Creativity in Business and in life - Part 2

As fostering creativity in the company

Ask a special person to say "can not" why something would not work and you will hear the reasons more "creative" imaginable. Apparently, creativity is not necessarily positive pro.

Yet here we propose to introduce techniques for the development of creative thinking for use proactive. Here are some:

Create a climate for creativity

Tell your team that has this or that problem and solution you are looking for. Do not forget that solutions can appear where least expected, so much so that creative solutions often come from the company's management team.

Encourage the creativity of others

Always express public recognition to those who offer their creative ideas, whether they worked or not. This is essential to encourage other initiatives.

When you bring a problem for you to solve, before submitting a response accustomed to asking, "What do you think needs to be done in this case?"

Be receptive to ideas, even apparently absurd. If someone 120 years ago we would have raised the idea of creating a device that fly through the skies even be heavier than air, carrying 300 people and travel at a speed faster than sound, probably would have said that this was a absurd idea ... Is better not to dismiss ideas!

Mount in your company a PROGRAM FOR THE INCUBATION OF IDEAS.

I use the term "incubation" in order not to discard ideas but put them, ripen, grow, merge and manipulate them until they germinate. The program conditions for the incubation of ideas are open to your creativity.

It is a valuable contribution to the initiative of people and I guarantee that impacts the culture and ability to plan for the company.

Eliminate sentences killer of creativity.

Identify which are the killer phrases and hear around them. Replace with phrases that promote creativity: "Every problem has a solution," "Maybe. Only lack discover how, "" Everything can improve "

"We are doing well and we can improve it and others of their own.
Challenge the creativity of their team. Raise a culture of creativity in your organization. Ask questions that "require" people to question.

I share this experience: After explaining some techniques in the Creativity Workshop we carried out in a five star hotel, I proposed the following topic: "The hotel now offers an excellent service to customers.

What can we do to improve it without incurring the costs? "Even today I'm amazed at the quantity and quality of responses we got a motivated team in a friendly environment.

Do not marry the first idea

Do not settle for the first answer that comes to your head. Find alternatives. Write as many ideas as possible, without judging. Or better yet, plan to deliberately a minimum number of possible answers. At the end evaluate, add, extend, merge, disaggregate, mix, re-collect, assemble the best answer to the problem that needs solving.

The search for alternatives is undoubtedly one of the most effective techniques both for the development of creative thinking to find a solution.

As you know, lifting weights serves as preparation for a weightlifting competition and also to move a heavy desk. Similarly creativity training is useful for applications in various fields.

So train your creativity through games, dynamic and other useful resources for creativity in any field. There are many useful exercises to train your brain in search of alternatives.

For example, you travel by road. Suddenly, go to the side of the road to a family that includes medium-sized stones to throw them in the back of his truck. People passing by the road watching and wondering: Why collect these stones? Write a minimum of ten responses.
Convene meetings for the construction of creative ideas

Brainstorming sessions, also known as uncritical of ideas sessions are based on the principle of "trial postponed". To stimulate responses to a question without those answers are evaluated immediately.

The basic rules for a session uncritical ideas are:

• Any criticism is forbidden
• Every idea is welcome, though it seems wrong or absurd
• Gather as many ideas as possible
• The exhibits should be very short
• Associations of ideas are important in the process.

The evaluation of ideas should be done preferably at a later meeting, after which it becomes a photocopy of the notes reach all participants.

Curiously, many experts recommend making uncritical sessions with 10 or maximum twelve participants. I always wonder: Why? That is "to what is known for good". Group may achieve a richer supply of ideas, but I can attest that when this procedure is done individually also gives excellent results.

Do not let him escape ideas

Always have handy a recorder, a calendar, a pocket computer, a notebook or any other resource that allows you to save an idea.

Have not woken up at midnight with a brilliant response to a difficult problem? The next morning you have forgotten the idea and never captured by any means. Do not allow ideas to escape.

It is said that Mary G. Agnesi, one of the most prominent figures in the mathematics of the eighteenth century, often waking up at midnight with the answer to a problem that had been torturing. He wrote the solution and returned to bed.

Prepare to not let go of their ideas.

Consider the "opposite solution"

Often the "opposite solution is the answer you're looking for. An example of "opposite solution is the" distance learning "progressed today with the" virtual education ". Rather than expect the student to go to school, it is he who "reaches" the student.

The service of "home delivery" is another solution otherwise. To get the wine from the bottle usually pulled out the cork, but we could also get him, right?

Here is a problem that has been widely and answer:

In the Middle Ages a man of recognized quality was unjustly accused of murdering a woman. In fact, the real perpetrator was a very influential person in the kingdom and, therefore, from the outset sought a "scapegoat" to cover up the guilty. The man was taken to court and knowing that it would have little or no hope of escaping the terrible sentence of hanging. The judge, who had been bought, took care to give every appearance of a fair trial and the defendant said: "Knowing your reputation as a man of just and devout man of God, we will leave your fate in the hands of Him

In two separate papers write the words 'guilty' and 'innocent'. You will choose and so define your destiny, "Of course, had prepared two papers with the words 'guilty'. The judge ordered the man to take one of the folded papers. The room fell silent.

The question is: How could the man overcome the problem?

Let's skip the answer for you appeal to the art of looking the opposite solution.

Consult an "incompetent"

Discuss the problem you want solved by a competent person in an activity completely different from yours and have a suggestion. The more dissimilar your profession, occupation, hobbies, political affiliation, etc., The better.

Take advantage of your ability to understand things differently. We're doing much better when we work with brains from several different angles when we do it only with our own.

