Elizabeth Cusulas
Details In Retail

I just read a great blog post by Robert I. Sutton on the downside of what he refers to as “Big, Hairy Goals.”  It’s an interesting discussion of how a narrow focus on huge “distant horizon” goals can interfere with recognizing – and celebrating – daily accomplishments.   

This got me thinking about how small business owners often contribute to their own burnout by setting inflexible – and therefore unrealistic – goals. 

Yes, you’re in business because you have goals…you have dreams.  But sometimes the very best business strategy is to LOWER YOUR EXPECTATIONS. 

I’m not saying you grind to a halt and give up all your aspirations.  I’m saying sometimes you need to acknowledge those big reality slaps that the world provides and give yourself some breathing room.

I start each holiday weekend with a list of tasks that could only be achieved through superhuman feats.  Three whole days always seems like ample time to accomplish everything.  Of course it never works out that way.  In my younger days, this made me crazy.  Now that I am older and wiser – and slower – I’ve made a deal with myself.  If I accomplish anything – anything at all – on my list of things to do, then that’s a good day. 

The same applies to business.  Sure I have goals.  I also have deadlines to meet, clients to accommodate and “the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune” to dodge.  Speedbumps and impediments to success should be factored into your business plan.  The important thing is to not let your long-term goals overshadow your short-term achievements.  If you have only one measure of success, then you’re setting yourself up for failure. 

One longtime small business owner I know is always amused when people ask her how “how’s business?”  Her response lately is “well, it’s great…by today’s standards”.  The fact is, she’s generating less income than she did 10 years ago – and working harder to do so.  But she’s chosen to adjust her expectations to reflect the current economy.  If she didn’t, she wouldn’t have ANY good days where business was concerned.  Instead, she’s realigned her perspective for 2010.  By temporarily lowering the bar, she’s able to feel good about her current business achievements again.   That’s not to say she’s given up.  She’s added new products and ramped up her marketing.  She still has goals, they’ve just been adjusted and downsized to fit the current reality.  Her willingness to do this is one reason she’s been in business for so long. 

As you work toward your long-term goals, but be sure to relish each daily victory and success – no matter how small.  That’s what keeps a small business owner in love with their business – and loving your business is vital to your success.

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“An ounce of performance is worth pounds of promises.” ~ Mae West

Coverups, scams, cons - the world is full of intentional lies and liars.  Always has been – always will be. 

But lately I’ve noticed a massive upswing in a more subtle form of lying – people who just don’t live up to their promises; the ones who don’t put any value on being true to their word.  I know they’ve always been around but there used to be a stigma attached to being one of them.  Now it’s passed off as just the way things are in our busy world.  We all do it.  We’re all guilty.  That’s particularly dangerous thinking for small business, because the backlash can be just as subtle and stealthy as the lie. 

It comes down to this.  We’re becoming confused about the difference between promises and lies.  People hate to be lied to, so it’s important to know the difference.  It’s really simple.  If you promise to do something and you don’t – that’s a lie. 

Let’s review:

When you promise your customer that you will call them and you don’t – that’s a lie.
When you promise you will do something today, and don’t – lie again. 
When you promise an employee a new office, raise or some other perk and don’t deliver – another lie.

Many of us will try to retrofit lies back into promises by means of the handy and versatile tool known as “excuses”.  Yes, there are times when excuses are valid.  Life happens – even in business – and excuses to buy time to correct oversights or explain errors are dandy, as long as there’s follow-through and completion afterward.  Otherwise, excuses are just icing on the “lie cake”.  Covering lies with sugar does not make the steaming pile more delicious.  Do not think for a minute that your customers, employees and co-workers are not aware of this. 

What’s the antidote for promises that are really “lies in disguise”?  Small business owners – you set the tone for the way your business runs.  Follow through. Be true to your word.  Be accountable.  All day, every day.  You’ll find it’s contagious.  Your efforts really will pay off.  If you don’t think so, you’re lying to yourself.

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Elizabeth Cusulas
Details In Retail

We’ve already seen how the recession has provided some benefits for small business startups in Michigan through lower rents, a larger pool of talent available at affordable rates and good deals on advertising.  Now there’s more good news for budding entrepreneurs - a wealth of fantastic resources available at no cost or low cost. 

Here’s a list of eight organizations offering support, counseling and training for small business owners and budding entrepreneurs in southeast Michigan – especially the Metro Detroit area.

