OUR LATEST INSIGHTS

Up to date, high-level business information that is relevant to our clients and contacts, helping keep up to date on the ver-changing business world of today.

Learn More

Cal Wilson / November 14, 2023

The benefits of not being locked into a territory.

If you’re looking at investing in a franchise, you’ve certainly encountered the concept of territory. In fact, 90% of franchise models use territories in their operations. While territories protect certain kinds of businesses from potentially debilitating competition, being locked into a territory can also stifle your ability to prospect new clients.

In this article, we look at some of the benefits of going with a franchise model that doesn’t restrict franchisees to a territory.

When do territories make sense?

Let’s say you’re wanting to invest in a fast-food franchise. Well, it makes logical sense that you wouldn’t want to open a McDonalds or Taco Bell in the same plaza as an already established location. Exclusive territories prevent this kind of needless competition by protecting a geographic range such as a ZIP or postal code, distance, or a demographic or legal jurisdiction.

The definition of this territory is usually very clearly outlined in a franchise agreement, and you should have all that information before you make any decisions.

When do territories hinder you?

By its very definition, a territory is a limitation. It tells you where you can find a customer base and, more importantly, where you can’t. Depending on the kind of business  you’re looking to invest in, this could be a significant hindrance.

For businesses that provide a highly specialized service, for example, and who may serve niche markets, territories could prevent them from reaching important client-bases. Especially when part of your marketing strategy might be leveraging existing relationships and referrals.

If you’re stuck within a certain geographic boundary, a lot of your network is potentially out of reach.

Schooley Mitchell franchises are not locked into exclusive territories.

As a provider of B2B cost reduction consulting services, it’s an integral part of Schooley Mitchell’s franchise model to not limit franchisees to exclusive territories. We believe this is a key factor behind many of our franchisees’ success.

Many professionals looking to invest in a franchise come from extensive and decorated careers in other industries. Meaning, many of them bring an extensive network alongside a wealth of experience. Not enforcing rigid territories on franchisees means they have the flexibility to leverage these networks and relationships outside of their specific market to get clients.

Likewise, this protects them against potentially negative demographic and traffic pattern territories that might otherwise render your territory less lucrative. No one can predict the future, and between inflation and the looming possibility of recession, it’s important to have every protection possible when opening your new business. Not being locked in to one specific ZIP code gives you an extra layer of assurance that you can take your work to where the clients are.

In conclusion…

While 90% of franchisors use territories as a part of their franchise model, there are significant disadvantages to being locked into one, depending on the kind of business you’re looking to invest in. For many service-based businesses, being able to operate without a territory means you can leverage your networks and find clients across many markets.

If you’re looking to own a franchise business, do your research into the franchisor’s territory policies and why that may or may not work for your entrepreneurship goals. It may just be that the last thing you need is to be pigeon-holed into a territory.

Cal Wilson / November 13, 2023

Is the future of small package shipping box-less?

Earlier this year, Amazon surprised a lot of people when it announced it was planning on fulfilling some of its shipments without its classic brown box packaging. This obviously raises a lot of questions for vendors, shippers, and consumers; what does small package shipping without boxes look like, and is it safe? In this article we look at this potential trend.  

Why ship without boxes? 

It might sound a little crazy, especially when the image of a box on your front stoop is the first thing that comes to mind when you think of deliveries, but there are significant upsides: 

  • More items per truckload, making deliveries more efficient. 
  • Generates less shipping-related waste. 
  • Less costs transferred to the customer.  
  • Reducing materials and labor costs for shippers. 

If handled well, box-free shipping could be a huge win for all parties involved in package fulfilment. However, it’s not without its challenges. 

Is box-less shipping even a realistic option? 

Right now, about 11% of Amazon packages are shipped without additional boxing. The company calls this “ship in own container” and offers it as an option for select vendors. Customers can select box-less shopping at checkout when shopping from these vendors. So far, these are mostly items that already arrive in the manufacturer’s box, like a television or toaster.  Brita, the water filter company, selected to participate in Amazon’s “ship in own container” program, and even changed its packaging design to be eligible.  

For some items, like those mentioned above, it’s an easy solution. But that doesn’t mean it works for everything. Vendors offering box-free shipping must come up with alternatives to ensure that the items they ship are sturdy enough for individual shipping without needing extra materials.  

