by Francois Muscat | Apr 19, 2012 | Franchise
The International Franchise & Entrepreneurs Expo (IFE) 2012, which is the biggest franchise expo on the African content, will take place on 17 – 19 May at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg, Gauteng. The cost of entrance is a mere R50 per person and the exhibition will be open from 10h00 to 18h00 daily.
IFE is one of the longest running franchise and business opportunity expos. Under the auspices of the Franchise Association of South Africa (FASA), this show has become renowned for providing entrepreneurial-minded individuals with quality franchising options.
Some important facts from IFE:
• Franchising contributes 11.8% to South Africa’s GDP
• Franchises have fared better than independent businesses
• Franchising contributes more to South Africa’s GDP than other sectors (such as manufacturing and agriculture)
Want to own your own business?
If you’re serious about business and entrepreneurial enough to want to get through the difficult times and come out stronger and smarter, then you can’t miss this exhibition. This show has been running for 17 years – if there’s a single event you need to event to kick-start your new career, this is it!
WSI Internet Marketing will be exhibiting at IFE 2012 and anyone interested in a white collar franchise should pop in. WSI is the #1 Internet and Technology Services Franchise and we are looking for motivated, entrepreneurial individuals who are interested in owning an internet marketing franchise. There are already a few WSI franchises in South Africa and we are looking to expand even further.
Whether you’re just interested in the type of digital marketing solutions we offer or want to find out if you would be a good fit for owning one of our franchises, pop in to our stand and have a chat about what we do and what type of franchising opportunities we can offer!
by Francois Muscat | Sep 30, 2011 | Franchise
We are proud to announce that we will be running the new WSI Master Franchise here in South Africa. We are very excited about this opportunity and are looking forward to new adventures with WSI.
Here is the short version of the press release.
WSI, the world’s #1 Internet franchise, opened a new Master Franchise office in South Africa in September 2011. The new Master Franchise will be run and managed by Francois Muscat, who has been providing a wide range of clients with digital marketing solutions for a number of years.
The WSI Master Franchise program, which was launched three years ago, aims to expand WSI’s leading digital marketing services to businesses all over the world. Opening a Master Franchise office in South Africa will not only further expand WSI’s presence in South Africa, but also drastically increase the profitability of local businesses.
Developing a new network of franchisees
Francois Muscat is a long-standing WSI franchisee and WSI Area Representative for Africa who has received many awards for wildly successful digital marketing campaigns and consistently high internet marketing results for his clients.
As the Master Franchise, Francois will be developing a network of single unit franchisees throughout South Africa and providing ongoing training and support programs to help them succeed. This increasing number of digital marketing consulting offices across South Africa will give more local businesses access to Internet marketing services like conversion-focused web solutions, search engine optimisation, pay-per-click advertising, content marketing and more.
Now is the time to invest in digital marketing
Recent research by ZenithOptimedia showed that Internet advertising spending in South Africa will reach R566-million by the end of the year and experts predict that marketers will spend R683-million advertising online by 2013. These statistics, combined with the Internet’s fast-paced nature and the range of social media, mobile marketing and digital media strategies that WSI offers ensures that the new Master Franchise will be a great success.
As the leader in cutting-edge digital solutions and niche internet marketing, Francois and his team will be helping marketers and business owners stay educated on digital media to experience the outstanding opportunities that digital marketing can offer.
For more information about franchising opportunities or digital marketing services, contact WSI now!
For the full version of this press release, visit PR.com
by Francois Muscat | May 27, 2011 | Franchise
The International Franchise and Entrepreneurship Expo is the biggest franchise expo on the African continent and is a highlight on the yearly calendar for any franchise that is looking to sell franchises and people looking to buy a franchise. (more…)
by Marelise da Silva | May 25, 2011 | Franchise
There are many well-known franchise opportunities available in almost every industry you can think of. Some are well established with proven systems and support structures in place, while others are relatively new. Choosing the franchise that suits you will reduce risk and raise the levels of success.