Small Business Administration
The SBA has ramped up the resources on their web site in the past few years.  You’ll be pleasantly surprised at how much information and training is available, including:
Small Business Planner  - information on everything from writing a business plan to planning your exit strategy. 
Small Business Training Center – a virtual campus of classes, publications and technical assistance.

Michigan Business One-Stop Shop
Information on licensing, permits and taxes, plus a wealth of resources including a 65 page “Guide to Starting a Small Business”.

SCORE Michigan
Free business counseling, e-mail consulting, low cost workshops and other resources including Startup Costs Calculator and E-mail Counseling. 

Tech Town
Wayne State University’s Research and Technology park also provides an incubator for small business through various programs including: FastTrac , Mentoring Matters , SmartStart , and Detroit Micro Enterprise Fund

Oakland County Business Center
Business planning tools and information on how to start a business in Oakland County, Michigan.  Assistance for “individuals in the pre-planning phase of a traditional (retail or service) business, traditional startup companies or even new ventures, technology/emerging sector start-ups, existing businesses”.

Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center
State and Federal funding allow MMTC to offer direct technical assistance and services at affordable rates for small to medium sized manufacturers. 

Michigan Small Business & Technology Development Center
Low cost training, low or no-cost workshops, online counseling,and information on financing and incentive plans.  Lots of great business tools including a Readiness Assessment Tool  to help you determine your needs.

SPARK – Ann Arbor, MI
Check out the SPARK Business Accelerator and Spark Entrepreneur Boot Camp.

There’s never been a better time to start a small business in Michigan.  The encouragement, support and resources available to help you every step of the way have never been stronger or more readily available.

Mark Cory
FranNet

Special Event Coming Next Month…

Michigan Franchise Forum – Meet the Franchisors
Thursday, April 8, 2010 – 4:00-6:30PM

ONE Session Only
Headquarters of AFS Group of Franchise Companies – Warren
5523 E. Nine Mile Road (One block west of Mound Road, corner of Nine Mile & Pinewood)

This is your chance to learn about several of our premier franchise companies poised for rapid expansion in Michigan, and meet their franchise development executives!

Categories include

• Food
• Retail
• Education
• Professional & Business Services
• Residential Services 
• Home-based Opportunities

Tips on franchise due diligence will also be presented.

Event is FREE but SEATING is LIMITED, so register NOW! Reservations REQUIRED. Please call (313) 821-5060 or e-mail mcory@frannet.com (please include your phone number and how you learned about the event)
For more information, visit www.michiganfranchiseforum.com

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Elizabeth Cusulas
Details In Retail

There it is again, the business version of  driving your car into a tree.  A small business owner announced a “major development” that now has been shelved.  He broadcast the “news” repeatedly, in fact, to anyone and everyone; so caught up in the excitement that he never considered whether it might be best to get further along before blurting out the details.  He spent months talking it up – and now it’s just “oops, never mind.” 

Enthusiasm – even outright zeal – is important in small business, but it’s not as important as credibility.  It’s devastating to have to “un-announce” something or just slink around hoping no one will say “hey, what’s happening with that ___ you said you were launching in a month?” 

Fight the urge to generate excitement by revealing too much, too soon.  It’s so much sweeter – and safer – to announce a new product, partnership, service, whatever, once it’s a done deal.  

There’s a Chinese proverb to keep in mind when find yourself aching to share a juicy bit of news about your future business plans: “Think twice - then say nothing.”  

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“Life is full of obstacle illusions” Grant Frazier

Some of the obstacles people tend to face in making big career decisions may be illusions and can be removed by getting the facts. At FranNet, we know that considering business ownership can be a frightful prospect, that’s why we offer so many educational opportunities. We want to help our clients eliminate the emotional barriers, and make a sound, fact-based decision for their future. Are you ready to make such a decision?

Free Local Seminar:

“Small Business & Franchise Ownership”
Wednesday, February 18, 2010  
6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Presented with S.C.O.R.E – Ann Arbor Chapter
Cleary University, 3601 Plymouth Road – Ann Arbor 

Please reserve space by calling (734) 785-4473 or e-mail gdanziger@frannet.com  (please include your phone number and how you learned about the event)

These seminars are great opportunities to get some franchising basics, including the array of categories and investment levels available (starting at around $50K), and how to go about defining your own personal vision, matching that up with viable choices, and conducting proper due diligence to make sure your selecting the RIGHT fit for YOU!

