond only works while you have a pond. The pond dries up and the big fish dies. Our separation from the world of 25 years ago has gone said Robert James and James Home Services.

It was much easier to be the local hero in the good old days. The bigger you got, the bigger you got. Brand names in Australia stayed the long run. Australians loved and trusted the Australian brands. It could have been Holden or Commonwealth Bank or Telecom or BHP.

But history has shown that brand locality didn’t go both ways. Holden moved their manufacturing overseas. Commonwealth Bank turned into ComBank among many crimes hide staff members stealing form superfund . Telecom “evolved” into Telstra and delivered awful services and moved a huge number of jobs off shore. BHP was the Great Australian. I was a Hunter Valley boy and watch the impact the closing of the BHP steel industry in Newcastle, NSW had on many Families.

So, the brands went global, but so did the customers. This is now happening in franchising.

Franchisors always have had two markets.

1. The services or goods they retail: Coffee or burgers or house cleaning or finance or building houses or electrical goods.
2. The People who buy franchises. Franchisors “sell” franchises. No matter how some franchisors pretend that selling is a dirty word. If they have a product and someone pays them for it, they are selling!

The sale of the goods and services speak for themselves. People will always buy those services or goods, many of the retail franchises are in danger if the product can just buy the produce online. Services will always need to be based in Australia.

In the 1990s franchisees needed the intellectual property of the business systems of franchisors and the help to market and brand their businesses. Now the same business systems can be easily and more cheaply be accessed on the web. Small business can get the training and help to market their businesses from online professionals said Robert James and James Home Services.

Simply, Potential small business owners don’t have to be franchisees to get access to proven business systems, professional support and training. 

Add the Aussie tall poppy syndrome, it is easy to attack franchise brands in Australia. Australian franchise systems are easy targets to the professional trolls ,who make money out of undermining brands. (Small pond also makes it easy to spear the big fish) There is big money in this. The attacks on RFG are nothing new in franchising. There is a group with organise connections who profit from these attacks. Alternatively, they will have another commercial interest. Many people have profited on the drop in RFG share price.

What is the answer?

Australian franchisors have to actively make their business systems better. Their systems and services have to be better than what is offered online. Their businesses systems have to deliver better than in 1995.

The businesses have to be family friendly and build loyalty to the brand. Franchisees have to be treated as business owners not low-level employees.

Franchisor have a responsibility to grow brands globally but the challenge is to maintain the standards of the products locally. For both of the services or goods delivered to the customer and the systems and services delivered to franchisees.

Franchisors have to invest the evolution of their systems that support franchisees to develop business that serve their families.

The challenge is that the world is changing so quickly that it is hard to see Australian franchisor evolving quickly enough to keep up with the global changes.

We can keep blaming “negative press” or use this time to build foundation that can carry franchising industry forward for the next generation.

Franchising in Australia should be about delivering the Aussie dream of running a great family owned business that works for the family unit said Robert James and James Home Services.

Originally Posted:- http://www.robertjameshomeservices.com/is-australian-franchisings-future-in-danger/

Breaking Old Habits

The struggle to achieve a balance between family and business life is not a new one. It’s very beautifully documented in one of the all-time great modern Christmas stories, A Christmas Carol, by one of the greatest storytellers of all time. A Christmas Carol is a novel by Charles Dickens, first published in London on 19 December 1843.

A Christmas Carol tells the story of a bitter old miser named Ebenezer Scrooge, and his transformation into a gentler, kindlier man. Ebenezer’s transformation begins with a visit from his former business partner Jacob Marley, followed by the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Yet to Come. The novel has been made and remade many times into a movie by Hollywood.

That was 1843; we are now 174 years down the road into ‘yet to come’. The advances we have in technology today could never have been imagined back in Charles Dickens’s day.

Those advances have certainly made our daily lives much easier and more comfortable. But the irony of it is, we still struggle with the daily decisions about where our priorities should be in order to get the right balance in our lives.

(Maybe we need an app to make the decisions and help to measure where our focus is on an hourly basis. You could check on your phone to see if you should be playing with your kids, giving your partner a compliment, or perhaps doing a bit of work!)

Confronting your own ghosts

I have a challenge for you; it should be a bit of fun and create some self-awareness all in one. I want you to borrow from Charles Dickens and have a chat with your spirits of past, present and future.

Imagine you are sitting down with your own self; do you have a message for you about your life balance? Don’t do it out loud where others can hear you; they might think you have lost the plot all together.

Let’s say your Spirit Past is you from five years ago. Your Spirit Past turns up at your office for a meeting, with an urgent message for you. What would your Spirit Past say to you? What would he/she warn you about? What would he/she congratulate you on? What limitations would he/she argue for? For example:

• ‘You were lucky to get this far.’
• ‘You are not really educated enough to have gotten as far as you have.’
• ‘How can you be a great parent? You can’t even look after your goldfish or potted plant – they always die.’

Write down the message in two or three paragraphs. Do it now. I mean right now – don’t read on until you do the exercise.

Next, pretend Spirit Present is your next appointment. Spirit Present is more up to date, and claims the message is even more vital and urgent. Again, what would your Spirit Present say to you? What would he/she warn you about?

What would he/she congratulate you on? What limitations would he/she argue for? They could be different, or still some of the ‘old chestnuts’. But would he/she disagree withSpirit Past? Maybe Spirit Present believes you made your own luck and has evidence to prove it.

Again, write down the message in two or three paragraphs. Don’t read on until you do this.

If you take time to challenge the spirits in your own head, it goes a long way to giving clarity on where your Spirit Future will lead you, your business and your family. Either way, your mind believes your imagination, so if you imagine a successful business and family life, your mind goes to work on making it happen. If Spirit Past still has the power to influence the decisions of today, it will take control of your Spirit Future said Robert James and James Home Services.

So, I know this is going to come as a shock, but your next appointment is with your Spirit Future. He/she says, ‘My message is the most import- ant; it’s what you now have the power to create.’ Spirit Future has a very positive and pragmatic attitude, and knows that without the other two, there is no Spirit Future.

He/she knows your job is to understand and learn from Spirit Past and Spirit Present. He/she also knows he/she doesn’t have to be limited by their opinions. He/she knows opinions can and will change with time.

Again, what would your Spirit Future say to you? What would he/she warn you about? What would he/she congratulate you on? What limitations would he/she totally remove from your thinking? This time the message is co-authored, by you and your Spirit Future.

Write down the message in two or three paragraphs. Do it right now. Read on only after you have gone through this exercise.

Escaping the past can be tough

I have seen all too often how the ghosts of the past can take control of people’s futures. One of the most inspiring examples of beating those ‘Spirits Past’ is Denise.

When I first meet Denise, she was 50 years of age, Mum to three beautiful teenage children, and married long-term to Gordon (an accountant). Denise had had a rewarding lifelong career in nursing, and she had a very friendly, caring and likeable natu

Unfortunately change was forced upon their family. Gordon, who had always been the main income earner, was made redundant.

But instead of seeing this as a problem, they decided to take the opportunity to go into business together. Denise and Gordon became one of our very early regional master franchisees in James Home Services.

They had what seemed to be a very practical plan. Gordon would use his accountant background to manage the finances of the business and coach the franchisees. Denise clearly related beautifully with people, and she would start on an exciting new career as the salesperson in the business and also recruit the new franchisees.

She had spent a lifetime dealing with people.

How hard could it be? She though.

Robert James and James Home Services had very detailed, thorough, proven and professional recruitment processes for master franchisees to use to recruit new franchisees.

The logic was that if Denise used the systems combined with her natural flair for dealing with people she would make an awesome success of her new role.

Well, things didn’t go to plan.

Denise had lots of franchise enquiries, she knew the processes, she dressed in our uniform and looked the part, but no-one would join her team. Our sales manager John spent time with her. He observed her out with clients. He couldn’t help her to achieve any improvement. His only observation was that, ‘Denise just didn’t stop taking at all!’

Denise appeared to be very flushed and certainly didn’t project the confidence that was needed to lead new franchisees to join her business. And John’s involvement seemed to make her even worse.

Time progressed. Nothing improved. I took over the mentoring role with Denise. I felt with my experience perhaps I could work out why Denise was failing, but I too was bewildered about where the strong, positive woman I had first met had vanished to.

I really couldn’t answer why she was transforming into this nervous, excessively talkative and at times vague person.

Over a series of coaching sessions, we found that the problem tracked back to two ‘Spirits’ of her past. Firstly, Denise saw herself as a nurse. She came from an environment where salespeople were dishonest, manipulative and uncaring.

Denise was none of these things and was terrified about being thought of as such. Secondly, Gordon was always

the main breadwinner. How could Denise bring in more income than her husband? It seemed to conflict with her work life expectations. The structure of her whole family was built around these beliefs.

These restricting beliefs from her past clearly were controlling her present results. These illogical beliefs were very much in play every day. People around her argued for the Denise of old. Friends confirmed that she was a nurse.

Nurses are caring, friendly and nice people. ‘Sales- people’ were not, according to Denise’s friends. Denise just didn’t have what it took to be one of them! Unfortunately, my sales manager John believed the same. His recommendation was to move Denise and Gordon out of the system.

I personally didn’t agree, but it was now a year into the business and Denise’s results were still very poor. I had to consider that maybe Denise and Gordon should sell their business and move on. So, with their approval, I put the business on the market, and very quickly I found a potential buyer.

It was a Friday afternoon. I rushed to their home with a signed agreement for the sale of their master franchise business. It was a good offer; they would have made a good profit.

I was quite excited, thinking this was a good result for everyone concerned. I happily placed the offer in front of Denise and Gordon. I said, ‘I think it’s a good deal. What do you think?’ Gordon had the biggest smile I ever saw.

I was thinking they would grab it with both hands and open a bottle of something to celebrate. (I think Gordon was already heading for the fridge.) To my surprise and Gordon’s shock, Denise answered, ‘I want to think about it over the weekend.’ At this moment, Gordon nearly passed out. I was lost for words, but I agreed to come back Monday morning.

Monday morning arrived. We met at their home to hear their decision. Denise said, ‘We don’t want to sell’. I was surprised – to say the least. I even pointed out that down the track if things didn’t improve there was no guarantee I could get an offer as good as the one on the table. They both understood that. The decision to persevere was made.

I asked Denise why she decided to reject the offer. In her answer came the ‘Empowering Spirit’ of her past. She answered, ‘I have never failed at anything in my life – this is not going to be the first time!’ And from that day on, everything changed for Denise. She became a true sales professional. She learnt everything she needed to learn, her skills developed, her attitude changed, and she got the results.

Denise was in that business for over 15 years. As a master franchisee she sold the most franchises in the history of the network. The family business got the kids through University and set them up for retirement. The ‘Positive Ghost’ reminding her that she never failed was right.

Success in one area of your past can fuel your future.

Unfortunately, the Spirits Past with the scariest stories seem to have the loudest voices. But no matter how loud they are, it doesn’t mean you have to give them power.

You have to face up to any arguments or limitations from your Spirit Past before you sit down with your Spirit Future.

Dealing with the ‘Spirits’, whether in demon or hero form, that float around in your head is a very real challenge, even though they only live in your imagination said Robert James and James Home Services.

Originally Posted:- http://www.robertjameshomeservices.com/breaking-old-habits/

The Story behind “The Ultimate Guide to an Extraordinary Service Business”: From Idea to Best Seller

If anyone told me back in high school, that by the age of 27 years old, I would be the owner of a home services franchise network, I never would have believed them. Honestly, I would have thought they were completely out of their minds!

I hated school, couldn’t wait to get out, and truly didn’t see myself as a business leader. I had absolutely no desire to go into the “corporate world.”

I could never have imagined that I would take my part-time, one-man band car cleaning business into a national brand, James Home Services. Or that it would grow into a 400-franchisee strong network supplying over $20 million in professional home services annually, for nearly 20 years.

I was just a kid with a horse obsession—I dreamt of being a world-class horse trainer and escaping to beautiful Queensland to pursue a business career in the racehorse industry.

At 16 years old, I was off chasing my dream and learning as much as possible about the training, breaking, and education of horses; I lived to be around these beautiful creatures! I had natural horsemanship skills that very few possess and went searching for the adventure of a lifetime.

By the age of 21, I had my professional trainers’ license. I had focused on learning absolutely everything about horses and the skills needed to get the best out of them. I was very good at what I did; I was a gifted horseman.

I could read the animal and understand what they needed. In addition, I was lucky enough to have excellent mentors that taught me all about preparing horses for racing.

Unfortunately, what I didn’t learn was how to run a business. I was naïve, and thought good horsemanship was all that mattered. If I was the best in the business, then people would be begging me to help them train their horses. What I didn’t know was that it was much more about running a business—a racing stable business.

I had not learned any actual business skills and I really, honestly did think that if I was good enough, if I worked hard enough, it would all just miraculously come together.

Most business owners think exactly the same way I did—that it is all about the technical skills. If you are the best horse trainer, mechanic, house cleaner, lawn mower, lawyer, accountant, engineer, or a pet groomer, then obviously your business success is guaranteed. Right?

I could not have been more wrong …

This is the first mistake made by most business owners. Good technical skills are only a part of the foundations that create an extraordinary service business.

My horse business started out alright. I had some contacts that became some of my best clients. In the early days, I had some big milestones and was certainly living my dream. I loved it, but the problem was, I also had a young family to feed and the horse business could be up and down. I needed to find a secondary income.

So, I took an “opportunity” I was offered at a local pub to do some shifts. It was a nightmare; I was terrible at it and I resigned at the end of my first shift.

I was stunned by how rude customers could be. To this day, I have huge respect for those working in these areas. No way was I going to work in that environment.

A friend then randomly recommended that I consider starting a car cleaning business. He said the guy he usually used was so busy that he couldn’t fit him in and, that I could work in the middle of the day around my horse training business.

He would be my first client, actually. I respected his opinion, I knew I could learn to clean a car professionally, much easier than training horses. So, why not?

