EDITION:03 DECEMBER 2011 FC Business Solutions NEWS, VIEWS AND EVENTS FC BIZ CONNECT From all of us at FC Business Solutions, thank you for making 2011 an extra special one for the team. It has been a big year for the brand, following an exciting end to last year with a name change and new office. We promised you earlier in the year that if you took your eye off FCBS, you were sure to miss something – we haven’t disappointed. Michael Sheedy started with us mid year to manage the Executive Recruitment arm of the business. Louise Mitchell, former Editor of Business Franchise Magazine, joined the team to support the PR-Communications department. Alex Giudice joined FCBS to manage the day-to-day operations of the business and most recently, former Tatts General Manager Retail, Gary Carter, joined the team to head-up the Franchise Operations arm of FCBS. According to Director Corina Vucic, there are no plans to consolidate just yet. “Whilst we may be outgrowing our new offices at a rapid rate, there are additional services that we aim to bring to the market in the next 12 months,” Corina said. “For the past two years, we have been building a team of professionals who can become the ‘virtual arm’ for a business in any area of their operation. “We strongly believe that while we have the important bases covered, there are still a few more strings to add to our bow,” Corina said. MERRY CHRISTMAS Merry Christmas from the FC Business Solutions team. WHAT’S INSIDE PAGE 02: FCBS Charter Do your procedures measure up PAGE 03: Raising the bar on Networking PAGE 04: Exciting challenges for Gary PAGE 05: Look inside your business Talent recruitment on the up PAGE 06: Taking team performance to a new level The importance of Induction PAGE 07: Building the brands PAGE 08: One stop shop for franchisors Puzzle
Transcript
EDITION:03 DECEMBER 2011
FC Business Solutions
NEWS, VIEWS AND EVENTS
FC BIZ CONNECT
From all of us at FC Business Solutions, thank you for making 2011 an extra special one for the team.
It has been a big year for the brand, following an exciting end to last year with a name change and new office.
We promised you earlier in the year that if you took your eye off FCBS, you were sure to miss something – we haven’t disappointed.
Michael Sheedy started with us mid year to manage the Executive Recruitment arm of the business.
Louise Mitchell, former Editor of Business Franchise Magazine, joined the team to support the PR-Communications department.
Alex Giudice joined FCBS to manage the day-to-day operations of the business and most recently, former Tatts General Manager Retail, Gary Carter, joined the team to head-up the Franchise Operations arm of FCBS.
According to Director Corina Vucic, there are no plans to consolidate just yet.
“Whilst we may be outgrowing our new offices at a rapid rate, there are additional services that we aim to bring to the market in the next 12 months,” Corina said.
“For the past two years, we have been building a team of professionals who can become the ‘virtual arm’ for a business in any area of their operation.
“We strongly believe that while we have the important bases covered, there are still a few more strings to add to our bow,” Corina said.
MERRY CHRISTMAS
Merry Christmas from the FC Business Solutions team.
WHAT’S INSIDEPAGE 02: FCBS Charter
Do your procedures measure up
PAGE 03: Raising the bar on Networking
PAGE 04: Exciting challenges for Gary
PAGE 05: Look inside your business
Talent recruitment on the up
PAGE 06: Taking team performance to a new level
The importance of Induction
PAGE 07: Building the brands
PAGE 08: One stop shop for franchisors
Puzzle
EDITION:03 DECEMBER 2011
As part of its business planning in 2011, FC Business Solutions developed a company charter, as well as redefining its service offering.
The FCBS team is passionate about the impact that it has on franchise businesses.
Just as invigorating for the team are the reasons for which working with some of Australia’s great brands over the past two years has come about.
The team are strong believers that it is as a result of the following:
Quality We share an obsession for excellence in everything we do.
Integrity We conduct ourselves with the highest ethical standards. We do what we say and promise, on time, the first time and every time.
Respect We value the diversity of our people, clients, alliance partners and suppliers. We treat others the way we wish to be treated.
