Monday, September 28, 2015

Franchisor Spotlight: Meet Anago Cleaning

FranchiseWorks presents Anago Cleaning, the next franchisor to be featured on our Franchisor Spotlight Series. As a leading resource for prospective entrepreneurs, FranchiseWorks is dedicated to providing information that any individual can use to find the right franchise or business opportunity for them.

Anago’s vision is to be the very best in all aspects our services while being the superior choice of our clients by providing a clean, safe and healthy environment.
As the name Anago implies, our mission is to ”lift up” our Franchise Owners to achieve financial freedom and security as they provide superior service to our clients. Anago Cleaning Systems’ comprehensive systems and people work together to guarantee success for our Franchise Owners, as well as total satisfaction for our clients.

Judy Walker, CFE for Anago Cleaning Systems:

How has your company evolved since 1991?

In addition to our significant growth over the years, Anago has evolved into the technology leader for our industry. We perfected and implemented proprietary, cloud-based software systems to manage every aspect of the business, which enable our Master Franchise Owners to run their operation from wherever they are. We also have a proprietary mobile app used for janitorial quoting and customer service. 

What are some common misconceptions about being an Anago Master Owner?

One of the biggest misconceptions is that the Master Franchise Owner is in the cleaning business. A Master Franchise Owner is NOT in the cleaning business – their Unit Franchisees are. This is an Executive model franchise and the Master Owner is in the sales and marketing business.
Another misconception is that the Master Franchise Owner must spend time cold calling and knocking on doors for cleaning contracts. Anago has completed years of research and identified the businesses within a Master territory that contract with a cleaning service and produce higher revenue for both the Master and Unit Franchisees. These leads are pre-loaded into our proprietary cloud-based software systems for the telemarketer to call and set an appointment for the Master or his/her salesperson to bid on.

How many franchised units do you have?

Anago Cleaning Systems currently has 37 Master Franchise territories located in the U.S., Canada, and South America with over 2,400 Unit Franchisees.  Entrepreneur Magazine has recognized Anago multiple times as one of the fastest growing franchises in the U.S.

Are you available in Canada and Internationally?

Yes, we have available territories in Canada and internationally.

What are some competitive advantages of your business?

  • 12 primary revenue streams.
  • No royalty payments for the first 6 months of operation, so the Master can concentrate on building his or her business.
  • One of the lowest franchise fees in the industry.
  • 20+ page fully search engine optimized (SEO) website, specific to the territory is included in the franchise fee.
  • Technology leader in the industry – proprietary mobile app used for janitorial quoting and customer service.
  • Name brand with over 25 years of experience in the franchised commercial cleaning

http://www.anagocleaning.com/


What is the desired background/qualities of your ideal candidate?

Anago’s ideal Master Franchise candidate is a mid-to-senior level executive with a strong background in sales and marketing. Many of our Master Owners are former CEO’s Directors and VP’s of large, nationally recognized companies. The ideal candidate will also have the ability to recruit, direct and manage highly motivated sales personnel.

What do you hope for the future of Anago Cleaning?

Anago Cleaning Systems plans to expand substantially in the next several years, both in the U.S. and internationally. We plan to stay on the cutting edge of the latest in technological advances in our industry as well. 

What are ways to learn more about Anago Cleaning?

Please visit our brand new franchise development website, www.AnagoMasters.com which is full of great information and answers to most of the frequently asked questions about our business model. There are also great video testimonials from some of our Master Franchise Owners. You can also reach our office directly at 800-213-5857.

Learn more about Anago Cleaning Systems!

Thursday, September 10, 2015

Is Podcasting The New Pastime?



What are you listening to right now? Is it the radio, your iTunes, Pandora, or Podcasting? Out of over 2,000 Americans, a little over 52 percent of them listened to the radio for 4/5 hours a day. This is followed by your owned music at 20.3 percent, internet radio/music at 11.6 percent, satellite radio at 7.7 percent, T.V. music channels at 5.2 percent and finally podcasts at 1.7 percent. Surprised that podcasts are so far down the list percentage wise? Don’t be, see Edison’s explanation on that number:




Podcasts have only been around 10 years, and each year they evolve into even more of a thriving mini-industry. There are several genres of podcasts to keep the audience engaged: politics, comedy, sports, literature, educational and opinion. It is possible that there are too many podcasts to snatch away your attention? According to Edison Research, 39 million people listened to a podcast 2014, which was the highest number on record at that time. Are we in the “golden age” of podcasting?

Why does it seem to be growing in popularity? For starters, it can be accessed virtually anywhere thanks to our mobile devices. At the gym, while you cook, as you commute, at work – the number of listeners has tripled. RawVoice, which tracks 20,000 shows, said the number of unique monthly podcast listeners went from 25 million to 75 million in five years. Listeners are building relationships, so to speak, with their favorite podcasts across every demographic. Since many of them are free and easy to find, the shows are available to virtually everyone.
radio-tower-set

“Our culture is so niche-oriented now (that) you don’t need 3 million people to listen to your podcast,” says Chris Hardwick, Nerdist producer and celebrity. “If 10,000 people listen, which isn’t a hard number to achieve, then 10,000 people listen to your podcast. You can do something with that, you can build a community, and literally change the world, just recording into a recorder.”

