home care franchise - Senior Home Care Franchise

3 Franchise Marketing Challenges (And How to Overcome Them)

Modern marketing isn’t always easy. The old ways of advertising a brand and building its profile have been replaced with new, technology-driven methods that take advantage of consumers’ more active role. In years past, senior care franchises and other businesses would advertise to consumers using traditional media such as radio or newspapers. Today, businesses need to take advantage of the techniques inherent in what’s known as “inbound marketing.” Basically, it’s all about creating a path that makes it easy for clients to find you, and it’s necessary to become somewhat web savvy to make it work.

The landscape is always changing, too, making it especially difficult for new business owners and franchisees to keep up. Thankfully, modern marketing isn’t as difficult as it can seem. Franchisees come to their businesses with experience and intelligence, and the learning curve associated with modern marketing isn’t so steep that franchisees who are willing to put in some effort can’t overcome it.

3 Challenges that Franchisees Face

If you’re a franchisee who is not quite an expert at inbound marketing, you will probably be faced with some tough challenges. Have no fear! The following three challenges can be overcome.

#1 – Standing Out on Social Media

Social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook are essential for business success in 2016. But by now, everyone has gotten the memo about the importance of a strong social presence. So how do you stand out in a crowded field?

The key is engagement. You don’t have to spend all of your time on social media, but the time you do spend online should be focused and productive. Think of the so-called 80/20 rule: approximately 80% of your social-media activity should come from interacting and engaging with people, while only 20% should be devoted to promotion of your brand. If you can provide value regularly and show that you relate to your audience, you’ll make a huge impact.

#2 – Search Engine Algorithms Keep Changing

Yes, Google more or less rules the Internet, and decoding its algorithm is often seen as the holy grail of SEO (Search Engine Optimization) and online marketing. But if you spend too much time fretting about what Google is up to, you can lose sight of what you actually need to do to grow your business.

Google will continually tweak its algorithm, and you may need to adjust your strategies over time. However, as long as you engage with your audience and provide high-quality content in your blogs and on your website, you’ll be able to keep your head well above water.

#3 – Measuring ROI

Measuring the return on an online marketing investment is not always easy, but it’s absolutely necessary. Thankfully, as a franchisee, you will have access to tools and technologies that your franchisor makes available. Your success is crucial to the success of the entire brand, so it’s critical that you learn about all of the marketing tools that are made available to you. Doing this makes it possible for you to measure the true power of your online marketing efforts.

Learn More

Are you wondering how you can get up to speed on modern marketing to become an effective franchisee? Download your own copy of our FREE franchising ebook today! It’s loaded with great information about what it’s like to operate a franchise in today’s exciting business climate.
Please refer to our most recent Franchise Disclosure Document for important details.

Three Reasons Why Senior Care Is Booming in 2016

2016 is set to be a year of big changes and transformations, especially in the world of business. The economy is, for the most part, back on track, and people are beginning to feel more comfortable when it comes to using their capital to start their own businesses. More and more, people are realizing that franchising is a great way to start a business of one’s own without the headaches and extreme challenges that are often associated with typical startups. The savviest entrepreneurs in franchising, however, are starting to focus increasingly on the in home senior care industry, where Always Best Care is a leader.

Why?

Let’s take a look at the three big reasons that senior care promises to be a golden opportunity for entrepreneurs and investors i 2016.

#1 — The Senior Population Is Growing Fast

The “Baby Boomer” generation is reaching retirement age in huge numbers, and the oldest members of this important generation will turn 70 in 2016. This segment of the population is massive, and its members want to stay as independent as possible during their retirement years. That means that in home senior care services, such as those provided by Always Best Care, will continue to be in high demand.

Today, seniors make up more than 13 percent of the population. In less than a couple of generations, that number will rise to 20 percent. The need for senior care options is becoming more and more urgent, which is why getting into the industry as a franchisee is such a smart move.

