The importance of trademark protection for franchises and business, and steps to monitor and resolve trademark infringement. More »What Constitutes Trademark Infringement?
McDonald's has placed its products in everything from movies to rap songs, but one of its oddest advertising strategies was its early '90s video game for Nintendo. More »M.C. Kids, McDonald's Video Game Advertising Strategy
Franchise opportunities aren't just for the well-funded; many affordable franchises cost under $25,000. Franchises start-up costs are approximate and may change, but here are five of the cheapest franchise opportunities around: 1. Cruise Planners/American Express. This cruise and tour travel agency is a low-investment business that needs less than $10,000 in capital. Like many of the low-cost franchise opportunities, this is a home-based franchise and can be full- or part-time. ... More »Five best inexpensive franchises
How small businesses can use social media dashboards like Hootsuite and Tweetdeck to manage social media networks in one place and help their social media marketing strategy become more effective. More »Streamline Your Social Media Marketing Strategy with Hootsuite and Tweetdeck
As illustrated by the Tilted Kilt restaurant franchise lawsuit, the importance of franchisor-franchisee separation and exposure to joint liability. More »Franchisor-Franchisee Independence and Joint Liability, Redux
Renters Warehouse CEO Brenton Hayden explains why he decided to franchise his business and new challenges as a franchisor, and gives advice for advertising, marketing, and celebrity endorsements. More »Renters Warehouse CEO Brenton Hayden's Business Advice and Franchising Tips - Part 2
Renters Warehouse CEO Brenton Hayden explains how he got into the property management business, what he has learned as a business owner, and tips for potential entrepreneurs. More »Renters Warehouse CEO Brenton Hayden's Business Advice and Franchising Tips - Part 1
Under the FTC Revised Franchise Rule, franchisors are required to update their FDDs annually. What the federal and state renewal deadlines mean for active and aspiring franchisors, as well as prospective franchisees. More »Get Your Franchise Audits and FDDs Done Early for Renewal Season
There are thousands of franchises in all type of industries, some of which can be started for as little as $25,000 and some of which require millions of dollars. Here are five of the most expensive industries for franchise businesses. More »Five most expensive franchise types
Many franchisees pay a percentage of revenues into a marketing fund, which the franchisor spends on marketing and advertising. However, the use of the money may not be disclosed properly, as Cold Stone Creamery's franchise association is claiming in its lawsuit. More »A Cold Stone Creamery case study
The origin of Subway's Five Dollar Footlong is a single franchisee's great idea, but the popularity of the $5 sandwich deal is due to a history of luck, timing, and brilliant advertisements. More »Five Dollar Footlongs: the history of Subway's game-changing promotion
Four main issues all franchisors and franchisees should consider at the end of a franchise contract, including de-branding/re-branding, phone numbers, customer lists, and non-compete agreements. More »What happens when a franchise contract ends?
Through a last second deal with a deep-pocketed private equity investor, the once-celebrated Quiznos franchise has managed to narrowly avoid bankruptcy. More »Quiznos franchise narrowly avoids bankruptcy
The three cases discussed below all highlight different - and equally important - issues that are highly relevant to both franchisors and franchisees. More »Franchises in the news
Are successful business owners born that way? Lady Gaga's success holds great examples of how to help your business succeed. More »Five business tactics you can learn from Lady Gaga
Create your business web site with our easy-to-use site building tools. More »
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Walks through the steps required to create a professional-style press release More »
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Handy dictionary of key business terms More »