Absolute Steve

911 Transformed our Lives

911 transformed our lives here in the United states and abroad.  We will never be able to go back in time. 

I like watching old TV shows especially cop shows.  In those pre 911 shows sans cell phones and airport security everyone had to use a pay phone to make a call.  In those shows the cops could chase the bad guys through the airport without worry of being stopped by security.  Remember the OJ ads ofhim running through the airport? You couldn't do that type of ad today.

Life was different pre 911.  There was hardly any joint ventures between law enforcement, each city saw their turf as theirturf.  Feds didn't work with locals and CIA didn't work with FBI and the like.  Today we have joint ventures and sharing of vital information all of which have made us a bit safer but also a bit more paranoid.

10 years and we still have brave men and women in the Middle East fighting against Islamic extremists who terrorize those who don't support their world views.  The very same type of individuals who flew planes into the World Towers and Pentagon and were heading for the White House but were stopped mid air by brave people who did what they had to do to stop them from more destruction.

Trillions of dollars are spent world wide on counter terror procedures and will continue to be spent in the foreseeable future.  Money that could have been spent elsewhere.  Indeed 911 transformed our lives and continues to transform our lives. 

Franchise brands you can count on

In the December 2010 edition of Entrepreneur Magazine they list off the top 10 Franchises.  In this list are many recognizable names we have all come to trust.

Who made the top 10 list?  Hampton Inns, McDonalds, Denny’s, Subway and Days Inn to name a few.  These names are icons of our culture which can be found in almost every community.  The article listed out a few reasons why each entity was doing so well.  But one of the glaring reasons I wish to note is the how these successful franchises own so much Brand share within the consumers mind.

Here is a tip, if you’re thinking of buying a franchise find a brand you can count on to be recognized the world over.  Because it’s hard to argue with a trusted brand.   Unless you have something unique to offer, it will be an uphill struggle to overcome these well known brands when you are establishing your own start up company.

The reason so many business people go with a name brand franchise, is because it’s a lot harder to start from scratch than to open up a Branded entity.  These companies have the system down pat and they will assist you with starting and running your own franchise.

Speaking of branded entities I noted in the same issue Mr. Clean is now into offering business owners a chance to open up a Mr. Clean Branded car wash.  Tide is offering branded Dry Cleaners (which my wife noted has nothing to do with dry cleaning) but the fact remains Tide is a proven Brand and will set your dry cleaner apart from a non name competitor.

Bottom line, in most cases established Branded franchises will do better than a Mom and Pop dinner.  In addition the wise business people go to work establishing as many outlets as possible - because power is found in numbers. Be it coffee stands or cafes or parts houses.  If you have what you believe is a successful system for turning profits and creating repeat clients, then find investors and have them come in with you to buy out competitors (other small mom and pops) and convert them into your own franchise 

That’s what Ray Kroc did.