Also ask a child. It's great to discover the results of this suggestion. Firstly because you are forced to simplify the problem in order to explain and that's a benefit. Second, be surprised by the responses you get. Remember: Do not discard ideas. Collect alternatives.

Break routines

Breaking routines is an opportunity to see and do other things or the same things differently. It provides the opportunity for seeing the world through different eyes to our brain and expanded the horizon of possibilities.

Explore activities that regularly does. Change the type of reading. If you usually go to his office by car, go by bus or taxi and see the city like a tourist. Change the type of films that usually sees. If you are a regular viewer, television is no longer a few weeks and spend that time reading or other activity. Go eat at a vegetarian restaurant, read a book in the company, prepare a dinner with his son play a sport foreign to you.

In short, do things that usually do not. Allow yourself to see things from a perspective that is novel.

Everyone can practice techniques and habits to cultivate the development of creative thinking. He now has 10 suggestions for easy application in business and in life. You can begin to implement them or continue to ask: "WHY NOT happened to me?"

Creativity in Business and in life - Part 1

It is no secret that creativity turns out to be elusive for many people. Fortunately you can turn it into a permanent position, which applies to the most diverse areas of human activity.

The Creativity is now the condition is the main competitive advantage of firms. This is especially true in such sensitive areas as advertising, promotions creating, finding business opportunities, customer service and decision making.

Some people grow techniques and skills that allow them to create different businesses, different solutions to everyday problems or issues far more complex ... while others are amazed and simply go on asking: "WHY NOT happened to me?"

To expand our ability to conceive ideas and solutions, we must first identify what are the barriers that prevents it. Here are some of them
Reasons that prevent us from being creative

Low self-esteem

People with low self-esteem also have creative ideas. However, their low level of self confidence that makes them think their idea is not worth it and is not taken into account and make fun of him or her and her idea, and so on. These people often are surprised when they discover that another person described the same idea and thought insignificant surprise!, Everyone celebrates the wonder of that above stated idea!

Fear of making mistakes and looking foolish

Two reasons for the price of one. The absence of a culture of assertiveness and ignorance of our rights lead to fear of being wrong. Our culture has led us to the pleasure of "having always right" and stand by it. Not know the right to make mistakes and the power of the error. The sweet pleasure of being right and contribute to the error to arrive at what is possibly correct.

Staying with the first idea

The fact believe that the first idea is always the best, is limiting. Married with the first answer that occurs to weaken the other options. When this happens, subsequent ideas are compared with the first and will be discarded.

To consider what is known good

Have you ever heard the phrase "always done well? It is perhaps the most effective sentence for killing creativity and desire to contribute ideas in business. Other phrases that are in the same direction: "That is the norm," "that has already been tried and not worked," "it works in other companies," "the system does not allow," "it costs too much" "If that were possible, since someone else would have invented."

Let me share the following reading:

A group of scientists put five monkeys in a cage at the center arranged a staircase leading to a bunch of bananas, so that, whenever a monkey climbed to reach it, scientists launched a jet of cold water on the left in the ground.

After some time, when one of the monkeys tried to get others to ground it sticks until it was time that none of the five dared to indulge their instincts, despite the temptation of the bananas.

Then, the experimenters replaced with one monkey by another rookie, as one can imagine the first thing I tried was to climb the ladder, an action which was barred by the four old, who went down to the strength and gave him a beating, which followed each time by giving the upstart monkey tried, until the day that the lesson learned, would not go any higher.

Achieve this, a second old monkey was replaced. Same thing happening with the enthusiastic participation of the first rookie. And so a third and fourth, until the group of five there were none left.

Scientists were then compared with a group of five monkeys, even though they had never received a cold shower, continued to beat anyone who tried to reach the bananas.

Then came to the conclusion that if the monkeys were asked why their conduct at all was seen as unnatural and they reply, the answer is, no doubt, "do not know, here things have always been well”.

Sound familiar?

I invite you to uncover what are the killer of creativity phrases commonly used in your business and your environment.

Limiting beliefs

The set of ideas that people have intimate and unconsciously of themselves define their beliefs, behaviors and outcomes. Phrases like "I never think of anything" "I'm not clever" to me creativity does not concern me "and other wording that speak of the beliefs that govern the behavior of a person and thus his achievements.
Many times we think we can do something and eventually the only impediment to doing so ourselves!

Disdain for the difference

The healthy clash of ideas can find creative options. So the difference is desirable, necessary and, going a step further, desirable.

The quest for unanimity usually occurs when people do not want to appear when there is conflict or a boss or an authoritarian leader, who always believes to be right.

The most creative work teams are those confronted with maturity difference and summon the sake of creativity.

Now. What are the techniques we use to develop creative thinking?

New Business Ideas: Previous Analysis - Part 2

General Business Trends

Advances in medicine. Cancer, HIV, genetics. Memory. Neuropsychiatry.
Security: Violence, job insecurity, personal insecurity, private data
Entertainment that make the isolation: PC, Internet, TV, bi-directional interactive entertainment and tailor-made, multi-featured cell phones, portable car stereos, DVD, digital cameras, household, etc..

The family as the most important value for young: According to research done in London to young people between 16 and 21 the highest aspiration was related to being happily married with children, up from a successful career.

The organizations of the future: small business units are merged into larger units and will form a federal company. Centralized purchasing, advertising and Mkt and decentralized in others. Condominium or private housing estate. We need more partnerships. For this is not necessary to merge or make acquisitions without must work with other companies. You can unite around a common goal where individual talents are used and power but to resign this must be some independence to the team.

Companies with employees part-time or from home. You can use a model of community and find ways to feel part. Examples of a company that has many self-employed and a good restaurant where the food is free all gather there. This also implies changes in the rules of management and leadership: if you take the model of a community can be thought of in terms of political theory and not engineering thinking in the language of machines. Instead of looking for work, finding clients. Model of a play where the director is not listed but those are the employees.

