In this article, we’ll explore a critical choice that confronts many professionals: the decision to either breathe new life into their existing job or courageously step into the world of entrepreneurship, be it by starting their own business or opening a franchise. Making such a decision, particularly in an economically uncertain climate, necessitates a thoughtful weighing of risks and rewards, taking into account both personal and financial aspects.

The Current Job: A Path to Revitalization

Pros:

1. Stability: Staying in your current job offers financial stability, particularly important in an unpredictable economy.
2. Growth Opportunities: Many organizations offer professional development opportunities, allowing for career progression without the risks of starting anew.
3. Familiarity: Working in a known environment can be less stressful than venturing into the unknown.

Cons:

1. Stagnation: There’s a risk of professional stagnation if new challenges or growth opportunities are limited.
2. Limited Control: Employees often have limited control over their work environment and organizational changes.

Minimizing Risk: To rejuvenate your current role, seek out new projects, request additional responsibilities, or pursue professional development courses that align with your career goals.

Entrepreneurship: Startup or Franchise

Pros:

1. Autonomy: Owning a business offers control over your professional destiny.
2. Growth Potential: There’s a significant potential for financial growth if the business succeeds.
3. Passion Fulfillment: Pursuing your own business can be personally fulfilling, especially if it aligns with your passions.

Cons:

1. Financial Risk: Startups and franchises require capital, and the financial risk can be substantial.
2. Time Commitment: Building a business often requires long hours and significant personal commitment.
3. Uncertainty: The success of a new business is never guaranteed, and the current economic climate adds to this uncertainty.

Minimizing Risk: To mitigate risks, consider starting your business as a part-time endeavor while maintaining your current job. Conduct thorough market research, create a solid business plan, and possibly choose a franchise with a proven business model for more predictable results.

Three Critical Questions for Consideration

1. What are my long-term professional and personal goals, and how does each option align with these goals?
2. How does my current financial situation influence my ability to take risks associated with starting a new business?
3. Am I prepared for the lifestyle changes that come with entrepreneurship, especially in terms of work-life balance and financial stability?

Ultimately, the decision to revitalize your current job or venture into entrepreneurship is deeply personal and depends on individual circumstances, goals, and risk tolerance. Careful consideration, thorough research, and honest self-reflection are key to making an informed and rewarding choice.

From the Author, Paul Segreto, CEO & Founder, Acceler8Success Group

Are you thinking of business ownership for yourself and learning how the choice of a franchise, startup or acquisition can “jump-start” both the process AND your earning potential? 

Acceler8Success Group can help. Our in-house small business and franchise professionals will help determine if you’re best-suited for buying a franchise, starting a new business, or acquiring an established business, and whether business ownership is right for you. 

Learn more at OwnABizness.com, Entrepreneurship411.com, and Acceler8Success.com.

Make it a great day. Make it happen. Make it count!

Creating a comprehensive strategy for capitalizing on the holiday season is crucial for restaurant operators. This article outlines ten steps to maximize the potential within a restaurant’s four walls during this festive and busy time.

1. Effective Staffing

• Key Strategy: Hire and train additional staff for the holiday rush. This includes not only servers and kitchen staff but also support roles like hostesses and cleaning crew.
• Benefits: Reduces wait times, enhances customer service, and prevents staff burnout.
• Implementation: Start early recruitment and training sessions focused on holiday-specific scenarios.

2. Efficiency During Peak Times

• Key Strategy: Implement systems to handle high customer volume efficiently.
• Benefits: Improved customer satisfaction and increased turnover rate.
• Implementation: Streamline kitchen operations, adopt digital ordering systems, and optimize table layouts.

3. Promotion of Extras

• Key Strategy: Actively promote additional offerings like gift cards, special holiday menus, and merchandise.
• Benefits: Increases revenue and encourages repeat visits.
• Implementation: Train staff to upsell these extras and create attractive display points within the restaurant.

4. Catering and Take-out Orders

• Key Strategy: Encourage catering services and take-out orders to guests.
• Benefits: Expands customer base and boosts large order sales.
• Implementation: Develop a catering menu and market it through in-house advertising and social media.