While specialist advisors are a necessity to assist you throughout your business venture, the following steps will help you to evaluate any franchise opportunity you are considering.
1. KNOW YOURSELF
The first topic of research will be you. Consider your strengths and weaknesses. What is your level of knowledge, where might you need development and are your skills transferable? Will you be able to manage the high level of personal energy required to get yourself started? Are you a team player, or do you prefer to work alone? Will you require staff? Only after you have analyzed the depth of commitment required to start a new business venture will you be in a position to make a specific choice.
2. KNOW YOUR FINANCIAL COMMITMENTS
The costs of a franchise can vary considerably. While smaller investments can be affordable through personal assets, most potential franchise owners will need to consider additional borrowing. The increase in small business ventures have compelled many banks to have business start up kits, which include information on the requirements of starting a business, self evaluation reports and financial planning forms. No matter how much security you can offer, banks need to be convinced that loans can be serviced. What the proposed business can afford is more important than what you have.
3. KNOW WHAT FRANCHISING IS
Find out all you can about franchising. In particular focus on the unique relationship that exists between franchisees and franchisors. Look for a Franchise Association closest to you to obtain guidance from. Once again the banks can provide a wealth of information in this regard; it is now within their interests to build relationships in an extremely competitive financial environment by providing separate departments that serve the franchise industry. Search the internet, but be aware that different countries will have different compliance issues. Even if you have a preference this early in the game, research is still a vital process that needs to be completed. There is also the chance that research will open up alternatives you may not have previously considered.
4. KNOW THE INDUSTRY
You have already analyzed your skills and knowledge; now look at the different types of businesses that you feel are potentially suitable. Identify the different companies that are offering opportunities in the area. Consider the requirements of the proposed industry and see if it matches your skills and aspirations. It is not necessary for you to have worked in this industry before, but you need to feel comfortable and happy working in this environment. How durable is the potential market? Who are your customers? Who are your competitors? Is it an international franchise or newly introduced to your area? Is the market large enough to sustain a long-term business? Get to know the franchisor. You need to be happy with the industry you will be working in and the people you will be working with.
5. EVALUTE THE FRANCHISE
Once it is established that you are interested in a particular franchise, information will be sent to you. Read all the information you receive thoroughly noting any first impressions and any initial questions you may have. Discuss and clarify any concerns you have with the franchisor. The size of the franchise should not restrict the availability of information you need regarding the company’s history and profile, market conditions, the franchisees role and the costs involved. Examine company records in detail, check credit references. Closely examine the outline of the franchise particularly the manner in which the franchise is sold and operated. Look at all the details of any commissions’ payable on the sale of the franchise and ask to see references of present franchises and company outlets. Make sure you understand the components that make up the franchise fees.
6. QUESTIONS FOR THE FRANCHISOR
The greatest source of information you will obtain regarding the franchise system is from the franchisor. Prepare for every meeting with your list of items that need to be clarified. Ask all the questions you need in relation to the franchise, products and services. Do not be afraid to ask questions relating to the profitable viability of the franchise. You need to find out the success of the franchise, talk to other franchisees as well. What training and support exists? Is the franchise bound by any code of practice?
7. TALK TO THE FRANCHISEES
The surest method of evaluating any franchise will be to talk to a number of franchisees in existing businesses. In this way, you will get a realistic assessment. What value have they got from their business, both financial and personal? Make sure you chose the franchisees to speak with. You may not get a balanced picture if you speak only to ‘approved’ franchisees. The perspective of international outlets can also be of use, but, remember to consider different conditions, population structures and competition.
8. SPECIALISED FINANCIAL ADVICE
There could be some reluctance on the part of the franchisor to reveal financial projections in case they are viewed as guaranteed. However, what reports are available should provide relevant figures based on the existing climate. Whether the projections you receive are forecasted or guaranteed, an accountant with franchise experience should be able to give you qualified advice. Encourage your accountant to work with the franchisor. The franchisor will be able to offer cash flow, borrowing and overdraft guidelines. Take all the advice you can get. As a new business owner you do not want to start your business under capitalized.