#2 — Seniors Want to Stay at Home

Members of the independent Baby Boomer generation aren’t interested in living out their later years in nursing homes and other such facilities. Instead, they prefer to maintain the routines and lifestyles that they’ve grown accustomed to, and that means staying at home. But remaining at home and staying independent requires assistance as individuals age. That’s where non medical senior care services come in. Seniors — and concerned family members — can relax knowing that their independent lives are supplemented by caregivers who can make daily tasks easy.

Seniors are increasingly opting to stay at home, which is why getting into the senior care industry is so potentially lucrative.

#3 — Care Costs Continue to Rise

Caring for an aging person’s needs in a traditional nursing home facility is no longer a reasonable cost to bear for many families. When combined with the rising costs of health care, it’s enough to make a large portion of the senior population consider alternatives, and in-home senior care options are incredibly attractive.

When you provide senior care services in the home, you help seniors and their families save money. The best part? You’re doing so in a way that builds your business and provides a much-needed service to the community. What could be better than that?

Your Own Senior Care Business

If you’re interested in getting into the booming senior care business, we invite you to consider a Franchise With Always Best Care. To learn more, download your copy of our FREE franchising ebook today!

Please refer to our most recent Franchise Disclosure Document for important details.

Women In Franchising — Amazing Opportunities in Senior Care

As the playing field for business in the United States becomes increasingly level and more fair, people who may have had trouble finding opportunity in the past are now more than welcome to flex their entrepreneurial muscles. More and more women, for example, are starting their own businesses and finding success in areas that were thought to be male dominated just a few years ago. As women find greater opportunity in business, they also find that the world of franchising is an area where great success can be found and nurtured. This is especially true in the field of senior care.

Word is still getting out about the amazing opportunities available for women in the in home care sector, though.

Women In Franchising — The Facts

The numbers don’t lie: women are becoming a major force in franchising. Here are some facts, according to Franchise Business Review.

– Among female franchisees, 70% say they “agree” or “strongly agree” with the idea that they are a “valued member of the organization.” Some of the highest marks for this question came from the senior care industry!

– 88% of female franchisees say that their business contributes at least somewhat to the business as a whole. Again, some of the highest marks for this question came from respondents in the senior-care industry.

– Average overall satisfaction is slightly higher for female franchisees than it is for male franchisees.

– Male franchisees still earn more than their female counterparts, but those numbers are poised to change quickly as increasing numbers of women own more units (and own them longer).

– Overall, women employ one out of every seven workers in the United States; that number is expected to grow quickly.

Looking Ahead as Changes Continue

As women continue to diversify the ways in which they own and manage businesses, changes will continue to occur in the world of franchising.

Women will become more aware of opportunities in senior care, and many of them will become franchisees. As this happens, an increasing number of women will rise into the ranks of becoming area representatives and franchisors.

It’s likely that women will be drawn toward sectors that allow them to give back to their communities. The in home senior care industry is one such sector.

Women are drawn to industries that promote flexible schedules, continuous learning and regular, meaningful contact with other individuals.

Franchise With Always Best Care — Amazing Opportunities for Women!

It’s clear that franchising is one of the areas in which women will find tremendous entrepreneurial success in the coming decades, and as you investigate the possibilities that lay ahead, it’s easy to see why senior care is an industry that will nurture much of the female-led growth in franchising.

If you’re a woman who is interested in learning more about the possibilities that can be achieved through ownership of your own non medical senior care business, we invite you to download our FREE franchising ebook today! It’s full of information that will help you determine if becoming a senior care franchise owner is the right move for you.

Please refer to our most recent Franchise Disclosure Document for important details.

Looking Ahead – Four Tips for Franchise Success in 2016

Whether you’re an existing senior care franchise owner, or you are interested in starting your own in home care business in 2016, taking a look at some of the fundamentals of franchising is a wonderful idea. With that in mind, we’ve come up with four tips that will get you ready to take on all of the challenges that the new year has in store.

Set SMART Goals

Setting goals is crucial to your success, but it’s important to set SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Timely) goals so you can make the biggest, most positive impact.

Here’s an example: Increasing your revenue by 20% in the period between January 1st and July 1st is a realistic SMART goal for your business because it identifies specific, measurable numbers within a specific timeframe; plus, it’s relevant to your business and it’s likely achievable.