What does all of this have to do with your business? Marketing. This is a very useful and impactful tool that will get your business noticed, especially in the realms of social media. Your podcast could be in the conversations people share at work or the educational tidbit they were searching for. If you are struggling to get noticed, the best thing you can do is send your brand out across every available channel, and this is a very big channel.

Podcasting is the new pastime. Let it not only enrich your personal life, but your business too.





Wednesday, September 9, 2015

Mentors are Invaluable


The course of your day is full of problem solving, meetings, spreadsheets and emails. With each passing week, you grow more connected and skilled at what you do, yet there was a time when it was a long way until you reached this level. One thing that builds a solid road to success for anyone is the guidance of a strong mentor.

To get things straight, there are no boundaries in the world of mentorship. Anyone, at any age and stage of their professional career, can benefit from another. You do not have to forge ahead alone, there are professionals inside and outside your network that can offer valuable pieces of advice. When you are looking for a mentor, it is good to start with your current surroundings. Think of those you admire and respect and if several people come to mind, don’t be afraid to seek counsel from more than one. Decide what you need from these relationships, what skills you would like to see further developed and match yourself accordingly.

Mentors will not only provide you with the tools to grow and expand on your strengths and work on your weaknesses, they also have the potential to open doors. As you cultivate a relationship with your mentor, you will find that they too have a strong network. Through your learning experience, you might also be led to new opportunities that could further your professional career. Apply attention to developing this relationship so your mentor knows which direction you see yourself going.

Not only will you learn from a mentor and potentially be introduced to new opportunities, they should also keep you honest and give unbiased advice and criticism. Let your mentor illustrate to you how others perceive you and your work ethic. Listen to their feedback and keep yourself honest.

Having a more experienced helper by your side could do wonders for your business. If you are experiencing any difficulties in your workplace, let you mentor advise you on potential ways to overcome it. Whatever you’re going through, chances are they have been through it themselves. Not only that, but they could help you when planning ahead. It is crucial for a business to think of their goals and create a business plan that evolves with the company. Their experience can help guide you to realistic goals.

To flip sides, if you are the mentor in this situation, you will learn a good deal of the same things. You will get to see how others in your field (or outside your field) are innovating and communicating. Discover what new technologies are being used in and outside the office and learn new marketing techniques that are being utilized by other companies. Having another’s perspective is never a negative.

The exchanging of advice and ideas is nothing new to the workplace. However, having an intentional mentor will go a step further. Reach out to others and you might be pleasantly surprised by how many people reach back.


Looking for advice on franchise business ownership? Perhaps it’s time for a free consultation with a qualified and experienced franchise consultant. FranNet has a great track record of assisting individuals on their path to business ownership. Make arrangements to speak with one of our representatives today!

Thursday, September 3, 2015

Embrace the Business Setbacks



Because life is so unpredictable, no matter your career or influence, there will always be a point in which things do not go as planned. Curveballs will always be thrown your way, and these surprising moments can actually be the turning point your business has been waiting for.

Arguably, the main reason why some thrive when setbacks hit versus those who do not is left up to how the issue is perceived. A person’s mindset contributes greatly to whether or not the setback is viewed as an opportunity. These unexpected moments could range in level of intensity, such as taking tough criticism from a superior or dealing with the loss of a deal.

No matter the setback, accepting it gracefully and using it as a way for honest self-evaluation will give it a positive spin and an element of wisdom. Setbacks are gentle reminders that there is more than one way to solve a problem. Look at them as an invitation to approach a challenge differently and you will find more peace and profit in your career.

As you figure out how to overcome these inevitable setbacks, keep in mind that no one can go it alone. No person goes through life as a one-person show. Look to your friends, family and co-workers when you need a little extra support. Their caring, thoughtful advice will carry more than emotional support – it will offer you the chance to remain vulnerable. Vulnerability is often reinforced as a weakness; however, expressing this side of yourself will show others humility and humanity. Embracing this quality will not only offer you more professional and personal support, it will show your co-workers and customers your human.

As soon as you stop equating setbacks with failure, you will have the confidence to forge ahead in the pursuit of a happier, more open-minded you. Knock the curveball out of the park and encourage those around you to do the same. Life is unpredictable, but we should be thankful that things do not go as planned. As they say, “When nothing is certain, anything is possible.”


Facing a turning point in your life? Let FranNet connect you with the business you’ve been looking for. Ask us about a free consultation. Our purpose is to connect the dots and make the transition from corporate employment to the freedom of business ownership manageable and safe.



Check out FranNet GoodWorks to learn how FranNet consultants are lending a hand for others in their community!