The Life Cycle of a Franchise

By Daniel Cargille

 There are a number of benefits to starting an environmentally friendly business – especially if you’re starting a franchise. Not only will you save money on getting your business launched but you’ll earn the respect of the local community as you strive to improve your carbon footprint. It’s great for positive branding as you prove that you’re a globally and economically responsible company.

Here are steps to help you develop an environmental strategy as you get ready to choose and open a new franchise.

Target Environmental Regulations with your Franchise

Every business in the US is governed by a minimum set of environmental standards and regulations that have to do with trash and cleanliness, drainage, etc. Keeping up with these helps to avoid legal issues but if you want to build your brand and tout yourself as a green business then you need to go beyond the minimum standard.

Create an Environmental Management Plan for your Franchise

When you want to open a business you will more than likely sit down to create a business plan if you haven’t done so already. This typically includes financial and marketing information but it can also include an environmental management plan. This takes into account practical ways to reduce carbon footprint and utilize energy-saving equipment for reduced local impact as well as savings to utilities and reductions in budget. This can be as simple as planning to source food products from local providers.

Build a Green Franchise from the Start

If your franchise requires that you build a new structure to gain the most benefit and local impact with your target audience (or its just a sound decision financially) then you should aim to use green building products wherever possible in the business. This includes better HVAC systems, high-quality insulated windows with Low-e ratings, efficient lighting, solar panels and more.

Buy Green Products

Every business needs supplies, and depending on the franchise and brand you choose to invest in, you may need more than others. Food services franchises for example use far more cleaning supplies than a clothing chain. Make sure you source and buy products that are bio based and non-toxic. Where possible, such as with paper towels, try to purchase products made from post-consumer recycled materials.

Conserve Water

Every business uses water to some degree – but more so for a food-service based franchise. The increased demand on the water supply of our nation is threat to human health as well as the environment. If you implement a water-conservation program you’re working to conserve a precious resource that is in fact limited. Likewise, you cut a general utility cost by a portion through conservancy. You can boost conservation of water by having your local water agency conduct an audit of your systems. Likewise, invest in better technology and water-saving equipment. Lastly, try to minimize discharges of sewer and wastewater.

Make a Green Marketing Strategy for your Franchise

When you launch as a green business or franchise, there is a great deal of potential for building brand visibility – but people won’t know that you’re running a green business unless you tell them. Add those “green” claims to all of your marketing materials and make sure that your customers, vendors and business partners know that you’re working with conservation in mind. People love to do business with environmentally friendly companies.

You should take the time to build relationships with the people and organizations that can help you spread the word about your overall message and goal. Of course you want to turn profits with your business but you should work to share your attempts to help the environment. Not only are industry partnerships a good idea – such as with other business owners – but groups and organizations can help you share your missions as well.

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By maryrose feil

 Their new business is started by many newer franchisees after purchasing their franchise business opportunity only to find almost an infinite number of regulations and a procedure manual filled up with the “exact” and proper way to accomplish things. There will be no deviation and therefore, the franchisee miracles how all this will help him make money, since it appears following all these rules does just cost him money, actual money, and he acquired the franchise to make money not produce organization losses.Thus, the newest franchised store owner asks; “Will following all these rules and remaining in conformity of the franchise agreement by focusing to detail in the private operations manual basically help my franchise to great profits? And if that’s the case, how do I know this?”This is definitely, a good question, and you will find really a few responses. Number 1, you “must” follow the franchisor’s business plan, as agreed in the franchise contract or be terminated for cause and probably lose every thing. That’s the most important position, but I would ike to give you a softer side.The franchisor is continuously increasing their business design from actual procedures of 100s and sometimes 1000s of stores, they know what works and why. Failure to follow the “Best” way which has been documented and established will produce reduced effects in profit.Next, you should recognize that the franchising company wants as they get royalties, which are usually in a primary ration to your product sales money to be made by you. They want you to succeed and generate income. Because the more money you ingest, the more money you’ll produce, the higher for you and for your franchisor. Therefore, please consider all this.

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