Ownership We actively take responsibility and accountability for our actions and we follow up. We see things through to the end with pride and passion.
Courage We confront challenges, remove obstacles and create opportunities. We are free to act on ideas for the benefit of the business and our clients.
Innovation We actively explore and implement new ideas. We approach everything with a continuous improvement mind set.
FC BUSINESS SOLUTIONS PEOPLE
Corina Vucic DirectorAndrew Kelly General Manager, PR-Marketing ServicesGary Carter General Manager, Franchise OperationsMichael Sheedy General Manager, Executive RecruitmentJessie Caudry Operations ManagerAlexandra Guidice Administration OfficerLouise Mitchell Senior PR-Communications Specialist
Kim Annesley Learning and Development Specialist
FC BUSINESS SOLUTIONS SERVICES
Business System Development Feasibility, Strategic and Operational planning, business set-up and establishing critical business disciplines.
Competitive Expansion and Growth Solutions Network Planning, Strategic Health Check, identifying Opportunities, Territory Analysis and Mapping and Sustainable business growth models.
PR, Marketing and Communications Internal and External Communication Strategies, Advertising Management, targeted Local Area Marketing, Public Relations Management, Product Launches, Event and Conference Management and Sponsorship Management.
HR Solutions Organisation and Structure Planning, Resource Planning, Culture Management, Personnel Development plans, driving Performance, Appraisals and KPI Development.
Learning and Development Skills Gap Analysis, competency based learning and customised training programs for successful performance and Team Management Systems.
What does a Franchisor actually own if there are no documented standards and procedures? How can your Franchisees maximise their business without proven standards and procedures?
How can you develop training programs without documented standards and procedures? How can you enforce compliance without documented standards and procedures?
There are many benefits to having a comprehensive, well written set of Operations Manuals for your franchise network. Operations Manuals contain the details of the proper procedures and provide an invaluable support mechanism for franchisee education at all levels.
As training tools, effective Operations Manuals promote consistency and quality throughout your franchise network.
They help your Franchisees run their businesses more successfully.
Operations Manuals can assist with encouraging alignment to the franchise system. The act of creating Operations Manuals can enhance your company’s systems by forcing you to examine and
improve the way you currently operate your business.
When properly drafted, Operations Manuals can serve as one of the strongest selling tools for the franchise program. It is important that you demonstrate best practice in franchising to your current and potential franchisees.
Ensure your Operations Manuals are up to date, reflecting new products, services, changes in market trends, technologies and competitive forces.
Compliance with operational standards and procedures usually forms a key part of your Franchise Agreement – keep your end of the bargain by ensuring they are up to date, relevant and user-friendly.
What FC Business Solutions offer:
• Operational Procedure Manual Templates that are easy to read and update.
• Tips and techniques for subject matter experts in compiling/providing the information required.
• Our material showcases best practice franchising operational procedures focused on business success.
• Reflective of the current legislative framework (industrial relations, work health and safety, corporation law etc).
• Small business/operational/managerial focus – a good balance of theory and practical application in a franchise setting.
Case Study: Amigos
• Growth strategy – 2 new sites coming online by the end of 2011. A strategy to increase store numbers in 2012 and investigate international expansion.
• Existing operational procedures developed and tailored to their three existing stores. There was an acknowledgement that the existing procedures were somewhat out of date.
• As a result, Amigos believe that the process prompted them to take a close look at their operational processes.
• They believe that by embarking on an aggressive growth strategy, it was necessary to formalise its procedures.“Relying on the personal knowledge of the team was no longer going to work for the business”.
FCBS CHARTER – WHAT WE STAND FOR
DO YOUR OPERATIONAL PROCEDURES MEASURE UP?
The 2011 FC Business Solutions team
NEWS, VIEWS AND EVENTSwww.fcbusinesssolutions.com.au
FC Business Solutions
EDITION:03 DECEMBER 2011 PAGE 03:
RAISING THE BAR ON NETWORKING
Leading Teams Director Ray McLean was a guest speaker at FC Business Solutions’ AFL Grand Final networking breakfast.
