DailyFranchiseNews.com

The Tan Company fights the "Tan Tax"

In case you haven't heard, there's a major healthcare debate going on in this country right now. One proposal is a tax on cosmetic procedures and tanning. The tax on cosmetic procedures is now off the table, probably due to the lobbyists at the pharmaceutical companies, but still a possibility is a 10 percent tax on indoor tanning.

Todd Beckman, president and CEO of The Tan Company, appeared on St. Louis' FOX 2 News in the Morning to discuss the new tax and how it will affect small businesses in the industry. Opponents of this tax can also go on The Tan Company's web site to voice their concerns.

The Franchise King makes his predictions for 2010

The Franchise King's 3rd Annual Top Franchise Trends article is now live at Small Business Trends.

Joel Libava predicts that any concepts catering to Boomers will continue to grow in 2010 including Amramp and Comfort Keepers. He says also to keep an eye on hot new food concepts like Five Guys, Tasti D-Lite and Panchero's.

And being the social media guru that he is, Libava encourages franchisors to continue to embrace social media as franchise candidates don't want to be sold to in the old fashioned way.

Honey Baked Ham Takes a Hit!

Wow! Wouldn't want to see this story for too many franchisors--sure things are tough out there but so what?  This is not the first bout of hard times and in franchising it's the fourth recession we've seen in the past two decades--all of which were good for franchising except this one.  I don't know about you, but when I am feeling sad or deprived a nice Honey Baked Ham is exactly what I would enjoy--with some wine and chocolate!  Everyone needs to perk up a bit!  However, bad press like this is NOT helpful right now for franchising and franchisors!

Read story here in USA Today!

 

West Coast Franchise Expo Still Happening!

Everyone hung around thinking “will people show up?” Yes, they did and although it wasn’t the same heavy crowd as in past years—Friday and Saturday afternoons saw good prospects at the event and real people looking for a franchise. It was hard to compete with Adultcon (porn stars!) in the Hall downstairs and Sunday saw a marathon in the city—but all in all things went well and weather was awesome. What really counts was dinner with the IFA girls who put on another development conference and worked hard to make it fresh this year prior to the show. Of course dinner at Mr. Chow with this blogger in Beverly Hills the night before did NOT hurt!!! See us having a blast in photo.

Arby’s was one of the exhibitors at the event and the boys—Dave and Tim—were working the booth hard. Of course with that brand name and those famous “hats” on a headband—how could they miss?

Photos from top left: The girls of the IFA with this blogger and the lovely Samantha Amato of Sanderson & Associates; Dave Leonardo, director of franchise development for Arby's.

The WCFE is Almost Here!

What are your plans for October 2nd through 4th? If you’re a member of the franchise community or looking to test the waters, head to the 6th Annual West Coast Franchise Expo at the Los Angeles Convention Center! This is the largest franchise event on the West Coast and brings together hundreds of the leading franchise companies along with thousands of entrepreneurs from California plus a dozen western states. The WCFE is your chance to meet face-to-face with representatives from the most exciting franchises – from names you know to the new concepts you’ll love – at every investment level, full-time or part time. Sponsored by the International Franchise Association, the expo floor features nearly 250 exhibitors and 30-plus information-packed seminars and symposia. The best part? Most of the sessions are free. Register compliments of DailyFranchiseNews.com here!

Domino's Needs a PR Makeover

  

Having dealt with franchisees for 27 years, my heart goes out to them. Almost all are hard working people who just wanted to realize the dream of owning their own businesses. And owning your own business is a risk—whether you have a great franchisor backing you up, or if you are all alone in the world.

This blogger once hired a PR person who looked great on paper and talked a great game. He interviewed well too. Six weeks after he started on the job he disappeared. Finally the state police from Oklahoma called looking for him! Enough said! As hard as we try, hiring employees always brings risk—I have always understood why so many small business owners put family in place, even if they aren’t the best workers at least you know they care about what happens to you! 

Domino’s recent fiasco with horrible employees (I want to say kids—but they were in their early 30s!) displaying their unsanitary antics in the kitchen just exhibits my favorite expression: No Good Deed Goes Unpunished. Hey mindless losers—here’s a heads up for you. There are a ton of very good people out of work who are mature, have manners, morals and ethics and would be grateful to have your job—they would also take pride in their work instead of constantly needing to entertain and be entertained.  You made a good company look bad with your irresponsible, obnoxious behavior. You should have to do FREE labor and community service for two years in my opinion. Learn how valuable a job is these days. And Domino’s, my advice to you?  Hire those that I have just described and you won’t find yourself all over YouTube.

IFA to the Rescue!

It’s a bird, it’s a plane, it’s the IFA swooping in to lend its members a much-needed hand!

SmartBrief.com reported the IFA is launching a multicity series of Leadership Roundtable sessions to address to challenges posed by today's unstable economy. IFA leaders and senior staff members kicked off the intensive sessions in Philadelphia last week and have extended invitations to key franchise officials in Denver on Monday; Orange County, Calif., on Tuesday; Chicago on May 5th; and Tampa/St. Petersburg, Fla., on June 4th, with dates in more cities to follow.