An example of a non SMART goal would be something like, “I want to make more money.” While this is not the worst goal, it’s far from specific, and it offers nothing to focus on.

When evaluating your goals for 2016, be sure to analyze them using the SMART framework, and you’ll be much more likely to achieve the results you want!

Renew Your Commitment to Modern Marketing

Our industry is growing constantly, and 2016 promises to be a fantastic year. However, with this growth comes greater competition. You need to take advantage of every competitive edge you can find, and there’s no better way to set yourself apart than to become a master of marketing.

Obviously, your franchisor will supply you with excellent tools and techniques for marketing, but your success will largely depend upon how well you take the initiative to market your business locally. These days, business owners who take a proactive approach to modern marketing (blogging regularly, using social media wisely, building and maintaining email lists, practicing proper local SEO, etc.) are the ones who succeed.

Review the Tools and Technologies Available from Your Franchisor

One of the huge advantages you get to experience as a franchisee is access to your franchisor’s toolbox. You get to use tools and technologies that other business owners can only dream about, so it’s critical that you take advantage of them! As a franchisee with Always Best Care, you can access valuable marketing strategies, as well as professional consumer education materials.

Make it a point to take advantage of all the help you have available from your franchisor, and 2016 will be a very productive year for your business!

Review Your Individual Skillset

Franchising is all about following a proven system for success, but that doesn’t mean you have to put your own personal attributes and business skills on the back burner. In fact, it’s your unique abilities and talents that make you such a valuable part of your franchisor’s team. The most successful franchisees know that following the system is crucial, but they also understand that a little creativity within the system – and especially within their local markets – is the secret sauce that sets them apart from the competition.

What are your specific skills and attributes as a businessperson? How do they match with your franchise’s system? If you can match your skills to your business effectively, you’re going to experience a healthy 2016!

Want to learn more about franchising in the senior care industry? download our FREE franchising ebook today!

Please refer to our most recent Franchise Disclosure Document for important details.

5 Tips to Improve Your Social-Media Marketing Power

Marketing your senior care business requires you to act on a number of different fronts. Thankfully, as a franchisee, you have a wealth of knowledge, information and assistance available to you when it comes to spreading the word about your in home care business. But when it comes to social media, too many franchisees leave untapped potential on the table.

Are you looking for a new edge over your competitors in the region?
Do you need a strategy that adds power to your overall marketing campaign?
Is keeping up with the demands of social media simply too intimidating?

Well, you’re in luck! Here are five tips that can help you boost the power of your social-media efforts:

#1 – Schedule Your Posts

These days, automated services such as Buffer and HootSuite make it easy for you to schedule targeted social media posts on all of the major platforms quickly and easily. By using one of these apps or services, you free yourself from the constant demands of social-media posting.

#2 – Schedule Your Posts Strategically!

When you schedule your social-media updates, it’s easy to slot them into times that look good on the calendar, but might not make sense in reality. Instead of posting an update right at 1:00 pm, for example, schedule it for a few minutes later or earlier. Why? Doing this catches people when they’re most likely to be checking their phones or tablets for updates between meetings and appointments. Also, pay attention to the times you post and the engagement you see. By doing this type of analysis, you can further improve your social-media targeting.

#3 – Engage More!

Engaging on social media is perhaps even more important than promoting your business. Unfortunately, taking time to engage can seem daunting. Fortunately, it’s not that hard if you follow this simple strategy: simply follow and/or “favorite” every account that reshares or interacts with your posts. Simple, easy and essential, this practice is how the economy of social media works. Jump in and use it to your advantage!

#4 – Complete Your Profiles

Social media users are savvy people, and when they see that a business doesn’t have a fully filled out profile, they ignore it. Before you share your next post, make sure that all of your profiles contain complete – and consistent – information about your business. This means that all logos, slogans, contact information, etc. should match across all platforms.