The FCBS breakfasts provide a wonderful opportunity for industry experts to network in a relaxed environment.
The bar will be raised at the FC Business Solutions Networking Breakfast series in 2012.
Following feedback from participants throughout the 2011 series, next year’s calendar has been developed to focus on the real needs of franchisors – personnel, franchisee recruitment, training, communication, culture, customer service, systems and mediation.
Whilst FCBS will facilitate the sessions, it will be looking at representatives of the wider business community to share their real life experiences with the group.
There is no cost to attend these wonderful networking opportunities.
Important dates
Lock these dates into your diary now for the first six months of 2012.
February 24: Recruit, Retain, Retrain
March 30: Franchisee Recruitment Strategy
April 27: Mediation – steps in managing a franchisor/ franchisee matter
May 25: Franchisor Health Check
June 29: Education, professional development and
learning
July 27: Customer Service
As is always the case, FCBS will provide plenty of notice through personal invitation to the network breakfasts.
EDITION:03 DECEMBER 2011
EXCITING CHALLENGES FOR GARY
Gary Carter officially started his role as General Manager Franchise Operations with FCBS almost two months ago.
After spending more than 15 years at Tatts, most recently as General Manager Retail Operations, Gary decided to utilise his extraordinary experience and knowledge to support all franchisors in the sector.
He supported that transition when he became the new President of the FCA Victorian Chapter.
Let’s spend five minutes with Gary to get an understanding of his next journey with FCBS.
Q. Why the change to consulting with FCBS?
A. This sector has provided me with a remarkable career to date and an opportunity to gain exceptional knowledge of the industry and invaluable experience.
There is no value in keeping this a secret and I like the idea of broadening my sphere of influence and contribution back to Franchising. I’m confident that my extensive Franchise, Retail and Senior Management experience will be of benefit to Franchisors, both new and experienced.
Q. What opportunities can you see as a consultant, having spent so long on the inside in franchising?
A. As most franchisors would testify, one of the most challenging and rewarding aspects of that role is successfully managing the relationships with franchisees. FCBS is all about ‘relationships and results’ and partnering businesses for success.
I can already see that there are countless systems in the sector needing and wanting help at some level.
As a franchisor you will try and tailor your approach and assistance to an individual franchisee’s needs, however you can be somewhat constrained by the system and of course, by time.
As a consultant I see a great opportunity in being able to provide tailored advice and innovative solutions for our clients’ and importantly, being able to follow this through to ensure they achieve the very best outcomes.
Q. How has your perception of FCBS changed since you joined the team, having watched them from the outside for so long?
A. It was an easy decision to join the FC Business Solutions team. As I looked in at the team I saw an inspirational and dynamic team of professionals serving and consulting to the Franchise sector and I admired their passion for the industry.
Joining the team has strengthened my view but I would also now describe them as pioneers and leaders in what they do, as no one else does it quite like or as well as our team. I am really enjoying being a part of this motivational and talented group.
Q. What has surprised you the most about the FCBS team?
A. I would say there are a couple of things that surprised me. Firstly, the number of projects the team are working on and the number of franchise systems they are assisting.
I knew they were a small and well-organised team, but the work output is remarkable and the quality is first class. Secondly, this could not be achieved unless the team had a shared vision and worked seamlessly together.
The key to their success is having the right balance of experience and skills within the team which is closely aligned to FCBS services offered and goals. None of this happens by accident!
Q. What are you working on right now?
A. One of my key projects at the moment is the development of a Franchise System Health Check. What does the ‘ideal’ successful Franchise system look like?
This Franchise Health Check will deliver a comprehensive review of a Franchise system against best practice standards and provide a clear road-map to build on its success and ready the system for continued growth.
