CATEGORIES

Great Expectations

The year 2021 may feel uncertain, but set your expectations high anyway. Doing so will become your guiding force.

Kate Hudson – “We're Doing This for a Reason”

Kate Hudson has launched three businesses in very crowded industries but knows what separates her from the competition: It’s not just the products. It’s the mission.

Be a Constant Learner

Sheila Stanley spent years as a schoolteacher. Now she runs a boating franchise. What do the two have in common? A love of learning.

LIVESTREAM SELLING IS HERE!

Amazon, Facebook, Google, and TikTok are getting involved, VCs are investing, and brands are interested in a new retail spin that takes online shopping live. But an upstart company in Alabama is already living what may be the future of retail—and helping 6,000 small retailers see their business soar

HOW TO BECOME A MASTER AT TALKING TO STRANGERS

Entrepreneurs must become experts at connecting with anyone— and with a few simple strategies, you can. Here’s what happened when I tried them myself.

If You Can Make It There

The French fast-food sensation O’Tacos is rapidly expanding across Europe, but it failed to find its footing with its first outpost in the U.S. What should its fellow foreign companies know about coming to the U.S.? And how can American partners profit from their unique ideas?

Made for Times Both Good and Bad

After inaugurating its franchise program in a challenging year, Outer Banks Boil Company is eyeing future success.

How I Saw the Big Picture

Early in my career, I was easily overwhelmed. I overextended myself, and soon my responsibilities and commitments and ambitions piled up into this mass that felt unfathomably large—until, one day, my manager gave me something that is still on the bulletin board over my desk 26 years later, even as I’ve now transformed my career: It’s a postcard picture of Earth.

Desks That Kill Zoom Fatigue?

Another workday at home getting you down? A new line of desks will help you up— and help you maintain focus.

WE KNOW LESS THAN WE THINK

And that’s a good thing! The greatest lesson from the pandemic is this: Possibilities are endless.

Brain coaching – Maximize Your Mind

Stress. Distractions. Constant change. The past year has drained our brains—and now it’s time to regain our sharpness. World-renowned brain coach Jim Kwik shows you how.

The Unexpected Upside of a Crisis

The pandemic seemed to be tanking the biggest deal of John Berkowitz’s career. Then he learned how to harness the chaos.

READY FOR A BIG RETURN

The end of the pandemic is in sight, and many franchises are anticipating an explosion in business. Leaders at four franchises share how their brands are working overtime to prepare for the rush and win back coveted business.

ONE RESTAURANT, EIGHT BRANDS

To boost sales during the pandemic, the founders of Dog Haus flooded the delivery apps with virtual restaurants that operate out of existing franchise kitchens. They’ve been so valuable that they’re now here to stay.

MAKING BIG CHANGES IN TIMES OF BIG CHANGE (OR WHY AMAZON CREATED THE KINDLE)

Entrepreneurs are defined by how they adapt during crises. In this exclusive excerpt from their book Working Backwards, longtime Amazon execs Colin Bryar and Bill Carr reveal how the company dealt with massive disruption…and transformed itself as a result.

THE TIME FOR REINVENTION IS NOW

Our world has changed. As people—and as entrepreneurs—we should change, too. Follow these three steps to find new opportunities and capture them with success.

HOW TO TAKE DOWN GOLIATH

The biggest companies can still be taken down by the smallest startups. Here are four strategies disruptors use to fight their way up.

THE RISE OF THE SMART BOARD

Miss having in-person meetings in front of whiteboards? Now you can replicate them remotely.

THIS YEAR WILL BE GREAT. REALLY

After months of forced closures and record-high unemployment in 2020, the U.S. is ready for an economic recovery—and the franchise industry is uniquely positioned to lead the charge.

Rebecca Minkoff – To Hell in a Handbag

Rebecca Minkoff’s luxury fashion brand cratered in the pandemic. But she’s been at the bottom before, and she knows the way back up: You have to be fearless.

Working (and Napping) Across Time Zones

Bearaby makes weighted blankets to help its customers sleep better. To help its employees at all hours, the company embraces a flexible schedule that celebrates snoozing.

A Small Part OF A Small Business Can Be A Big Idea

Lisa Tran’s parents (right) escaped a Communist regime and built a small restaurant in America. Now she wants to reinvent it by building a business based solely on their sauces. Her mom thinks she’s crazy—and maybe she is. But some of the greatest brands were built in much the same way.

More Is More

Why do many franchise systems prefer working with multi-unit operators? We dig into four different companies—learning why they recruit franchisees the way they do, and what life is like for someone who owns multiple units.

The Recipe for Success: Strategy and Flexibility

A year after opening his first Curry Up Now, Pritesh Benjamin knows one thing about business ownership: You’ve got to be ready for anything.

Stop Selling to Gen Z

Traditional marketing doesn’t work on this discerning, coveted demo. If you can’t sell to them? Join them.

THE SURPRISING IMPORTANCE OF A COCKTAIL TO GO

This is the story of how complicated it is to change a simple law—and the large role entrepreneurs can play.

Run a Company…or Work for One?

You may own a business, but what happens when you get a great job offer from someone else? Here’s how to decide your next move.

Staying Ahead of Change

Yousuf Ali had a successful career in marketing until he failed to embrace new technologies. Now, as a My Eyelab franchisee, embracing forward-thinking capabilities is the key to his success.

Ready For A Big Return

The end of the pandemic is in sight, and many franchises are anticipating an explosion in business. Leaders at four franchises share how their brands are working overtime to prepare for the rush and win back coveted business.

Think Like a Disruptor

If you want to shake things up, you must have a mindset that’s different from everyone else’s. Here are three ways to reshape your thinking.