Did you know that in 2007 McDonald's had 390,000 employees? They also made over 22 million dollars that year. With 31,000 restaurants in almost 120 countries, no wonder they say "Billions served"!

Franchising is a nearly 125 billion dollar a year industry. While requiring a lot of hard work, the payoff can be outstanding. This is because of exactly how many people eat fast food.

So, how many people eat fast food? Over 50,000,000 people daily in the U.S. alone. That's a lot of burgers and fries! When you have to manage work, school, and soccer practice, fast food restaurants are more convenient than cooking at home. It's also an inexpensive way to feed the whole family. Plus, the choices are mind blowing!

KENTUCKY FRIED CHICKEN- For the chicken lovers in the family

MCDONALD'S, BURGER KING- For those who prefer burgers and fries

PIZZA HUT- For the Italian side

TACO BELL- When you're feeling a little south of the border

And that's just the tip of the iceberg. There is a fast food restaurant for just about any taste, so even the pickiest eaters can find somewhere even they can enjoy a fast, convenient meal. Americans will spend over 110 billion dollars this year on fast food, that's over a quarter of Americans. Most of them have even worked in a fast food establishment at some point in their lives.

Some people dispute the benefits of eating at fast food franchises, they say it is unhealthy, high calorie, and fat filled. But there are some good points to eating fast food as well. If you're looking for a more healthy place to grab dinner, there are some restaurants that serve low-fat and sugar-free meals. Don't be put off by claims made by nay-sayers. You can find everything you're looking for in one easy, convenient, and inexpensive restaurant. And with so many to choose from, you're guaranteed to find what you want, close to home.

A person looking to invest in a business opportunity should really consider restaurant franchising. With more and more people dining in fast food restaurants, and restaurant franchises popping up all over the world, this is an industry that shows no signs of slowing down.

With food for every taste and budget the speed, convenience, and options of meal planning are as simple as a short drive to your favorite restaurant. Based on how many people eat fast food, franchising is one of the most lucrative business ventures available. Remember, franchising is the best kept secret of the 21st Century!

E-commerce from the Customer’s Point of View

This research paper will compare and contrast the characteristics of the traditional brick and mortar (B&M) shopper with those of the online shopper. Additionally, research will identify the similarities and differences between the virtual and the real-world customer. Distinguish the difference between the world of e-commerce and the real world in terms of customer communications. Determine which traditional customer communications can and cannot be successfully ported to the world of e-commerce. Assess what new communications techniques are uniquely available in the world of e-commerce. And demonstrate how the use of multimedia technologies creates effective e-commerce websites. Discussion of customer communication strategies and real-world examples will be presented.

Compare and Contrast Models

Brick and mortar shoppers go to a specific building to purchase merchandise. The location has a physical presence which allows for customers to have face to face communication with employees. Online shoppers are able to log on and search for items and make purchases from the comfort of their own home. Online shoppers have some advantages to brick and mortar shoppers for this reason. 

Several factors can be used to compare and contrast differences between brick and mortar shoppers and their counterparts. Pricing will have an impact due to unavoidable expenses such as travel. An online store has very little overhead. This allows the cost for retail display space, and storage costs to be minimized. Additionally, online shoppers can do factory direct. This further reduces the warehousing costs. This allows the online shoppers to take advantage of additional savings made possible by avoiding these additional costs. Brick and mortar stores will incur unavoidable costs. A location must be erected involving utility expenses. A brick and mortar store will need to hire employees thus wages would also be involved. Maintaining the location will bring additional costs as well. In addition, theft may also be a factor. These factors may make the cost on a shopper higher than an online shopper. 

Selection will vary online as compared to the local needs and demands of brick and mortar stores.  Online stores usually specialize in a particular area. Due to this specialization it may be easier for an online shopper to find hard to find items that may or may not be available in a brick and mortar store.  Online shoppers may find more items due to the international demand of different items. Both men and women can choose from online items. On the other hand, brick and mortar locations are more dependent on local demand. If the demand in Miami for coats and jackets is minimal as compared to New York, then the brick and mortar shopper in Miami will find fewer choices at higher prices. Additionally, many items in a brick and mortar store may only be offered seasonally. This would have negative results for a shopper looking for items out of season. 

