Please don't be a mullet!
I belong to a local area online executive job seeker group, and was encouraged to join up as a resource for those looking at alternatives to a traditional job search. I provide franchise consulting/matchmaking services to the area's downsized executives, and middle mangers.
Last night, this is what was put out on the "discussion board"
Own Rather Than Rent Yourself
"Ever wonder why someone whose name you sign often, sometimes sees the
glass as half empty, when you've been told that we should always see it
as half full?
Or why you didn't leave that job you hated? Or why you felt upset and depressed when you were asked to leave that same job?
Well, I don't know either, just life I guess, but heck, now that you have the time, why not explore new possibilities!!??
If you're interested in exploring some different options rather than renting out your life, let me know."
This was put there by an out of town franchise broker, trolling for prospective franchise buyers. Please continue to read this. It gets a little strange.
I'll admit that I can come on rather strong, when it comes to defending my territory. Kind of like this guy. {My personal guard}
You see, I am the local resource for these out of work folks. Being local means that not only do I know my own area really well, and what types of franchise work, but more importantly, don't work, but I have skin in the game, because these downsized folks are my neighbors, and their success is our regions success.
Here is the exchange that took place between this lady from out of town, and who is obviously part of the massive amount of new franchise brokers that have been promised "Riches beyond their wildest dreams, working from the comforts of your own homes-help others become franchise owners!" Etc. Etc. Etc.
{Remember, her "offer" was to "help" others own, rather than rent. Another words, become franchise owners. I have left her name out.}
Me: "Hi _______. Thanx for your offer, but the folks in Northeast Ohio prefer to work with folks in Northeast Ohio."
Her: "Are you saying that you would be opposed to working in other areas
of the country, if you could provide folks options in business that are
recession resistant with average ROI's of 8-18 months?"
Me: "Yes. I help local residents.I know my area. I am sure you are a nice lady, but you cannot put out claims of
ROI's in any time frame. It could be construed as an earnings claim,
and a sharp attorney would have a field day. And, it doesn't matter if
you did not mention a specific opportunity or not. It is wrong, and it
doesn't help anyone who's going through a painful job loss, in a bad
job market. You are playing with people's emotions."
Her: "I'm sure they love you. But maybe they don't love Ohio!"
What do you think? Was she offering some good Kool-Aid? Was she encouraging my neighbors to move out of Ohio, so they could have wild success? Or was she just trolling for mullets?
Here is an article, and a really short video, that is all about working with local resources who know your unique area.
Look at the newly updated Business.Gov website! A great start-up business resource!