NEWS, VIEWS AND EVENTSwww.fcbusinesssolutions.com.au
FC Business Solutions
EDITION:01 DECEMBER 2010EDITION:03 DECEMBER 2011
LOOK INSIDE YOUR BUSINESS – HOW HEALTHY IS IT?It’s time to take the temperature and check the heart beat of your business.Does it simply need an asprin, or is it requiring some corrective surgery?
Has your business been responding to your vision and the waves of the brain?
Is your business fit enough to run a marathon and grow in strength, or is it struggling to make the distance over 100m?
Your business needs to be in the healthiest condition it can be to ensure sustained growth.
For this very reason, now is the perfect time to have a close, hard look at your operation.
What has been working well for your business over the past 12-24 months?
What are the areas that you believe need improvement in order to take your business to a new level in the next one to three years?
It is important to ensure that your business is in a healthy position to expand and grow.
The FC Business Solutions Franchise ‘Health Check’ aims to deliver a comprehensive review of your Franchise system and provide a clear road map to ensure it is driving towards ‘Best Practice’.
The Franchise Health Check takes a microscopic view of the key elements of your business.
These elements include:
The Head Business Planning and System Development
The Face Public Relations and Communications, Marketing and Promotion
The Backbone Organisational Structures and Personnel
The Heart Franchise Performance and Financials
The Hands Network Management and Support
The Eyes Policies, Procedures and Legal
Fortunately, FCBS has a specialist who can take the temperature of your business – GM Franchise Operations, Gary Carter.
Gary would be more than happy to provide a no-obligation ‘heart rate analysis on your business.
FC Business Solutions GM Executive Recruitment Michael Sheedy has witnessed a significant hike in franchisors investing in their support staff in the past three months.
After re-launching the executive recruitment division in July, Michael said there had been a whopping 1029 per cent increase in job placements in the third quarter of the calendar year.
The projected increase in the second half of 2011 (July – December), compared to the second half of 2010, is expected to top 300 per cent.
Michael said the third quarter saw a number of franchisors enter the new financial year looking to improve their talent and internal structures.
“From what we are seeing, there is no doubt that franchisors are looking to provide greater support to their franchisees through field support,” Michael said.
“Franchisors are telling us that they want to provide their franchisees with an increased level of leadership and financial support.
“This is supported by the fact that we have recruited field support/business development managers for Quest Apartments in two states, as well as Pie Face.
“We are currently working with Snap also to assist them with finding a field support manager.
“The indications are strong that 2012 will be a busy year in executive recruitment in franchising,” Michael said.
FC Business Solutions GM Executive Recruitment, Michael Sheedy.
EDITION:03 DECEMBER 2011
At FC Business Solutions we like to practice what we preach! This means we aim to test our products and services on ourselves before launching to our networks.
Our most recent exploration was into the Team Performance Profile (TPP). Building on our knowledge of each individual’s work preferences (identified through the Team Management Profile), the TPP allowed us to review our performance as a team – as rated by ourselves and some of our clients.
This provided an opportunity to reflect on current performance as a group and formulate strategies to maintain and improve this.
We are proud to report that the Profiles showed FCBS to be a high performing team. Although our results showed strengths in all facets of the nine key success areas, the session inspired conversations around how we can sustain this high performance.
As passionate supporters of the suite of Team Performance profiling tools, we look forward to working with businesses that are passionate and enthusiastic about what they do.
If you are ready to critically analyse how your team is performing, if you want to understand what needs to be done to progress and improve your team’s efficiency and effectiveness, the Team Performance Profile could be just what you need.
Give Corina Vucic a room full of people to ‘play with’ and she is in her element!
So it’s not suprising to see her getting new LaPorchetta franchisees blowing-up balloons and standing on stools as part of their Franchise Induction Program.
FCBS researched and formulated the modules for the La Porchetta Induction Program.
More recently, the team also put together the 18 Modules that formulate the new Forty Winks Induction Program.
If it’s been a while since you’ve had a good look at your Franchisee Induction Program, it would be worthwhile giving the FCBS team a call.
