June 5th-2008
WOW-It’s been too long. I just wanted to take a minute and go over what’s new. Well, I haven’t had much time lately because we recently expanded our Sicklerville location, and our Turnersville location has been off the hook. We have grown so much since October that we have added two full time instructors to our location.
In addition we have recently added some AWESOME programs. Some of them include Kru Muay Thai, Jui Jistu, Champions Fight Team, Jr. MMA, and our Coaching program for Instructors. I would like welcome new members Nicole Johnson, Antonio Acedvo, Ralph Andrews, Chris Cardillo, and Don Koch to name a few. If you would like to become a Coach please see me or send me a line!
I am also working on a top secret project called ” Triple Threat “. That is all I can mention about it for now. But more is coming!
I will be doing some web site updates over the next few weeks. In the mean time I will be posting some sick content and webinar’s that you can use for your school.
Hollar at me-SN
March, 26th-Master Ace Ramirez will be launching our new Muay Thai Program at 8:15 pm. Spaces are limited. We have 60 spots total and over 40 people are currently paid for the seminar. The class will be $20 and it will include a jump rope and hand wraps that will be required for all Muay Thai classes.
If you are interested in becoming a certified Muay Thai Camp under Master Ace Ramirez please visit his website at www.imsports.net.
Franchise Agreement’s
I wanted to share some other questions that came through yesterday.
1. How did you get out of a franchise agreement if your unhappy?First consult with a franchise lawyer. If your thinking about making a move, don’t be mickey mouse and use your friend, brother or other family member. I recommend to use someone that is familiar with Franchise Law.
2. I have a post termination non compete? How will I survive If I can’t be in the same type of busienss?Again, get a franchise lawer. And just google Post termination non competes and educate yourself.
3. Where do I find a good franchise lawyer? I will be updating this later tonigh for more information.
Thank you for the questions and I will launching a new webiste next month- MixedMartialarts4u.com. There along with a few other martial arts consultants we will be offering information for owners, program directors, managers, and any other staff. Also look out for a marketing section that will be avaialble to all schools. We will be making marketing materials, business cards, email images, and custom requests for school owners.
Alot of martial arts school owners have been asking me questions about franchising and franchise agreements. I wanted to take a minute and talk briefly about some really good questions. If you have any additional questions feel free to email them to me at senseinick@championswayoflife.com.
1. What is a UFOC?Ok, a UFOC stands for a Unified franchising offering circular. This must be given to you, before you sign a franchise agreement. If it isn’t given to you and you aren’t given a receipt of acknowledgment, then you should consult with a franchise lawyer if you would like to get out of the agreement. If you were not given this before signing your franchise agreement, then the franchisor is in violation with the FTC (Federal Trade Commission). The UFOC gives the franchisee the opportunity to know the history of the franchisor. It should also list frachisee’s that left the frachisor so the potential franchisee can hear both sides of the story, not just that of the franchisor. The UFOC should also include financial statements, and financial history of the owners of the franchise. Wouldn’t you want to know if the franchisor declared for bankruptcy? I don’t know about you, but I would never be interested in franchising with someone who can’t keep themselves from going bankrupt.
Please click the link below for more information about the UFOC.
http://www.franchise411.com/fpi/UFOC.html
2. Who should review my franchise agreement?My friend is a lawyer, is he qualified? In short, NO! Unless he is a franchise lawyer. This is a special area of law that is becoming more popular as more and more franchises are opening. The franchisor should also use a franchise lawyer to make the agreement. If your agreement was not made by a franchise lawyer, spend a few dollars and have a franchise lawyer review your agreement. They will be able to tell you the pro’s and cons of your agreement.
3. What if I am told that I must sign a new agreement?Again get a franchise lawyer, however this a red flag that there might be a problem with your current agreement. Don’t sing anything, ask for a UFOC. And remember you must be given 10 days from the time you receive the UFOC, before the frachsior can take any money from you for a franchise agreement.
4. What is the federal trade commission? Clink the link below to find out.
http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/menus/consumer/invest/business.shtm
5. 10 things to ask yourself when chooising a franchise
1. Is there a succesful model?
2. Did other’s leave? Why?
3. How is their finanacial history? Did they declare bankruptcy?
4. Did any go out of business?
5. Spend a few dollars and research them. Are they trustworthy? Have any of their locations been in trouble with the law?
6. Do all locations look the same?
7. What do they do for me? Are you responsible for your own marketing?
8. Do you see the money they make from royalities go into anything for the company?
9. Is there a business plan, or is it really just a mickey mouse operation?
10. A franchise agreement is like a marriage certificate, would you marry these people?
If you are interested in networking with me, please sens me an email to SenseiNick@championswayoflife.com. Please include any questions and I will respond within 24 hours. Also if you are interested in seeing my up coming webinar please visit www.championsway.com.
Major in the minor things article-Click below
Nick D’s Webinar link:
Article about fundraising for a boy mauled by 2 dogs:
His video “Leaders who happen to teach Martial Arts”:
http://video.google.ca/videoplay?docid=-3518125124139110537&hl=en-CA
and the accompanying notes:
Video “Sensei Nick’s Summer Cheat Sheet”:http://www.championsway.net/MyOffice/HelpAndTraining/FlashConsulting/With_Consulting_Hosts/Sensei_Nick_Dougherty/NickDougherty_IncreaseSummerCount.html
