Bigger Dreamers Win!

No, I’m not referring to physical size.  I’m referring to dream size.  I have observed it and studied it in the lives of world-renown people of success.  I have witnessed it in my own life!  The bigger the dream the bigger the chance of success!

When someone has a “little” dream then there is not much motivation to achieve it and if it doesn’t happen then there is no great emotional loss.  But, when the dream is greater than the person and beyond the status-quo of society, then there is an inner drive to “make it happen” – that can not be stopped.

I challenge you today… what ever dream you have for your life… stretch it!  Dream it 10 times (or 100 times) bigger than it is right now. Think it, dream it and write it down – you will enter the world of the great achievers.

Freddie Oosterhuis

Founding Director & CEO – Walco Enterprises
NLP|NS|ACMC Certified Meta-Coach™

“The secret of getting ahead is getting started. The secret of getting started is breaking your complex, overwhelming tasks into small manageable tasks, and then starting on the first one.” – Mark Twain

Key 1 – Design Your Blueprint.

Before anything is built, a blueprint is drawn. Blueprints begin as a vision. Start by visioning your goal and drawing it out. A simple one page description or mind map works perfectly. Sticky notes are fun for mind-storming as well a logical outline. Simply get it down in whatever form you enjoy. Map out the actions to get you to your desired result. Create a step-by-step plan from your action map. This may change overtime so detach from the steps, let them be your starting point.

Key 2 – Discover Your Life Purpose.

You have unique talents and gifts. You were born with them. You are called to express them. When you embrace and express your purpose, you feel joy, passion and fulfillment. You can identify your purpose by your deepest desires. What are you passionate about? What do you love to do? What sparks your creativity? Notice any feelings of envy toward others. This is a sign that you have the ability to become what they are. When you harmonize with your inner purpose your outer world flows easily.

Key 3 – Understand Your Mindset.

Are you a half empty, or a half full person? Both perspectives offer great value. The secret is to understand how to use your perspective.  When your thoughts are focused on your goals and desires, you will take inspired action toward them. When your thoughts are focused on your struggles and challenges, you are being directed toward new opportunity. What you don’t want is like a guard rail, showing you its time to correct your course. Your success path is carved by your ability to observe your perspective.

Key 4 – Collaborate With Everyone and Everything.

The more you consider and contribute to the greater good for all, the happier and healthier you will be. Happiness and health are catalysts to success. Collaboration begins with your relationship with yourself. Nurture and support yourself and your greatness will bloom. Accept your weaknesses as opportunities to accept help from others and to  learn and grow. Offer your strengths to those who need them, in your home, your community, your nation and your world. We are one. The more you see yourself as part of the whole, the easier life becomes.

Key 5 – Embrace Change and Dance with Life.

Happiness is a choice and change is the only constant. To flow with ease, accept whatever life brings you. Whatever your resist persists. Stop resisting and begin flowing. Learn to move with the steps that guide you. This is the dance of life. It will bring you joy beyond measure, laughter, and happiness. Revel in the awe of your unique expression. Take action from your inspiration toward the goals you set. Build your blueprint through inspiration,  knowing its form will come in perfection. It may even surprise you along the way!

Getting started is getting ahead!!

Freddie Oosterhuis

Founding Director & CEO – Walco Enterprises
NLP|NS|ACMC Certified Meta-Coach™

The Standard Bank Franchise Factor – 2008 survey, sponsored by Standard Bank and undertaken by Franchize Directions, looked at the status and growth of the franchise sector in South Africa over a two-year period and measured turnover from March 2007 to end February 2008.

Some of the positive results include:

• A 37% increase in turnover to R256.46 billion.
• Number of franchise systems = 531 systems,
  • an increase of 15% from 470 in 2006
• Net growth in business units = 3 567 new units,
  • an increase of over 14% to 28 620
• 32% of those units are PDI (previously disadvantaged) owned.
• Franchising employs 461 218 people,
  • a growth of 70 769 between 2006 and 2008.
• Franchising enjoys a sustainability rate of almost 96%.
• The sector’s contribution to GDP was 12.57 percent.

Failure rate of franchisees is at a low 3%

SURVEY HIGHLIGHTS GROWTH IN KEY FRANCHISE SECTORS

According to the Standard Bank Franchise Factor – 2008 survey, the “champions” in the various sectors in terms of growth were:

• Retail with 22 new franchises
• Automotive with 14 new franchises
• Restaurant with 14 new franchises
• Real Estate, Health & Beauty, Education & Training with 11 new franchises
• Building, Office & Home services sector with 26 new franchises.