The FCBS team of Andrew Kelly, Michael Sheedy, Kim Annesley and Rachel Morris won the inter-office ‘building towers’ challenge.
NEWS, VIEWS AND EVENTSwww.fcbusinesssolutions.com.au
FC Business Solutions
EDITION:01 DECEMBER 2010EDITION:03 DECEMBER 2011
FC Business Solutions Public Relations, Marketing and Communications division has grown to a new level in 2011.
Its clients include some of Australia’s biggest names in franchising, including Brazilian Butterfly, Barry Plant Group, Forty Winks and Jim’s Group.
The division also launched the franchising model for Tasty Trucks, while increasing the profile of industry specialists in the sector, including MPR Finance and e-learning specialist, MindAtlas.
The results have been fantastic for the brands.
Brazilian Butterfly
FCBS provides the virtual marketing arm of the business, managing all advertising, marketing, internal communication, sponsorship, local area marketing and public relations for the brand.
Despite a tough retail environment, Federal Election and economic uncertainty in 2011, a strategic Marketing Plan for the business has resulted in an average of 13% increase in sales, month-on-month, compared to its biggest sales year ever in 2010, as well as a 10.75% increase in customer counts.
Another win for the brand in 2011 was generating a LAM campaign for one of its salons.
The campaign resulted in sales figure increases of between 17.42% and 45.27% from April to September, 2011. The aver-age sales increase was 32.95%.
Barry Plant Group
We provide Public Relations for the brand, local area marketing support for the office directors and marketing managers, PR assistance to the network and internal communications.
Over the past 12 months, the strategy has been for Barry Plant CEO Mike McCarthy to establish relationships with key media. Backed by a stategic PR plan, Barry Plant has been able to generate in excess of $150,000 in PR in the past four months. Mike was also a guest at the Macquarie Bank-sponsored Real Estate Business Forum in Sydney recently.
Jim’s Group
Jim’s Group engaged FCBS to provide a virtual PR arm to the 25-plus divisions of the group.
A ‘generic’ Jim’s Group Local Area Marketing Kit was developed for the 3500 Jim’s franchisees to maximise exposure in their communities.
Half-day LAM workshops were also conducted with more than 100 Franchisors across the Divisions, with the aim of
increasing exposure and generating franchise leads. Jim Penman and his divisions are enjoying a massive boost in positive brand exposure as a direct result of the PR.
Forty Winks
Forty Winks is about to embark on a franchise recruiting drive in 2012.
After undergoing an FCBS ‘Health Check’ and updating some processes and procedures, planning is now in place to ensure the website, franchise recruitment information, internal communications and a 12-month PR strategy is in place to support the launch.
Tasty Trucks
A Victorian business, Tasty Truks has 60-plus fresh food delivery vans on the road, serving more than 15,000 meals each day.
The brand has its sights set on becoming national and launched its FCBS-built franchise model recently.
FCBS has also become the virtual PR-Marketing arm of the business, launching the franchise model, managing its website content, internal communications, advertising and PR.
To discuss Public Relations, contact Andrew Kelly on 03 9533 0028 or [email protected]
A snapshot of some of the PR that has been achieved for clients in 2011.
BUILDING THEIR BRANDS
PAGE 07
fortywinks.com.au
For more information contact Forty Winks National Office phone (03) 9558 0044
Helena and Glen BlakeneyStore owners from Nowra
Get into bed with Forty WinksSecure your futureAt Forty Winks, we don’t just say we’re the best bedding franchise around, we prove it.
With exceptional brand recognition, great products, and an aggressive National marketing strategy that consistently drives strong sales, our successful franchise model has shown that we are able to stand the test of retail time.
Our enthusiastic and driven National Office team provides comprehensive training programs and ongoing operational and marketing support, to guarantee our franchise family thrives.
Take the first step to developing a successful future. To find out more about our unique and rewarding franchise model, go to http://www.fortywinks.com.au/forty-winks/franchising.html or give us a call.