Want to get started NOW?
Click on www.frannet.com/mcory/cq and complete your Confidential Personal Franchise Assessment. Your results will come directly to me, and then I’ll contact you to discuss the next steps in your search.
For more information, visit www.michiganfranchiseforum.com

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Mark Cory
FranNet

These “Careers in Franchise Ownership” seminars are great opportunities to get some franchising basics, including the array of categories and investment levels available (starting at around $50K), and how to go about defining your own personal vision, matching that up with viable choices, and conducting proper due diligence to make sure your selecting the RIGHT fit for YOU!

“Careers in Franchise Ownership”

Wednesday, February 10, 2010  
10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Offices of Derderian, Kann, Seyferth & Salucci, CPAs  
3001 W. Big Beaver, Suite 700
(just west of Coolidge, south side of Big Beaver)
Troy, Michigan

In addition to FranNet Seminar, Bill Bork, CPA of DKSS, will discuss business start-up and tax planning tips!

Please reserve space by calling (313) 821-5060 or e-mail mcory@frannet.com  (please include your phone number and how you learned about the event)

For more information, visit www.michiganfranchiseforum.com

Here is a brief outline of the topics covered in the “Careers in Franchise Ownership” seminar:

• How franchising can provide a desirable alternative to traditional employment by reducing the risk of ownership to an acceptable level through proven business systems, comprehensive training and ongoing support.
• Basic information on franchising, including the range of industry categories, investment levels and fees.
• The legal regulations governing franchising that protect the buyer. 
• A strategic approach to defining your personal business model, quantifying your returns and safely researching and selecting the business opportunity that best fits your unique personality, skills, needs and goals.
• Growth trends and choices in franchising that offer stability and success in weak and strong economies. 
• A brief overview of FranNet’s no-fee, no-obligation consulting service.   

Franchise Network (FranNet) has been helping individuals make the RIGHT franchise choice for over 23 years. Our consulting services are provided on a NO FEE, NO OBLIGATION basis. By learning as much as we can about our clients’ background, skills, preferences, personality, goals and budget through our proprietary online assessment tool and a face-to-face consultation, we are able to match them with appropriate business opportunities, and then coach them through the research and selection process in a safe and professional environment. FranNet, a franchise system itself, is the ONLY group of franchise consultants who operate exclusively in protected LOCAL territories, uniquely qualifying us to best serve the people of our communities.

Think an existing business might be a safer bet for you? Visit our NEW website, www.resaleyourfranchise.com.
        

Call or Email us today!
Mark D. Cory
Franchise Placement Specialist
Cory Development, Inc., dba FranNet Detroit
14950 E. Jefferson, Suite 170
Grosse Pointe, MI 48230
313-821-5060 PH   
313-821-5906 FAX
mcory@frannet.com  
www.frannet.com

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Mark Cory
FranNet

Web-based Seminars from the Comfort of Your Home or Office

“Light Manufacturing Business Opportunity”
Thursday, February 4, 2010
2:00 PM to 3:30 PM
This is a unique, business-to-business opportunity for marketing/sales professionals or project managers. The Company provides the training, support and operating systems, much like a franchise, yet has NO ROYALTIES and NO RULES!

“Funding Options for Your Franchise Investment”
Wednesday, February 10, 2010     
1:00 PM to 2:00 PM    
Includes discussion of how to leverage your 401K/IRA funds to capitalize your business WITHOUT incurring TAXES, PENALTIES or DEBT!

“Careers in Franchise Ownership”
Thursday, February 18, 2010
10:00 AM to 11:30 AM
Learn franchising basics, including the array of categories and investment levels available (starting at around $50K), and how to go about defining your own personal vision, matching that up with viable choices, and conducting proper due diligence to make sure your selecting the RIGHT fit for YOU!

For log-on info, call 313-821-5060 or e-mail mcory@frannet.com (please include your phone number, how you learned about the events, and which of the web-based event(s) you’d like to participate in)
For more information, visit www.michiganfranchiseforum.com

Franchise Network (FranNet) has been helping individuals make the RIGHT franchise choice for over 23 years. Our consulting services are provided on a NO FEE, NO OBLIGATION basis. By learning as much as we can about our clients’ background, skills, preferences, personality, goals and budget through our proprietary online assessment tool and a face-to-face consultation, we are able to match them with appropriate business opportunities, and then coach them through the research and selection process in a safe and professional environment. FranNet, a franchise system itself, is the ONLY group of franchise consultants who operate exclusively in protected LOCAL territories, uniquely qualifying us to best serve the people of our communities.