And with that conversation, my car cleaning business was born. It filled my days and helped to feed my young, growing family. I was 23 years old, had a wife (who also worked), two young sons and two businesses. But you know what? I still hadn’t figured out how to run a business.

I still thought it would just happen, how hard could it be to get people that wanted to get their car cleaned? There were heaps of dirty cars around, and I was going to be the best! Easy, right?

Well … I did do a few things right though. First, I found a guy who sold car cleaning chemicals and equipment and really knew his stuff. Darren, who would end up being the main supplier to the whole James Home Services network.

Darren taught me how to use his products and equipment and was always available for technical advice. He was a good guy and a huge help.

Secondly, I knew I needed to look professional, so I invested in a trailer, 500 brochures, uniforms, and business cards. I was off and running and looked the part to prove it. I had all the gear, but no idea what to do with any of it.

With that, I started my first ever marketing campaign. I took my 500 brochures and marched into all the local businesses. I was thinking, this won’t be hard, I’ll be flat out by next week. Boy, I could not have been more wrong!

The problem was that I had no sales skills. And I mean—None. At. All.

I was terrified as I walked into each business. I would literally throw my brochure on the front desk and run back out the door before they could say “no,” or anything else for that matter.

I got one $10 car wash out of those first 500 brochures; not quite what I had planned. Luckily, I finally realized that I was the problem. More importantly, I realized it was my lack of skills in this area that was the problem in both of my businesses.

I decided to learn: I found there were hundreds of sales books in the library and you could borrow them for free. So, I read … and read … and read. I tested the skills, measured the results, and wrote my own fool-proof rules.

I remember reading a great book called The E-Myth by Michael Gerber. I am not exaggerating when I say that this book completely changed my life.  It taught me that long-term success in any business is all about the systems you put into place.  I set about the systemization of both of my businesses, and it changed everything!

My car cleaning business went through the roof. The systems were so good I could have had an 18-year-old run the business.

Our systems were very straight-forward, easy to follow, and very, very effective. I knew I had developed something special and that anyone who followed this recipe would have a very successful service business.

And with that … the big dream was born.

I saw other service franchise systems and knew ours was better; because of the foundation that we had put into place.  It quickly became clear that we had what it would take to build a large, successful network.

Then one fateful day, I was sharing this dream with a client and he was so impressed that he bought into the business immediately.  Within 2 months we were selling franchises, and I was just 27 years old.

Robert James and James Home Services grew at a rapid rate. We quickly expanded throughout regional Queensland, and within 2 years we were the largest home services business in the state. The systems were created to stand the test of time and to grow with the business.

If anyone told me back in high school, that by the age of 27 years old, I would be the owner of a home services franchise network, I never would have believed them. Honestly, I would have thought they were completely out of their minds!

I hated school, couldn’t wait to get out, and truly didn’t see myself as a business leader. I had absolutely no desire to go into the “corporate world.”

I could never have imagined that I would take my part-time, one-man band car cleaning business into a national brand, Robert James and James Home Services. Or that it would grow into a 400-franchisee strong network supplying over $20 million in professional home services annually, for nearly 20 years.

I was just a kid with a horse obsession—I dreamt of being a world-class horse trainer and escaping to beautiful Queensland to pursue a business career in the racehorse industry.

At 16 years old, I was off chasing my dream and learning as much as possible about the training, breaking, and education of horses; I lived to be around these beautiful creatures! I had natural horsemanship skills that very few possess and went searching for the adventure of a lifetime.

By the age of 21, I had my professional trainers’ license. I had focused on learning absolutely everything about horses and the skills needed to get the best out of them. I was very good at what I did; I was a gifted horseman.

I could read the animal and understand what they needed. In addition, I was lucky enough to have excellent mentors that taught me all about preparing horses for racing.

Unfortunately, what I didn’t learn was how to run a business. I was naïve, and thought good horsemanship was all that mattered. If I was the best in the business, then people would be begging me to help them train their horses. What I didn’t know was that it was much more about running a business—a racing stable business.

I had not learned any actual business skills and I really, honestly did think that if I was good enough, if I worked hard enough, it would all just miraculously come together.

Most business owners think exactly the same way I did—that it is all about the technical skills. If you are the best horse trainer, mechanic, house cleaner, lawn mower, lawyer, accountant, engineer, or a pet groomer, then obviously your business success is guaranteed. Right?

I could not have been more wrong …

This is the first mistake made by most business owners. Good technical skills are only a part of the foundations that create an extraordinary service business.

My horse business started out alright. I had some contacts that became some of my best clients. In the early days, I had some big milestones and was certainly living my dream. I loved it, but the problem was, I also had a young family to feed and the horse business could be up and down. I needed to find a secondary income.

So, I took an “opportunity” I was offered at a local pub to do some shifts. It was a nightmare; I was terrible at it and I resigned at the end of my first shift.

I was stunned by how rude customers could be. To this day, I have huge respect for those working in these areas. No way was I going to work in that environment.

A friend then randomly recommended that I consider starting a car cleaning business. He said the guy he usually used was so busy that he couldn’t fit him in and, that I could work in the middle of the day around my horse training business.

He would be my first client, actually. I respected his opinion, I knew I could learn to clean a car professionally, much easier than training horses. So, why not?

And with that conversation, my car cleaning business was born. It filled my days and helped to feed my young, growing family. I was 23 years old, had a wife (who also worked), two young sons and two businesses. But you know what? I still hadn’t figured out how to run a business.

I still thought it would just happen, how hard could it be to get people that wanted to get their car cleaned? There were heaps of dirty cars around, and I was going to be the best! Easy, right?

Well … I did do a few things right though. First, I found a guy who sold car cleaning chemicals and equipment and really knew his stuff. Darren, who would end up being the main supplier to the whole James Home Services network.

Darren taught me how to use his products and equipment and was always available for technical advice. He was a good guy and a huge help.

Secondly, I knew I needed to look professional, so I invested in a trailer, 500 brochures, uniforms, and business cards. I was off and running and looked the part to prove it. I had all the gear, but no idea what to do with any of it.

With that, I started my first ever marketing campaign. I took my 500 brochures and marched into all the local businesses. I was thinking, this won’t be hard, I’ll be flat out by next week. Boy, I could not have been more wrong!

The problem was that I had no sales skills. And I mean—None. At. All.

I was terrified as I walked into each business. I would literally throw my brochure on the front desk and run back out the door before they could say “no,” or anything else for that matter.

I got one $10 car wash out of those first 500 brochures; not quite what I had planned. Luckily, I finally realized that I was the problem. More importantly, I realized it was my lack of skills in this area that was the problem in both of my businesses.

I decided to learn: I found there were hundreds of sales books in the library and you could borrow them for free. So, I read … and read … and read. I tested the skills, measured the results, and wrote my own fool-proof rules.

I remember reading a great book called The E-Myth by Michael Gerber. I am not exaggerating when I say that this book completely changed my life.  It taught me that long-term success in any business is all about the systems you put into place.  I set about the systemization of both of my businesses, and it changed everything!

My car cleaning business went through the roof. The systems were so good I could have had an 18-year-old run the business.

Our systems were very straight-forward, easy to follow, and very, very effective. I knew I had developed something special and that anyone who followed this recipe would have a very successful service business.

And with that … the big dream was born.

I saw other service franchise systems and knew ours was better; because of the foundation that we had put into place.  It quickly became clear that we had what it would take to build a large, successful network.

Then one fateful day, I was sharing this dream with a client and he was so impressed that he bought into the business immediately.  Within 2 months we were selling franchises, and I was just 27 years old.

Robert James and James Home Services grew at a rapid rate. We quickly expanded throughout regional Queensland, and within 2 years we were the largest home services business in the state. The systems were created to stand the test of time and to grow with the business.

During this time, we not only grew the business, we also expanded into different services. Our services included car cleaning, house cleaning, external house cleaning, carpet cleaning, pest control, lawn and garden care, pet grooming, laundry and ironing services, as well as window cleaning.

James Home Services grew at a rapid rate. We quickly expanded throughout regional Queensland, and within 2 years we were the largest home services business in the state. The systems were created to stand the test of time and to grow with the business.

During this time, we not only grew the business, we also expanded into different services. Our services included car cleaning, house cleaning, external house cleaning, carpet cleaning, pest control, lawn and garden care, pet grooming, laundry and ironing services, as well as window cleaning.

The foundation we built transferred beautifully into each division of the business; just as it was designed to do. Our foundation was tested repeatedly and never failed. Now, all we had to do was to develop “technical” skills.

We went on to national expansion and eventually reached across Australia. We had a turnover of $20 million worth of services across the country each year.

After 20 years in the business, the network was sold to a commercial cleaning company. In those 20 years, I saw thousands of families have successful home services businesses, with our proven systems at their core.

In this book, I am going to introduce you to my 9 Foundation Steps.  These basic rules will show you step-by-step how to build an extraordinary home service business. These rules will help you duplicate the foundation we built when we created James’ Home Services.

The only catch is that you must use all of them if you want to be successful. Like all great recipes, they have to be followed rigorously if you want to get a consistent predictable outcome.

I hope this book can give all services business owners the tools to build an extraordinary service business. Running your own successful family business is the best game in town, have a fair dinkum go and enjoy the journey.

Originally Posted:- http://www.robertjameshomeservices.com/the-story-behind-the-ultimate-guide-to-an-extraordinary-service-business/

“The Ultimate Guide to an Extraordinary Services Business” an Amazon Bestseller Ranking #1

Amazingly, the new book is an Amazon #1 Best Seller.

“The Ultimate Guide to an Extraordinary Services Business” an Amazon Bestseller Ranking #1 and #2 in Hot Releases in Australia.

We got to #76 in the UK and #116 in the USA.

This book is perfect for everyone in the home service industry or is thinking of buying a franchise or have already bought into a services franchise or are in their own independent service business said Robert James and James Home Services.

25 years ago, I wanted to help others to have a successful home-based business, for nearly twenty years we did just that under the franchise system using the James Home Services banner.

Today, the world has changed and there is a better way to help families to business success .

This book will give everyone the know how that is the foundations of the service business success said Robert James and James Home Services.

In 2019, This book will empower so many.

What the back of the book say?

You will help everyone too:

. Decide what service business is perfect for you.
. Apply nine proven foundational secrets to building a successful service business
. Design a service brand that attracts the right customers.
. Successfully and effectively market your service business.
. Learn professional sales and quoting skills.
. Learn how to quickly build a loyal and profitable client base.
. Learn how to deliver gold medal professional level services every time to every client.
. Use the magic of systemisation to grow the business of your dreams.
. Grow a business that suits your goals.
. Live the dream of being a successful business owner.

If you are ready to start your own service business but don’t know where to start then this book has the answers for you said Robert James and James Home Services. If you already have a service business that needs could perform even better, then, either way, this book is packed with solid gold advice

This is a DIY home service business guide, it is NOT a glorified presale brochure to sell franchises.

Originally Posted:- http://www.robertjameshomeservices.com/the-ultimate-guide-to-an-extraordinary-services-business-an-amazon-bestseller-ranking-1/

Is a Home Service Franchise a Good Investment?

NO!!!

Here are the key reasons why.

Independent operators are winning the home service battle against Franchise Networks.

Independent operators are winning the Robert James and James Home Services battle against Franchise Networks.

On the current trend, the model of home service franchising will be obsolete within 5 years.

It will become pointless and replaced by a better option, the professional independent operators.

The Advantages in favour of the Independent operators.

1. It is more cost effective to get new clients for a local operator using modern marketing tools than a national network.
2. Service businesses can get all the Training, Support and Marketing they need to succeed online for a fraction of the cost of a franchise.
3. 93% of SUCCESSFUL home service franchisees don’t resign, but choose to trade on as independents taking the clients with them. They don’t see the value for the fees.
4. Every day, each Franchisor is losing franchisees and clients. Franchisees have to charge 30% MORE than the independent operator to cover fees and bank loans.
5. The Franchise brands have negative awareness, you are better off with your own clean brand.
6. Independent business owners don’t have to deal with master franchisors who make their living from the sale fees

The Home Services industry is a great place to start a family business.

Return clients, consistent income and high demand for great services.

Don’t pay the fees!

Go independent.

• 

Look at other online business education before the franchises.

Educate yourself. Take the time to read my current book.

“The Ultimate Guide to an Extraordinary Service Business’

Perfect if you own a service business or if you planning to start your own or franchise home services business.

I grew Robert James and James Home Services into a successful, 400-strong, $20 million pa franchise network.

The proven steps in this book have enabled countless service business owners to build a successful service business … and will definitely help you: 

. Decide what service business is perfect for you.
. Apply nine proven foundational secrets to building a successful service business
. Design a service brand that attracts the right customers.
. Successfully and effectively market your service business.
. Learn professional sales and quoting skills.
. Learn how to quickly build a loyal and profitable client base.
. Learn how to deliver gold medal professional level services every time to every client.
. Use the magic of systemisation to grow the business of your dreams.
. Grow a business that suits your goals.
. Live the dream of being a successful business owner.

If you are ready to start your own service business like Robert James and James Home Services but don’t know where to start then this book (The Ultimate Guide To An extraordinary Service Business)has the answers for you.

If you already have a service business that needs could perform even better, then, either way, this book is packed with solid gold advice.

Originally Posted:- http://www.robertjameshomeservices.com/home-service-franchise-a-good-investment/

The 9 Secrets to an Extraordinary Service Business

Design Your Brand

This is where a franchisee network has a head start on the independent operator. The franchisor already has a brand and that brand should be well-known with credibility in the marketplace. But you can easily design your own “Local Professional Brand.” With the use of the internet you have access to graphic artists and designers around the world who can help make your idea into your own professional brand.

You can build your own “professional brand.”

Market Your Business Every Day

Marketing your business every day is just as much about the attitude as it is about the actions. It is about creating a habit of planting the marketing seed today to harvest the return in the future. Constant marketing activity will return a constant return in the long run. The key is to make this the most important step for today and the return will be there in the future.