We love nothing more than getting people in to bed.
FC Business Solutions Pty LtdSuite 3 | Caulfield Corporate Centre | 875 Glenhuntly Rd, Caulfield, Vic 3168P +613 9533 0028 | F +613 8640 0413
www.fcbusinesssolutions.com.auNEWS, VIEWS AND EVENTS
EDITION:03 DECEMBER 2011
In the life of every Franchise business, whether it is a start-up or established, there will be a need to utilise a resource or skillset that cannot be found within your own four walls.
As former colleagues in a national retail chain, FC Business Solutions Director Corina Vucic and GM PR-Marketing Andrew Kelly saw the opportunity and shared the vision.
“Together, we saw the desperate need for franchise businesses to have the ability to “tap into” a professional and experienced talent pool that could help them with any area of their business,” Corina said.
“Working in franchising for the large majority of our professional lives, it became increasingly obvious to us that there was a service offering missing in the sector.
“Franchisors are screaming out for the kind of professional services we are offering.
“Some franchise organisations build their business around operations, others around marketing and some opt for the systems and processes route.
Very few have internal resources in all of these areas.
“For us, it was important to provide a ‘One Stop Shop’ for franchisors. A talent pool that they could call upon to fill any void, long or short term, to assist with the development of their business.
“If it was the tedious task of formulating Operations Manuals and Induction Programs, developing and executing marketing programs, recruiting and training the right people, mentoring the executive team, or even stategising to take the business to the next level of its journey, there needed to be an organisation in place that could provide these skills.
“I believe that FC Business Solutions has positioned itself as the number one service provider in the sector.
Collectively, our young, vibrant, educated and dynamic team, most of whom are recently out of franchise systems themselves, are committed to improving franchise businesses.
FCBS has been strategic in its growth, has hand picked its talent pool and plans to be a leading provider to the industry for decades to come.
ONE STOP SHOP FOR FRANCHISORS
PAGE 08
FC Business Solutions is working with some of Australia’s leading franchise brands.
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ACROSS 3 The percentage increase of executive
recruitment placements in the third quarter? 4 Michael Sheedy is in charge of this division? 6 What has FC Business Solutions outgrown
in 2011? 7 What franchise model did FC Business
Solutions launch in 2011? 9 The month that the FC Business Solutions
Networking Breakfasts kicks-off in 2012? 10 One of the key charter drivers of FC
Business Solutions? 11 The PR-Marketing Division is building
what for some of Australia's leading franchisors?
DOWN 1 You should be making it a priority to do
this in your business at the beginning of 2012?
2 There are many benefits to having a comprehensive, well written set of ..?
5 The driver behind the FC Business Solutions' breakfasts.
6 FC Business Solutions is a ... .... shop for franchisors?
8 FC Business Solutions is taking this performance program to the next level?
FC BIZ CONNECT HOW WELL DID YOU READ THE MAGAZINE?
www.Puzzle-Maker.com
HOW WELL DID YOU READ THE MAGAZINE? ACROSS
3 The percentage increase of executive recruitment placements in the third quarter?
4 Michael Sheedy is in charge of this division?
6 What has FC Business Solutions outgrown in 2011?
7 What franchise model did FC Business Solutions launch in 2011?
9 What month do the FC Business Solutions Networking Breakfasts kick off in 2012?
10 One of the key charter drivers of FC Business Solutions?
11 The PR-Marketing Division is building what for some of Australia’s leading franchisors?
DOWN
1 You should be making it a priority to do this in your business at the beginning of 2012?
2 There are many benefits to having a comprehensive, well written set of ..?
5 The driver behind the FC Business Solutions’ breakfasts.
6 FC Business Solutions is a ... .... shop for franchisors?
8 FC Business Solutions is taking this performance program to the next level?
The first person to e-mail the correct puzzle through to [email protected] will win an FCBS Prize Pack.