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Elizabeth Cusulas
Details In Retail

As a small business owner, you’re intimately connected with the daily survival of your business.  You make the decisions, you write the checks, your focus is the driving force behind your success. It can be wonderful having your life so tightly interwoven with your business.  But what if some important life event took you either physically or mentally out of the game for a while?  Would your business survive?

We’re all told that we should have an emergency plan for our homes in case disaster strikes; a supply of food, water,  batteries and cash, a planned fire escape route, a place to meet in case communication lines are down.  We take it for granted that we must prepare for the unexpected.

Then we go to work and pretend that nothing ever would, or could, interfere with our business. The truth is, for small business, every event that affects the owner could prove to be a fatal distraction for the business.

I’ve seen several first-hand examples recently:

You’re a one-person pet sitting business and you’re diagnosed with cancer.  What’s left of your business when you finish multiple surgeries and six months of chemo? 

You’re a sales rep and your mother becomes ill and dies.  Understandably, your focus switches from work to family – but all your clients see is that you aren’t returning calls.  How will your clients know you aren’t just ignoring them?

You’re a craft business owner, making your living at weekly art fairs and you end up on crutches all summer.  How do you reach your customers to tell them you’ll be back, and how do you make up for losing your entire peak season?

You’re a business owner who juggles everything and never delegates. You keep everything “in your head”. Your personal life takes a turn for the worse.  How will you keep all those balls you have in the air from crashing to the ground?  Who can step in and handle things until you are able to get your mind back on your work?

How will your business function if you’re in the hospital, lose a family member, have a baby, need to care for a sick relative or get a divorce?  Every personal crisis, every illness or injury, every major life event, has the potential to topple all that you have built - unless you take time to develop an emergency plan before things spiral out of control.  You need a backup plan – and money set aside to keep your business alive during any temporary slow-down or shut-down.

Some things to consider for your emergency plan:

• Could your business survive if you were injured?  If you’re renting a storefront or office, could your business income cover the rent if you’re not able to handle your usual workload for a while?  Could you afford to hire a temporary replacement to handle your work? Find out what you can insure and set up and emergency fund for the rest.
• How would you keep from losing your client base?  What would you tell your clients if their goods or services disappeared for a while?  Figure out what you might do to cushion that blow.
• Who would pay bills and handle payroll if you are not able to?  Who could handle deciding what to do in the event that the bills and payroll can’t be paid?  Make sure someone else has the ability to access your business funds in an emergency and the authority to make whatever financial decisions are necessary. 
• Could you run your business long-distance if you need to?  Make sure you can access your calls, your e-mail and your mail – or find someone who can if you aren’t able.  Business owners who don’t travel for business often forget this important step, but what if you need to travel for a family emergency?
• If you have employees, is there a clear chain of command that would allow one of your employees to step in? Someone else should have the access and authority to carry out your emergency plan, and you’ll have to clearly define, in advance, when they would be allowed or expected to step in.
• Is your communication pipeline in place?  Could you quickly inform all your clients, employees and vendors of an emergency situation?  Have e-mail or phone lists prepared in advance.  Keep the people who are vital to your business survival in the loop and they’re more likely to still be there when the dust clears.
• Most important of all, accept your own limitations.  As the owner of a small business, every personal crisis affecting you also affects your business.  If you are not able to mentally focus on your work, or physically able and available to do your work, have someone ready to pitch in to help you stay on track.  

We all need a little help now and then.  Don’t add to your woes by letting your business suffer while you are piecing your life back together.   Take the time to put together an emergency plan now.

—

Mark Cory
FranNet

Special Event…
“Michigan Franchise Forum”

Meet the Franchisors Seeking to Expand in Michigan!
Thursday, February 4, 2010  
7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Allegra Network Headquarters – Northville 
21680 Haggerty
(between 8 Mile and 9 Mile Roads, east side of Haggerty)

Hear from and meet franchise development executives from several national companies representing some of the hottest business models and executive style concepts available here in Michigan.

Categories include retail, professional services, business-to-business concepts, light manufacturing and residential services, including some home-based opportunities. You’ll also get tips on how to research and select the franchise that is right for you.

FREE EVENT!  ONE SESSION ONLY.
Seating is limited and registration is required.
Please reserve space by calling (313) 821-5060 or e-mail mcory@frannet.com
For more information visit www.michiganfranchiseforum.com

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