How to market daily can take on many forms. We will take on both new age internet marketing to “old school” marketing. The rules to successful marketing haven’t changed, just the medium we use to deliver it.

The “how to” market is now more easily available to the average family home-based business.

Get the First Job

There is no point in having a great looking brand and constant marketing if you don’t have the quoting and sales process to convert the first enquiry. There is a definite process to get a high conversion rate with quoting on any services said Robert James and James Home Services.

These quoting and sales processes will give you a 91% conversion rate in your face-to-face quotes. These systems have been successful in more than 8 different service business models. It is a matter of adopting the processes to your services, but the rules of presenting a successful quote will guarantee you get that vital “First Job.”

If you don’t convert the initial quote, you can’t get the long-term ongoing business. 

The ONLY way to build a regular client base is to “Get the First Job.”

Always Deliver on Your Promises

If you promise something, then you should deliver it—always. This may sound rather simple, but many businesses make promises yet, they don’t deliver.

If you promise “prompt, professional, and friendly services” you must deliver. Get to your client fast, be professional (on all levels), and be friendly. You will be stunned by how quickly your business will grow if you simply do what you say you will do said Robert James and James Home Services.

Turning up when you say you will gives you a huge advantage over 90% of the service providers in the market. Most services providers simply don’t show up when they say they will. 

Turning up and delivering on your promises goes a long way towards being successful.

Organise Your Business

This is the area where many good service businesses don’t pay enough attention. You could be the greatest home cleaner, gardener, pet groomer, carpet cleaner, or computer programmer; but if you are so disorganised that you don’t send invoices, pay your taxes, or do your follow-up marketing, your business will not get off the ground.

Area’s concerning administration may be better off outsourced; doing so also requires some careful planning.

Follow-up with Your Clients

Build a long-term relationship with your clients. Following up with them shows your clients just how much you value the relationship. By proactively asking the question you will be able to deal with any problems or areas of concern your clients may have.

The follow-up contact will also give you the opportunity to offer regular or additional services they are not currently taking advantage of.

• 

Continue to Deliver

It is one thing to turn up once and deliver on your promise. The real challenge is to always turn up and always deliver. Especially as you grow, and your business starts to take off, the pressure of success can test the systems that deliver your services.

If the client starts to feel neglected, or that your service standards have dropped, they will go looking elsewhere.

You will lose regular clients if they perceive indifference on your part.

Ask for The Referral

This is the fast track step that most service businesses simply do not do. If you are delivering the first 7 steps, asking for the referral will send your business into hyperdrive.

Repeat the Process

Robert James and James Home Services ability to repeat the process over and over again, with every client, is the sign of a true professional. It takes true commitment to repeat this process. Sticking to your systems and building true foundations with a long-term commitment will give you an extraordinary home service business.

Originally Posted:- http://www.robertjameshomeservices.com/the-9-secrets-to-an-extraordinary-service-business/

Should Franchisors be Accountable for Mental Health Issues of their Franchisess?

Last week we had RU OK day, it got me thinking!

Should franchisors be accountable for mental health issues of their franchisees?

Many franchise like systems use tactics design to mentally wear down franchisees.

Stonewalling

When a franchisee has a problem simply, say NOTHING, do NOTHING, treat the person as if they are NOTHING.

Robert James and James Home Services have personally heard an ACA award-winning Building Franchisor bragged about how he uses this tactic to win most battles.

To quote:

“Do NOTHING at all until they have a court order, 99% of the problems will vanish.”

Most franchisees can’t fund a court case and a poor performing franchise business 

Robert James and James Home Services:-

FranchiseeVilification

Make the failing franchisee the bad guy.

Rumors amongst franchisees and suppliers.

Bullying lawyers’ letters with manufactured breach notices.

Professional trolls to fight anyone speaking out on social media

General character assassination.

Blame the Franchisee

Misleading Conduct in recruitment

Robert James and James Home Services:-No one likes being conned, we feel stupid for being dumb enough to believe the BS.

If an employee had to work in this environment the boss would be legally accountable.

They can just find a better job, the franchisee loses everything.

Franchising has become a Predatory Environment

RU OK is a great concept!

Is it hypocritical for franchisors to be beating this drum?

Originally Posted:- http://www.robertjameshomeservices.com/franchisors-accountable-mental-health-issues-franchisess/

You Have Decided You Want to Start Your Own Business, Now What?

You want to be your own boss; you are sick of working for someone else and just barely getting by; you get paid the same every week no matter how hard you work.

Or maybe you fear that you could lose your job at any time?

Perhaps you feel like it’s time to make a change and take control of your future.

There is one major problem: you don’t have a lot of money to invest in a business. You are in a position where you need to get a positive income quickly. You do have to feed yourself and/or your family, there are bills to pay each week, and you just can’t wait months to get money coming in the door said Robert James and James Home Services.

Is a Service Business Franchise Right for You?

So, you believe a “service” business is the best match for you and your family—it’s relatively low-risk and offers positive cash flow reasonably quickly.

And with that, you decide to investigate the service franchise systems that are available in your marketplace. Many have proven systems, are well-known brand names, and have been around for over 25 years. They certainly should be able to fast track the growth of your business. They should have the ability to market your business, grow your customer base, and even educate you on how to be a successful business owner.

Their systems have stood the test of time and you should be able to take advantage of that.

In most cases, the franchisors know what it takes to make your business work and, just as importantly, what will make your business fail.

A good franchisor has years of experience in their business, great documented systems, a proven record as a franchisor, a strong support structure, and solid plans for future growth. Becoming a franchisee in one of these networks may be a perfect fit for you said Robert James and James Home Services.

The Only Problem is …

There is still one very big problem: you will need between $25,000 and $50,000 to invest in a quality system.

Some franchisors offer what’s called “vendor financing.” This is when the franchisor loans the business owner the money to purchase into their franchise. These are a very dangerous trap for franchisees. You can find yourself relying on the franchisor to supply you with work, while at the same time owing them huge repayments. This is a recipe for disaster, and I recommend steering clear of these situations.

The ideal situation would be the best of both worlds

a)  Have access to the knowledge and systems of the proven franchise network

b)  The freedom of the independent service business.

That is exactly my book can give you.

You can learn the trade secrets of a national service franchise directly from the founder of James Home Services.

I personally turned my one-man band car cleaning business into a national network of over 400 franchisees. We were servicing approximately $20 million in home services each year. That is a lot of clean houses, mowed lawns, washed dogs, and detailed cars; and it all started with just one car client.

Over the course of 20 years, we helped more than 2000 families launch and sustain successful home service businesses. Our franchisees operated across many different services. These secrets have a proven track record that is second to none. If you follow these steps and develop them to suit your “service of choice” they will work.

What Do You Really Want?

The next challenge is deciding what you really want from your business. This can be very difficult at this stage and may seem too tough to answer because of all the uncertainty that surrounds the possible outcomes of your new venture. Believe me, I get it!

When we started a new franchisee, this was one of the first coaching questions we would ask. Understandably, many found this goal setting quite difficult. If setting specific goals is a new experience it can be quite unnerving. But, it is vital to the success of your business no matter the field.

“You get what you plan to get. If you plan nothing then that is

what you will get, nothing.”

I recommend you look at this on three levels:

1. The Long-term final finished business goals (5 to 10 years).
2. The Mid-range goals (1 to 2 years).
3. The NOW goals (1 month to 1 year).

The Long-Term Plan

What does your long-term, final, finished business look like? In the “big” picture give yourself the opportunity to dream big. Given the time and motivation, these principles will take your business to any level you choose.

I should also say that these are your goals and it is totally up to you what you want your business to look like. It doesn’t matter if you plan to build a national home services network or a weekend business that can help fund your semi- retirement.

Document your personal goals and the business goals. Address your financial targets as well as your personal targets.

The Mid-Range Plan

These goals are the signs that you are heading in the right direction. These may be your first “reward” goals.

Perhaps a holiday you’ve always dreamed of, a new car, or the deposit for your new home. They might be business growth goals such as new employees, or personal goals like picking up your kids from school every day. Give yourself clear targets and outcomes so you know when you have hit the mark.

The NOW Plan

What do you have to do right now? This plan is all about survival. If you don’t survive until the 12-month mark, everything else is irrelevant. It is very true that you must have money to pay the bills, feed yourself, and to just get by.

We are starting this business understanding that you are on a limited budget and need a positive income quickly. You do need a “NOW Plan” and you need it right now.

The “Now Plan” may not be as inspiring as the Mid-Range and Finished Business goals. But they can be even more motivating. The fear of failure can certainly give you motivation to get yourself going.

The first thing you need in your NOW Plan is your break-even point. How much income do you need to be in a neutral cash flow position? How much turnover will be needed so you can hold your current position?

Reaching the break-even point as quickly as possible is vital. That will give you the time needed to develop your business and your own skill.

If You Survive You Can Learn to Thrive

The principles you will learn in this book will give you the tools to build an extraordinary home services business. Take the first step and decide what you want from your business. Everyone has different goals and will design their own interpretation of the home service business model said Robert James and James Home Services.

Every one of our 400 franchisees had exactly the same business system that we helped put in place. But, each one built a different business that reflected their own personal needs and achievements.

The Gold:

• A service business is a great business to start if don’t have a lot of money to invest in a business. You need to get a positive income quickly.
• You can learn the trade secrets of a national service franchise directly from the founder of James Home Services.
• Decide what you really want from your business.
• You get what you plan to get. If you plan nothing then that is what your will get, nothing.
• If you survive you can learn to thrive.

Originally Posted:- http://www.robertjameshomeservices.com/you-have-decided-you-want-to-start-your-own-business-now-what/

Successful family businesses can save our world

Family Businesses’ that support families build successful communities.

Strong communities build a positive growth economy both locally and nationally said Robert James and James Home Services.

Then in turn our world.

We all get lost in looking for the “big corporate guys’ to fix everything.

Maybe you think the banks or the government or any of big public companies or the franchisors are going to come to the rescue ?

IT’S NOT GOING TO HAPPEN!

The “Big Guys” don’t care for our families’.

They care about the amount of money they can TAKE from every household.

Robert James and James Home Services said we have all seen the banks and franchisors destroy families both financially and emotionally.

They spend $millions on covering up their crimes but $0 on compensation to those they have treated poorly.

Successful independent family business have a very different set of values, the business is reliant on relationships.

The family business is in business to GIVE to the family.

Familybusinesses are based on suppling quality services or goods to return clients said Robert James and James Home Services.

smallbusiness success is passed on successfully caring or serving people on every level.

Originally Posted:- http://www.robertjameshomeservices.com/successful-family-businesses-can-save-our-world/

How to Make your Business and Family Life Work Together

Growing both a business and a family at the same time is not only extremely rewarding, it’s also very challenging. The day-to-day demands on your time can be difficult to prioritise on the run. I have spent the better part of the last 20 years of my life helping business owners build their businesses so that they work for their families. In that time I’ve seen over and over again that this struggle is ongoing for many people said Robert James and James Home Services.

Time seems to be the biggest problem – specifically, there never seems to be enough of it. Achieving the right balance between time spent working on the business and participating in family life is an ongoing challenge, especially in the rapidly changing world we live in. Making the daily business decisions between the important and the urgent can become more and more difficult, and puts pressure on all the other decisions you have to make, both in the business and at home.

Is the success of your family business putting pressure on your family? Are you feeling torn between your family and business? Have you missed important family milestones? Have you missed seeing your sons first steps because you are away working interstate on making the big deal happen that will take your business to the next level. Do you just struggle to get Saturdays off from your business to see your kids football, netball, dancing or basketball games?

I had days that I felt like I was in a free fall. Everyone wanted a bit of me and my time. Sometimes I would be drawn into dealing with the “urgent issues” in the business and family. I would realist I had neglected the important people or events. Then I would feel bad about it. That time I would feel conflicted about where I should give my time. I knew my business needed my attention, it was growing rapidly. But I knew I wanted to give my family the time they needed and deserved.

I know where I wanted to get too, In both family and business. I felt I was heading in the right direction, but I wasn’t 100% sure if I had the plan to get there. There were issues that I knew needed to be dealt with for the long term good, but I was getting distracted by the daily events. It felt like it was a consistent struggle to keep the balance the between business and family. If these problems sound familiar then you’re reading the right book, this book will give you the tools to put that balance back into your business and family life said Robert James and James Home Services.

This book will give you a structure to help you maintain your focus and balance on both your business and family. It will show you a framework and give you practical tools that have been proven to work. When things don’t go to plan, the systems and processes I will share will give you the ability to achieve the best result possible. And when you are riding the wave of success, I will show you how to make the most out of those opportunities.
Your business exists for the benefit of your family. There are traps that businesses historically fall into, and there are pragmatic systems to deal with them. The emotional energy that drives your business can also be the emotion that clouds your judgement. The storms that can rock a family can also very quickly destroy a business. This book can show you how to get both your family and business through these storms.

Robert James and James Home Services sharing experience how achieving the dream of both successful business and a thriving family life can be your reality. Nothing is more rewarding than knowing that you made this happen. Balance is a practical guide to helping you make that dream come true. These tools will work if you give it your best shot, stay on your path and enjoy the ride.

Originally Posted:- http://www.robertjameshomeservices.com/make-your-business-family-life-work-together/

The Common Traps For Successful Business Owners

You running your own business and it is actually succeeding,Now what?

You have done the start up hard yards and things are really happening.

You have got this game nailed or have you?

You probably know what you know, and you may even know about some things that you don’t know.

But the real problem when trying to manage your business and your family is usually what you don’t realise that you don’t know! 

With this in mind, it’s time to think about some of the most common ‘traps’ for new players in the game of growing a successful business and successfully growing your family. I am attempting to raise your awareness of some of the possible traps (and I mean just some of the possible traps). 

So, let’s get into it.