The major problems

• Insecurity
• Violence
• Discrimination (immigrants, by age, sex, disability, etc.)
• Decreased sexual
• Cultural changes for men and women
• Food problems
• Drugs
• Divorces
• Fears - Phobias
• The new spirituality
• Slavery labor / labor abuse / harassment / stress
• Loneliness-person households. TV: Supermarket for loners
• Sectarianism

We thus have outlined a comprehensive and complex that guides us on possible options for work and business to address. Whether to offer solutions to problems that have to do with the lifestyle, needs and characteristics of certain groups or companies or as alternative ways of outlining a business.

This does not exhaust the universe of subjects but can be used to think of some potential business ideas. Each of them may deserve a study of alternative development. In future notes in this series we will be addressing some of them.

New Business Ideas: Previous Analysis - part 1

Searching for business opportunities is one of the most frequent requests and needs that make us reach our customers and subscribers / as.

Also one of the items most votes in polls in portals and sites dedicated to companies and enterprises: Ideas and opportunities to develop new businesses, are they looking for most people

who want to start their own.

Behind this desire is something that is not always explicit and yet is present: a successful formula that allows us to minimize the risk and uncertainty.

Proposals to start a business activity but will have to begin with some reflections and research about themselves: what they would like to start, what profile are as enterprising as to the autonomy, creativity, drive, perseverance, energy and many other features necessary .

It is also important to determine the knowledge and experience of work activities performed, studies, personal preferences, level of commitment to what they do or want to do, financial and economic capacity, time availability, implementation capacity, and so on.

And then evaluate whether to implement any of these ways:

• Install a retail
• Being distributors or wholesalers
• Working in professional services
• Engage in direct sales of products / services
• Buying a business already installed
• Buying a franchise
• Produce or manufacture any goods or products
• Partnering with a company to develop a new line of activity
• Create a partnership with family or partners
• Develop a supportive or cooperative project, and so on.

You see, there are certain preliminary steps that anyone can do for you. Whether they do or choose, there are always unavoidable aspects to choose what best suits their capabilities.

The available universe of ideas is much broader than in the first instance we can identify or imagine. What we do now will provide an overview of some trends to consider. These trends respond to global trends that mark today's world needs and also allow the visualization options available to you .

It is known that they recognize some personal business premises to consider:

• Information about the business itself, have as much information as possible
• The marketing is integrated with manufacturing (direct relationship with the consumer)
• The outsourcing of services. Be hired externally to reduce costs and ease the management of the company. This depends on the item.
• SMEs and microenterprises tend to be deficient for lack of advice and field study: costs and prices
• Do not sell what is produced but produced what sells
• Characteristics of current employer
• The quality is not only a requirement for export but is a basic part of the business. It is associated with excellence.
• Trend towards market concentration: it takes ingenuity, imagination
• Hazards: falling sales
• Negotiate leases with caution, makes tax costs from becoming delinquent by force majeure
  

Extreme sensitivity to economic downturns financial context. Eg Financial Crisis

Alternatives

• Work to improve service rather than sale
• Identifying niches
• Lower fixed expenses to a minimum
• Caring for the quality, not lower it
• Select suppliers (those more flexible on price and time)
• Negotiate leases with caution
• Shorten the chain links in the manufacturing / marketing
• Arming purchasing consortia to buy from manufacturers
• Breaking with the fragmentation and potential use common
• Implement modern marketing techniques that include promotions, credit cards, tickets versatile.

And the threats will

• Fixed Costs
• Tax pressure
• Social Charges
• Lack of credit support
• Import
• Franchising

Clarify these points, go to general business trends that are not nothing but importance of certain aspects of current society.

Franchising: Pros and Cons. Buying a Franchise Versus Starting from Zero

One of the first questions you should answer before starting a business is if you get to have a small independent company or buying a franchise.

Each option has its own advantages and disadvantages, The type of business you choose depends on a unique set of circumstances.

Let us first see what Wikipedia says on this form:

"The franchise is a type of contract used in commerce on the one hand call to another call franchiser gives the franchisee a trademark license as well as methods of doing business in exchange for a periodic fee or royalty.

The relief is to build on the experience an entrepreneur who has achieved a remarkable competitive advantage in the marketplace. That advantage may consist of a prestigious brand, products or patented methods or simply a deep understanding of the business that makes it knows the formula of profit.

Through the franchise agreement, The franchiser agrees to convey some of these values to the franchisee and it achieves a significant reduction in investment requirements and risk. "

Before making a decision Investigates the options available and reduces the alternatives. After talking to some franchisees, current and past (after all, who retired from a business has interesting things to say that might open your eyes ...).

Consider the following questions

Why would you want to start a business?

Is it because you want to be your own or head / e? If you want total control of your business, then the franchise probably is not your thing. A franchise sets the rules and guidelines you must follow.

The policies imposed on the franchisee may include: suppliers, the form of advertising, the rate of gain and even the hours of operation and, of course, everything related to the ambience of the place, the form of attention, and so on.

Looking for guidance on how to start a business and keep it running?

A franchisor has taken the time and effort to develop a successful business model. It is a proven system that works in different locations in the country of origin and often also in others. The franchisor may provide you with information to start the business, training and awareness. Because people are familiar with the franchise, it will take less time to build a customer base to develop an independent business.

Want to decide your own rates for your service or product?

A franchise will most likely dictate the rates of services and dial up the type of services or products you can offer. If you want to expand your offering beyond their guide, a franchise may not be your best option.

