Why Consider a Wash-A-Thon Car Wash Fundraiser?There are many ways to run a carwash fundraiser and one of the best ways is to have a car-wash-athon. This is where you get pledges from people who will give you perhaps anywhere from a penny to $.10 for every car you wash. If you have a very busy carwash fundraiser you may be able to wash between 200 and 300 cars and this can add up to quite a bit of money if people are pledging five cents per car washed.If you have a nonprofit group which is a sports team such as a soccer team or baseball team and you have 20 kids and each kid gets two pages worth of sponsors at five cents each worth of money on a page that would be 40 sponsors and that means you get two dollars per kid per car you wash or $20 for every car you wash. That is a significant amount of money.One other thing you need to realize is that you will only collect about 80% of all the pledges that were pledged. Some people will not be around to collect and or refuse to pa
ount using a Security Company Pick-up Service is essential.
Once a robbery is in progress you should understand that not only could your own life be in danger but those of innocent bystanders as well, so don't try to be a hero.
Security Professionals will tell you to follow these guidelines.
- If the person is armed assume they will use the weapon.
- Be cooperative, do what is requested.
- Don’t argue with the robber.
- Don’t make any quick movements be deliberate in everything you do.
- Remain calm.
- Make a mental note of; height, weight, type of speech accent or impediment, complexion, color of eyes, length and color of hair, any distinguishing marks, clothing, footwear, right or left handed, any jewellery.
- Take note of any accomplices.
When the thief departs make a note of:
- The direction of escape.
- If the thief used a car or motorcycle in the getaway try and note the make, model, color or license number or any other descriptive markings.
- The number and description of any accomplices.
While waiting for the police to arrive write down everything you can remember while it is fresh in your memory. Have any witnesses do the same.
Since 9/
IT Consultant: How To Manage Your Time During Start UpAs an IT consultant looking to go solo, how you can cut through the information overload so you can tune out the distractions and focus on only the most relevant, critical tasks for starting up a business? You need to first realize you may need to stop spending time on things that are not making you any money.Adjust Your PrioritiesIf you are serious about starting a business as an IT consultant, you will have to adjust your priorities and manage your time better. When you’re first starting out, especially during the first six months to a year, put 90% of what you perceive to be your research and development time and your technology training time on the back burner for the next three to six months.Shift Your Focus to Finding ClientsAs an IT consultant trying to go solo, you need to concentrate on finding paying clients for your business. Sitting in a classroom, playing with CDT’s, getting all these not-for-resale cop
Security is so important that it has to be addressed from the very first day you start planning your new franchise business. Over the years the franchise industry has developed security safeguards and operations that are
highly effective and most franchisors now have as a matter of course well developed, tried and tested security procedures. There is now a very active Security Industry, which has grown up around this need for protection, and ranges from local, to large national and multi-national companies.
The most common security issue you will face every day can be the most soul destroying of all, and that is; Internal Theft by Your Employees.
Your franchise employees are 15 times more likely to steal from you than are your customers, so you need to thoroughly investigate the background of prospective employees for you franchise business. Check personal and credit references and most of all check with former employers, teachers, all referees and if possible the local police.
It is a challenge but, Promote a Theft-Free Culture while maintaining a friendly fun working environment.
Your written company policies should cover ethical behaviour, internal theft policy, what constitutes "internal theft" and provide this information in writing to each new employee of your franchise. Tell employees what will happen if anyone is caught stealing . . . not what can happen, but what will happen. These policies should be signed by all the franchiseses employees indicating that they understand and agree to abide by them. Never be complacent because in my experience the sad fact is that dishonest employees account for two-thirds or more of theft.
On the administration side of your franchise business you also need to be vigilant.
- Examine all invoices or supporting data before signing checks. You should have the bookkeeper attach to the check, all related invoices.
- Dual signature of checks should be required unless signed by you.
- Don’t pre-sign checks and do inspect all pre-numbered check books to ensure that the checks are being used in sequence.