Some of the common traps for new players are: 

Thinking you have already arrived: At 29. I was ‘the man’. It is only a matter of time before this one jumps up and bites you. The danger is that this attitude stops you from going any further. It blinds you to opportunities and threats. 

I’m the master of my universe, right? 

Not accepting there will be growing pains: Growth requires change, and change can be painful to accept both on the business and on the family front. A growing business requires change, but so does a growing family. Not accepting the reality of this can sneak up on you said Robert James and James Home Services. 

Are you still pretending? 

· Not buying into the big dream: If you truly haven’t bought into the plans to take your business to the next level, or the idea of truly balancing your family commitments, you haven’t fully bought into your ‘big dream’. You will be undermining yourself. 

Do you really believe it will happen? 

Listening to the wrong people: In the uncertainty of growth and change, you have to be pragmatic enough to understand that not everyone wants you to have a happy ending. So, be careful whose advice you take, but be patient with those who give it. Listen for the intent. Some family members, lawyers, anyone selling advertising and some accountants have their own ‘axe to grind’.

Do your advisers really have your long-term best interests at heart? 

Understanding your own self-image: The day I became a Dad was the most amazing awakening of my life. I really love being a Dad. From that day on, I saw this as ‘the basis of how I saw me’,everything else came after my role as a Dad.

I have had to change my own self-image on a ‘business front’ on many occasions, and each and every time it is a challenge.

Strangely, other people seem to want to ‘keep me in a box’ of what they think I should be. Ignore those who are arguing for the old-school you. I have learnt to understand the change, and to embrace the new self-image on all fronts.

 How do you see yourself? 

· Staying in your own comfort zones: We all get comfortable doing things a particular way, but you are in an ever-changing environment, both with your business and your family! It’s time to get uncomfortable.

Focus on one of your ‘comfort zones’.

Does it have value to you? What is that value? 

Underrating the journey: On the business front, this is underrating what resources will be needed to take your business to the next level.

On the family front, being a parent is the only job you work 24/7 with no pay, have no holidays, and rarely hear ‘thank you’!

Any person attempting to do both can feel very overwhelmed. 

If you are felling that way, maybe it’s time to take a timeout? 

Overrating the journey: It is very easy to become caught up in the potential problems. No-one said it would be easy, but sometimes the problems are all we can see, so we just stay the same said Robert James and James Home Services.

Many people delay starting their family because they are waiting for the ‘right time’ – but anytime is the right time. You will adapt.

If you get too caught up in all the challenges, you freeze and do nothing! Does it all seem overwhelming to you? 

Not investing in your own education: The single most important investment you will ever make is in your education. Become a professional student; it is the only way to become a master.

The parenting gig is the same: children don’t come with manuals. No two kids are the same. Being a parent is a work in progress, and your spouse’s job is just as demanding as yours. When I first started down this road as a 27 year old, I was given some very pragmatic advice: ‘All you have to do is improve half a percent every week, and you can be anywhere you want in just five years.’ 

Are you investing enough in your education? 

Not knowing what you don’t know: This is the stuff you can’t see coming. If you have no awareness, you just can’t deal with it. This can blindside you at 11.28 am on a very ordinary Saturday morning. 

Are you prepared? 

There are countless issues in life that we are unaware of, and it can be impossible to really know what the future holds. We should all slow down and evaluate whether or not we have stumbled into any of these traps. 

Robert James and James Home Services have worked with over 2000 small business owners over the last 25 years. If I’ve learned anything, it’s that in most cases issues that need dealing with are straightforward.

The solution could be more marketing, an improved sales process, or increasing profitability per sale. 

The biggest challenges in business and life are actually the ones you could never possibly have dreamed would happen to you.

Both good and bad!

It’s the things you don’t know, you don’t know, that  usually get you !

Originally Posted:- http://www.robertjameshomeservices.com/the-common-traps-successful-business-owners/

Running Your Own Business is Absolutely the Best Game in Town

There is no doubt running your own business is absolutely the best game in town. As I said before ,there is no other game that can give you as much fun, excitement, opportunities, and rewards that running your own business can give you.

Running a successful business will change your life.

It will require you to,

• decide on where you want to go,
• get through your comfort zones,
• Willingness to learn new stuff
• have discipline to stick to these proven systems.
• Be willing to ask for help and accept it along the way.
• most importantly take constant action.

Most people are risk averse This is why making the decision can be the hardest step.

Your own self-doubt may get it the way. Family and friends may even be “warning” you to be very careful. The news always gives the bad news of about businesses failing. With tall this in mind, being fearful is an understandable way to feel. 

For many it is difficult to make that decisions on long term gaols because they are so worried about failure. But don’t nothing is the biggest failure of all. If you love dogs or gardening or yoga or hairdressing and you love giving great service who are on the right track. You just have to decide where you want to have a successful business and then do it said Robert James and James Home Services.

If you have always dreamed of being your own boss, then decide to live your dream.

There will be personal comfort zones that you will have to get through. I know I been uncomfortable for most of my business life. Every time you try something new, it will feel uncomfortable. Once you get through these comfort zones you will also achieve your greatest life victories.

If you want to be successful in your business, you have to be willing to learn. This is can be confronting for many? I have seen many business owners so worried that the aren’t smart enough to learn. This can go back to their schooling history or the conditioning from society or family Said Robert James and James Home Services.

If you are told something long enough, you can start to believe it. You have to open yourself up to learning and challenge the belief that “You should know anything”. The principles in this book have been proven 1000s of time, take them on and learn them until they become second nature. You have to be first open to the learning and use that education to build your personal confidence

I will take true discipline to stick to these proven systems. All professionals learn to stick to their systems especially under pressure. To make the transition to professional business owner you do have to make you to stick to these systems. The systems have been proven, they work in the market place. Don’t second guess them, just do it and watch the results.

Learning to ask for help may sound a bit new age or you may even think is a sign of weakness. I believe the opposite is the true. A pragmatic business owner knows that to deal with a problem as quickly as possible can require the help of others.

For me personally, I have had a mentor, a presenting coach, a long-term business coach, a writing coach and a digital marketing coach. I understand my world is changing and I have to evolve to keep up with the changes. If you reach out and learn from the right people, you can learn anything you require. I believe you will be surprised yourself, if you have that willingness to ask for help.

But most importantly you have to take consistent action. It has to be the consistent with the systems that are leading towards your final business. Every day get up, go to work and do what you are supposed to be doing.

My warning here is to watch for your own creative avoidance. I recall myself cleaning my own car to avoid the cold call marketing in the early days of my business. Those comfort zone can help you find other stuff to do to not having to deal with the stuff that needs and should be done.

There was a great fella I used to coach, Bob.

Bob was a great carpet cleaner and pest control operator. He has a long serving military serviceman. He had spent over 20 years in the air force, he had made the move to get out and started his own business.

His business was very up and down. It went from great weekly turnover to low turnover, this was totally freaking Bob out. He had had a consistent income for 20 years and now he had no idea what his income would be next week.

Bob was very worried. When I say worried, I mean 24/7 worried. Even when Bob had a big week, he was already worried that next week because was “certainly going to be less”. He took worrying to the next level, he had built his own spreadsheet that proven how inconsistent his turnover income was. I spent hours studying his spreadsheet. Then he would invest hours in worrying about his next week turnover.

I sat down to do the business coaching with Bob, after I heard him out about what he though was his problem, (He pointed out, all the above,) Clearly, he believes his inconsistent income was the problem.

I asked a simply question. “What are you doing about it? ” Bob’s answer?  He pointed to his spreadsheet then said, “I’m worrying about!’ He was worrying so much that he couldn’t sleep at night, he would lay in bed worrying next week’s income. He spent weekends studying his perfectly neat, unto date spreadsheets trying to predict “How bad next week was going to be!”.

Bob though he was acting, he was putting a lot of energy into worrying. He was making himself busy, but he wasn’t taking action that lead towards the long-term business goals. Worrying is NOT action, it is a negative thought. It did then lead him to take avoidance action. This was a life habit of Bob, to quote him “he was a worrier, always had been.”

Robert James and James Home Services advice to Bob was to stop wasting his life worrying, instead focus on his systems, take action and do what he was required to do to build his business.

Simply, He had to do step #1 every day, Market his business daily. He was ignoring the first step and replacing it with his own “worrying systems” that did nothing but undermine his success and put replace his life habit into his business. Bob stopped worrying, (I gave him two weeks leave from worrying, he thought he could do without worrying for a couple weeks) and he took action.

He followed our systems and did step #1 Marketing every day, it worked. It was a turning point for Bob in his business and life. He decided that he could take permanent leave from worrying and replace in with a new habit of taking positive action and it worked. He lived the dream, he became a very successful business owner.

There is no doubt running your own business is absolutely the best game in town.

Running a successful business will change your life. You can do this, so do it.

The dream is yours, you are the one who can make it a reality.

The Gold:

• decide on where you want to go,
• get through your comfort zones,
• Willingness to learn new stuff
• have discipline to stick to these proven systems.
• Be willing to ask for help and accept it along the way.
• most importantly take constant action.

Originally Posted:- http://www.robertjameshomeservices.com/running-own-business-absolutely-best-game-town/

If a Problem Won’t Go Away, then it is Your Solution to a Bigger Problem

Do you have a problem in your business? Is your business at a tough crossroad? Is there a problem that won’t go away?The real problem is you.

If your problem won’t go away then the problem is a solution to tougher problem you don’t want to deal with”.

I don’t know what your exact problem is, but I do know there is also one solution to your problem.The solution is you.It’s time to take a look in the mirror and give yourself a good talking too?

Do you have a handle on where you are at?

Do you know how you want your adventure to end?

You do know there is something blocking you from achieving what you want to achieve?

Get your big boy or girl pants on, puff out your chest and let’s get into it. I don’t want you to think about what others think of you. I want to you to focus on your own self-awareness. Understanding when you are, or are not the problem, is vital to getting the best out of your business and family life. Self-awareness can be very confusing said Robert James and James Home Services.

I can recall in the very early days of my car cleaning business, I started a habit that would eventually set the tune for my life. I was only 23 years of age, and a professional horse trainer who was struggling to feed my wife and 2 sons. I decided to start cleaning cars to fill up the day and make some extra money. I saw a lot of businesses, with a lot of people and a lot of dirty cars. I thought, how hard it could be to build up a car cleaning business? It would have cash flowing through the door.

Someone told me, “You should get some brochures to hand out.” Sounded like a good idea to me so, I designed my own, very basic brochure. It was a hand-written, rough sketch and design. I wandered into a print shop around the corner, handed over my design and ordered just 500 copies. That should do the job, I thought, I’ll have the customers lining up in no time. About a week later, the printer had my brochures finished, and my very first marketing campaign was ready to launch to all the businesses in my area.

Imagine this: it is 8.30am on a Monday morning, I have my brochures in hand, I walk up to the first business on the main street and, you want to know what happened? I just froze, I couldn’t get past the front door. It was like an invisible force field had appeared to stop me from entering with brochures in hand. Robert James and James Home Services had been to this business before as a customer, and had walked straight through the door with no sign of this new impregnable invisible force stopping me from taking that step. I decided I should try next door, confident it was unlikely to have the same force field. The same thing happened, I just could not get a step inside with my brochures in hand. So, I decide it’s time to go home, spend the day washing my car, it was way too dirty to represent my new venture. If you have ever had to cold call any new businesses, you may have experienced this strange phenomenon. It is called “fear”.

The next day arrived as it always does. I am not unintelligent, overnight I worked out that it was not the businesses that had this force field of fear. Apparently, it was all of my own doing. Go figure. Take 2, day 2 – relaunch with a new determined attitude, I’m just going to do it. Again, I’m at the front door of business number one. I take 3 very deep breaths, may have nearly hyperventilated. Then, with one huge breath, I literally go running into the business, drop the brochure on the front counter and, in a single, very long sentence say, “Hi, I’m Robert I’ve started a new mobile car cleaning and detailing business in the area, if you want your car cleaned, call me.” With that, I spun on my heels and bolted for the door. All done with only one breath. I repeated this process another 500 times. Not once did I get rejected, I didn’t give them the chance. I did get one $10 car wash, I actually tripped on the way out, fell to the ground and the receptionist had the opportunity to yell out, “my car is filthy, can you clean it now?” Which I did, and my business was born.

Looking back, I know I was the problem, not the 499 businesses that I didn’t manage to sell to. My first major life changing self-awareness hit me right between the eyes – I had absolutely no natural sales skills. I also know how much I enjoyed reading, and that I was a very fast learner. I had very little money, so I thought to myself, I wonder if there are books at the library on learning to sell? I was absolutely stunned to find that there were rows of sales books at my local library. I was truly amazed; I was very young and naive.

Little did I know at the time, that it was my first step into self-education, that would take me on an unbelievable adventure that I never could have imagined. Over the next 12 months, I immersed myself in my personal sales education. I read a new sales book every week, I practiced every day, I tested different scripts and measured my results. By the 3-year mark, I could convert 1/3 of my cold calls. Not only could I do it, but the tools I developed could be used by my staff, and they would get the same conversion rates. The same procedures would end up standing the test of time, and be one of the foundation systems that would grow the $24 million a year home services network.

All because I knew I was the problem. Because of this self-awareness, I also became the long-term solution.

Robert James and James Home Services said If you have a pragmatic handle on your own strengths and weaknesses gives you a personal foundation that will help you deal with whatever lays ahead.

Getting “Balance” in your business or family life is always about the decisions you do or don’t make.

Originally Posted:- http://www.robertjameshomeservices.com/if-problem-wont-go-away-your-solution-bigger-problem/

Build Your Force Fields

It is takes nearly superhuman strength to balance both your business and family. Both of them are at risk of many possible attacks from many possible directions. A force field is a field of protection you put up around all the important things, to keep the bad stuff out. This metaphor can be over all areas of your business, family and yourself. The time to build your protection is not when you are under attack, but in preparation before the dangers are present. The important things in your life should always be protected as much as possible said Robert James and James Home Services. 