Do you feel comfortable or trained employees and maintaining all required documentation?
Since a franchise is an established business model, it will provide you with training materials for your employees. The company will tell you what kind of training each employee should take and what kind of documentation you carry and store. A franchisor quite possibly of all descriptions of each job and a guide on wages to offer.

Do you know where to buy your supplies at a good price?

A franchise agreement may impose the type of supplies and equipment to use in business. As the franchisee buys a large scale, hopefully you can get supplies and equipment at great prices. But keep in mind that may be required to buy supplies and equipment to certain companies that will not allow you to enjoy quantity discounts and / or special promotions from other suppliers.
Are you willing / or pay a portion of your monthly income to someone else?

Trade agreements differ from one franchise to another, But most will ask you to make an initial investment plus a percentage of your income to the franchisor. Moreover, in many cases there are mandatory advertising fees to cover costs of advertising campaigns. When you converse with other franchisees be sure to ask if they feel they get

Do you have the marketing skills to promote your business?

Self-employed persons are responsible for everything related to marketing, from: have business cards, a web site to support the business, promotional material (brochures, flyers, etc..), Local media advertising, campaigns, promotions, etc..

Do you have a specific location for your business?

A franchise will surely determine the amount of business in a particular area. So you'll probably allocate a territory to work.

Remember, a franchise is a model ready to operate, Will support you have your business running as soon as possible without reinventing the wheel. " However, a franchise has rules and procedures you must follow and, in some ways, dictate what you can not do with your business.

The way you want to develop your business should guide you to determine if you want an independent business or if you want a local branch of a national or international franchise.

10 Tips to undertake with limited means

Start a new economic activity requires capital. However, many entrepreneurs end up learning that the capital alone is no guarantee of success.

Many businesses such as the Internet bubble showed very well, began with millions in their coffers to finish in the "pipes". While a few businesses with shoestring budgets eventually grow to become extraordinary successes. How can this be?

Successful ventures not necessarily a contest of fat wallets.

On the contrary, is an eXERCISE of smart financial management, careful strategic planning and yes, very lucky?

Successful entrepreneurs know how to make the most of every peso or dollar they have. here 10 tips for entrepreneurs and entrepreneurs with limited financial means

1. Set realistic goals

The first step every entrepreneur / or should give for the launch of a new activity is properly determine the scope and size of your business.

Many entrepreneurs simply take to the idea of starting a business, not understanding what the company really means: the financial, management skills and technological expertise, human resource needs. Finally they fall short with what it can do.

Consider again the company has in mind and determine whether it is within a range achievable and desirable.

2. Plan your expenses properly

Many entrepreneurs start a business without any idea of costs. Or you overestimate the cost, or worse, they underestimate the financial resources necessary to properly capitalize the business. This is especially evident in the preparation of financial projections in your business plan.
Some entrepreneurs prepare financial projections with numbers that do not fit into other sections of the business plan (ie the section talks about marketing television campaigns with a budget of $ 200!). Some do not include a list of assumptions to explain that based their numbers.

Out of nowhere they feel their business can grow by 20% the first year and 40% in the second, without explaining how such growth can be achieved.

3. Finance your business intelligence

For many entrepreneurs there is no single source that allows you to finance the whole operation. The money from a source (eg the mother) may be sufficient to acquire the raw materials but still need money as working capital.

Entrepreneurs need to see the funding as the sum of the parts of your business: what you are an individual asset financing needs for business.

It should always ask: What is the best way to finance this asset using the least amount of dollars up front? The ideal source of financing is what provides the biggest pay period, at least interest, requires little or no collateral and demand no personal responsibility. Oh, almost a fairy tale. The next best option is to choose, given their priorities, which makes more sense for you and your business.

4. Put your money where fruition

Low-income entrepreneurs have one thing in common: they lack money and often struggle to find capital for your business. Capital for the launch of a company is going to one of these investments: "fixed assets" (furniture, furnishings and equipment), or "working assets" (inventory and working capital).

Despite the lack of capital, many entrepreneurs invest most money in office equipment and a very elegant chick (expenses that a company is struggling to emerge may well ignore). This is a common error in making decisions. Successful entrepreneurs invest every effort in working capital which brings cash-and sales-and least fixed assets.

5. Is this the right time?

Timing can be key to a successful implementation. There is an appropriate time and wrong time to open a business, especially if your business is cyclical or seasonal location. Opening a retail space in their favorite shopping mall, or your own convenience should not be your reasons for starting a business. Instead, you must plan carefully the months when the peak demand for the finished product.

6. Control your cash

It is said that the cash flow or cash flow is the lifeblood of a small business. And rightly so. Your business will survive only as long as you have cash to pay its financial obligations. With limited capital, cash flow controls every decision in companies with few resources, and may be the only way to surf during the initial phase. A key rule for entrepreneurs: only when you have enough cash can even begin to think of the benefits. Many businesses fail not because they do not have enough capital, but because they fail to plan properly the stage of capital shortage.

7. Impulse sales

Grow sales depends on several factors: the nature of the company, its location, the level of competition, and the intensity of the marketing and promotion that carried forward. The goal of every entrepreneur should scarce resources be getting sales immediately. If you have a bank loan or financed with credit card, for example, your creditors will not allow you to delay your payments just because you are still in the process of developing its sales. They want to charge! Now!

Hence needs to boost marketing your company, perhaps with some flyers this week, an ad in the local newspaper the next, or by sending newsletters and contribute articles. The key rule is to dedicate at least 2 hours a day to marketing. Learn the steps it will take before and after opening to maximize sales and help the business to rush the sales growth.