Another difficulty with box-less shipping is where to label packages. Some items’ dimensions and shape would make it hard to place a label, potentially leading to shipping delays or even unfulfillments.  

Privacy is a concern.  

Those opposed to box-free shipping have raised the concern that without boxes, packages being shipped to homes will potentially be visible to potential onlookers, eliminating privacy and increasing the risk of theft. This puts the onus on the manufacturer to potentially change their packaging of items to be more discreet, or on the customer to provide a more concealed or secure delivery location.  

What if you’re not shipping with Amazon? 

The discussion about box-free shipping took off this year because of Amazon, but that doesn’t mean every shipper can immediately hop on the trend. Logistically, going box-less will be harder for some companies than others, especially considering who their shipping provider is and what solutions they offer.  

There are alternative solutions being developed.  

While some companies are going box-free, others are investing in new packaging solutions. For example, Seegene, a business that specializes in molecular diagnostic kits, developed an eco-friendly shipping box which is 100% recyclable and more efficient than the conventional Styrofoam shipping boxes used for these kinds of products. So, while packaging hasn’t been eliminated, it is more cost effective and environmentally friendly.  

In conclusion… 

Box-less packaging might be the future of shipping, or it might be just a fad, but either way, there are many benefits and drawbacks to keep in mind when implementing this kind of change. While it could positively reshape your shipping processes, there are many situational requirements to consider when making it a reality. 

Cal Wilson / November 7, 2023

Pursuing creativity through insecurity  

Creativity is a huge asset in any workplace. Employers and workplaces that encourage and nurture their employees’ creativity will see the benefit through improved problem-solving capabilities, increased innovation, enhanced employee satisfaction, and ultimately, a stronger competitive advantage in the marketplace. 

But what about you, as an individual, bringing creativity to your work? It’s easier said than done, especially with mounting pressures and external stressors competing for your energy. Likewise, many of us face significant imposter syndrome or self-doubt when it comes to creative endeavors.  

In this article of the Pulse, we look at how you can pursue creativity even amid stress or insecurity. 

You don’t have to be a virtuoso. 

Even if you’re nervous of your creative capacity, you’ve probably got more ability than you think.  

As James C Kaufman, a professor of educational psychology and creativity expert, wrote for Aeon magazine, “many people assume that an individual’s artistic talents, such as drawing, writing, or playing a musical instrument, are the best (or only) way to determine if they are creative.” 

Many people are discouraged from pursuing creative projects or from developing their own creativity if they don’t see it resulting in some measure of artistic excellence. This kind of pressure, or comparison to others’ abilities, is killer. Kaufman calls this kind of thinking “genius bias” or the assumption that “the only creativity of note was that of brilliant creators.” 

If you’re falling prey to this, there are steps you can take to nurture your own creativity.  

You’re more creative than you think.  

Whether or not you’re an accomplished painter or violinist, you probably exercise creative ability every day at work. Every time you consider a new approach to a problem, a different way or organizing a physical or digital space, or find new ways to collaborate, you tap into a creative well. Basically, creativity necessitates original thinking and the ability to try new methods or processes.  

However, don’t mistake that for requiring novelty. Like a genius bias, Kaufman explains that many people feeling blocked creatively “have a ‘novelty bias’ – they focus only on the aspect of creativity that requires originality, to the exclusion of its other elements. But creativity encompasses much more than just producing something new.” 

Creativity applies to your mindset and approach to doing things, including your everyday work. Whether that’s altering your sales pitch to be more effective for a specific prospect, leading a meeting with your peers, or presenting your work.

Don’t count yourself out. 

Whether you’re insecure about your own creative capacity when it comes to a project at work, or nervous about pursuing new creative ventures, counting yourself out isn’t the way to go. When in doubt, think of the little creative things you do every day, from telling a joke to thinking of a quick fix to a household problem, and remind yourself that your creativity is inherent.  

As Kaufman says, “if you see these everyday behaviours as creative, and you therefore believe that you can be creative and identify as a creative person, it will make you more likely to practise creativity. You can’t succeed if you don’t try.” 