- Check that your accountant or book-keeper, reconciles the bank account and credit card accounts monthly.
- All cash should be kept in a safe that is either on a time lock or is opened with dual keys one of which is kept off premises.
Robbery is one of the most horrific and frightening of all the franchise security situations it is also one of the crimes that can cause long term physiological damage to employees.
Robbery is classified as being any situation in which violence, or the threat of violence, is used to extort or take by force property or money.
As a franchise owner it is your responsibility to have a protection program, with adequate safeguards in place to ensure, as far as humanly possible, the safety of your customers, your employees and yourself.
Your franchisor should have recommended practices and training programs available and these should be given prominence in your own franchise training program. If for some reason the franchisor does not provide this then you can talk to your local law enforcement officers or use the services of professional security advisors.
Here are some of the precautions you can take to minimize the risk.
- Be suspicious of anyone loitering outside especially if they seem determined to avoid other patrons or people in the vicinity.
- Maintain minimum cash register limits by skimming the cash and depositing in a secure drop safe. This procedure should be publicised.
- Never leave the cash drawer unattended and lock it when away.
- Leave the cash drawer open at the end of the day to show it is empty.
- Be aware of what’s going on outside as well as inside the franchise premises.
If your business operates at night.
- All outside lights should be turned on at dusk. It is a good idea to have the lights switched on automatically and the manager should check them at least daily.
- Adequate lighting both inside and outside is a must. If there are any spots that are in shadows take immediate steps to light them.
- Eliminate possible hiding places outside. Take special notice of vehicles that have been parked for an unusual length of time in proximity to the franchise premises.
- At the close of business all the franchise's employees should leave the store together, including the manager.
You are most vulnerable to a robbery when you take your deposit to the bank.
- You should make daily deposits but most importantly don’t have a specific routine day after day – vary your travel routes and times.
- Don’t make deposits after dark and on weekends if your banks night-safe is in a deserted area. Use a Security Company Pick-up Service instead.
- When delivering the bank wallet to the bank or night safe, carry it in a plain bag and don’t display it.
- If you go alone you are an easy target, so don’t do it.
- If the deposits are for a considerable amount using a Security Company Pick-up Service is essential.
Once a robbery is in progress you should understand that not only could your own life be in danger but those of innocent bystanders as well, so don't try to be a hero.
Security Professionals will tell you to follow these guidelines.
- If the person is armed assume they will use the weapon.
- Be cooperative, do what is requested.
- Don’t argue with the robber.
- Don’t make any quick movements be deliberate in everything you do.
- Remain calm.
- Make a mental note of; height, weight, type of speech accent or impediment, complexion, color of eyes, length and color of hair, any distinguishing marks, clothing, footwear, right or left handed, any jewellery.
- Take note of any accomplices.
When the thief departs make a note of:
- The direction of escape.
- If the thief used a car or motorcycle in the getaway try and note the make, model, color or license number or any other descriptive markings.
- The number and description of any accomplices.
While waiting for the police to arrive write down everything you can remember while it is fresh in your memory. Have any witnesses do the same.
Since 9/1
Entrepreneurs Know How to Use Professional AdvisorsThe first time a person starts looking for an opportunity they become immediately confronted with professional help. Besides those who make direct contact, well-intentioned friends will provide names of brokers, CPAs, business consultants, and lawyers, all of which, they insist, must be contacted before you, (the person who is looking for a business) make all sorts of horrible mistakes. I do not advocate that this should be your first act.Certainly each of these professionals can help -- and depending on your background, some more than others. But think about what you have to do to pursue your goal of finding a business. Know yourself, understand your resources, start to focus on the type of business that suits you, begin looking to see what's available, and these are just a few of the items that you now have on your check list.Do you really want to make another to do list with the names and contact information of professionals you
mployee of your franchise. Tell employees what will happen if anyone is caught stealing . . .
not what can happen, but what will happen. These policies should be signed by all the franchiseses employees indicating that they understand and agree to abide by them. Never be complacent because in my experience the sad fact is that dishonest employees account for two-thirds or more of theft.