Convenience may also be a factor due to live interaction versus the online experience.   Brick and mortar shoppers will have the ability of touch and feel. This will give the brick and mortar shopper a stronger connection with purchasing the item or not. The online shopper would not have to drive anywhere, waste gas, dress up, or look for parking. He or she may simply navigate the web site in search of the particular item they may be interested in.  State taxes may even be avoided by purchasing items online versus at a brick and mortar store. Delivery charges may be avoided for brick and mortar shoppers. They may simply purchase the item and take the item directly from the store. There may be items that are too big and bulky.  Delivery charges will definitely apply in these circumstances. Online shoppers will have to incur delivery charges every time. The delivery charges may be hidden within the price of the item.  The online shopper may not realize he or she was charged a delivery fee. This tactic allows online shopping to feel less expensive and more practical. 

A warranty may be similar for both shoppers. Online shoppers and brick and mortar shoppers will tend to have the same type of warranty. The warranty will be provided by the manufacturer.  Although brick and mortar stores may do the servicing themselves, usually this is handled by the manufacturer. Finally, returns may be handled more conveniently for brick and mortar shoppers. Brick and mortar shoppers will know exactly the procedure they will be involved with when they speak to someone. Although most online stores allow returns the shopper may be dealing with a distant entity. The returned item will incur shipping costs and restocking fees. Dealing with an employee face to face may be much more convenient and practical when involved in any kind of return.

Site Design and Customer Needs

When designing an e-commerce site, the designer needs to consider the similarities and differences between the virtual and traditional real-world customer environments, what forms of communication are uniquely available to the e-commerce customer and what communication forms cannot successfully be ported to the world of e-commerce.

The first area would be that the e-commerce site designer needs to understand both the similarities and differences between the virtual and traditional real-world customer environments as well as to recognize the differences in communication types. Primarily organizations need to realize that managing communications can be more difficult for both the virtual worker and customer because these individuals are not physically present in an office location to have verbal and physical confirmation of a message or order. Some other factors include differences in time zones, local work hours and holidays, fluency with English especially technical language (and organizational acronyms), cultural norms, hierarchical protocols for message dissemination and responsiveness. Sometimes the only common ground between the virtual and real-world customers is the organizational jargon and acronyms.

The second area would be to assess what new communication techniques are uniquely available in the world of e-commerce and to determine what traditional customer communications can and cannot be successfully ported to the world of e-commerce. Three communication choices that are uniquely available to organizations of all sizes in the world of e-commerce are the Internet, Intranet and Extranet. Benefits of using this technology include attracting new customers, creating new business partners, improving communication with customers, employees, shareholders, and stakeholders. Additional benefits of increasing productivity, improving the quality of service, reducing operating costs and providing information quickly and cost effectively can be derived.

Internet communication choices can include:

E-mail

Discussion mailing lists

Newsgroups

Instant messaging and chat

Telnet

Internet Telephony

File Transfers

Intranets are an organization’s privately owned network and accessible by employees or authorized vendors and requires a logon and password. Employees are easily able to access important company information such as employee benefits, corporate policies, career opportunities, and training material. Extranets are a type of external intranet. Access includes employees and is opened to vendors and customers. A logon and password is also required. The unmediated real-time communication types such as one-to-one conversations, speeches, presentations, and in-person meetings are forms of traditional customer communications that would not be successfully ported to the world of e-commerce.

The third area would be for the site designer to demonstrate how through the use of multimedia technologies one can create an effective e-commerce site for the customer. Using these technologies, organizations can remain competitive while meeting the needs of the customer in three main areas: quality, price and service. As to meeting customer service expectations, that customer service means the same thing on the web as it does in a physical store: It encompasses all those efforts that go into making customers feel wanted, appreciated, and that they are dealing with a business that will offer them quality products at fair prices. On the Web, in the absence of actual merchandise and salespeople to answer questions, customer service must literally be built into the fabric of a business website.

Customer Communication Strategies

Enumerable communication strategies can be employed with e-commerce on a website.  Efficient and effective uses of web tools are a key factor to enhance a customer’s visit to the website. Generally, most companies will implement strategies that are easy to use and target a larger market. But strategies for niche marketing, either under the umbrella of the parent site or as a standalone tool are avenues of commerce that must be applied as well.

With the greater number of online businesses, and potential customers, companies are turning to Customer Support Chat to expedite resolution of customer issues. This program is starting to gain momentum as it allows interaction with a representative quickly and has the potential for increased sales due to immediate response. Even though chat programs are efficient many customers are unwilling to share their personal information on the internet. This issue is part of the website design process that is called the backend of the program. This is where issues of security and customer relations management are addressed prior to building an ecommerce website, capable of doing online business. Individual companies, such as PayPal have aided the small business entrepreneur by offering secure payment methods for the transfer of securities online at affordable rates. These combined with online shopping carts have greatly enhanced the customer buying experience.   