Keeping your own, personal self-balance is necessary. The best start to building a force field around yourself, is learning to handle the stresses of the everyday. It is very easy to carry the challenges of the day around in your head 24/7. Learning how to leave work at work, and home at home doesn’t happen without building a consistent, conscious pattern. Set up a “turn on switch” and a “turn off switch”. My start of the work day was always a coffee, by myself at a local coffee shop. I would spend 20 minutes planning my day before I did anything. My end of the work day was to sit down and go through my list for the day, see if there were any chores that had to be finalised, or if I could move them to the next day in my diary. My turn on switch at home was cooking dinner. I’ve always enjoyed cooking, especially for my family. They would sit up and talk with me and we’d catch up on the day. I’d cook dinner most nights, it wasn’t a chore for me, it actually became a mental relaxation. The creative process of putting dinner together for my family, was positive daily reinforcement of what I strove to achieve from my day – my business working for my family.

For you, it could be going to the gym or for a run, walking the dog with your partner or playing with your children. It may be giving your partner a kiss and hug as you leave and enter your home, to start the day or finish it. Decide what will be the force field that protects you from the daily stresses. Think about it and what you want those decisions to signify. You have to decide to be 100% at work when at work, and 100% at home when at home.

None of the key areas of your family or business should ever be left exposed to unnecessary risk. Robert James and James Home Services recommend designing your business structure with consideration taken to the likelihood of the key risks in your industry. Build a business structure that protects the business from all types of risk factors or attacks. The biggest danger to all family businesses is divorce. 55% of marriages end in divorce these days. You can be totally committed to a relationship and your partner can work out of your neighbour tomorrow leaving you to clean up the mess. Prejudicial agreements and family trust structures may not be very romantic, but they certainly make it clear were everyone stands.

It gets more complicated in blended families, as was the case with my family. I had set up a separate Family Trust, prior to my second marriage. These assets had been owned by that Family Trust for 10 years, before I had even met my second wife. The assets of the second marriage were held in a trust that gave my second wife clarity as to what our joint assets were. When you have a Stepparent involved, there is certainly a need to protect the family assets that belong to the children from your first marriage. I saw my ex-wife transform as her mental illness got the better her. Much of that rage was directed towards my (by this time) grown children from my first marriage. Her next husband even funded an attack on the assets of my children. Be pragmatic with how you build your structure to protect everyone against any fallout, if the marriage doesn’t survive. I hope you never have to use it.

Business force fields – your businesses and their assets need to be placed under protection as well. Evaluate the key risk factors in your business said Robert James and James Home Services, and build your force field in the form of the structure that the business operates under. Where possible, these assets are safest when held in a non-trading company. It is wise for all Intellectual property to be held away from key trading companies. User agreement can be entered into by the enteritis. The agreement should revert back to the parent non-trading company if any of the trading businesses are at risk. Invest in the long-term structure of your business, in the very beginning. Most new business owners don’t do their homework, thinking that none of that will happen to them. Where possible, don’t give any personal guarantees. In addition, never give your bank security over your company’s intellectual property. The biggest commercial risk to your business is your own bank.  If you actually read your loan agreement you would never sign your life away to a bank. But, they are a necessary evil in your commercial world. Again, never let your bank control your intellectual property. Second biggest risk is the Tax Office. It is near impossible to stand up to either if they decide to cash you out. I know you may think this sounds negative, but the day someone attempts to attack your business and family, you will be very grateful for your commercial force fields.

I was fortunate enough to have a mentor, who taught me all of this when I was a young, naïve entrepreneur. The time to build your protection is not when you are under attack, but in preparation before the dangers are present. The important things in your life should always be protected as much as possible.

Originally Posted:- http://www.robertjameshomeservices.com/build-your-force-fields/

Is Australian Franchising in Danger ?

Franchising’s future in Australia certainly appears to be uncertain. Any brand that isn’t global, isn’t really a strong brand anymore. Being a big fish in a little pond only works while you have a pond. The pond dries up and the big fish dies. Our separation from the world of 20 years ago has gone said Robert James and James Home Services.

It was much easier to be the local hero in the good old days. The bigger you got, the bigger you got. Brand names in Australia stayed the long run. Australians loved and trusted the Australian brands. It could have been Holden or Commonwealth Bank or Telecom or BHP.

But history has shown that brand locality didn’t go both ways.

Holden moved their manufacturing overseas. Commonwealth Bank turned into ComBank among many crimes hide staff members stealing form superfunds and hide movement of funds overseas. Telecom “evolved” into Telstra delivered awful services and moved huge number of jobs off shore. BHP was the Great Australian. I was a Hunter Valley boy and watched the impact the closing of the BHP steel industry in Newcastle, NSW had on many Families.

So, the brands went global, but so did the customers.

This is now happening in franchising. Franchisors always have had two markets.

1. The services or goods they retailed: Coffee or burgers or house cleaning or finance or building houses or electrical goods.
2. The People who buy franchises. (Franchisors “sell” franchises). No matter how some franchisors pretend that selling is a dirty word. If they have a product and someone pays them for it, they are selling!

The sale of the goods and services speak for themselves. People will always buy those services or goods, many of the retail franchises are in danger if the product can just as easily be bought the online. Most “Services” will always need to be based in Australia.

In the 1990s franchisees needed the intellectual property of the business systems belonging to franchisors. They wanted help to market and brand their businesses. 

Now the same business systems can be easily and more cheaply be accessed on the web. Small business can get the training and help to market their businesses from online professionals.

Simply, Potential small business owners don’t have to be franchisees to get access to proven business systems, professional support and training. 

Add the Aussie tall poppy syndrome, it is easy to attack franchise brands in Australia. Australian franchise systems can easily be target of the professional trolls who make money out of undermining brands said Robert James and James Home Services. (Small pond also makes it easy to spear the big fish) There is big money in this. (The attacks on RFG are nothing new in franchising in Australia). There is a group with organised connections who profit from these attacks. . Many people have profited on the drop in RFG share price.

What is the answer?

Australian franchisors have to actively make their business systems better. They systems and services have to be better than what is offered online. Their businesses systems have to deliver better than in 1995.

The businesses have to be family friendly and build loyalty to the brand from the culture within their franchisees. Franchisees have to be treated as business owners and not low-level employees.

Franchisor have a responsibility to grow brands globally but the challenge is to maintain the standards of the products locally. For both of the services or goods delivered to the customer as well as the systems and services delivered to franchisees.

Franchisors have to invest the evolution of their systems that support franchisees to develop business that serve their families.

The challenge is that the world is changing so quickly that it is hard to see Australian franchisor evolving quickly enough to keep up with the global changes.

We can keep blaming “negative press” or use this time to build foundations that can carry franchising forward for the next generation said Robert James and James Home Services.

Franchising in Australia should be about delivering the Aussie dream of running a great family owned business that works for the family unit.

Originally Posted:- http://www.robertjameshomeservices.com/is-australian-franchising-in-danger/

Don’t Wait Until Life Rocks You to Look for Balance

When it comes to a balance between family and business, I don’t believe I have all the answers. Nobody does. I do, however, believe I know the questions that need to be answered to get that long-term healthy balance that is just right for you. Both my business and personal experience have brought me to this point.

Let me explain.

Powering ahead

I have to tell you, there was a time when I thought I had all the answers. It was 2005. I was in my mid-thirties and had four awesome kids: Hayden (15), Cameron (13), Nadine (11) and Rohan (2). I had a beautiful wife, Regan (the mother of Rohan and later on Luke), who – at the time – I believed would be my life partner. Hayden, Cameron and Nadine were from my first marriage, to my childhood sweetheart Alison. (Alison and I met when we were just 15 years old, and spent 15 years together. We were two kids in love, who grew apart and realised one day that we weren’t a real match for each other.)

At this time,Robert James and James Home Services like many ‘blended’ families, we had all moved into a very functional situation. On the business front, things were powering! I had grown my ‘one man’ car cleaning business into a national home services franchise network of 400-plus franchisees. Our group, James Home Services, was totalling more than $25 million in home services annually across Australia. We had all the trappings of success: ashy cars, a beautiful home on a horse stud in the Mooloolah Valley, a team of show jumping horses, great holidays, no shortage of funds, and a huge network of great friends and colleagues.

The business success had not been by accident. A combination of vision, entrepreneurial spirit, smart risk taking and a passion for small business, along with a good serve of hard work and determination, got us the results we wanted.

I thought I had it all worked out, that everything was perfect! Then one day, without any warning, my world was turned upside down in one single heartbeat.

The moment it all changed

Hayden, Cameron and Nadine were all very capable horse riders, and we spent many weekends competing in show-jumping events. One very ordinary Saturday morning we were all at the Gatton Agricultural Show. We had been at Gatton since the previous Thursday, camping in our truck. e kids were competing in their events and having an amazingly fun time together. Only Cameron and Hayden had events on Saturday, and Nadine had negotiated going home early with a girlfriend and her family.

It was all very normal.

I was sitting watching as Hayden warmed up to go in to compete. Cameron, having just finished competing, was heading back to our truck. Nadine ran up and gave me a hug, saying, ‘Love you Dad … see you later!’ She turned to head back towards her friend’s truck, her ride home. I returned my attention to Hayden.

Then, just seconds later, at 11.28 am, I heard the most terrifying scream of ‘Dad!’, and instantly recognised the voice of Cameron, who was running towards me at full speed, his face full of fear. He screamed again, ‘Dad … Nadine is down!’

‘Has she been kicked?’ I asked. This was my first thought.

In tears, he said, ‘I don’t know, she’s just in a heap.’

I ran as fast as I could towards the commotion, and the first thing I saw as I got to Nadine was a woman in riding gear doing CPR on my daughter! The woman was screaming, ‘Get the ambulance, get the ambulance!’ to a gate attendant. She said to me, ‘I’m a nurse – she’s in cardiac arrest!’

At that moment, a man started working with her. He turned out to be her husband, an off-duty police officer.

The ambulance arrived quickly from the arena, but the officer seemed way too casual as he got out – perhaps he was assuming it was a minor fall? A scream came from the nurse: ‘She has no pulse! She is in cardiac arrest!’

With that, the whole world turned into a surreal living nightmare. Police cars arrived, a second ambulance arrived with a paramedic on board, crowds gathered, and our whole family rushed to the scene. Friends took little Rohan away. We were all in complete shock.

I couldn’t believe it. Was I living every parent’s nightmare? Could I be watching my daughter die? This living hell went on for 15 excruciating minutes – 15 minutes of fighting to get her back, then Nadine’s heart started to beat again on its own. She was stabilised and taken to Gatton hospital.

At the hospital, I was left waiting in front of the emergency room with absolutely no idea about Nadine’s condition. Then a nurse walked out holding the little gold crucifix that Nadine always wore around her neck. In that moment, I was sure my daughter was gone.

My face must have shown it because the nurse quickly said Robert James and James Home Services , ‘No, no! She’s still alive. We had to put her in an induced coma to stabilise her for transport back to Brisbane.’

My daughter was ALIVE!

I went in to see her, and was shocked but also relieved at what I saw. She looked terrible, but she was alive. Not long afterwards, she was flown to Brisbane Mater Hospital. I could do nothing but watch as the helicopter took my baby girl into a grey sky.

It’s a 90-minute drive from Gatton to Brisbane. A friend drove as I sat, waited and hoped that I would see her alive again, her words still ringing in my head: ‘Love you Dad … see you later.’

‘Take everything, just give me my daughter back.’

Those first few days in Brisbane were terrifying: Nadine was in and out of consciousness in the ICU and it was impossible to evaluate any damage to her brain. Would she ever walk, talk or function normally again?

The worst was the early morning hours, between 1 am and 3 am. She had horrible night terrors and would wake up screaming, ‘I hate you, I hate you, you are not my father!’ I remember putting my head down on the bed and crying, believing that I had lost my beautiful daughter forever. That night, I prayed: ‘Take everything, just give me my daughter back.’ My despair was unbelievably overwhelming.

About a week later, Nadine was moved over to the heart specialist ward at the Prince Charles Hospital to have a defibrillator implanted, to manage any other arrests.

When we did get Nadine in front of the cardiologists, I was desperate for a glimmer of hope. Like all parents in this situation, I wanted to know how this was going to end. I remember asking the cardiologist, ‘What is the likely outcome?’ I also remember the very factual answers from the doctor: ‘Well, the survival rate of adult cardiac arrest is only 5%. For paediatric cardiac arrest, it is only 5% of that 5%! So, you can understand that to find ourselves in this situation is extremely rare …’

You can imagine how tormented we were. As well as this grim outlook, Nadine was showing all the signs of major head injury: rocking back and forth, she was clearly not mentally present, and she could not walk unassisted.

Then on a Friday afternoon, nearly two weeks after her heart attack, the surgeons implanted Nadine’s defibrillator. The doctors told me that she would be groggy after the procedure, so I went home for some much- needed rest. The next day, when I returned to the hospital, Nadine was sitting there watching television as if nothing had ever happened – she had just ‘woken up’. I couldn’t believe it: my daughter had returned.

In the following weeks, it became clear that there was some memory loss. She had forgotten how to write, which she relearned very quickly, but her math skills were not up to her previous very high standards. Within five weeks, she was back at school

It is the ‘extremely rare situations’ we find ourselves in that can be the most awakening and unsettling. We all believe we have our act together. I believed I had always run my business for my family; I was Dad and partner first, then business owner. I didn’t know it at the time, but that ‘ordinary Saturday morning’ would have a major impact on my family and my business, forever. The systems that grew the business would become vitally important.

The cardiologist’s professional and pragmatic evaluation of the situation also stayed with me said Robert James and James Home Services. The acid test came from the ‘extremely rare situation’ that I found myself in. We all face daily acid tests of our priorities. Constantly balancing family and business life in an unbalanced world is a true challenge.

Hopefully it doesn’t take an ‘extremely rare situation’ to make you evaluate your current position.