On the administration side of your franchise business you also need to be vigilant.
- Examine all invoices or supporting data before signing checks. You should have the bookkeeper attach to the check, all related invoices.
- Dual signature of checks should be required unless signed by you.
- Don’t pre-sign checks and do inspect all pre-numbered check books to ensure that the checks are being used in sequence.
- Check that your accountant or book-keeper, reconciles the bank account and credit card accounts monthly.
- All cash should be kept in a safe that is either on a time lock or is opened with dual keys one of which is kept off premises.
Robbery is one of the most horrific and frightening of all the franchise security situations it is also one of the crimes that can cause long term physiological damage to employees.
Robbery is classified as being any situation in which violence, or the threat of violence, is used to extort or take by force property or money.
As a franchise owner it is your responsibility to have a protection program, with adequate safeguards in place to ensure, as far as humanly possible, the safety of your customers, your employees and yourself.
Your franchisor should have recommended practices and training programs available and these should be given prominence in your own franchise training program. If for some reason the franchisor does not provide this then you can talk to your local law enforcement officers or use the services of professional security advisors.
Here are some of the precautions you can take to minimize the risk.
- Be suspicious of anyone loitering outside especially if they seem determined to avoid other patrons or people in the vicinity.
- Maintain minimum cash register limits by skimming the cash and depositing in a secure drop safe. This procedure should be publicised.
- Never leave the cash drawer unattended and lock it when away.
- Leave the cash drawer open at the end of the day to show it is empty.
- Be aware of what’s going on outside as well as inside the franchise premises.
If your business operates at night.
- All outside lights should be turned on at dusk. It is a good idea to have the lights switched on automatically and the manager should check them at least daily.
- Adequate lighting both inside and outside is a must. If there are any spots that are in shadows take immediate steps to light them.
- Eliminate possible hiding places outside. Take special notice of vehicles that have been parked for an unusual length of time in proximity to the franchise premises.
- At the close of business all the franchise's employees should leave the store together, including the manager.
You are most vulnerable to a robbery when you take your deposit to the bank.
- You should make daily deposits but most importantly don’t have a specific routine day after day – vary your travel routes and times.
- Don’t make deposits after dark and on weekends if your banks night-safe is in a deserted area. Use a Security Company Pick-up Service instead.
- When delivering the bank wallet to the bank or night safe, carry it in a plain bag and don’t display it.
- If you go alone you are an easy target, so don’t do it.
- If the deposits are for a considerable amount using a Security Company Pick-up Service is essential.
Once a robbery is in progress you should understand that not only could your own life be in danger but those of innocent bystanders as well, so don't try to be a hero.
Security Professionals will tell you to follow these guidelines.
- If the person is armed assume they will use the weapon.
- Be cooperative, do what is requested.
- Don’t argue with the robber.
- Don’t make any quick movements be deliberate in everything you do.
- Remain calm.
- Make a mental note of; height, weight, type of speech accent or impediment, complexion, color of eyes, length and color of hair, any distinguishing marks, clothing, footwear, right or left handed, any jewellery.
- Take note of any accomplices.
When the thief departs make a note of:
- The direction of escape.
- If the thief used a car or motorcycle in the getaway try and note the make, model, color or license number or any other descriptive markings.
- The number and description of any accomplices.
While waiting for the police to arrive write down everything you can remember while it is fresh in your memory. Have any witnesses do the same.
Since 9/
Is One Of Your Employees Holding You Hostage?I just learned of another NBA player who has been accused of domestic violence. This is the third or fourth time that this player has had off-court problems which are in addition to numerous on-court issues. I am waiting to hear the lame excuse his team officials are going to use to defend this guy.Oh, did I mention he is an all star?This guy is a cancer on his team and is going to negatively affect it. It never fails…there will be an inevitable implosion sometime down the road and the team owners and coaches will bang their heads and think “we should have kicked him off the team a long time ago”.I am amazed at how many business leaders have these same kinds of characters working for them, being protected because they are “all stars” (i.e. leading producers) whom they protect because of their production, turning their back on their negative behavior.They are holding the company hostage. And it happens every day.Robbery is classified as being any situation in which violence, or the threat of violence, is used to extort or take by force property or money.