Companies use email as a standard for easy written support and service.  It allows for contact in a familiar fashion with the customer and avoids the need for waiting on hold for a customer service representative.  This option works very well for individuals who do not need an immediate response. It does not allow for extremely detailed or visual answers. 

Another strategy many companies are turning to is audio and video approaches for real-time access to information that may not be understood in a written format.  This approach allows for customers to review information via streaming audio or video.  This type of information sharing is one-way communication but does allow for interactive or real-time access through the addition of video conferencing. This type of strategy works very well for training and for customers who require visual or audio to help with their learning or understanding of information. For customers in need of further direction or explanation, on the company’s contact page use a form with a comments section, company physical address, and customer service phone and fax numbers.

Sourcing a contact center is a necessity for many companies in order to correct issues in billing, sales, or technical support. This strategy allows the company to support their customers through personal contact and access to professionals that can solve their problem or explain their bill.  This strategy will continue to exist as many individuals are unwilling to move to the next level of customer support through the use of web tools.

Internal customers are also a critical part of e-commerce. Employee’s must be well trained at their jobs, and are up-to-date on company roles, policies and procedures. In order to source internal customers the company needs to incorporate an internal site, known as an intranet. Since these internal customers are the first contact to the external customer it becomes  imperative that they are trained effectively, thus giving the first internal strategy, which is the need for training tools and education documentation that is easily accessible and allows the internal customer assistance when working with an external customer.  Along with any strategy are needed options for assisting employees to understand the information being disseminated through the intranet! This strategy allows for networking an organization through an internal means that is secure and accessible for the whole company. This strategy is becoming a leading trend for most companies effectively to cut cost on travel and time for employees while still enabling human interface and interaction.

Overall the strategies needed for customer support are to allow for a pleasant experience for the customer, whether local or distant, internal or external. The options available over the internet and intranet are numerous and only a few are depicted here, most of the strategies needed by companies are as individual as the company itself and much thought needs to be put into which is the right solution for the company’s customer base.

Conclusion

This paper has in its analysis of e-commerce from the customer’s point of view compared and contrasted the characteristics of the traditional bricks and mortar (B&M) shopper with those of the online shopper. Research has identify the similarities and differences between the virtual and the real-world customer, distinguish the difference between the world of e-commerce and the real world in terms of customer communications, determine which traditional customer communications can and cannot be successfully ported to the world of e-commerce. Additionally, new communications techniques were discussed and examples were demonstrated on how the use of multimedia technologies creates effective e-commerce websites. Discussion of customer communication strategies and real-world examples were presented. Analysis through  research has led to the conclusion that, ecommerce from the customer’s point of view, can be defined as offering the customer the tools that can most efficiently bring about the result of; customer satisfaction and retention.

How Much Money Does a Financial Planner Make?

Perhaps you have wondered how much money does a financial planner make? After all, they are surrounded by money that is what they think about day and night, trying to increase the store of investments for their clients, and probably for themselves along the way. Like many careers, the amount of money a financial planner can make depends on several factors; education, qualifications, certifications, clientele, the stock market and other investment vehicles, experience, and desire.

It is not unusual for a novice financial planner to take their BA in Finance or Accounting to a financial services company and start out at an annual salary of about $25,000. Those with a decade or more of experience can average up to about $110,000, according to US Department of Labor statistics. And then there are the few outstanding planners who make well into the seven figure income bracket, like TVs money superstar Suze Orman in the U.S.

There are several ways to become a financial planner. In most states, there is no requirement involved; you could just set up shop and wing it, but it is a bad idea, because unless you are psychically gifted, you will be unable to perform for clients without education in this field. Another entry method to this career is to join a company, perhaps a chain business, as assistant financial planner. You learn on the job, they train you and then you go take certification testing. You will do this for a couple years, or until you go back to school for an advanced degree. You salary will range from $25,000 to $40,000.

At the mid level in this career, you may earn between $47,000 and $76,000. You will do the work you envisioned at the beginning, finally. You work with clients, assisting and advising them on taxes, investments, estate planning and insurance. This is the goal of most when they think of becoming a financial planner.

If you have an MBA or Masters of Finance or Accounting, you have the best opportunity to find out how much money does a financial planner make. With a decade or so of experience, you can reach the top average pay of about $110,000. You can then present seminars, and handle top level clients.

For certification, exams are offered by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority. Or, you can pass the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards CFP exam (Certified Financial Planner). This exam demands you have three years of qualifying experience working full time, meet ethics standards and continue your education. Beyond this you can become a Chartered Financial Consultant through the American College in Pennsylvania.