Originally Posted:- http://www.robertjameshomeservices.com/dont-wait-until-life-rocks/

Dealing with Resistance In Your Own Camp

Are you struggling with dealing with resistance within your own family or business? Does it feel that the people who should be supporting you are the one’s placing problems in the way of your success?

One of the biggest challenges that you will face in getting to make your business and family dreams a reality are within your own camp. The family, employees and friends who have a direct or indirect connection to your business, family and yourself said Robert James and James Home Services.

The strange thing is that the people who are motivated to make it all a reality are the same people who have the most power to block your ability to make logical, pragmatic decisions needed to make it so.

We do need to be prepared to deal with the most likely areas of “resistance from within your own camp”

In the early days, you may find yourself “Working Overtime” to make it all happen. Your drive will very likely is the energy hat will build the momentum that will take the business to the next level. Family members may not like you working with you should be with them. This one is quite straight forward to deal with.

It is called “Negotiation”. First are they right? Are you letting the work invade your relationship? If they are right. See if you can renegotiate the work dairy, put your VIP in your life in first. Sometimes you may have to put focus on a business outcome. If so reinvest time into your personal “VIPS”. Take a week day off or a special lunch or make time. do the deal give your “VIPs the time they desire. If you are systematic having this problem checkout the chapters on Workaholic said Robert James and James Home Services. If someone you love wants your time, this sounds like a first world problem, as they say?

One of the most disappointing areas of resistant can come from “Family and Friends” who have their own dreams but aren’t doing anything about making them come too reality. Your Siblings, Cousins, Uncle Fred (Knows everything about everything) or your father in-law who was worked at Telstra for 20 years and hated every day of it.

Most people think it takes luck to be success in business, they will say how lucky you are to be living this exciting life as a business owner. We, your Brothers & Sisters in Family Business know you made your luck. know but they are also sitting there hoping you will “Crash and burn “to justify their own failure to be brave enough to have a true and proper go at it.’ I know this may sound too simple, just ignore them. Their opinions only have power if you give it to them. You can’t persuade them to change their attitude to living. They can have their opinion, but you can also decide if you take them on. If you want these people un your life agrees to disagree, and talk about the footy or the latest reality TV show.

The resistant you may face is from the family if you are giving up an established income form a job. For business that are already up and running this doesn’t come into the scheme of things, but at different levels of growth, cash flow can be put under pressure and you personally may have to take a “Pay cut’. If your business has value this should be very short term.

I have coached a lot of first time business owners, the first thing they are terrified of is not paying the bills. If this is still you, then work out what your personal breakeven is. Then work out of are you daily sales targets are to reach that income. Then go to work each day making the sales. The business should be held accountable to feed the family very early in the journey.

If you are getting resistant from business partners or employees to the growth plan then there are two areas of likely issues. Are you selling the dream to them? If you are unclear then the dream for them will be uncertain. Uncertainty creates fear with many people. You may give to address your own abilities to sell your idea’s. Get some coaching and education to develop your sale ability to a higher level.

The other angle is hey have a different or their own agenda for the business. Sell the dream, but if this is an employee is still resistant, make it clear it is your business and your vision, they can leave tomorrow.

For a business partner it is different, you must be on the same page or go and write separate books. Maybe again you must negotiate the “plan” to be consistent with both partner’s goals said Robert James and James Home Services. If this can’t be done? Well shake hands, do a deal and go your different ways.

Accept there will be resistance from areas within your own camp. Resistance creates strength. Instead of taking it personally, use it as an opportunity to develop your leadership skills. Understand those around you need reassurance to deal with their concerns.

Need to learn more to help get your Family and Business Life in Balance.

Originally Posted:- http://www.robertjameshomeservices.com/dealing-resistance-your-own-camp/

Surviving Life’s Emotional Storms

The greatest challenges you are going to face when balancing your business and your family are the things you never see coming. No matter how well you plan, evaluate and prepare, there are some challenges that will catch you completely off guard. At any given time, you can be hit by a ‘storm’ that turns your world upside down in a single moment said Robert James and James Home Services.

In my 25 years as a franchisor, I helped many families deal with countless emotional storms that put unimaginable stress and hardship on their families. Often times the emotional storms threatened to destroy their businesses. The list of storms has included death of a partner, life-threatening illness, mental illness, loss of a child, financial pressures, attempted suicide, suicide and divorce. When an emotional storm hits it takes you off track. You need to be aware that your judgement has probably become clouded. Beware of your opinions and trust your systems – they will not let you down.

I truly hope you are fortunate enough to never have to deal with any of these emotional storms, that you will never see them sweep through your family, business and life. I personally never dream of the impact that these events could have on me personally. I always thought they only happened to other people.

Getting to the other side

The answer is always the same to get to the other side: go back to the framework that got you where you are in the first place. Get up, dust yourself off and just keep at it.

For many people their default system during an emotional storm can instinctively be destructive. I had a very dear friend who, after years of struggling with a drug addiction, finally beat it and got her life in order. But the terrifying default reaction for her when things in her life didn’t go as planned was to head back to Sydney and the drug use, with the same people she had deliberately avoided. Others will start drinking heavily, others eat excessively, and many just do nothing, paralysed by the situation. None of these patterns is going to get you to the other side. The key is to trust the systems and frameworks that got you where you are today. Don’t overthink it, just do it.

Building your proven systems during a period when your thinking is logical and pragmatic ensures that they will work when you need them. The framework really is the same even when your life is in upheaval – you just need to get back on the program. When a storm hits, your opinion becomes clouded. It is not based on fact or clear knowledge. Ride the storm out no matter how long it takes. Only when the emotional turmoil has passed do you regroup and get back to building.

Relying on your strong foundations

When you are hit by a storm you will be very grateful that you laid those strong foundations. Those definite decisions you made when your mind was clear are still the best ones. It is very true that your perspective of the world and long-term direction may have to be re-evaluated. But, when you are in the storm, refrain from making any major decisions outside of your systems, if you can. Slow your game down and default to what your systems tell you to do.

The investments you made in your systems and your Pro Team can pay off during such times. With your Pro Team  already in place using proven systems, you can be sure autopilot will kick in. A Pro Team of Robert James and James Home Services can allow you to be partially – or even totally – absent if needed. I ran my whole business from the side of my daughter’s bed in the heart transplant unit at the hospital. Technology allowed me to still communicate with my team across the country. The systems and Pro Team were in place. They were solid, and could still make it happen, even though I could not drive the daily needs of the business. Your systems should be foundations for the whole culture of your business. Everyone should have confidence in your systems and their ability to pull you through any storm. These systems will be the way you regain your balance for your business, your family and yourself when, or if, you ever get hit by an emotional storm.

These storms can create huge damage to all those who go through them. Sometimes the main goal will be just to survive and get yourself to the other side. If you, your family and business get through the storm, there is always time to refocus on your journey, make new definite decisions, build more systems if needed, keep building that Pro Team, and get back to making it real.

To quote American country music country singer Rodney Atkins

If you are going through hell, keep on going, don’t slow down, and if you’re scared don’t show, you might get out before the devil even knows you’re there.

Remember this too will pass. If you need help to suvive the “Emotional Storm” reach out and there is always a way to get to the other side . Balance: How to Make Your Business and family Life Work Together said Robert James and James Home Services.

Balance Enterprises empower family businesses work for their families.Balance Enterprises.

Originally Posted:- http://www.robertjameshomeservices.com/surviving-lifes-emotional-storms/

“Family before Business?” Making the Definite Decision!

It is impossible to grow your business and balance family life? The business needs you to put in the big hours, the kids understand? You can’t have a family and a rapidly growing business? Something just has to give, you just can’t do that.

But you can and It all starts with a definite decision. 

‘YOU CAN’T DO THAT’

Throughout my business life, I have had endless self-proclaimed experts tell me, ‘you can’t do that’. I found that whenever some expert told me it couldn’t happen, I was very close to it happening. It became a sign that I was about to hit a big outcome, and it drove me to work that much harder at whatever it was.

My most famous, or infamous, naysayer was my very first accountant, Gary. Gary was my accountant when I first started down the road to becoming a franchisor. I was a 27-year-old horse trainer, running a successful mobile car cleaning business. I made a definite decision that I was going to franchise the concept, and create a national brand. So, I made an appointment with Gary the accountant as you do when you are required to make a decision like this. Gary’s office was in a little suburban shopping centre. It was just Gary and his one receptionist come admin assistant – it was a small office.

I sat down in front of Gary with my optimistic attitude, a cool logo, drafts of manuals, $20,000 in my bank account, and a business plan in quite a large notebook. I planned to go big, go national, or go home. I was going to recruit 20 new franchisees in the first 12 months, market hard, and make Robert James and James Home Services a national brand.

When I told Gary about my big dream, what do you think he said? First, he laughed – loudly. I don’t think I have ever heard anybody laugh any louder. And then, it went a little something like this:

Gary said, ‘No-one is ever going to buy franchises from you!’ I said, ‘What the …….’

He replied, ‘Why would they buy franchises from you, instead of the established systems?’

My response: ‘Because we will be better than everyone else!’ To which he replied, ‘You will never get it off the ground.’

‘Can you just sort out the company structure? I’ll deal with the actual business,’ I said, unimpressed.

And, as they say – the rest is history! I kept Gary on as my accountant for those first 12 months, just to prove him wrong of course. I recruited over 45 new franchisees in that first 12 months alone! We were off to a flying start, and James Home Services was born.

I recruited over 45 new franchisees in that first 12 months alone! We were off to a flying start, and James Home Services was born.

FINDING YOUR TRUE NORTH

You do have to decide what you want to achieve. I understand that may sound simple. After all, you make important decisions every single day. You also change your mind daily; it’s the normal pattern of things.

Some decisions will not impact your life forever, while others will. When you are definite on your long-term decisions, it gives you clarity. In today’s world of uncertainty, to lead a growing business and growing family, the true north needs to be a definite decisions. If you want to start on your journey, you must start with a decision as to where you want your journey to end.

Every day, you will be faced with decisions that can, and will, write your story. The decision to have or not have children is clearly one that will form the basis of your ‘big story’. Today many couples aren’t having children as young as previous generations. The traditional or ‘old school’ family unit is no longer the norm. Or you may already have a successful business said Robert James and James Home Services, and are now considering introducing children into the story. Or maybe you are deciding not to have kids at all. Either way, make a definite decision. Making no decision is the worst decision of all.

I have seen many business owners struggle with the definite part of the decision-making process. Typically, if you come out with, ‘what if I change my mind?’, you may well decide to change your mind at times.

Many things in life are negotiable, other key elements should never be negotiated away. Challenging your own thinking to give you the clarity you need is the starting point.

There is a process that helps us make those definite decisions. Clarifying what outcomes you want to achieve and don’t want to achieve becomes a very powerful tool in the decision-making process. When you have decided where you are heading long-term it gives clarity to the decisions you make every day Said Robert James and James Home Services.

Let’s have a look:

1. Give yourself a ‘time out’. Deliberately give yourself time out of the game to think things through. it can be 10 minutes or two months depending on the ‘size’ of the decision.
2. Inspect the decision. What is the real long-term outcome you are trying to achieve? What are you uncertain about? What is ‘real’ and what is only a movie in your own head?
3. Brainstorm options. If you need external information, then do your homework. Be patient and careful with those you get advice from. Make sure it’s professional advice, not just a mate’s opinion. Be open to the information but make up your own mind as to whether you want to take that advice on board.
4. Evaluate.This seems to be the bit most people don’t do. They free fall even after they have the full story, too scared to decide. Be brave; buy into your vision. Use the logic, not the fear, to make your decision.
5. Be pragmatic. Clear the fog. Put aside other people’s agendas. Disregard the gossip or what may be the ‘nice’ thing to do. e question is, what long-term outcome are you planning to achieve? Now you must decide and stick to your decision.

If you are struggling to make the definate decison? Balance: How to make your business and family life work together.

Originally Posted:- http://www.robertjameshomeservices.com/family-before-business-making-the-definite-decision/

9 Ordinary Steps to Extraordinary Service Business Success

The Robert James and James Home Services network grew form my single business to a 400-franchisee strong group, servicing over $20 million in home services each year. We educated over 2,000 individual franchisees to build their own extraordinary service business under the “James” trademark for nearly 25 years.

These Steps have stood the test of time. They have worked nationally and internationally. Our Franchisees were from many different nationalities and backgrounds and yet, they’ve consistently worked where it counts, in the actual marketplace.

Franchisee’s paid considerable initial and ongoing fees to have access to these foundation steps because they have consistently returned on the investment many times over for more a lot of people. For those who choose to use them, these 9 foundation systems will create extraordinary home service businesses.

We have added an extra foundation step while building your own brand. Under a franchise model, the branding step is done by the franchisor. I was that franchisor for all those years and we led the way in expanding the home service industry through franchising.

When we first started, the entry-level franchise was a relatively new concept. Franchising was the best way to teach the average person how to run a great home-based service business.

I have always been a true believer in the free enterprise system. There is nothing more rewarding than knowing you built your own business from the start into an extraordinary success. I helped thousands of Australians to do just that.

I believe with the changes in technology we can now share these foundation systems with a greater market worldwide. We can help more families grow extraordinary businesses in more services and in more countries. If followed correctly, I know these foundation steps can take any business to an extraordinary level.

#1 – Design Your Brand

This is where a franchisee network has a head start on the independent operator. The franchisor already has a brand and that brand should be well-known and have credibility in the marketplace. But you can easily design your own “Local Professional Brand.” With the use of the internet you have access to graphic artists and designers around the world who can help make your idea into your own real professional brand.

You can build can build your own “professional brand.”

#2 – Market Your Business Every Day

Marketing your business every day is just as much about the attitude as it is about the actions. It is about creating a habit of planting the marketing seed today to harvest the return in the future. Constant marketing activity will return a constant return in the long run. The key is to make this the most important step for today and the return will be there in the future.