In conclusion… 

It’s easy to believe you’re insufficiently creative, when our society mostly judges creativity by artistic achievement. But you likely practice creativity every day without realizing, and have a potential for creativity larger than you know.  

Cal Wilson / October 30, 2023

How does the telecom industry tackle sustainability?

When we think of industries that play an important role in global sustainability efforts, telecommunications might not be the first that comes to mind. Maybe you think of oil and gas, the automotive industry, farming, etc. However, advancements in telecommunications have a huge impact on sustainability.  

In this article, we look at some of the ways the telecom industry tackles sustainability, and some of the issues it still faces.  

The positive impact of the telecom industry. 

Advancements in telecommunications have improved sustainability in a plethora of ways. Some of those benefits have included: 

  • Reduced travel emissions as a result of video conferencing, cloud collaboration, and other remote capabilities.  
  • Efficiency improvements brought on by developments like fiber optic networks.  
  • Tech that eliminates wasted materials, like cloud collaboration, eSignature, and so on.  

As telecom continues to advance, the sustainability possibilities also increase.  

However, there are still inefficiencies.  

While the telecom industry presents so much opportunity for positive change, it is not without its negatives. For example, telecommunications infrastructure consumes energy at high rates. Data centers, in particular, require a lot of electricity not only to power, but to keep cool.  

Likewise, in order for our telecommunications systems to exist the way they do, there is an environmental toll: 

  • The production of telecom equipment, from mining materials to manufacturing, involves resource-intensive processes.  
  • Electronic waste, when not recycled in a proper e-waste program, is an ever-growing issue in global landfills, exacerbated by the rapid advancement making old gadgets obsolete.  
  • Network expansion into remote or ecologically sensitive areas has been known to have a negative impact on local environments and wildlife. 

Recent concerns have brought this topic into the forefront.  

The environmental impact of telcos made headlines this past July when The Wall Street Journal published an investigative journalism exposé revealing that AT&T, Verizon, and other telecom companies have left a massive network across the U.S. of old cables covered in toxic lead. 

Most of these cables were laid between the late 1800s and 1960s, then simply never removed and left to degrade. The exposé found that “2,000 old telco cables has degraded over time and contaminated myriad locations in water, in the soil and from overhead lines. Many of these locations are in places where people live and work. Some of the locations are in schoolyards. According to its independent tests, some lead levels in sediment and soil measured 14.5 times the EPA threshold for areas where children play.” 

While the telcos responsible for this have all responded differently, the takeaway is clear. The infrastructure used by the telecom industry has the potential to change the environment around it, and not always for the better. Using safe and responsible materials, and keeping better track of outdated hardware, is critical. 

What are telcos doing to address sustainability? 

Many telecom companies are actively working to reduce their environmental footprint through energy-efficient technologies, renewable energy adoption, and responsible waste management. For example, the transition to 5G networks, which are more energy-efficient overall, is one of the gradual solutions to improving the telecommunications industries’ sustainability.  

Several of the world’s biggest telcos are on their way to reducing emissions significantly or achieving sustainability within the next few years. Verizon, for instance, is on track to reduce emissions by 53% by 2030.  

In conclusion… 

The telecommunications industry has both positive and negative environmental impacts. On the one hand, advancements have increased sustainability in all other walks of life. However, such large operations, networks, and infrastructure takes its toll as well.  

Justin Cociu / October 24, 2023

The Power of Giving and Receiving Referrals

Referrals are a powerful tool for any company. Reaching new clients is an essential part of running a successful business, and if you want to leverage the power of referrals, you must take action. 

Many of those running their own businesses do not bother with referrals. Perhaps they find asking for referrals uncomfortable, or maybe they assume that their clients will naturally be inclined to refer them by word of mouth. Assuming that referrals will come flowing in as a result of good customer service and a great product alone is shortsighted, and the problem with not proactively asking for referrals is that you’re missing out on one of the most effective ways to gain more business. 

If you are new to networking, it can be a bit overwhelming to think about referrals. While not a guaranteed path to success, referrals can help in many circumstances, particularly at the beginning of the relationship with a new client. 

Giving a referral is usually very easy, but getting a quality referral, often takes a little more work. When looking to generate more referrals, here are some ideas to remember: 

Do a great job. 