#5 – Use Hashtags, but Use Them Wisely

According to research, tweets that contain hashtags receive twice the engagement of tweets that have no hashtags. However, tweets that contain more than two hashtags receive a 17% drop in engagement. If you can find one popular hashtag that fits appropriately, use it! If you have three awesome hashtags, you’re going to have to sacrifice at least one of them (or use it in a different update altogether) if you want to make an impact.

Learn More!

If you’re interested in learning more about the tips and advice we have to offer our Always Best Care franchisees, we invite you to download your own copy of our FREE franchising ebook! We are always here to answer your questions about franchising success in the senior care industry, so contact us today.

Please refer to our most recent Franchise Disclosure Document for important details.

Franchise Or Startup? Make the Right Choice!

You’ve saved some money and you’ve made the decision to go into business. Congratulations! As an entrepreneur, you represent the backbone of our economy. But deciding the type of business you want to run presents its own challenges. You’re about to make a huge investment, but you need to determine whether you and your business savvy are better suited to a franchise or a startup. Obviously, we’re excited about the opportunities available within the senior care industry, but we know that any entrepreneurial journey begins with a strong, honest self assessment.

Let’s get started!

Can You Follow the System?

The beauty of franchising is the fact that success comes from adhering to a proven system. More often than not, simply following the system prescribed by the franchisor (combined with your hard work and enthusiasm) is enough to ensure some degree of success. However, if you’re the type of person who requires complete independence at all times, franchising might not be for you. Be honest with yourself before you make your choice!

Brand Awareness

Franchises are wonderful opportunities because they allow you to take advantage of amazing brand awareness. Always Best Care, for example, is well known across North America, which means that our franchisees don’t need to spend time and energy just getting the word out about what their businesses offer. Perhaps you’re more interested in building your own brand’s awareness from scratch, even though it represents a great deal of work. If that’s the case, you might be better suited for a startup.

Supplies, Equipment and Materials

Most businesses require equipment and supplies – not to mention space – to operate effectively. If you opt to go the startup route, you’ll probably be on your own when it comes to researching and acquiring the things you need to operate. With a franchise, however, your franchisor can give you a tremendous amount of assistance so you can find exactly what you need at the best available prices.

Marketing and Advertising

Some businesspeople insist on doing things their way, and there’s nothing wrong with that. If you’re the type of person who needs to have creative control over all aspects of advertising and marketing, it’s easier than ever for the average person to create and administer effective campaigns to promote their startup business. But that doesn’t mean it’s not a ton of work! Franchising, on the other hand, makes marketing and advertising easy. As a franchise owner, you have access to marketing tools that are just not available to anyone else. Moreover, you get to enjoy the power of an established company when it comes to your ability to attract clients and customers.

Are You a Potential Franchisee?

It really comes down to your self assessment. If you see yourself as a maverick who needs to do it all alone, you’re probably best suited pouring your money and your talents into your dream startup. But if you have a more collaborative personality and you want to take advantage of a proven system, franchising – especially in the in home senior care sector – could represent the perfect opportunity!

Learn More!

If you’d like to know more about franchising with Always Best Care, download our FREE franchising ebook today! It’s packed with information that will help you determine your best next steps in business.

Please refer to our most recent Franchise Disclosure Document for important details.

Franchising and The Second Act of Your Career

We talk a lot about how people are living longer and preferring to stay in their homes after retiring – the Baby Boomer generation is reaching an age of transition, which is one of the reasons why the in home senior care industry is growing so quickly. But this generation is treating retirement and the prospect of “old age” much differently from previous ones. People in their 50s and 60s are finding that they can enjoy the fruits of their labors in retirement while continuing to follow their passions for working and helping others. As it turns out, for many in this new generation of retirees, franchising in the senior care sector is the perfect next step.

Why Senior Care?

Franchising is a great way for semi retired individuals and those looking for a late-career transition to apply their talents, skills, experience and expertise to the business world in a meaningful way. Here’s how:

A Way to Give Back

In the senior care industry, we offer something few other franchises can provide – a way to give back to the community. Seasoned individuals who’ve seen it all in the business world often shift their focus from the bottom line to the people who make it all possible. As a senior care franchisee, you can continue to operate a successful business while improving the world around you.