Detailed reports of ideas and information gathered will appear in IFA online and print publications shortly but in the meantime, check out the IFA’s Five-Point Economic Recovery Plan with Congress.

Smaller Could Be Better

While there weren't as many exhibitors at the IFE in Washington, D.C. this past weekend, there seemed to be some nice traffic going through the exhibit hall. And, like all else during these times, it'll be survival of the fittest in franchising, too. Good concepts and leadership will prevail. People WERE looking to buy.

Some fun events too like the Lucky Strike exhibitor’s party sponsored by MFV Expo and USA Today among others…always a gas and who can resist the fried macaroni and cheese balls!! Then USA Today party in Georgetown where we were in stitches over the antics of John Kersh from Anytime Fitness.

Some of the more colorful exhibitors were MassageLuxe and The Tan Company from St. Louis who had a great booth and gorgeous shirts. And Bijoux Terner! This blogger went through LaGuardia last May and stopped at the Bijoux Terner boutique to buy 12 scarves for $10 each. All fabulous colors and quality and I was steaming because I had paid $118 for several of the same from Nordstrom’s a few months before. Imagine how amazed I was to see the same boutique exhibiting at the IFE! Who knew they were franchising? And CEO Gabriel Bottazi was thrilled to hear that I was the one who “cleaned them out” at LaGuardia. He kindly gave Megan Downey and Jenny Kinkopf, both of Sanderson & Associates, lovely watches. Handbags, scarves, jewelry—great concept for airports where you have lots of time to browse and are always forgetting some accessory. 

Top left photo: Todd Beckman, president and CEO of The Tan Company and MassageLuxe.

Bottom right photo: Megan Downey (left), Jenny Kinkopf (center) and Bijoux Terner CEO Gabriel Bottazi (right).

Just a Friendly Reminder: The IFE is Next Week!

The 18th Annual International Franchise Expo is the franchise industry's premier annual event showcasing hundreds of the top franchise concepts, attracting investors from throughout the United States and over 80 countries. For domestic or international opportunities, this is your one-stop franchise event. Sponsored by the International Franchise Association and endorsed by the U.S. Department of Commerce, the IFE offers a comprehensive expo floor and conference program. This year's IFE is scheduled for March 20th through 22nd at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C. Register free here compliments of DailyFranchiseNews.com.

The Doctor of Spin is IN

What do you do when your business is in a bind? Listen to what this blogger has to say.

QSRweb.com recently contacted yours truly for some expert insight regarding the dilemma surrounding McDonald’s and its former employee, Nigel Haskett. In short, Haskett was shot three times while trying to protect a female customer from being beaten – an act which resulted in three surgeries and $300,000 in medical bills. The case is now before the Arkansas Workers' Compensation Commission after the McDonald's owner's workers' compensation insurance company rejected the claim, stating that Haskett's injuries did not occur in the course and scope of his employment. At the time, McDonald's owner/operator Ray Nosler did not have a statement prepared but has since issued one: "My highest priority is the safety and security of my customers and employees. I stand behind Nigel Haskett. I believe he acted as a Good Samaritan. Concerning the critical matter of his medical expenses, it is important to note that the Arkansas Workers' Compensation Commission ultimately decides the outcome of his claim. As part of this process, Nigel's case will be presented to a workers' compensation judge, who will review all of the facts and decide on the case's merits. McDonald's supports Nigel's claim, and fully anticipates the judge in this process to find in Nigel's favor. As a safeguard, if for some reason his claim is denied, and other insurance options are unavailable, I intend to cover the cost of his medical expenses. I’m doing this because it’s the right thing to do."
 
This blogger’s advice? Issuing such a statement quickly is important in crisis communications: "While attorneys do limit what they can discuss (regarding pending legal matters), I would never not comment. That's the worse thing you can do. The only thing I wouldn't comment on is any kind of admission of liability." A situation like the Haskett case puts employers in a difficult spot. Operators have policies in place to protect their employees and their customers, and those policies need to be followed and enforced. But when it comes down to a public relations crisis in which the corporation or operator is depicted as inhuman and uncaring, a compassionate response is the better course of action. The corporation is faced with condoning an action that put someone in danger versus helping an employee who has come to be regarded as a hero and now a victim. "If I were their PR person, I would recommend they cover the bills and make a big deal of it — with the caveat that we do not encourage this behavior. It's important that they explain why they discourage this behavior while pointing out that he reacted as a human being." Nosler's offer to pay for the expenses if they are denied by the workers' compensation commission also recommended. "It may not be covered by workers’ comp, but there are other things you can do for them. You can still express regard for his human response. The important thing is to get the public's trust again."

Photo: Rhonda Sanderson, founder and president of Chicago-based Sanderson & Associates.