Give them something good to talk about. It goes without saying, but you need to over-deliver your products and sell your services to your clients. By creating a remarkable experience, they will remember you, and hopefully refer you to other people! 

Be generous/ Create a paid referral program.  

Being generous is one of the most underrated things you can do in your business. For example, offering incentives for your client and their referral can be an excellent motivator. Likewise, the rewards associated with expanding your network is typically well worth the cost of discounting services for a repeat client. Who wouldn’t like making a couple of dollars off a simple recommendation? A strategic paid referral program can help any business get new customers, and at a relatively low price. It’s a win-win situation, so make use of your current customers, and financially motivate them to help spread the word! 

Referrals go both ways. 

Referrals are memorable, and giving a referral is one of the best ways to get one in return. Proactively sending referrals or leaving detailed reviews for your clients can be motivation for them to return the favor. Importantly, giving quality referrals often supplies your prospects with a reason to contact you. If you don’t have specific contacts for referrals, leaving a positive endorsement on social media sites such as LinkedIn can have a similar effect. 

Keep it simple. 

An effective way to receive an online referral, is to make sure what you are asking for is simple to understand and not demanding to complete. By sending a referral request with a quick and actionable way to respond – perhaps including a fillable form or a direct Google review link – will help keep the communication direct and easy. 

Ask for a client testimonial. 

Asking for referrals can be awkward, as there’s a lot at stake when attaching your reputation to someone else’s word. If asking for a referral doesn’t sit right with you, request a testimonial instead. A short, written endorsement of your company and your work can be just as effective when posted on a website and in other marketing materials. 

Show your appreciation. 

If you receive an endorsement from a current or former client, be sure to express your appreciation by following up with a simple thank-you phone call or message. This will help to strengthen the relationship, and they will be more likely to recommend your services again in the future. 

Cal Wilson / October 16, 2023

Tips for your business’ compressed gas cylinder safety

If your business works with compressed gases, you’ll know that the safe storage, handling, and maintenance of gas cylinders is critically important. Misuse of these cylinders is a serious safety risk. In this article, we’re looking at tips for proper compressed gas cylinder handling and maintenance.  

Why are gas cylinders a potential hazard? 

Because of the highly pressurized nature of compressed gas cylinders, as well as the different chemical makeups of the gases they contain, these containers come with some risks, including: 

  • Oxygen displacement 
  • Fire and explosions 
  • Toxic gas exposure 
  • Projectile potential 

These dangers are why it’s important to store, handle, and maintain cylinders with care. Improper conditions can lead to damage, injury, and even death. So, what are the some of the best safety tips? 

Gas cylinder handling tips. 

When you or your staff are handling gas cylinders, keep the following best practices in mind: 

  • Use the smallest reasonable cylinder size for the job at hand. 
  • Avoid rough handling, dropping, and banging cylinders together.  
  • Never compromise the valves or other safety devices.  
  • Always ensure staff are wearing the correct personal protective equipment (PPE). 
  • Use a proper cart or stand to transport cylinders, rather than rolling them on the ground. 

Cylinder storage tips. 

Likewise, even when you’re not actively using the compressed gas cylinders, the way they’re stored is critically important. Best practices include: 

  • Ensure all cylinders are properly identified. 
  • Always store cylinders upright.  
  • Do not keep cylinders longer than your vendor recommends. 
  • Do not store cylinders near combustible waste or other materials. 
  • Store cylinders away from the sun, flames, sparks, and areas that reach or exceed 125 degrees Fahrenheit. 
  • Be aware if you have cylinders that are best stored behind firewalls.  
  • Never store or rest anything on top of a cylinder.  
  • Store any oxygen cylinders at least 20 feet from fuel gas cylinders. 

Cylinder maintenance tips. 

When it comes to refills and cylinder maintenance, like refills, proper care is also important. Best practices include: 

  • Only get refills from specialists affiliated with your provider.  
  • Always follow the proper procedure for assembling and disassembling cylinders. 
  • If there is ever a leak or any damage to one of your cylinders, label it to warn others, and immediately notify your supplier.  

Employee training is a priority. 

While some of this may seem like common sense, assuming what employees will or will not consider isn’t worth the risk. For any employees working with or around compressed gas cylinders, providing extensive and regular training is the best way to avoid disaster.  