5. Extended Holiday Hours

• Key Strategy: Adjust operating hours to cater to holiday shoppers and party-goers.
• Benefits: Captures more business during peak holiday times.
• Implementation: Publicize new hours well in advance through various channels.

6. Impeccable Cleanliness

• Key Strategy: Maintain an exceptionally clean environment, including restrooms.
• Benefits: Enhances customer experience and meets heightened expectations.
• Implementation: Increase cleaning frequency and ensure a checklist is strictly followed.

7. Festive Ambience

• Key Strategy: Decorate the exterior and interior with tasteful holiday decorations.
• Benefits: Attracts customers and creates a festive atmosphere.
• Implementation: Plan a cohesive decoration theme that aligns with your restaurant’s brand.

8. Delivering Memorable Experiences

• Key Strategy: Train staff to provide exceptional service consistently.
• Benefits: Generates positive word-of-mouth and repeat business.
• Implementation: Role-play common scenarios in training and encourage staff to go the extra mile.

9. Timely Follow-Up on Negative Experiences

• Key Strategy: Address bad experiences promptly and effectively.
• Benefits: Salvages customer relationships and improves your reputation.
• Implementation: Create a protocol for handling complaints and empower staff to resolve issues.

10. Efficient Ordering and Waste Reduction

• Key Strategy: Manage food and supply orders to minimize waste.
• Benefits: Reduces costs and promotes sustainability.
• Implementation: Implement inventory management software and train staff on portion control.

Questions for Consideration:

1. How can we further personalize the holiday experience for our regular customers?
2. What innovative marketing strategies can we adopt to stand out during the holiday season?
3. How can we effectively measure the success of our holiday strategies and make necessary adjustments for future seasons?

By following these steps and continually seeking improvement, restaurant operators can significantly boost their holiday business while providing an unforgettable experience for their customers.

From the Author, Paul Segreto, CEO & Founder, Acceler8Success Group

The future may be a bit bumpy for some, more so for others. Knowing who to turn to and when for guidance and help is important. Having resources at your disposal is also important.

So, if you hit a wall, for whatever reason, please feel free to reach out to me for assistance or even if you just need to talk and bounce around a few thoughts. Please do not hesitate.

You can contact me at paul@acceler8success.com or you may reach me by text or phone at (832) 797–9851. I look forward to helping you.

Make it a great day. Make it happen. Make it count!

The past year has been a roller coaster for small businesses worldwide. From service sectors to retail and restaurants, the fluctuating economic landscape, shaped by the pandemic’s aftermath, has presented a myriad of challenges. Now, with the shadow of an upcoming presidential election and ongoing international conflicts, such as those in Ukraine and Israel, small businesses are facing renewed uncertainties.

The Current Landscape

Small businesses have been through a tumultuous period. The pandemic brought about consumer trepidation, employee instability, and supply chain disruptions. These factors, combined with the current global political climate, are dampening the optimism that many business owners had started to feel.

1. Consumer Trepidation: The lingering effects of the pandemic have made consumers more cautious in their spending habits.
2. Employee Instability: The ‘Great Resignation’ has led to a volatile job market, making it hard for businesses to retain staff.
3. Supply Chain Issues: Global disruptions have caused delays and increased costs for businesses reliant on imported goods.

Looking Ahead

The upcoming presidential election and international conflicts add another layer of complexity. Such events can impact market stability, foreign exchange rates, and international trade policies, directly affecting small businesses.

Maintaining Organizational Culture

In the face of these challenges, maintaining a positive and resilient organizational culture is crucial. Here are some strategies:

1. Open Communication: Keep lines of communication open with employees, addressing their concerns and keeping them informed about the business’s health and plans.
2. Flexibility and Adaptation: Be prepared to adapt business models, whether it’s shifting to online platforms or diversifying supply chains.
3. Employee Support: Recognize the challenges employees face and offer support, whether through flexible working arrangements, mental health resources, or financial incentives.

Questions for Consideration

1. How can small businesses balance the need to cut costs with the necessity of retaining and attracting talent, especially when employees might be expecting year-end bonuses?
2. What strategies can be employed to build consumer confidence in an era of ongoing economic uncertainty?
3. In what ways can small businesses adapt their operations to mitigate the impact of international conflicts and political uncertainties on their supply chains and overall stability?