8. Balance your sales and profit targets

Sales and profit do not always go together. Some entrepreneurs are willing to cut their benefits in an effort to improve sales. Often the volume by itself will not be able to compensate for loss of profits. Try to maintain gross profit at least equal to the average of that activity. Strive to strike a balance between a solid policy of capturing sales without sacrificing profit margins required.

9. Sea "thin / o and miserable"

A company need not struggle to wrest dead weights. Keep your fixed costs low and only spend on things that can help to substantially improve what is essential. If you can still function properly since the office that you have at home, no need to lease office space in the downtown area. Avoid hiring a permanent employee if you can still manage with temporary and seasonal.

Every dollar spent must be directly linked to income: Spend a nickel (5 ctvs) only when you are safe or that you get 10 cents of return :-).

10. Use financial tools

As owner / or your business, you are responsible for life and growth of your business. That involves knowing not only the marketing or production aspects of your business but the financial tools they need to manage your business effectively. Understanding the finances of your business will give you control its direction.

Although this may be unpalatable to some entrepreneurs, knowing the economics of the business will tell you where they've been, where you are going and how fast it will come. Of course you can hire an accountant or someone to carry the books, but yourself or MUST understand your cash flow (cash flow), revenue, profit and loss statements and balance point (break-even-point)

It is the franchising business for me?

Many people are familiar with the concept of franchise or franchising.

The franchise concept

The franchise is a type of contract used in commerce by which a called party gives to another call franchiser franchisee License a brand and methods of doing business in exchange for a periodic fee or royalty. The relief is to build on the experience of a businessman / woman who has achieved competitive advantage outstanding in the market.

That advantage may consist of a prestigious brand, products or patented methods or simply a deep understanding of the business that makes it knows the formula of profit.

Through the franchise agreement, the franchiser agrees to convey some of these values to the franchisee and it achieves a significant reduction in investment requirements and risk.

Sometimes legal agreements may vary the terms of certain franchise and not correspond exactly with the above definition. Sometimes the methods on how to do business can not be part of the franchise or other benefits not available to other franchises offer. Each case is unique and therefore it is necessary to look at the documentation for certain what it offers (and what you ask) the franchiser.

The franchises are known by the public food chains like McDonald's which today offers some relief strategies to attract a wider consumer market.

McDonald's became a household name after he was able to achieve greater consumer market that is not only limited to the United States and the Americas but also the rest of the world. The company behind this success is due precisely to the franchise system. Apart from renting the premises to the franchisee, also has a sales and cost of supplies charged to the franchisee.

For the quality of food served at each location is consistent throughout the chain, McDonald's sent to each member of the franchise to its Hamburger University in Oak Brook, Illinois.
As with any business, there are advantages and disadvantages of franchising offers to all who wish to venture into this business model.

Advantages of franchising

Popular brands are well known and are more likely to sell. It is selling a "tag" well known to a market of consumers who know the product very well.

No need to develop a new product that has not been sufficiently investigated.
In contrast, venture into a franchise allows the franchisee to access information on the franchiser has an existing product and operate a proven business in a short period of time.

The franchiser provides its franchisees training and seminars on the product in question. It will be easier for the franchisee to operate and manage the business as it has available training and other support provided by the franchiser.

Disadvantages of franchising

The high standards of the franchiser increase maintenance costs of the franchise. Because the franchiser's standards will inevitably be high, sometimes the cost of keeping a franchise can be increased, unless the materials are second quality and low cost.

The development of new products may need approval by the franchiser. If the franchisee would like to add a product you think would be salable in your market range, the new product must first be approved by the franchiser and this can take time and be rejected if it meets the standards of the brand.

The benefit is limited given that the franchiser has an interest in general about the benefits of the franchise. Not only the franchisee has little control over the franchise (because there are many interests at stake) but also the benefit of the franchise will be divided between the two parties. Therefore, there is a limit to what the franchisee can earn.

Even if the franchises have several disadvantages, this business model also has significant advantages. If you think you can handle this type of business, all I can say is that every business has its risks that you must evaluate.

In virtually every industry you choose there are several major players offering franchising its business model. Analyze it thoroughly and see the terms of a lawyer / a specialist on the subject. And if you can, Talk to other franchisees of the chain shortlisted the people already in business can provide important details that might tip the balance in favor or against.

The Implementation Plan Creative Ideas - Part 2

Below I point from which to download the models for the implementation plan and the corresponding cash flow.

The idea

Before implementing an idea is necessary to describe it in detail.
Separately you should describe what makes it special is that notion, namely: What is your Unique Selling Proposition (USP)? Having done that, ask yourself how USP could bring a bit further to make your idea even more special.

Benefits and Risks

The next step is to do a simple risk versus benefit analysis.

This may sound complicated but it is simply a matter of making a table with a column called "benefits" and another called "risks". Then he goes by listing the benefits and risks in the appropriate column. If the risks outweigh the benefits it needs to re think the idea and concentrate on delivering more benefits. Check your USP in particular.

Barriers

An obstacle is something that can stop, damage or destroy its implementation before it is complete.

The early obstacles, like getting an endorsement from a very conservative client, lack of budget or adverse to risk managers can kill a creative idea at this stage of implementation.

To avoid this, you must list all possible obstacles (think now that it is harder to fix later) and how to overcome. Be Prepared / or to face obstacles not only makes it easier to overcome but also impacts positively on the people responsible for these barriers, as most are caused by people.

The human factor

Speaking of people, make a list of people (and organizations and groups) who should be involved in implementation. They may be colleagues who buy the idea and make it simpler to sell to top management or they may be the designers who will build a prototype to demonstrate his idea. A complex idea often requires many people to get involved.