9. SPECIALISED LEGAL ADVICE
It is important to fully understand the terms and conditions of the franchise agreement. Understanding your obligations and the franchisors responsibilities need to be clear from the start. Use a lawyer that specializes in franchise agreements to define legal terms you have difficulty with to save you time and money
10. CHECK WHAT YOU ARE PAYING FOR
Before you sign on the dotted line, make sure you know what the up-front franchise fee includes and what refunds you may expect if you change your mind or fail the training. What are the performance criteria? You must also have a clear understanding of any ongoing costs. You need to know what fees are payable, how they are calculated and what they are for.
To maximize your chances of success it is imperative you do not rush your decision. Check out all aspects before you commit yourself. Be 100% certain that the franchise is right for you before you part with your money.
WSI will be at the International Franchise and Entrepreneurship expo from 26-28 May 2011. Come see us there to find out more about the WSI Franchise and what it offers you. Hope to see you there.
by Marianna Muscat | May 24, 2011 | Franchise
When evaluating any business venture, whether it is a new start-up or a proven franchise model such as WSI’s, one of the first questions you should ask yourself is, “What is the true market potential here?”
This may sound like a basic component of due diligence, but quite often the promise and excitement of starting something new gets in the way of this fundamental consideration. The reality is, many seemingly great business ideas fail because of limited demand and market potential. We are in the infancy of the digital marketing revolution and there is no ceiling in sight.
Joining WSI means becoming part of the Internet Revolution, and that’s not a term we use lightly. Few technological innovations have changed the world of business, and society in general, as dramatically as the Internet. In terms of impact on society and our lives, the Internet shares space with the telephone and intercontinental air travel, and its influence as a media channel is eclipsing radio and television. This impact can be seen everywhere and the Internet remains a steady growth industry, continually finding its way into every facet of daily life.
Studies show that the share of Internet marketing as a total percentage of advertising spending is expected to climb to more than 18 percent in 2012. The market potential is indisputable, and the opportunity to profit from digital marketing is significant. Our proven systems are the blueprint for taking advantage of that opportunity.
If it sounds like we’re trying to sell the Internet here, that’s because it’s what we do. Since 1995, we’ve been on the leading edge, making businesses more profitable and seeing our franchisees achieve their personal and financial goals.
If you think you would like to take on an exciting challenge and run your own Internet marketing business, why not come along to the International Franchise Exhibition 2011, which takes place at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg from the 26 -28th May 2011 and chat to us about how you could build and operate a WSI Franchise joining a family of over 1,500 trained consultants worldwide
- Our Objective: to deliver the ABCs of Digital Marketing Success to SMEs globally
- Our Methodology: the WSI Internet Solutions Lifecycle System™
- Our Advanced Solutions: powered by WSI Modular Development Technology™
- Our Global Repository Of Products And Services: the WSI eMarketplace
- Our Customer Service Excellence: achieved through global reach and local touch
While the WSI brand gives clients confidence in working with a global organization, it is our proven systems and infrastructure that deliver the results for them. Built through years of research and development, WSI’s patented tools and technologies – coupled with an eMarketplace of proven, qualified production centers and suppliers throughout the world – allow our franchisees to enjoy unprecedented economies of scale. This remarkable blend of brand reputation, proven systems, and supplier eMarketplace, renders our Digital Marketing Consultants as experts, before they’ve even begun. This is, in part, WSI’s unfair advantage.
For those looking to enter the world of entrepreneurship, a business in a high-growth industry with minimal overhead, no inventory, and recurring revenue is a compelling proposition. Now couple this business model with a franchise system, offering a proven method for doing business, training and mentoring, and ongoing support, and you’ve got a blueprint for success.
Come along and invest a few hours in talking to a number of WSI franchisees and get the information from the ‘coal face’ that you require to run a successful business and create a lifestyle you have always wanted.