In conclusion… 

When working with compressed gas, safety is of the utmost importance. These storage, handling, and maintenance tips are best practices to protect you, your employees, and your business. 

Joe Weppler / October 2, 2023

ELD Failures: How they happen, and what to do about them.

Electronic Logging Devices have become absolutely essential to the average truck driver’s daily routine. Thousands of fleet-operating businesses rely on tracking software and logging devices to keep their operations running smoothly. ELDs communicate directly with a vehicle’s engine and record driving activity, engine hours, ignition status, location, miles driven, and more. These statistics help businesses refine and optimize their routes and loads. Additionally, government regulations require many companies to utilize ELD to log duty status.  

So when your business relies on ELDs for optimization, and they’re also required to be operational in your fleet vehicles by law – what happens when they fail? How do you avoid running into compliance issues and keep operations running smoothly?  

ELD Regulation and Technical Compliance 

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is part of the Department of Transportation and its primary aim is to improve the road safety of commercial vehicles and minimise accidents. They operate as the primary regulating body for the trucking industry in the United States and are responsible for the ELD mandate. Operating with an ELD is also a legal requirement in Canada per mandate by Transport Canada.  

ELDs are designed to track their own compliance with technical requirements and identify malfunctions in several areas including:  

  • Data Transmission 
  • GPS location and timing 
  • Engine power records 
  • Data Synchronization  

When an ELD recognizes that it may be malfunctioning, it alerts the driver. According to the FMCSA, there are two common types of ELD issues: Data diagnostics failures and ELD malfunctions.  

What constitutes an ELD Malfunction?  

An issue with the data diagnostics communicated by the ELD completely invalidate the use of the ELD in the first place. Data diagnostic issues can occur for a wide variety of reasons – physical mechanical failures, a loss of GPS, simple connectivity issues, or even just the ELD itself becoming detached from the Engine Control Module.  

Many data diagnostic problems can be assessed, troubleshot, and resolved by the drivers themselves when the ELD notifies them there is an issue.  

More serious ELD malfunctions occur in the event of loss of power to the device, mechanical malfunctions and data recording and backup failures. The FMCSA maintains a list of common malfunctions and their causes, as well as a driver’s responsibilities (along with their motor carrier) under the law should an ELD malfunction take place.  

In the event of a malfunction… 

Drivers must inform their carrier of the malfunction within 24 hours of the issue. Their carrier then has eight days to repair, service, or replace the ELD.  

In the event that the malfunction prevents the device from performing its primary function – recording Hours of Service (HOS) data – the driver is responsible for using either paper logs or a secondary system to record their HOS. Carriers can extend the time permitted for repair or replacement of the device by contacting the FMCSA.  

The bottom line when it comes to ELD malfunctions is that, if the issue isn’t resolvable by the driver immediately, the Hours of Service data must continue to be tracked until the device is operational again or replaced. By ensuring you have a backup in place or shifting to paper logs until the ELD is operating as intended, you can avoid potential compliance failure fines.  

Cal Wilson / September 26, 2023

Workplace success tips for introverts

A lot of us consider ourselves introverts; someone characterized by introspection, enjoying alone time, and preferring small groups for social interaction. While introverts can be just as socially proficient as everyone else, being in a busy office or workplace environment does take an extra toll on them.  

In this issue of the Pulse, we look at strategies introverts can employ to even the playing field and thrive in a socially demanding workplace environment. 

Organizations need introverts. 

The first thing to remember is that introversion is not a liability, but an asset. Introverts bring a lot of value to their roles. For example, introverts often possess great observational skills, keen focus, and the ability to think about problem-solving at a different angle than their extrovert counterparts.  

An effective employer or manager will look to have a balance of personalities and perspectives on their team, and introverts are an important part of that. 

So how can introverts set themselves up for success?  

Take a self-inventory.  

If you don’t know what kinds of social situations drain your battery, or what kinds of environments help you recharge, you’re going to struggle with balance. Do an objective assessment of these factors and compare them with your professional goals.  

Manage your energy levels. 

If you have any sort of freedom over your schedule, as an introvert, you can use this to your advantage. Making strategic calls ahead of time, such as scheduling periods to go on ‘Do Not Disturb’ after meetings or socially heavy tasks.  