As a franchise owner it is your responsibility to have a protection program, with adequate safeguards in place to ensure, as far as humanly possible, the safety of your customers, your employees and yourself.
Your franchisor should have recommended practices and training programs available and these should be given prominence in your own franchise training program. If for some reason the franchisor does not provide this then you can talk to your local law enforcement officers or use the services of professional security advisors.
Here are some of the precautions you can take to minimize the risk.
- Be suspicious of anyone loitering outside especially if they seem determined to avoid other patrons or people in the vicinity.
- Maintain minimum cash register limits by skimming the cash and depositing in a secure drop safe. This procedure should be publicised.
- Never leave the cash drawer unattended and lock it when away.
- Leave the cash drawer open at the end of the day to show it is empty.
- Be aware of what’s going on outside as well as inside the franchise premises.
If your business operates at night.
- All outside lights should be turned on at dusk. It is a good idea to have the lights switched on automatically and the manager should check them at least daily.
- Adequate lighting both inside and outside is a must. If there are any spots that are in shadows take immediate steps to light them.
- Eliminate possible hiding places outside. Take special notice of vehicles that have been parked for an unusual length of time in proximity to the franchise premises.
- At the close of business all the franchise's employees should leave the store together, including the manager.
You are most vulnerable to a robbery when you take your deposit to the bank.
- You should make daily deposits but most importantly don’t have a specific routine day after day – vary your travel routes and times.
- Don’t make deposits after dark and on weekends if your banks night-safe is in a deserted area. Use a Security Company Pick-up Service instead.
- When delivering the bank wallet to the bank or night safe, carry it in a plain bag and don’t display it.
- If you go alone you are an easy target, so don’t do it.
- If the deposits are for a considerable amount using a Security Company Pick-up Service is essential.
Once a robbery is in progress you should understand that not only could your own life be in danger but those of innocent bystanders as well, so don't try to be a hero.
Security Professionals will tell you to follow these guidelines.
- If the person is armed assume they will use the weapon.
- Be cooperative, do what is requested.
- Don’t argue with the robber.
- Don’t make any quick movements be deliberate in everything you do.
- Remain calm.
- Make a mental note of; height, weight, type of speech accent or impediment, complexion, color of eyes, length and color of hair, any distinguishing marks, clothing, footwear, right or left handed, any jewellery.
- Take note of any accomplices.
When the thief departs make a note of:
- The direction of escape.
- If the thief used a car or motorcycle in the getaway try and note the make, model, color or license number or any other descriptive markings.
- The number and description of any accomplices.
While waiting for the police to arrive write down everything you can remember while it is fresh in your memory. Have any witnesses do the same.
Since 9/
Mystery Shopping - Start Your Own Mystery Shopping Business and Keep All the Perks For Yourself!The mystery shopping business is very new in most parts of the world with only a handful of mystery shopping companies working mainly in larger towns and cities, and invariably targeting major business corporations, while neglecting smaller, local firms, most needing their service.That's an awfully big gap in the market! An awful lot of business going to waste!You can plug the gap by operating a mystery shopping business in your area with just two or three clients and a few well paid assignments each month. It's one of the best work at home opportunities possible and fits well into almost every lifestyle.You can target most areas of commerce, such as shops and supermarkets, garages and hairdressers, banks and building societies, or you might consider specializing by setting your sites on one small group, such as family run hotels and boarding houses, seaside cafes, amusement arcades, doctor's surgeries and photographic stu
es.
If your business operates at night.
- All outside lights should be turned on at dusk. It is a good idea to have the lights switched on automatically and the manager should check them at least daily.
- Adequate lighting both inside and outside is a must. If there are any spots that are in shadows take immediate steps to light them.