How to market daily can take on many forms. We will take on both new age internet marketing to “old school” marketing. The rules to successful marketing haven’t changed, just the medium we use to deliver it.

The “how to” market is now more easily available to the average family home-based business.

#3 – Get the First Job

There is no point in having a great looking brand and constant marketing if you don’t have the quoting and sales process to convert the first enquiry. There is a definite process to get a high success rate with quoting on any services.

These quoting and sales processes will give you a 91% success rate in your face-to-face quotes. These systems have been successful in more than 8 different service business models. It is a matter of adopting the processes to your services, but the rules of presenting a successful quote will guarantee you get the vital “First Job.”

The ONLY way to get a regular client base is to “Get the First Job.”

#4 – Always Deliver on Your Promises

If you promise something, then you should deliver it—always. This may sound rather simple but many businesses make promises yet, they don’t deliver.

If you promise “prompt, professional, and friendly services” you have to deliver. Get to your client fast, be professional (on all levels), and be friendly. You will be stunned by how quickly your business will grow if you simply do what you say you will do.

Turning up when you say you will gives you a huge advantage over 90% of the service providers in the market. Most services providers simply don’t show up when they say they will.

Turning up and delivering on your promises goes a long way towards being successful.

#5 – Organise Your Business

This is the area where many good service businesses don’t pay enough attention. You could be the greatest home cleaner, gardener, pet groomer, carpet cleaner, or computer programmer; but if you are so unorganised that you don’t send invoices, pay your taxes, or do your follow-up marketing, your business will not get off the ground.

Many of the organisation areas and skills may be better off outsourced; doing so also requires some careful organisation.

#6 – Follow-up with Your Clients

Robert James and James Home Services: Build a long-term relationship with your clients. Following up with them shows your clients just how much you value the relationship. It will guarantee that you are delivering on your promises. By proactively asking the question you will be able to deal with any problems or areas of concern your clients may have.

The follow-up contact will also give you the opportunity to offer regular or additional services they are not currently taking advantage of.

#7 – Continue to Deliver

It is one thing to turn up once and deliver on your promise. The real challenge is to always turn up and always deliver. Especially as you grow, and your business starts to take off, the pressure of success can test the systems that deliver your services.

If the client starts to feel neglected, or that your service standards have dropped, they will go looking elsewhere.

Most regular clients are lost through perceived indifference.

#8 – Ask for The Referral

This is the fast track step that most service business just don’t do. If you are delivering the first 7 steps, asking for the referral will send your business into hyperdrive.

You do have to ask for the referral. We’ll talk more about this later.

#9 – Repeat the Process

Robert James and James Home Services: The ability to repeat the process over and over again, with every client, is the sign of a true professional. It takes true commitment to repeat this process.

Sticking to your systems and building true foundations with a long-term commitment will give you an extraordinary home service business. 

The Gold:

• These foundation steps can take any business to an extraordinary level.
• You can build can build your own “professional brand.”
• Marketing your business daily is about an attitude as much as it is the actions.
• Turning up and delivering your promise goes a long way to being successful.
• Many of the organisation areas and skills may be better off outsourced.
• Following up with your clients shows the value you have for them.
• If the client starts to feel neglected, or that your service standards have dropped, they will go looking elsewhere.
• You do have to ask for referrals.
• Repeating the process is the sign of a true professional.

Learn more:  Balance:How to make your Business and Family Life Work Together

Consider joining a Franchise Network?

Robert James, Founder James Home Services.  

Every business involves a level of risk, a franchise business is perceived to be a “safer” option.

But it is a business in which you have to carry the reputation of another person from whom you have taken the franchise. That includes the good and bad.

There are two parties involved in the business of franchising:

• the franchiser and
• the franchisee.

Robert James and James Home Services: Managing a franchise isn’t the role for everyone, it takes a willingness to learn the system and ability to manage a franchise business from merchandising, marketing to staff management. Consider these aspects before you choose to buy a franchise business. 

But with the proper planning, you can manage the business well and reap tremendous profits says Robert James as you have to carry on the brand reputation. You don’t have to start from the top, it is al made you just have to maintain it.

Few reasons for why you should consider franchising business

Investigate different franchise opportunities

According to the view of Robert James, the founder of James Home Services, The Franchising sector will present you with various franchise opportunities, you have to for investigate to find the right opportunities for you.

You can choose from the abundance of options, see the market demand and choose from home services to fast food. Before starting anything, you have to do proper research of the market.

Robert James advisers to review the market needs and demands, never invest before analyzing the franchise business thoroughly. Talk to franchisees, both current and former franchisees. After analyzing the franchise offer, decide if a franchise is the best opportunity for you or maybe you better suited to start an independent business.

Already built reputation

In the business of franchising, you will have the already built-in reputation. Good and bad the franchisors reputation will impact your business.

If the brand has a strong brand awareness, then a major part in the business is already accomplished. so, it becomes very easy for you to initiate the business. 

With franchising, businesspeople have the privilege of joining a good name that has previously built trustworthiness with consumers. You have to carry this positive reputation forward.

A full support from the franchisor

According to the view of Robert James, Founder of James Home Services, you shouldn’t have to feel burdened in the early days of your business. The franchisor should support you at every step in the beginning of the business.

Get yourself geared up as you will witness full support from the peers.

You should have a network of companions going through the same things you are.

It’s a privilege and opportunity to correlate with other success franchisees to discover the keys to success in the business, says Robert James.

 Everyday Innovation:

In the growing franchise network business, you will witness everyday innovation.

If the franchisor has a long term in the industry, they have a big research team that are busy innovating the products or systems.

Every business has to evolve to survive. No business can grow or even sustain without innovation.

 If you are working alone, you are under the relentless weight to come up with new ideas to stay relevant. As a franchisee, the franchisor should do a lot of the innovation work for you. They should have a committed team who develop new products and services for the business.

#IMPORTANT Examples of Social Media Business Ideas

Are you an expert when it comes to multiple social media channels? Robert James and James Home Services share business ideas for you. Before you get going, you’ll first need to see what others are doing to ensure you can keep up.

Social media enables businesses to directly reach and engage with their customers and target markets. If you have the right skills, you can launch a successful social media business.

Before you start your new business, you’ll need to see what is happening in this industry. Here are 10 examples of social media businesses to give you a snapshot of this industry:

1. YouTubers

A YouTuber is also known as a YouTube personality or influencer. They have gained popularity based on the content they produce on their YouTube channel.

This is also how they make their money. Before you start recording videos, here is an example of a YouTuber you can learn some insights from:

Business Name: GaryVee

Website: https://www.youtube.com/user/GaryVaynerchuk/featured

Established Date: 2007

About the business:

Gary Vaynerchuk is the chairman of VaynerX, a cutting-edge media and communication holding company. He is also the CEO of VaynerMedia, which is a full-service advertising agency servicing Fortune 100 clients.

Innovative business offering

Gary Vaynerchuk is a sought-after public speaker and New York Times bestselling author. He offers entrepreneurial insights and expertise from his industry experience and time spent assisting Fortune 100 companies. 

2. Social Media Merchant

You can use social media platforms to sell your own products or offer your services to sell products for a business. If you have enough experience and knowledge of social media, you can use this to start your social media business idea.

Before you launch your company, here is an example you can gain some insights from:

Business Name: J&Co Jewellery

Website: https://jcojewellery.com/

Established Date: 2012

Social Media Marketing Tips

About the business:

Jenny Kwang originally launched her store on Etsy making and selling jewellery. The business gradually grew through word-of-mouth and reviews from customers.

Related: A Free Business Plan Example to Launch Your South African Business 

Using Instagram they were able to increase their reach and connect with new customers, and it has become an indispensable part of their marketing strategy.

Innovative business offering

J&Co Jewellery specifically targeted women in the US from the age of 18 and above with a special interest in jewellery, apparel and accessories. 58% of their total sales were driven by Instagram transactions.

3. Social Media Influencer

A social media influencer is someone who has used social media to gain a following and established credibility in a specific industry. They tend to be authentic and reach larger audiences because they are sharing something that matters to a receptive target audience.

Before you launch your social media business, here is an example to help you learn strategies and ensure your business is a success:

Business Name: Kayla Itsines

Website: https://www.instagram.com/kayla_itsines/?hl=en

Established Date: 2012

About the business:

Kayla Itsines is a personal trainer, author and entrepreneur. Time Magazine has named her one of the 30 most influential people on the internet, because of her ability to use social media to promote her brand.

Innovative business offering

On her Instagram account, she offers motivational messages, exercise videos and before-and-after images of clients who underwent her Bikini Body Guides programme.

4. Social Media Advertising Specialist

A social media advertising specialist helps to drive traffic to websites, promote content and develop relationships with key influencers and target audiences.

If you’re have enough experience and social media skills this could be the social media business idea for you. Here is an example of a social media business to offer you insights before you launch your business:

Business Name: Version 8 Media

Website: https://v8media.co.za/

About the business:

Version 8 Media focuses on the bigger social media campaign to assist their clients increase their bottom line. They also focus on the cost-per-lead, the sale and the lifetime value of a customer.

Innovative business offering

Robert James and James Home Services: In addition to being a social media advertising specialist, Version 8 Media offer a comprehensive digital marketing service to ensure they are a one-stop shop for their clients.

5. Social Media Marketer

Consumers are already engaging with businesses through social media, if you can optimise this interaction for them by driving leads and sales you can make this into a business.

Related: The Ultimate 101 List Of SA Business Ideas To Get You Started

Before you launch your social media marketing business, you’ll need to see what’s happening in the industry first. Here is an example to help you learn the ins-and-outs of this industry:

Business Name: Lyfe Marketing

Website: https://www.lyfemarketing.com/

About the business:

Lyfe Marketing is an all-purpose social media marketing services company. They create and manage top performing social media campaigns for their clients. They incorporate social media strategies to help businesses grow and meet their goals.

Innovative business offering

In addition, Lyfe Marketing also offers website design services and search engine optimisation services to ensure their clients receive a comprehensive marketing service.

6. Community Manager

Are you good at managing your social media following? Do you have the right skills to do the same for a client? Before you start offering your services to businesses, you’ll first need to see what is happening in the industry.

Here is an example of a social media business that will offer you insights into the industry:

Business Name: ICUC Social

Website: https://icuc.social/

About the business:

ICUC Social Focuses on online community management services, which are now vital to keep social media channels engaged with clients. Having someone constantly monitoring your social media channels gives you an edge over others who only monitor during office hours.

Innovative business offering

In addition to their community management service they will also assist their clients in building, scaling and engaging an authentic community online.

7. Social Media Customer Support Rep

There are numerous businesses that direct their customers to their social media platforms as their customer service or support channels to engage with their clients in faster and transparent ways. This only works for a business if they have responsive social media channels. 

Related: Your Free Business Idea Evaluation SWOT Analysis Template

If you’re good at both social media and customer service this could be the social media business idea for you. Here is an example of a social media customer support rep business you can learn from:

Business Name: Influx

Website: https://influx.com/

About the business:

Influx provides customer service using a comprehensive, 24/7, all year-round offering. This means no matter when their clients customers engage on social media, they will be there to respond.

Innovative business offering

Influx offers a pay as-you-go pricing model for all their clients, this enables them to support both start-ups and established businesses.

8. Social Media Copywriter

Are you good with words? Are you a talented social media user? You could sell your skills and become a social media copywriter. Before you start your business, you’ll need to see what other businesses are offering and how you can improve their services.

Here is an example of a social media business you can gain insights from:

Business Name: Hello SEO Copywriting

Website: https://helloseocopywriting.com/index.html

About the business:

Hello SEO Copywriting offers engaging social media copy updates, attention grabbing images, titles and hashtags, as well as posts designed to increase retweets and shareability. They also manage client’s social media channels and pro-actively increase their number of followers.

Innovative business offering

In addition, to their social media offering, Hello SEO Copywriting offer website copywriting services, digital marketing services and blog packages.

9. Podcaster

Do you have a voice for radio? Do you love talking and sharing interesting stories? You could launch a podcast as your social media business.

Related: How To Launch a South African Podcast

Before you start recording, you’ll first need to know a little about podcasting and how to ensure you remain competitive in this creative space. Here is an example of a podcast business you can learn from:

Business Name: Dark Stuff With Christina and Suann

Website: https://darkstuff.transistor.fm/

Established Date: 2017

About the business:

Dark Stuff With Christian and Suann focuses on the topic of true crime, as well as horror movies and books, and tragic accidents. This podcast is also available on numerous listening platforms to ensure they’re increasing their potential target market.

Innovative business offering

Selecting a niche topic means that they have attracted a very specific audience from around the world and stand out in the crowd of podcast options. You won’t be able to engage an audience if you’re trying to appeal to everyone.

10. Content Strategist

A social media content strategist helps to capture the interest of a business’s target audience. You can help to grow your client’s business through a variety of online and social channels. Here is an example of a content strategist business you can use to gain insights into this industry before you launch your business:

Business Name: Contently

Website: https://contently.com/solution/content-strategy/

About the business:

Contently provides practical, expert guidance for creating breakthrough content that will boost their clients brand perception and drive business performance.

Innovative business offering

In addition to their content strategy services they also offer anyone who visits their site online resources to assist in improving their content strategy. By doing this, it positions Contently as a thought leader in their space and gives them more credibility with current and future clients.

ORIGINAL POSTED BY: https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/335570

30 Business Examples Ideas To Help You Start A Successful Business

Robert James and James Home Services are you looking for a business idea? But you want to make sure it’s profitable first? You can learn from these 30 businesses to ensure your start-up launches on the right foot.

Starting a business is tough, and not a lot of start-ups make it. To ensure your business is as competitive as possible, you’ll need to do lots of research into your competition and see what other innovative businesses are doing. 