Identify quiet spots in your workplace where you can go to avoid excess chatter and traffic and ask your supervisor for assistance in accessing these spaces if needed.  

The point is to be proactive about knowing when you might hit your limits, so you aren’t trying to pour from an empty cup when it comes to your performance at work.  

Network smarter not harder. 

Most professionals need to network as a necessary part of their career advancement. However, for introverts, excessive networking can be challenging and exhausting. If you find this is the case, focus on building deeper, meaningful connections with a few key individuals, rather than casting too wide of a net to keep up with.  

Focus on leadership skills. 

Often – as loathe as many of us introverts may be to admit it – introverted people make fantastic leaders. With natural observation and problem-solving skills, developing the other necessary leadership traits could give you a huge edge up in your workplace.  

Prioritize yourself. 

It’s easy to push your needs to the side, but in the end, this could result in burnout. Ensure you’re taking care of your needs and doing things that fill your cup in order to help you relax, recharge your battery, and keep you in the right mindset for success.  

In conclusion… 

Every workplace needs introverts; but sometimes, the environment can be draining. As an introvert, be proactive about your needs and energy levels to set yourself up for success.  

Cal Wilson / September 18, 2023

How the heat wave impacts fuel prices

Didn’t enjoy the heat at the beginning of the month? Well, you might hate it more when you hear how it impacted, and may continue to impact, your price at the pump.  

Right now, gas costs about three cents more than this time last year despite an overall drop in the rate inflation. So, what does the heat have to do with it? 

Gas prices climbed with the temperature. 

In the first week of September 2023, the average price per gallon of regular, unleaded gasoline jumped thirteen cents, marking an eight-month high.  

While there are lots of economic and political factors behind this price hike, experts believe the several heatwaves we have experienced this summer have contributed to the problem significantly.  

Why does the heat affect gas prices? 

Simply put, refineries can’t work at full capacity during the extreme heat. These refineries – which convert oil into usable products like gasoline – determine the supply of gasoline to consumers. So, when there is extreme heat right around a holiday weekend, and demand goes up, but supply falls, the price for consumers is naturally going to spike.  

“Petroleum engineers can tell you that when ambient temperatures get to the 100-degree neighborhood, it is difficult to run at maximum levels,” Tom Kloza, global head of energy analysis at Oil Price Information Service, told USA Today.  

This has particularly been a problem for refineries in states like Texas, Louisiana, and Tennessee, which saw a huge slowdown in production due to the heatwaves at the beginning of the month. 

What toll did the September heatwaves take? 

In the first week of September, refinery utilization across the United States decreased by 0.9% to 93.6%. While that might not seem like a huge decrease in theory, in practice, that’s hundreds of thousands of barrels of gasoline per day. Especially during  a high-demand period, that makes a significant impact on supply and demand.  

2023’s heat has caused prices to skyrocket before. 

This past July was the hottest month ever recorded, forcing a lot of refineries along the Gulf Coast to shut down for long periods of time when temperatures passed 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Not only did this cause gas prices to rise, but many of the affected refineries spent August running day and night to try to ramp up production.  

Gas stations are not to blame.  

We’ve written before about how gas stations don’t often see the profits when gasoline prices rise. The same is true now. With only about 7% of the retail price of gasoline going to markup, station owners don’t tend to make a huge profit on gas sales, as opposed to secondary revenue. 

Likewise, with price hikes, they are often faced with the difficult decision of choosing to keep prices steady, at a loss to themselves, to maintain customers. Competition over who can provide the lowest price and attract more customers can also put gas profits at significant risk.   

Don’t hold your breath for price drops. 

It’s hard to determine if prices will cool down with the weather. More hurricanes on the horizon in the Gulf of Mexico could further refinery downtime, thus exacerbating the issue.  

The good news is that refineries will soon switch to producing winter-grade gasoline, which contains more butane and is generally cheaper to make, meaning retail prices could even out. 

In conclusion… 

Due to extreme heat conditions we’ve experienced this summer, gas prices have skyrocketed at a worse rate than national inflation. Future prices are also largely connected to the weather, so businesses and individuals should expect to budget for unpredictability.