Authorizations

It is possible to implement your idea that is necessary to obtain permission from one or more agencies. These authorizations may include the approval of other people in the business licenses of official agencies (national or municipal) or certificates of professional bodies. If your idea belongs to a new area, it is better to investigate first government regulations, perhaps takes a surprise. For example in Belgium get a license for a restaurant depends on whether or not serve potatoes!

Capital and cash flow

Calculate the cost of implementing the idea and likely profit. For most business ideas probably should prepare a cash flow sheet (cash flow) to the costs and revenues over time. IF your cash flow can be shown that with minimal investment can make a big profit potential, then it's easier to sell the idea to the right people.

Milestones

Even with the simplest ideas, you must devise a list of milestones to achieve along the way towards implementing their idea. For example, a new product idea may require a prototype, market research, conduct product testing and so on. Furthermore, the milestones can be good places to determine whether to continue or not with the idea or if you should consider modifying it.

The Escape Plan

Often, quad considering the implementation of a new idea, the committees tend to dilute it to make it less risky. Unfortunately, when you remove the risk to an idea often also takes creativity, transforming a creative idea in a mediocre one. A better approach is to continue a risky but creative idea and have an escape plan.

For example, if the idea fails to comply with an individual event in a pre-specified time frame, you can leave. Have an escape plan and default risks shrinking ensures that you or the company will not continue to provide money to an idea that shows little chance of achieving their potential.

Communications Plan

A communications plan helps to clarify who should know about implementing, when and how. You can also indicate who should not know about it, particularly in the early stages.

For example, if you're working in a very innovative idea, probably will want to keep it secret as long as possible to prevent its competitors from finding out. Moreover, at some point will want to communicate as soon as possible so that the / or recognized as innovative or groundbreaking

behind the idea

Even if you are implementing a personal idea, communicate can help give you confidence to complete implementation. Moreover, discuss the idea with friends, family and colleagues can give valuable input and make even more innovative idea.

The Action Plan

The last step of the implementation plan is the action plan step by step. It describes every step he must take, how long will take each step and what should be achieved in each. Incorporate many of the above information. Indeed, first gather all this information will help you develop a powerful action plan to increase the chances that your idea is implemented effectively. And that is what makes a creative idea is innovative.

The Implementation Plan Creative Ideas - Part 1

There are several reasons for that creative ideas do not become innovations. Sometimes it's because the idea seemed brilliant conceptually implementation is flawed.

Often the problem is that companies invest in creative initiatives such as meetings to produce a storm of ideas (brainstorming), management ideas, campaign ideas, etc.., but fall short at the stage of investing in the implementation of creative ideas emerged in these meetings.
Possibly yourself or have experienced this: a company invests in generating creative ideas involving managers and well-paid consultants.

From these events came a number of promising ideas. Sometimes even develop business plans around these ideas, sometimes even build prototypes. But somewhere between the identification of promising ideas and their implementation, the idea rather dies or kills it.

There are several reasons why they kill creative ideas, but most have to do with risk. One sees the implementation of a new idea as something risky and the company people really do not want to take risks. For that reason, directly or indirectly, kill the idea.

It goes without saying that investing in the generation of new ideas that will never be put into practice is a costly method of achieving anything.

But this reluctance to implement new ideas happens not only to companies, people we do too. Imagine for a moment that a young person wants to send a CV (or résumé) solicitor for a job at a company like Levi Strauss & Co and gets the idea to print your CV in jeans and send it to your potential employer.

A very creative approach surely be highlighted from the rest and attract the attention of the HR people. And it could result in a job interview, particularly if the company values creativity as surely Levi ago. But it might happen that was thrown away by ridiculous (no idea on how the company would react in this case). In my experience, most people who have creative ideas so you do not want to run the risks of taking forward.

Such a waste of creative time, energy and money does not benefit anyone.

To help individuals and businesses to plan and implement their creative ideas more efficiently, I plan to discuss why the ideas are not implemented (either in organizational and individual) and developed a Plan of Implementation of creative ideas.

On the next post I point from which to download the models for the implementation plan and the corresponding cash flow.

The 7 things missing for a company to succeed

I think it's important to stand up a little, take a step back, get out of work and the daily bustle and take a look in perspective.

I recently attended an interesting conversation, which left the issue of what it takes to have a successful entrepreneurship. Success is a very abstract concept, each should have its own clear definition of what is to him, we see that unfortunately prevent drift in the definition of other, Because some may have lots of money in the bank is synonymous with success and others will be doing what they always wanted, but more or less can agree that a successful company has these features:

• It is economically profitable and makes money to live without choking.
• Have satisfied customers who think they bring value.
• There is a huge pain to get new customers.

I know that those 3 things are very minimum at least for my personal definition missing at least a couple, but a good starting point. So in conversation, their own experiences were discussed about what is necessary for our company, at least, succeeds in these midterms.

And this is what was needed and what is more or less agreed, then the circumstances are so capricious that anything can happen, but these are prerequisites to make it succeed.

#1. You must be in a market with a long tradition Cart

That is, it is a market in which there is a need or desire and you are used to pay for satisfying it.
If we have something wonderful that fills a need that people did not know you have, we are lost. Because first we must convince them that have that need, then we must convince them that we are the ideal choice to satisfy it.

That is to be superhuman and yet there are many such initiatives that create such innovative things that have not been used before. In such cases often do not have the recipe for the product of the century but of the disaster.

I do not know if anyone sees the series "Mad Men" is about the great publicists of the 50 United States and there comes the question of how they can create the need and then present the product.

We are not so great and that more than half a century ago, so the prescription not to trip before even the first step is to enter a market where we are clear that people pay, then go to point 2.

#2. You have to bring something innovative, something especially something easier or faster.