The Right Financial Outlook

Many people, as they approach retirement age, are simply not prepared financially to stop working. However, they do have the appropriate amount of capital to invest in – and operate – a senior care franchise successfully, making them ideal candidates. And with in-home care becoming so popular, those who invest in the senior care industry can feel confident about their decisions.

Social Engagement

Starting your own franchise business is a great way to surround yourself with people like you who value hard work and community support. Through the process of running your franchise, you’ll meet other franchisees, area representatives, caregivers, medical professionals and – of course – seniors who will engage you in ways that give your life real richness and meaning. Your own senior care business keeps you connected to the world and your community while giving you the chance to follow your career passions.

No Starting From Scratch

Let’s face it – starting a business from the ground up is no easy task. As a younger person, it may have been fun and exciting, but now that you’ve got some miles behind you, you are no longer interested in the grind. That’s why franchising is so ideal! With your own senior-care franchise, you can experience the joys of running your own business without the agonies of having to do it all on your own. It’s as simple as following the system!

Franchise With Always Best Care

Are you interested in learning more about how you can energize the second act of your career? Download our FREE franchising ebook today and learn how you can take your next steps toward a franchise with Always Best Care!

Please refer to our most recent Franchise Disclosure Document for important details.

Five Tips to Avoid Franchisee Failure

Success as a franchisee is all about following the system and using the tools that are made available. But that doesn’t mean franchisees are immune to the types of mistakes that can cause a business to fail. Following the system is essential, of course, but successful senior care franchisees know that they have to work diligently and bring their own skills and experience to the table in a big way if they want to succeed. It’s also important to avoid some common pitfalls that can cause a business to perform poorly.

Are you interested in becoming a franchisee in the in home senior care sector? You need to keep these five essential tips in mind!

#1 – Beware a Bad Fit!

It’s important to be able to recognize awesome opportunities and capitalize on them quickly, but it’s equally important to research franchise opportunities thoroughly before making a big investment – and possibly a big mistake.

Before you commit to a franchise, you need to do your due diligence, perform research and ensure that the business you select is the perfect fit.

#2 – Find the Right Funding

There’s more to becoming a franchisee than simply coming up with the franchisee fee for the business. In order to succeed and ensure growth of your business, it’s crucial to have the proper amount of funds. Capital is king, regardless of the type of business you operate, so be sure you have sufficiently deep pockets before you sign the dotted line.

#3 – Management Matters

If you don’t plan on being involved with the day-to-day operations of your franchise, you need to put extra effort into finding dependable management personnel who can keep your business on the right track. Exceptional management can mean the difference between massive success and ultimate failure.

#4 – Are You Cut Out to Be Your Own Boss?

Evaluating your franchise opportunity is critical, but it’s just as important to evaluate yourself and your ability to be an effective boss. Do you feel comfortable with the idea of being your own boss? Do you have any experience sitting behind the desk that says, “The Buck Stops Here?” Big business dreams are great, but you have to be honest with yourself and about your abilities.

#5 – Follow the System

This one can never be repeated enough. The biggest reason for franchisee failure is ignorance of the system that has made the franchisor (and existing franchisees) successful. Although following the system is no guarantee of success, it is absolutely the best way to avoid failure!

Learn More About Franchise Success in the Senior Care Industry

Always Best Care has been providing excellent opportunities for franchisees since 1996, and we know a thing or two about what it takes to have the best possible franchise experience. If you’d like to learn more about franchising, download your own copy of our FREE ebook today!

Please refer to our most recent Franchise Disclosure Document for important details.

Training and Support for Senior-Care Franchise Success

Franchising is so attractive because it allows entrepreneurs and business-minded folks like you the chance to succeed using proven systems and techniques. When you combine the power of your own experience and expertise with the resources that are available from a high-quality franchise operation, finding success is simple as long as you’re willing to work hard and stick with the system. This is especially true in the senior-care industry. In home care is one of the fastest-growing franchise sectors, and the market is becoming more and more competitive by the day.