- Eliminate possible hiding places outside. Take special notice of vehicles that have been parked for an unusual length of time in proximity to the franchise premises.
- At the close of business all the franchise's employees should leave the store together, including the manager.
You are most vulnerable to a robbery when you take your deposit to the bank.
- You should make daily deposits but most importantly don’t have a specific routine day after day – vary your travel routes and times.
- Don’t make deposits after dark and on weekends if your banks night-safe is in a deserted area. Use a Security Company Pick-up Service instead.
- When delivering the bank wallet to the bank or night safe, carry it in a plain bag and don’t display it.
- If you go alone you are an easy target, so don’t do it.
- If the deposits are for a considerable amount using a Security Company Pick-up Service is essential.
Once a robbery is in progress you should understand that not only could your own life be in danger but those of innocent bystanders as well, so don't try to be a hero.
Security Professionals will tell you to follow these guidelines.
- If the person is armed assume they will use the weapon.
- Be cooperative, do what is requested.
- Don’t argue with the robber.
- Don’t make any quick movements be deliberate in everything you do.
- Remain calm.
- Make a mental note of; height, weight, type of speech accent or impediment, complexion, color of eyes, length and color of hair, any distinguishing marks, clothing, footwear, right or left handed, any jewellery.
- Take note of any accomplices.
When the thief departs make a note of:
- The direction of escape.
- If the thief used a car or motorcycle in the getaway try and note the make, model, color or license number or any other descriptive markings.
- The number and description of any accomplices.
While waiting for the police to arrive write down everything you can remember while it is fresh in your memory. Have any witnesses do the same.
Since 9/
How to Keep Customers For LifeBeing is business isn’t just about getting a customer, selling him something and moving onto the next one. It’s all about making sure that your customers keep coming back to you … and spend more money!But how can you make sure that your customers stay customers for life? What strategies can you put into practice to keep bringing them back for more? A planned customer retention programme is something every established small business should have in place. That sounds great, but what is a retention plan and what should it include?Do the GroundworkBefore starting a retention programme, you need to understand where your business stands now as regards its retention track record. Ask yourself these 3 questions:1. Do you know how many customers you have lost in the last 12 months?2. If you do know how many, do you know why they stopped dealing with you?3. Have you ever quantified the impact these losses h
ount using a Security Company Pick-up Service is essential.
Once a robbery is in progress you should understand that not only could your own life be in danger but those of innocent bystanders as well, so don't try to be a hero.
Security Professionals will tell you to follow these guidelines.
- If the person is armed assume they will use the weapon.
- Be cooperative, do what is requested.
- Don’t argue with the robber.
- Don’t make any quick movements be deliberate in everything you do.
- Remain calm.
- Make a mental note of; height, weight, type of speech accent or impediment, complexion, color of eyes, length and color of hair, any distinguishing marks, clothing, footwear, right or left handed, any jewellery.
- Take note of any accomplices.
When the thief departs make a note of:
- The direction of escape.
- If the thief used a car or motorcycle in the getaway try and note the make, model, color or license number or any other descriptive markings.
- The number and description of any accomplices.
While waiting for the police to arrive write down everything you can remember while it is fresh in your memory. Have any witnesses do the same.
Since 9/11 many things have changed and we are now faced with the real possibility that a Terrorist Act could be perpetuated against anyone of us or our business. You might say, "This will never happen to me" or "What has terrorism got to do with me"? And you may be right, but you need to be aware of the possibility, including the responsibility of Companies and Management.You could now be vulnerable to huge liability claims thanks to little-known government guidelines.
Guidelines for franchise businesses:*
- Anticipate worst-case scenarios and set up response plans.
- Find weak links in your franchise security and take steps to overcome them.
- Set up response teams to coordinate recovery operations.
- Develop and regularly test warning and communications systems.
- Train all franchise staff in response procedures.
*This data is taken from the National Fire Protection Ass. Homeland Security Department.
We suggest you visit the Homeland Security Department’s web site where you will find many suggestions on how to protect your business.
Copyright 2006© - Walter Raleigh
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