To innovate is not to reinvent the wheel, enter the market and can tell a prospective client that your solution is:

• Easier.
• Easier.
• Faster.
• You have more of what interests him.

Ultimately we are not like the others.

Which bring us different? Have we stopped to think? Because when this question is asked of many entrepreneurs or stay blank or insignificant babble. Because that's another, NOT ENOUGH TO BE DIFFERENT have to be remarkably different.

In my experience, and in the present context, where there is an enormous lack of attention from our customers, or your difference is quite remarkable and neither will notice.

#3. You worry greatly from Marketing.

Get into a market that pays, be different and still not anybody going to come to your door. So it goes. If you're not devoting at least half of their time and resources in marketing (or, easier to bear the name of the company to a potential customer and show why it is a good choice) will not achieve anything.

That is twice as important if you are new or are small.

Let's face it, in such cases does not care a damn about anyone. Hey, I have not made the rules, but so do you think I care about any company? Most will give you the same if I disappear tomorrow for the simple reason that NI know it exists.

The first step is to import someone to notice us, the second is to do something for them that others do not do (above). Proved those two things is achieved with marketing, because if we're great, but nobody knows, we are nothing.

#4. You have to surround yourself with the right people.

Recently for a couple of projects I've worked with someone who really cared and was an expert at what he did and I have encountered others who, well, let's say not much.
The difference in cost, time lost and eyes that I had to put in white has been abysmal, and I mean that had failures, which we all do a hundred times a day but they did not mind anything they did not I.

Nothing is more critical than the people that surround you to paddle in the boat of your business. NOTHING.

Recently a friend asked me about the criteria to continue because he had to hire some professionals for some work. Just what I sent him a mentor of mine sent me. "The perfect HR strategy is simple. It works only with stars. And stars do not necessarily mean professional prestige "hyper-paid", there are many stars around us.

90% of the time I've seen to implement policy in this regard is to hire cheap everything we can, which rejects anyone who values his good minimally working. To be a critical point the truth is that we have openly disregarded.

#5. You must have ability to take risks.

The issue is that being an entrepreneur is to travel through uncharted waters, so if water is a fundamental problem, we'll never leave port or arrive anywhere.

#6. You have to have ability to withstand shocks.

Create something of itself and you will fall a rain of blows and unexpected that it seems you've gotten in the middle of a pitched battle. Any entrepreneur has lived HAPPENS TO ALL and, even more "interesting": you are the main responsible leader and face it and fix it.

If you're not willing to take a few blows, it is better not get into the ring, because the product will not sell as much as expected, people are not going to pay, the more accurate machine that will break in the wrong time and we will see red numbers along the way…

Now, this ability is not necessary to be a man of steel that never lie, really critical skill is the ability to grit their teeth and feet.

It is my conviction and my personal experience that if you do it enough times just getting what you propose.

#7. You have to have ability to relate to people.

We focus on what we spend the whole is summed up in one word. PEOPLE. Our employees, our partners, our competitors, our customers ...

We cannot do it alone, we cannot convince a client unless we relate to it and people are very peculiar. One of the topics on which I have learned more in this time of an entrepreneur is about human nature.

Fascinating, beautiful and damned at the same time ...

Like I said, if you save one thing when the company was burning, which is the address book if you do not know what to do these next 15 minutes creating a new relationship or an existing feeds calling to see how things are going and ask what we can do for him.

For my taste there is more to this list (passion for what you do for example) but even more different profiles, there is little discussion about what those are prerequisites.

My proposal is practical, as I said at first, pause for a moment, step back, stop the whole torrent of occupations and devote twenty minutes to see each item and record on paper what few things we could do to improve it next week.

Sources of information for market research

Proper market research must start with a good definition of the objectives and needs. Once defined you can proceed with the collection of information.

#1. Secondary information

It consists of information previously collected by an organization or institution, usually government or private companies like banks, and is in the form of published data, primarily statistics or studies. It is found in libraries, publishing and information services such as INE, Statistical Office of the Autonomous Communities, Center for Sociological Research, National Institute of Consumer, business directories, trade register Chambers of Commerce.

It is a source of information more cheaply than the primary. If the information thus obtained is not sufficient, it should continue with primary information sources, but if you have the necessary data can terminate the investigation.

#2. Primary information

It is information produced or published and not obtained directly from the market by the company. It is used to analyze the behaviors, attitudes or subjective aspects of consumption and to debug or test the secondary information inaccurate.

#3. Personal observation

Lets get accurate information about people, not that they are warned, and situations. The information thus obtained directly from reality.

It is useful for all types of businesses, but is one of the most widely used techniques for business initiatives that have local trade or the street.

Among the most used are:

• Sample Street: The individual notes placed in a location near the entrance to the establishment and inspected every day for 20 or 30 minutes at different times in which records the number of customers falling, many come with purchase, the time they are inside, your profile (male, female, age, etc.).. Observations should be conducted during a period of seven to ten days.
• Observation of use: Consists of watch and record customer behavior while making the purchase: how do, where you will first choose how long it takes, etc.. This involves analyzing the behavior to adapt the operation of the company's future.
• Observation does not buy: We performed as a control mechanism for customer satisfaction. Is to observe the behavior of customers who come in, they take a trip, ask and just walking away without buying.
• Store Rating: It consists in assessing general aspects of the establishment such as light, window, distribution, furniture, etc.. Technique can be used as internal improvement.
• Observation / interview pseudo or mystery shopper: This is a false interview of purchase. The observer adopts the role of client and act, following a script with the elements to be studied, as if to make a purchase. With this technique provides information on customer treatment, most recommended products, prices, exposure, choice, and so on. It is necessary to transfer the collected information to a tab at the end of the visit to remember all the data.
  