Conclusion

The road ahead for small businesses is fraught with uncertainties, but with strategic planning, adaptability, and a focus on maintaining a strong organizational culture, they can navigate these challenging times. By addressing these key questions, small business owners can position themselves to not just survive, but potentially thrive, in an unpredictable economic climate.

From the Author, Paul Segreto, CEO & Founder, Acceler8Success Group

The future may be a bit bumpy for some, more so for others. Knowing who to turn to and when for guidance and help is important. Having resources at your disposal is also important.

So, if you hit a wall, for whatever reason, please feel free to reach out to me for assistance or even if you just need to talk and bounce around a few thoughts. Please do not hesitate.

You can contact me at paul@acceler8success.com or you may reach me by text or phone at (832) 797–9851. I look forward to helping you.

Make it a great day. Make it happen. Make it count!

The world of sports offers many lessons in strategy and timing that can be applied to the realm of entrepreneurship. Just as in sports, entrepreneurs often face situations that require quick decision-making, strategic changes, and bold moves to stay competitive and achieve success. As we approach the last month of the year, entrepreneurs can use this time to not only finish strong but also lay a solid foundation for the year ahead.

1. Accelerating from the Middle of the Pack

Much like a jockey biding their time before making a break for the lead, entrepreneurs often find themselves in a position where they need to accelerate their business growth. This could involve scaling up operations, expanding into new markets, or leveraging technology to improve efficiency and customer experience. The key is to identify the right moment to make this move. Doing it too early or too late could either result in overextension or missed opportunities.

2. Making Significant Personnel Changes

Just as a baseball manager might bring in a pinch hitter to change the course of the game, an entrepreneur must be willing to make significant personnel changes when necessary. This could mean bringing in new talent with fresh ideas or realigning existing teams to better suit the current needs of the business. The goal is to ensure that the right people are in the right positions to drive growth and innovation.

3. Embracing Controlled Chaos for a Comeback

Sometimes, entrepreneurs need to take risks to achieve significant breakthroughs. This might look like investing in a new, untested technology, pivoting to a completely different business model, or entering a market dominated by well-established players. This approach can be likened to a football team’s two-minute drill, where there’s a need for quick, decisive action to turn the game around. While risky, these moves can also lead to substantial rewards.

The following quotes from some of the world’s most successful entrepreneurs highlight the importance of resilience, learning from failure, and persisting against the odds – all crucial elements in making a successful comeback:

1. Steve Jobs, Co-founder of Apple Inc.: “I’m convinced that about half of what separates the successful entrepreneurs from the non-successful ones is pure perseverance.”
2. Richard Branson, Founder of the Virgin Group: “Do not be embarrassed by your failures, learn from them and start again.”
3. Howard Schultz, Former CEO of Starbucks: “In times of adversity and change, we really discover who we are and what we’re made of.”
4. Arianna Huffington, Co-founder of The Huffington Post: “Failure is not the opposite of success; it’s part of success.”
5. Elon Musk, CEO of SpaceX and Tesla, Inc.: “If something is important enough, even if the odds are against you, you should still do it.”

Ending the Year on a High Note

The end of the year is an excellent time for entrepreneurs to evaluate their current strategies and make necessary adjustments. This period can be used to:

• Review the year’s achievements and failures to learn valuable lessons.
• Set clear, achievable goals for the coming year.
• Realign resources and teams to focus on these new goals.

Laying the Foundation for the New Year

The strategies employed in the last month should not only focus on ending the year well but also on setting a strong foundation for the new year. This includes:

• Building a robust pipeline of potential clients or projects.
• Investing in employee training and development to start the new year with a skilled, motivated team.
• Planning for long-term growth and sustainability.

Questions for Reflection

1. What critical moves can you make in the last month of the year to positively impact your business’s trajectory?
2. How can you align your team and resources to not only finish the current year strong but also start the new year on a solid footing?
3. Are there any bold, calculated risks you need to consider to break away from the competition and lead in your industry?

In conclusion, entrepreneurs can learn much from the strategies employed in sports. The end of the year provides a unique opportunity to assess, adjust, and act to ensure both a strong finish and a powerful start to the new year.