A different track to financial planning success puts you in the ownership of a financial services franchise. These franchises offer complete business packages, from site selection and market analysis to ongoing support and training in-house, and help with licensing and management. It is a turn-key business.

Edward Dean is an accomplished website developer and author. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Edward_Dean

Hottest Franchising Tips

The "Cleaning Authority"

The Best Marketing Plan!When it comes to locality, a cleaning authority business ensures that its partners get the best available choice. The marketing strategies and initial advertisement support provided by the company are second to none. The company has set up a direct mail program that allows the new business operators to get the marketing done for them. The cleaning authority markets its products in the business area by mail, to the targeted customer. The business owner focuses on serving the customers as the marketing is primarily handled by the company. The new business owners will just have to take the phone inquiries and schedule an appointment, for a cost estimate. Apart from the marketing plan, cleaning authority also helps its business in various other promotional campaigns.

Your Own Manager! The cleaning authority business is at the fore-front of the technology. It has created one of its kind detail clean rotation system software that is directly handled by the management of the business and the cleaning authority, itself. The software acts as the manager and helps the new business owners by telling the cleaners what should they do in a particular situation, what are the needs of that customer and how to handle the task? The software helps save time delivers a quality customer service and is user-friendly.

The training program at the cleaning authority for its business exceeds the commercial cleaning standards. The training itself is very intensive but rewarding. Business owners are guided through every step of the cleaning process. They are provided an estimate of the labor force and any costs associated with starting such a business. During the program, the new owner gets an overview of the business in their area of operations. They get practical hands-on experience from cleaning to the management of the computer systems to hiring of the staff.

Organization!
Every business is provided a dedicated software program that not only helps them schedule appointments but also keeps track of their daily tasks and the cleaning teams. The software helps maintain a check and balance on the needs of the business. It acts as a payroll center for all the employees. Cleaners can check in and out through the integrated attendance system. It also allows them to track their cleaning teams. When the owners are away, the in-house call center provides additional help. The automated software provides multiple options for the callers and can answer most inquiries.

Whatever your choice, rest assured that a cleaning authority franchise may just be the ultimate business opportunity that you always dreamed off. What set it apart from its competitors are dedicated human support and a far superior technological framework.

Sports Bar Business Plans

Opening a business takes a lot of research and a lot of careful planning. In order to ensure that a new sports bar is going to produce profit margins there are considerations to be made. Easy to follow guidelines are available over the internet and in book stores that will aid in the creation of sports bar business plans.

Below are some items that will want to be covered within any business plan to ensure that there is a detailed strategy that any owner can follow. These areas of information are important to the success of the business and the preparation for growth within the future of the sports bar. There are many plans available to help guide the structure of the company and prepare for obstacles. Below is a proven method that has lead many other businesses to running successfully.

Executive Summary - the executive summary will give the detailed information pertaining to the background of the sports bar and will outline the initial growth that is perceived based on the first year's numbers. This section will also include the outline, mission, objectives, and keys to success.

Company Summary - this section will be used as maintenance to sports bar business plans as it will include the information pertaining to company ownership, locations, and history of the company's past performance.

Market Analysis Summary - in this section, the information provided within the past performances and location summaries would be represented in pie charts and/or graphs to show growth in income and success.

Strategy and Implementation Summary - as the company grows, there will be need to plan for future events within the company. This strategy section will help to provide information on marketing and sales to include pricing, promotions, projected sales and how to overcome any milestones that may be crossed.

Management Summary - within the sports bar there will be managers. Some of these will come and go and this information will need to be kept up to date. Information that needs to be included are:

Organizational structure
Management team
Management team gaps
Personnel plan
Personnel

Financial Plan - the financial plan is the last section of sports bar business plans. This information is pertinent to the successful growth and development of the sports bar. Many pieces of information should be included in this section to ensure that all areas have a plan for development.

Key areas to cover include:

Important assumptions
Key financial indicators
Break even analysis
Projected profit and loss
Projected cash flow
Projected balance sheet
Business ratios

Though the information that is covered in a plan such as the one illustrated above can be overwhelming and time consuming, it will benefit the company and help to reduce the amount of mistakes made that could prove damaging. Through proper coverage of all areas of successful sports bar business plans, growth of the business will be at a higher rate and prove more profitable. Maintaining this information will also benefit the stability of the company and allow for an easier transition into larger industry management.

Edward Dean is an accomplished website developer and author. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Edward_Dean