This can take a significant amount of time, so we’ve compiled a directory of 300 innovative business and insights you can gain from them. These 300 businesses are divided into the following categories – choose a section you feel best applies to what you’re doing and gain a much needed competitive advantage: 

1. Examples of Food Business Ideas

So, you’ve decided to start a food business, but how do you differentiate yourself? What are successful food businesses doing to put themselves a topping or two above their competitors? When starting your food business ensure you incorporate the lessons from these companies to ensure your food business idea is a success.

2. Examples of Home Service Business Ideas

Everyone is busy these day. After work, no one wants to have to climb up on a ladder to try and fix a hole in the roof or a shorting light fitting. This creates a business opportunity for you. Here are 10 home service business ideas and examples of successfully operating businesses:

3. Examples of Personal Trainer Business Ideas

There is a growing number of people looking for an interesting way to get their daily/weekly dose of exercise in. You can offer an innovative personal trainer business idea to capture their interest and continue to engage them. Before you launch, it’s always beneficial to find out what your competition are up to. Find some examples of personal trainer business ideas here:

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4. Examples of Childcare Business Ideas

Parents sometimes need help looking after their children, no matter what age. If you have experience with children and a youth development, education or caretaking qualification, you can start your childcare business idea. Here are 10 examples of childcare business ideas you can use to get your business off the ground:

5. Examples of Educational Business Ideas

Robert James and James Home Services: There is a growing emphasis on students to improve and increase their education and on adults to continue improving their education. With this solid demand in the educational industry, you can launch a business either improving on skills or teaching brand new skills.

Advanced Techniques OF Data Mining and Forecasting

6. Examples of Writing Business Ideas

You can start your writing business from anywhere in the world, as long as you have a solid internet connection. However, there are tips and tricks to ensuring your writing business remains profitable, here are 10 examples of writing business ideas you can use to launch the best possible version of your writing business:

7. Examples of Film-Related Business Ideas

The film industry continuously to grow year-on-year increasing its opportunities for film entrepreneurs. You could start a business doing voice-over work, scriptwriting and even costume design. Before you launch your start-up, here are 10 examples of film-related businesses you can gain insights and strategies from:

8. Examples of Photography Business Ideas

If you have the right equipment and experience you can offer your photography services to both local and international customers. There are a lot of opportunities for someone with a good eye for images. Before you get going here are 10 examples of successful photographic business ideas you can learn from:

9. Examples of Business Consultancy Business Ideas

A business consultant offers advice to companies in their area of expertise. You can consult businesses on everything from leadership development to stress management. Here are 10 examples of business consultancy businesses you can learn from to help give your consultancy a competitive advantage:

10. Examples of Personal Services Business Ideas

Personal services can be anything from housesitting to personal shopping, if you think you have a particular talent for helping others manage their lives, then this could be the business opportunity for you. Before you launch your business here are 10 examples of personal services businesses you can use to ensure you remain competitive within the industry:

MOST PROFITABLE BUSINESS IDEAS FOR 2019 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jRcfE2xxSAw

11. Examples of Pet Business Ideas

Pet owners are happy to spend money on their pets, whether it’s training, boarding or day-care, there are a lot of opportunities in the pet space. If you’re an animal lover and want to work with them all day, here are 10 successful examples you can use to ensure your business remains competitive:

12. Examples of Clothing Business Ideas

There is always a demand within the clothing industry, whether you’re helping someone to improve their look or repairing their fabric-covered furniture. If you have the talent and the experience you can start a clothing business. Before you get started here are 10 examples of clothing business ideas you can learn from:

13. Examples of Retail Business Ideas

Do you want to sell finished products directly to consumers? The retail industry could be the business opportunity for you. You could open anything from a clothing shop to a gaming parlour but before you get started you will need to know what strategies to employ and what you should offer. 

14. Examples of Online Business Ideas

Advancements in technology have enabled entrepreneurs to create businesses that are wholly operated in a digital environment, resulting in decreased overheads and the freedom to run a business on the move. Before you launch your business learn a few strategies from these examples of online businesses:

15. Examples of Manufacturing Business Ideas

There are many small-scale manufacturing business ideas that can you can convert into a sustainable and profitable business. There’s a market for you whether you’re launching a manufacturing business that makes shoes, wigs or cosmetics. Here are 10 examples of manufacturing business ideas that can give you insights into starting your own manufacturing business:

16. Examples of Social Media Business Ideas

Social media enables businesses to directly reach and engage with their customers and target markets. If you have the right skills, you can launch a successful social media business.

Before you start your new business, you’ll need to see what is happening in this industry. Here are 10 examples of social media businesses to give you a snapshot of this industry:

17. Examples of Tourism Business Ideas

Since South Africa is known for its natural beauty, tourism will always hold numerous business opportunities, especially if you live in a popular tourist destination. Your business can offer everything from tours to accommodation and experiences.

18. Examples of Party Business Ideas

You can offer your services to ensure your clients have the best possible party experience. Starting a party business doesn’t mean you have to be at every event, you can help clients find vendors or rent party supplies. 

Here are 10 examples of party business ideas that you can use to gain insights into the entertainment industry and strategies to ensure your business success:

19. Examples of Cannabis-related Business Ideas

Selling cannabis itself is still illegal, but you can launch a business to support this growing industry. Since users are allowed to use weed within the comfort of their homes, there is the opportunity for support businesses to grow and offer users services. Here are 10 examples of cannabis-related business ideas:

20. Examples of Transportation Business Ideas

Transportation is vital to the progress of every city. There’s always something or someone that needs transportation, and someone willing to pay for this to happen. There are numerous potential transport business ideas you can start; from Uber driving to specialised medical transportation. 

Before you launch your transport business you can gain some strategies from these 10 transport business ideas:

21. Examples of Environmentally-Friendly Business Ideas

There is a growing demand by consumers to be more environmentally-friendly. This has created a growing number of green business opportunities. You can open any business from services helping others to be more eco-conscious or offering environmentally friendly products. 

22. Examples of Rooibos Business Ideas

Rooibos naturally has numerous antioxidants and natural benefits. This has made it the cornerstone of several product lines. If working with a natural and beneficial ingredient is exactly what you’re looking for then these could be the rooibos business ideas for you:

23. Examples of Drone Business Ideas

Drones and their various applications continue to grow in popularity as entrepreneurs find more and more uses for them. If the idea of running a drone business and offering very niche, specialised services appeals to you, this could be the business idea for you.

24. Examples of Sharing Economy Business Ideas

The sharing economy continues to grow in high demand as consumers look for more cost-effective ways to fund, purchase and find items. You can launch anything from a jewellery rental business to an errand running platform. Before you start here are 10 examples of sharing economy business ideas you can learn strategies from:

25. Examples of Home Décor Business Ideas

Not every person is gifted with the skills and talent to decorate and furnish their homes and gardens. There are customers that will need your help to create the perfect home. If you’re passionate about home décor, then this could be the business idea for you.

26. Examples of Film-Related Business Ideas

The film industry continuously to grow year-on-year increasing its opportunities for film entrepreneurs. You could start a business doing voice-over work, scriptwriting and even costume design. Before you launch your start-up, here are 10 examples of film-related businesses you can gain insights and strategies from:

27. Examples of Vegan Business Ideas

Veganism continues to grow in demand across the world, with more people than ever choosing a plant-based diet. You can tap into this market by starting your own vegan business idea. Before you start researching, here are 10 potentially lucrative vegan business ideas you can learn from to ensure your start-ups success:

28. Examples of Elder Care Business Ideas
There are numerous business opportunities available for someone looking to support the elderly community. If this is a passion close to your heart, then this could be the business idea for you.

Before you can start a business, you first need an idea, here are examples of 10 elder care business ideas you can gain insights and strategies from:

29. Examples of Design Business Ideas

Creating and designing something new, innovative and interesting continues to be exciting in numerous industries. If you’re good at creating something from scratch or designing something never before seen, then this could be the business idea for you.

Here are 10 examples of actual design businesses you can learn from to ensure your company has a competitive advantage:

30. Examples of Financial Services Business Ideas

You can use your financial experience to start your own business for private individuals or businesses. You can offer numerous services from bookkeeping to expense reduction analyst and tax accountant. Before you launch your business here are 10 examples of financial services businesses you can gain strategies from:

ORIGINAL POST https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/337316

Are you a workaholic or just too scared to stop?

Do you break out in a sweat whenever a friend simply raises the subject that perhaps you should consider changing your work pattern? Maybe you lie awake at night ‘freaking out’ from nightmares about what might happen to your business if you don’t go into the office on Saturday? Or, perhaps your partner makes plans to go out to dinner and a show, but you are always too late at work? Are you currently struggling with change, or does even the thought of making changes to your business and family life balance cause you stress? Let’s discuss the Robert James and James Home Services view on it.

If any of the above describes you, you just might have a problem that needs to be addressed.

WHAT’S DRIVING YOUR BEHAVIOUR?

According to Robert James and James Home Services, there are two very different drivers behind these behaviours:

• The workaholic.
• The just too scared to stop running. Let’s have a look at these.

The workaholic

Firstly, what is a workaholic? The definition: ‘A person who compulsively works excessively hard and long hours.’

How do you know if you’re a workaholic?

Basically, you are working compulsively. You take your business phone on your dinner dates and check it every 10 minutes. Your mind is always on your business. It’s all you talk about – you love to talk about your business and work to anyone who will listen. You love your business; sometimes it seems you love it more than anyone or anything else.

But the real clue: the rest of your life is consistently playing second fiddle to your business.

Too scared to stop

Secondly, there is the person who is just too scared to stop running. What does this mean? Like a little mouse on a treadmill, you feel like you can’t stop doing what you are doing. This behaviour is fear driven. You are the driver in the business; it is your brainchild. There are many people relying on you to do what you do. Not only is your whole family relying on you to bring home the bacon, your staff and their families are relying on you too!

Not to mention, your staff could make huge mistakes which you will end up paying for, if you are not there to give them guidance. And all your clients rely on you to make them happy. Actually, your staff also relies on you to make them happy. Now that you mention it, your whole family relies on you to make them happy as well. Is this starting to sound familiar?

You feel that if you stop working hard in your business, the whole world will totally implode.

HOW WILL IT END?

Here are a couple of stories about two very different friends of mine that may help put these personalities into perspective. Both are very successful, motivated, and smart businesswomen. They are single, loving Mums, the primary caregivers to their school-age children, as well as the CEOs of each of their businesses. They both do an amazing job of the full-time juggling act of parenting and managing their growing businesses.

On call 24/7

Kate is a trained nurse turned CEO of her own rapidly growing pallia- tive aged care business. Kate’s business delivers professionally trained caregivers to the aged in the comfort of their own homes.

Her staff of 50-plus nurses helps the aging clients to stay in their own homes as long as possible. This, in turn, gives them a long life, but also offers them a much better quality of life in the later years. In short, Kate’s business allows our aging population the opportunity to live in their own homes, until it is time to pass.

Kate, understandably, is very passionate about the services her business provides to people. As she once told me, ‘I love old people; they are just beautiful. I truly believe we should all have the opportunity to finish our time in our home with the people who love us. That is the way I would wish to finish my time.’

When you talk to Kate about her business, her eyes light up! She is so excited about her own business, and the industry as a whole. Her phone is always in close reach. She takes great pride in the level of care her people deliver.

In her industry, all the clients do eventually pass away, and her nurses must deal with this on a regular basis. Kate is very hands-on in sup- porting her nursing staff to deal with these regular outcomes, and she is very good at it. Her pragmatic, caring way is the basis of the whole business culture.

These events can happen any time, 24/7, and as such Kate is frequently on calls with her people at all hours of the day and night. She manages the overall business on top of this, of course.

Kate is also the sole caregiver for her 12-year-old daughter. She is very passionate about what she does, it is her driving force, but at times the business she loves can be exhausting. She is totally engulfed in what’s she’s doing, but the business can at times overwhelm her. She truly is

in her business 100%. The emotional energy she has is amazing but she still gets burnt out.

Kate is a workaholic, and in the long run the lack of balance will be detrimental to her business.

Under pressure

Then there is Jo, the principal in her family’s successful real estate agency. She is third-generation real estate; her family’s agency in Brisbane’s Bayside has been in the area for over 60 years.

The family skills certainly were passed down the line in Jo’s case. Her retired father still comes into the office every Tuesday. ‘I love the days Dad is in the office; he is my inspiration and a pleasure to be around,’ she says.

Jo has a business degree in marketing, and a special creative flair for marketing property. She is the primary provider for her two school-age children as well. She spends her days on the phone, constantly mak- ing the sales happen. ‘Then, when I’m in Mum mode,’ she says, ‘it can get crazy – juggling school, holidays, running a business and having a whole lot of people to make happy. Room for any time for me is beyond me.’ Jo appears to be carrying the full load. Rarely does she give herself time out.

The fear of failing seems to be the driver that keeps her going. At times, she appears to be a victim of circumstance. Her own family is very supportive but her ex-husband does nothing towards the care of their children.

This does put a huge amount of pressure on her to perform in the business. Jo is too busy to deal with her ex-husband’s irresponsibility. Working herself into the ground is a way to avoid dealing with the real problems that she should face up to, but it’s not a path to long-term success.

**** *

For the pressures on your time to change, you need to accept that change is the answer to releasing that pressure. If you don’t really want it to change, then it won’t. Your reality is your reality, and your personal habits are only habits. They do have value to you: work can be an escape from home. If you are too fearful to accept the need for change then it will never eventuate. To get the balance right, you should look at what is holding you back.

The workaholic is addicted to the buzz of the business. Robert James and James Home Services says, If you have become engulfed in the adrenaline buzz of making it happen, every- thing in your life plays second fiddle. Could this be you? If so, what can you do about it?

The just too scared to stop running is driven by a fear of failure. This is you if you can’t sleep at night because you are terrified your business world will implode if you take a day off. Do you feel like a slave to your business? Or sometimes you may feel that hiding behind the ‘work’ can be easier than dealing with the real issues on hand. Could this be you? If so, what can you do about it?

Originally posted at: https://robertjameshomeservices.com/are-you-a-workaholic-or-just-too-scared-to-stop/