From the Author, Paul Segreto, CEO & Founder, Acceler8Success Group

If you’d like to discuss your entrepreneurial experiences, challenges, or aspirations, or if you need guidance or coaching concerning your small business, restaurant, or franchise, please don’t hesitate to contact me. You can send an email to me at paul@acceler8success.com or you may reach me by text or phone at (832) 797–9851. I look forward to helping you.

Make it a great day. Make it happen. Make it count!

As we celebrate Small Business Saturday, an initiative launched by American Express, it’s crucial to reflect on the immense value and struggles of small business owners in the contemporary economic landscape. This day, nestled between the colossal shopping events of Black Friday and Cyber Monday, offers a vital platform for small businesses to compete against the might of large chains and big-box retailers.

Origins of Small Business Saturday

Small Business Saturday was conceived as a counterbalance to Black Friday, focusing consumer attention on the contributions of small enterprises to the economy and community. Its inception has provided small businesses, including beloved local restaurants, a much-needed spotlight, allowing them to showcase their uniqueness and customer-focused services.

The Cornerstone of the U.S. Economy

Small businesses are undeniably the backbone of the U.S. economy. They bring diversity, innovation, and personalization that big corporations often lack. This sector, including restaurants, not only fuels economic growth but also sustains the social fabric of communities. Their success or demise directly impacts the vibrancy of neighborhoods and the overall economic health of regions, particularly in suburban and rural areas where small towns have witnessed the haunting decline of their Main Streets.

Respect and Gratitude Towards Small Business Owners

These entrepreneurs, often seen as pursuing the American Dream, deserve our utmost respect and gratitude. Their day-to-day challenges are manifold – from navigating financial uncertainties to competing with larger entities, all while providing personalized services that define the essence of American entrepreneurship. This struggle is not just limited to independent businesses but extends to franchise owners as well, who, despite being part of larger networks, often operate with the same spirit and challenges as their independent counterparts.

The Importance of Franchises in the Small Business Landscape

Franchises, a significant part of the small business fabric, are predominantly owned and operated by individuals or families. They share the same risks and commitments as independent businesses, contributing equally to the economy and community. As we conclude National Entrepreneurship Month, it’s essential to recognize these franchises alongside independent businesses for their contribution to the American dream of business ownership.

Support for Small Businesses

As consumers, it’s our responsibility to support these small enterprises. Shopping and dining at local, independent, and franchise businesses not only helps sustain them but also contributes to the larger economic and social health of our communities.

Reflection Questions

1. How can we, as consumers, make a conscious effort to support small businesses beyond Small Business Saturday, and what impact does this sustained support have on our local communities?
2. What unique challenges do small business owners face in the current economic climate, and how can communities rally to provide support?
3. In what ways do small businesses, including franchises, contribute to the cultural and economic diversity of our neighborhoods, and how can we actively promote their growth and sustainability?

In conclusion, Small Business Saturday is more than just a shopping event; it’s a reminder of the vital role small businesses play in our economy and communities. By supporting them, we not only contribute to the sustainability of their dreams but also to the vibrancy and health of our towns and cities. Let’s shop small, dine local, and support these essential pillars of the American economy.

Make it a great day. Make it happen. Make it count!

The common perception of entrepreneurs is that they are relentless workers, often sacrificing personal time and well-being for their ventures. This image includes working tirelessly, skipping family events, and living in a bubble of work and thought. Is this portrayal accurate? Mostly, it’s an exaggeration. However, there’s a kernel of truth in it. The superhero narrative is appealing, but it’s important to remember that entrepreneurs are human, needing rest and breaks just like anyone else.

Entrepreneurs, contrary to popular belief, aren’t superhuman. They need sleep, rest, and downtime. What they excel at is the freedom and flexibility in their schedules, allowing them to choose when and how to work. Richie Norton, an award-winning author and entrepreneur, encapsulates this by saying, “Entrepreneurs don’t have weekends or birthdays or holidays. Every day is my weekend, my birthday, my holiday. OR every day is my workday. It’s about choice.”