Freddie Oosterhuis

Founding Director & CEO – Walco Enterprises
NLP|NS|ACMC Certified Meta-Coach™

There are now some 531 franchised systems operating in the local market with close to 30 000 franchised outlets serving the public in over 17 different business sectors and employing over half a million people.

Says Bendeta Gordon, Director of Franchize Directions: “During the tough economic times the world is experiencing at the moment, there is hope for the South African market, simply because franchises are usually able to support themselves. The Standard Bank Franchise Factor 2008 Survey showed a 37% increase (R256.46 billion) in turnover and the creation of 67 000 new jobs in the sector. Sustainability rate was almost 96%, with the sector’s contribution to GDP at 12.57%. This survey has brought home what a terrific mechanism franchising can be – especially in the context of our current situation in the country, and considering its socio-economic needs.”

Most of FASA’s franchisor members surveyed on how they are finding the economic slowdown acknowledge tough trading conditions but they all seem to be weathering the storm, some better than others. Says Kobus Oosthuizen, FASA’s Chairman, “The franchising industry, as the dominant business format as far as SME development is concerned, is continuing to foster its importance in the sustainability and growth of the South African economy. Across the globe small business is recognized as the safety net of any economy and the recent downfall of many massive conglomerates has once again proven that point.” FASA’s Executive Director, Vera Valasis, backs up that theory. “The economy is expected to contract this year but due to the strong and reliable track record of the franchise industry, backed up by the recent results of the Standard Bank Franchise Factor 2008, the franchise sector should fare better than other economic sectors.”

Some of the feedback from FASA’s members include:

• Those in sectors like automotive products and services and building, office and home services are finding that their services are in demand in this economic downturn. Says Corrie Taljaard, Business Development Manager for H-Q; “There is definitely a move by the public to ‘repairing before replacing’ – something one always sees in a recession.” Shannon Drake of Midas Motor Parts Centre reports that they have seen an increase in conversion enquiries, ‘from independent operators who feel that they stand a better chance of surviving the downturn if they convert their stores to a well-known brand.” This is backed up by other franchises such as On-Tap who have also seen an increase in franchise conversion enquiries.

• Franchise systems in the building, office and home services sector report that, despite the slowdown in the building sector, they’re seeing customers opting to renovate rather than upgrade. Says Louis Van Vuuren, Director of Talisman Plant and Tool Hire, “We’re seeing families with a new baby on the way opting to add on to their homes rather than buying a new home. Others are riding the property slump by renovating and improving their homes ahead of the next property boom.”

• Franchises in the business-to-business sector are also benefitting as companies downsize and opt to out-source services – from printing to personnel to financial and IT services.

• Food franchises report tight trading conditions but believe that their strong branding is standing them in good stead as cash-strapped consumers will gravitate to well-known brands who offer value-for-money and good service. Brendan McGhee, Marketing Manager for Ocean Basket, whose group has for the past year been preparing for the downturn with more aggressive marketing and better deals, reports a marked change in consumer behavior. “We’ve noted frequency of visitors has declined but ticket sales have grown significantly. So whilst people are cutting down on how often they eat out, when they do they are ‘buying up’ and really making an event of it. As franchise companies, we are better able to package great meal offerings with our supplier partners and retain our client base.”

Downturn a proven catalyst for franchise sales

FASA’s 30 years as South Africa’s only franchise association and its 15 years showcasing franchising opportunities at its International Franchise Expo has netted many lessons on how to withstand the economic downturn. Franchisors need to be consistent with their franchise offering, both in the good times and the bad. In addition to consolidating during these difficult times, franchisors need to prepare themselves for the upswing and remember, there are always people who in times of recession, are spurred on to become entrepreneurial due to retrenchments or retirement and are looking for opportunities to take control of their own futures by starting their own business.

Says Vera Valasis, Executive Director of FASA; “Despite the global recession, franchising is the one business sector that seems able to weather the storm of economic downturns and indeed been known to thrive when things slow down. When the market is down and there is insecurity in the job market, or when retrenchments or retirements happen, people are spurred into being entrepreneurial, fully aware that they have to consider alternative careers. Going into business for themselves suddenly becomes feasible, and it is here that franchising comes into its own. Franchising offers an attractive alternative to an insecure job, offering franchisees a degree of independence along with a support structure that includes training, national advertising, recognisable products, and manuals and guidelines that have proven their effectiveness.”

Founding Director & CEO – Walco Enterprises
NLP|NS|ACMC Certified Meta-Coach™