How to search and launch business ideas and opportunities

In the business trip that leads to the creation of the joint starting point is finding an idea or business opportunity that allows us to get through the trip, the launch of the company so it is good to keep in mind the following:

1. The idea must be "timely" that is emerging at the right time and stay within a certain period of time, which means that there must be customers who demand the product or service that we have identified and that this needs to be maintained medium term, as if it is satisfied in the short term is to be transformed into viable business.
2. The idea of our product or service must provide "added value" to the prospect, because if not it will be difficult to displace competition in the market. The ideal would offer something new in the sense of improving the existing, or to satisfy customers with different service to give them greater satisfaction to your needs, or put another way, higher added value.
3. The market segment we are addressing is to have a "minimum size", which is highly specialized for our industry or activity; there must be a minimum number of customers willing to sue our products.
4. It is important to the "creativity", we should use so that we can discern and separate only the best ideas.
5. Create a computer or a network of relationships, "network", the contributors or having dealings with the various components of a computer will eliminate personal subjectivity and be more objective in analysis and implementation of ideas and opportunities Business detected.
6. Motivation is necessary to have an entrepreneurial spirit, have real desire to take the idea forward, believe in yourself, which will help solve the various problems that arise during the business trip.
   

Given what is said in the previous sections, we can now begin the search for ideas and business opportunities listed below are the most common sources where we can find:

1. Our personal environment, the circumstances surrounding each individual are varied and individual in each case primarily to analyze our experience, knowledge and interests.
2. Analyze the market, we must take into account that the environment in which we move continually makes this change, we must pay particular attention to the behavior of individual consumers and groups, their desires, tastes, and ultimately satisfaction their needs.
3. Analysis of existing businesses, health fairs, participating in seminars, conferences, contacts in other companies, etc.. Trying to improve existing processes for manufacturing, distribution, production, promotion, after-sales services.
4. Reading publications, studies, statistics, ratios, journals, articles, and economic data.
5. Lateral thinking and association of images, applied to everyday situations. What products or services not available in my area of residence land claim with some frequency, what I cannot buy or enjoy its high cost and that if I want to have it?
6. There are plenty of opportunities in emerging and growth sectors, such as the current Internet, deregulated industries and open to new ideas, concepts.
   

The Franchises: Excellent business opportunities

What is a franchise? What are the exemptions?

Looking for your own business? The franchises are excellent business opportunities. The franchise is a modern and efficient system product distribution and services involving two parties independent of one another: The franchisor (owner of the franchise), and the franchisee (interested in franchise).

These parties are linked to through a special contract where the franchisor yields to franchisee license a brand as well as the business system (way of selling, marketing, advertising, customer client, design shops, packaging, etc.), in exchange for an upfront payment commonly called Canon entry most important and royalties or lower payments month.

Through the same contract the franchisor undertakes to teach franchisee all managing the business and knowledge necessary to achieve success.

Thus anyone interested in having your own business can using the expertise and the success of a business and consolidated, tested and recognized in the market by a given financial investment.

Create your own business from scratch is a wonderful experience but everyone is willing to pay the costs of "learning, testing, error" involved, running the risks involved in and waiting time necessary to succeed.

There are people who need a successful business "today" and have capital saved to pay for it, then opt for a franchise.

If you have savings or and want to invest capital into business for himself that providing benefits you can quickly acquire a franchise. There are those that require little capital and others that require more. The margin of profitability may vary according to investment and type of franchise.

For the company franchise This system allows expand without limits, without certain recruitment costs and complications and Personnel management in other locations, opening and rental premises, maintenance of infrastructure, etc.

The franchises are based largely focused on specialization a great knowledge and product development or service and attention to the consumer.

There are different types of franchises e.g. Franchises commercial, industrial, product distribution, franchises of service, franchises of corner, Single, multiple, franchises regional, etc.

Advantages and disadvantages of franchising

Is it for you a franchise? This system also called franchising is itself very demanding in terms of resources and human skills of both parties.

We conducted a brief analysis on of potential advantages and disadvantages of getting a franchise, you can expect from them, that you can find and to analyze if the best for you.

Advantages of purchasing a franchise:

• No doubt the most important advantage is to obtain what every entrepreneur looking for: Economic independence, greater and more rapid growth potential.
• Being a business and "armed" and "proved" the franchises offer many advantages over owning a venture, such as managing and directing much better economic objectives.
• Reducing risk it means starting a business for your-self from scratch.
• Because development business faster is recovered more secure investment.
• Part of a chain prestigious marketing.
• Quick access to benefits.
• Receive the support of a company and a great brand with acceptance the consumer.
• Chance access to training without regardless of previous experience.
  

Disadvantages buying a franchise:

• One of the most major disadvantage is that in some cases acquire franchise requires cover high-cost as the entry fee, royalty and the canon advertising. These costs or disbursements of money there are no business no franchisees.
• While both sides (franchisor and franchisee) Are independent, the latter must follow certain rules specific to business and conflicts can arise in the methods to manage the business.
• Acceptance of supervision and constant monitoring of business the franchisee.
• The franchisee can find that the franchisor does not provide correct care, assistance and support to their needs.
• There may be a problem that the franchisor does not have sufficient resources to sustainable and strengthen the business.

As we said before, franchisees can become an excellent business opportunity, provided know to analyze and find the correct and proper franchisor.

This business system also requires the franchisee sufficient ethical honesty, human resources, tolerance, patience, respect, teamwork ability, optimism, thrust, entrepreneurship, capacity visionary, and so on. Capabilities that are not discussed in a university, they are taken inside.

If you think you have Inside all these human resources, perhaps a franchise is the secret or the beginning your financial success.