Two organizations, Strategic Coach and The Lonely Entrepreneur, offer valuable insights into entrepreneurship. Strategic Coach, through its blog post “Putting the Focus on Freedom,” emphasizes freedom as the core reason for becoming an entrepreneur. The Lonely Entrepreneur, led by Michael Dermer, provides realistic views on the entrepreneurial mindset, especially during holiday seasons. Dermer’s poignant statement reflects the entrepreneur’s dilemma during holidays, balancing the need for work and the world’s insensitivity to their relentless drive.

Both organizations, founded by experienced mentors Dan Sullivan and Michael Dermer, offer different yet complementary perspectives on entrepreneurship. Their guidance has been instrumental to many, including myself, in understanding and balancing work and personal life.

Entrepreneurship is ultimately about freedom, choice, and balance. Freedom to act, speak, and think without restraint; choice in making decisions; and balance in maintaining equal or correct proportions in various aspects of life. These concepts are crucial for entrepreneurs, especially during holidays.

Reflective Questions:

1. How does the concept of freedom in entrepreneurship influence your perception of work-life balance?
2. In what ways can entrepreneurs integrate the principles of choice and balance into their daily routines?
3. How do holiday seasons impact your understanding and practice of entrepreneurship?

From the Author, Paul Segreto, CEO & Founder, Acceler8Success Group

If you’d like to discuss your entrepreneurial experiences, challenges, or aspirations, or if you need guidance or coaching concerning your small business, restaurant, or franchise, please don’t hesitate to contact me. You can send an email to me at paul@acceler8success.com or you may reach me by text or phone at (832) 797–9851. I look forward to helping you.

Make it a great day. Make it happen. Make it count!

Father, We Thank Thee

For flowers that bloom about our feet,

Father, we thank Thee.

For tender grass so fresh, so sweet,

Father, we thank Thee.

For the song of bird and hum of bee,

for all things fair we hear or see,

Father in heaven, we thank Thee.

For blue of stream and blue of sky,

Father, we thank Thee.

For pleasant shade of branches high,

Father, we thank Thee.

For fragrant air and cooling breeze,

for beauty of the blooming trees,

Father in heaven, we thank Thee.

For this new morning with its light,

Father, we thank Thee.

For rest and shelter of the night,

Father, we thank Thee

For health and food, for love and friends,

for everything Thy goodness sends,

Father in heaven, we thank Thee.

— Ralph Waldo Emerson

Make it a great day. Make it happen. Make it count!

Thanksgiving is a time traditionally associated with expressing gratitude for the blessings in our lives, including family, friends, health, and prosperity. However, this Thanksgiving, let’s also turn the focus inward and acknowledge an often overlooked but equally important aspect of our lives: ourselves.

Happy Thanksgiving to Me: Celebrating Self-Gratitude

The Mirror of Self-Reflection

When we look in the mirror, we often focus on external aspects – our appearance, the signs of aging, or imperfections. Yet, this Thanksgiving, let’s use the mirror as a tool for self-reflection and gratitude. The person staring back at us is the unsung hero of our daily lives – the one who faces challenges head-on, celebrates victories, and learns from defeats. This is an opportunity to appreciate the resilience, strength, and growth we’ve nurtured within ourselves.

Self-Love and Care

Loving ourselves is not selfish; it’s essential. It’s about recognizing our own value and worth. Being kind to ourselves means forgiving our mistakes, celebrating our achievements, and understanding our limitations. This Thanksgiving, let’s pledge to treat ourselves with the same compassion and understanding that we offer to others.

Putting Ourselves on a Pedestal

It’s not about arrogance; it’s about acknowledgment. We must occasionally put ourselves on a pedestal, not for others to see, but for us to appreciate our own worth and contributions. It’s vital to recognize our role in making things happen, in overcoming obstacles, and in pursuing our dreams.

The Power of Self-Acknowledgment

In the hustle of life, we often forget to pause and give ourselves credit. This Thanksgiving, let’s change that. Let’s say it, scream it, believe it – “I am thankful for myself.” Acknowledge the hard work, the emotional labor, and the dedication it takes to navigate life.

A Toast to Ourselves

As we gather around the Thanksgiving table, let’s raise a toast to ourselves – for our health, our resilience, and our journey. Celebrating self-gratitude doesn’t diminish our appreciation for others; it enhances our ability to love and be thankful for the world around us.

