Gary Prenevost, president of FranNet of Southern Ontario, gives his insight on successful franchises. “Franchising a business model successfully really comes down to systems, systems, systems,” says Prenevost. Owners and operators of Massage Addict, Lori MacKenzie and Chris Harker explain the reasoning behind the success of their recession-proof business model.

Massaging the deal to build a franchise by Mary Teresa Bitti  Jan 23, 2012 – 12:53 PM ET

The pitch: Accessible, affordable massage therapy. That is the concept behind Halifax-based Massage Addict, the latest venture for Lori MacKenzie, owner and president of the company. ... Read more

Tax rebate would make franchise ownership possible for a larger number of returning veterans

“The AGREE Act is a meaningful step to find common ground and create a better environment for job creators to start businesses or expand existing ones,” Rubio said in announcing the legislation.The American Growth, Recovery, Empowerment and Entrepreneurship Act is cosponsored by Sens. Marco Rubio, R-Fla, and Chris Coons, D-Del., who introduced the legislation in November. The bill proposes to give veterans a 25 percent tax rebate on the cost of franchise fees, up to $100,000. ... Read more

Turns out just when I thought I knew many of the tricks of the trade in the world of executive search consultants (also known as headhunters), one more tip crossed my radar. While meeting this week about a very interesting corporate global role with a San Francisco firm (more on the opportunity in an upcoming post), I got to also shoot the quick breeze (time is, in this business, money if you’ve got a full slate of searches) with a couple of senior consultants about a headhunter’s life. Biggest dread? Boarding a plane and walking through ... Read more

This is part two of a two-part series on millennials in the workplace. Read Part One. Specifically, how to communicate across generations – a common issue at the office and during a job interview.  This series was guest written by Aaron McDaniel, the author of the Young Professional’s Edge blog (YP Edge). If you interview with enough companies you are bound to come across an awkward situation or two, yet few are more uncomfortable than when you realize that you are older and more experienced than the person on the other side of the interview table. ... Read more

There are a number of ways to effectively manage conflict. The approach someone recently used with me (“There are issues; you’re the problem“) is not amongst any of them. Here’s one conflict resolution approach that in my experience works 90+% of the time. ... Read more

It has become the dreaded phrase you don’t want to hear; “I’ll follow-up and get back to you” Why? Because when you hear that phrase you know that 90% of the people you deal with won’t get back to you. I’ve stopped chuckling when I get the email from someone with whom I’m scheduled to meet (“Are we still on to meet at 2 PM tomorrow”) because I realize we live in a world where people, rather than do as they say they’re going to do, do as they say they won’t. ... Read more

Sometimes the job you’ve been promised won’t be there; sometimes the job you think you’ve lost may return. So how do you know if it’s a sure thing? You won’t. Learn why... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]] ... Read more

I didn’t say this was going to be a happy post.  But sometimes looking at the darker sides of a career, we can learn how to improve it.  Avoid the potholes in the future.  And perhaps build a more stable career and life platform. ... Read more

Not long ago, I attended a seminar at the Association Forum of Chicagoland about getting the Certified Association Executive (CAE) designation. For anyone interested in a long-term career in the association industry, eventually aiming for it is a given – while it’s undoubtedly hard work, in the end you’ll gain credibility, confidence, and knowledge across a large number of areas. But, where does a master’s degree fit into your career goals? Is it more important than the CAE? Does it even matter? If you want both, which should you get first? At this session, entitled, “Take Your Career to the Next Level with the CAE Designation,” presenter Stephen Stahr suggests getting both. However, he recommends getting the CAE first if given the choice. The time commitment is shorter, and many of the same topics will be covered (though expanded upon), in a master’s program, making it the logical next step. Personally, my choice would be made at “shorter time commitment.” However, I’m sure that others disagree and would want to complete their master’s degrees first. I’d love to hear opinions…if given the option, would you choose to go after your master’s degree or CAE credential? For more on the CAE, visit this page on the ASAE site: http://tinyurl.com/2xjg8u ... Read more

I’ve been approached to join the NFIB (National Federation of Independent Businesses).

I’ve heard of them and I have a sense for what they do in general. But I am looking for any colleague who can help us judge the actual return on investment that might come from joining this group whose mission is to lobby on the behalf of businesses