If you’re looking for an edge as you select the right senior care franchise for you and your family, make sure you spend time investigating the training and support resources that are offered. It could mean the difference between success and failure for your business!

Here are some tips:

Look for Training and Support Before You Open

You want to feel confident and ready to provide an amazing service on Day One of your business’s existence. That’s why it’s important to invest in a franchise that offers extensive training prior to your opening day. At Always Best Care, for example, we provide new franchisees with a comprehensive, twelve-week training program, which covers essential topics like initial setup, management, marketing and more!

Mentors and Teachers

Although it’s possible to find mentors and teachers on your own, your best bet is to select a franchise that provides mentorship as a built-in part of its system. Always Best Care’s Area Representatives, for instance, provide ongoing local support for franchisees at every stage of business, and they’re available to answer all of your questions and address your concerns as they come up.

Marketing Support

These days, business success is more dependent upon marketing savvy than ever before. That’s why it’s so critical for prospective franchisees to make sure they franchise with businesses that offer ongoing marketing and advertising support. Always Best Care is a leader in the industry because we provide cutting-edge marketing tools and techniques in addition to our amazing national advertising campaigns. This gives our franchisees a huge advantage in their local markets.

Licensing Help

If you’re going to succeed in senior care, obtaining your license is a necessary step. That’s why you want to partner with a company that will provide guidance for every aspect of the licensing process. Otherwise, you may run into costly delays and snags that keep you from starting on the right foot. Always Best Care understands the importance of proper licensing, which is why we provide experts at every level to help you!

Consider Franchising with Always Best Care

Are you interested in learning more about the amazing training and support we offer to our franchisees? Are you curious about the tools and techniques we have to offer? Learn more about our business and the opportunities we have available by downloading your own copy of our FREE franchising ebook today!

Please refer to our most recent Franchise Disclosure Document for important details.

Veterans and Franchising – an Amazing Opportunity

Returning to civilian life has always been a tough transition for members of the military, but it’s a challenge that society is becoming increasingly aware of. Those who have served possess amazing skills and attributes that can benefit the country in countless ways, and the culture is beginning to recognize the value that returning members of the armed forces can bring to business. But one sector that often gets overlooked is franchising. In home care and senior care franchises, in particular, are excellent avenues for veterans to apply their expertise and experience.

If you’re a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces who is wondering about entering into entrepreneurship, franchising represents the ideal opportunity to return to civilian life while honoring those skills, values and talents that were learned and honed while on active duty.

Here’s why:

#1 – Franchising Is Highly Conducive to Your Skillset

Veterans are usually highly disciplined individuals who work hard and understand how to follow a system. The attributes that you worked so hard to perfect during your service are exactly the same traits that today’s franchisors are looking for. Additionally, the typical veteran’s skillset allows them to succeed at a higher rate than the average franchisee.

#2 – Family Bonding

When you take a look at successful franchises, many of them are run by people who value spending time with their families. In fact, a large number of franchisees operate their businesses directly alongside their spouses. Franchising also allows more flexibility when it comes to working from home and simply being there for the ones you love. For veterans who have spent long periods of time away from the family, franchising is simply the perfect fit because of the way it can make family bonds stronger.

#3 – An Opportunity to Continue Service

Franchising in the senior care industry gives returning veterans the perfect scenario for success. The industry is growing quickly, and the opportunities for financial success are perfect for those who are driven to work hard and execute a franchisor’s playbook to perfection. Most importantly, though, is the in home care industry’s emphasis on providing service to those around us. As a franchisee in the senior care industry, you can continue to provide safety and security to valued members of our society.

Consider Always Best Care

When you franchise with Always Best Care, you join a company that values our seniors and our nation’s returning veterans! Always Best Care has been named one of the top 50 franchises for military veterans by USA Today, and the company is proud to be able to support people like you who are able to bring tremendous skill, talent and compassion to the job. If you’d like to learn more, we invite you to download our FREE franchising ebook today!

Please refer to our most recent Franchise Disclosure Document for important details.