Conclusion: An Ongoing Journey of Self-Appreciation

This Thanksgiving, as we express gratitude for the abundance in our lives, let’s not forget to include ourselves in that list. Let’s continue this journey of self-appreciation, not just today but every day.

Happy Thanksgiving to the person in the mirror – the heart and soul of our personal journey. Let’s celebrate ourselves with the same fervor and gratitude we offer to the world.

Make it a great day. Make it happen. Make it count!

During the holiday season and year-end, many people experience a low point in their lives. This could be due to stress, unmet goals, or missing loved ones. It’s important to remember that despite the challenges, there are positive aspects in life, like love from others and potential solutions to problems. Communication is crucial in these times. Sharing feelings rather than bottling them up can be incredibly helpful.

Recent years have been challenging, with uncertainties and fears dominating our lives. Acknowledging and confronting these fears is a step towards overcoming them. Fear can be replaced with courage, gained from confidence and support from others. Tackling challenges doesn’t always have to be a solitary journey; there is strength in numbers.

Celebrities, entrepreneurs, and influencers also face mental health struggles, including loneliness and depression. The alarming rate of suicide among these groups raises important questions. What factors contribute to such tragic decisions? It’s essential to understand that celebrities are humans too, with their own set of challenges, and suicide often results from multiple factors, not just one.

The rise in mental health issues, including suicide, highlights the need for open discussions about mental health. Dispelling myths and reducing stigma are vital steps. The COVID-19 pandemic further intensified mental health crises globally, affecting various communities disproportionately.

Entrepreneurs, when faced with failure, often experience a range of challenges. It’s crucial for them to acknowledge the situation, learn from it, and move forward with focus, rather than denying or ignoring the issues.

Reflective Questions:

1. How can we better support individuals during times of stress and low points, especially during the holiday season?
2. In what ways can acknowledging and sharing our fears lead to personal growth and resilience?
3. What steps can society take to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health and encourage open discussions?
4. How can we as individuals and communities provide better support to local entrepreneurs, and influencers facing mental health challenges?
5. In the context of failure, how can local entrepreneurs and others constructively learn from their experiences and move forward positively?

I look forward to thoughts on these questions with hope the discussion continues.

If you or someone you know is in crisis, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273- TALK (8255). It’s free, confidential and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

From the Author, Paul Segreto, CEO & Founder, Acceler8Success Group

The future may be a bit bumpy for some, more so for others. Knowing who to turn to and when for guidance and help is important. Having resources at your disposal is also important.

So, if you hit a wall, for whatever reason, please feel free to reach out to me for assistance or even if you just need to talk and bounce around a few thoughts. Please do not hesitate.

You can contact me at paul@acceler8success.com or you may reach me by text or phone at (832) 797–9851. I look forward to helping you.

Make it a great day. Make it happen. Make it count!

Many individuals that know me often question my passion to address the limited involvement of franchising in Small Business Saturday by American Express. This stems from a persistent misunderstanding: the assumption that all franchises are large-scale businesses.

The common example is McDonald’s, perceived as a franchise with substantial marketing support from its parent company. This belief, as once explained to me by American Express executives, is that this backing gives McDonald’s franchisees an unfair edge over independent businesses. However, this is a misconception.

Despite this, franchising has very slowly gained recognition in American Express’s Small Business Saturday initiative, though restrictions based on the number of locations still exist. This is problematic as the size of a franchise should not define its status as a small business. The focus should be on the individual ownership and investment at each location.

A key point often overlooked is that many franchise owners in the United States share similar challenges with small, independent businesses. Yet, they remain largely excluded from Small Business Saturday events.

Small Business Saturday rules regarding franchises state:

Must not be part of a franchise brand that has more than 250 stores; Additionally, if a franchise brand has more than 25 corporate-owned stores, then the entire brand is excluded…

Toward the end of this article, I’ve included links detailing my initial efforts to have American Express acknowledge franchising as part of small business. My current concern extends beyond franchising to how other business models are perceived, like home-based and virtual businesses, which are also small businesses often owned by individuals or families.

So, what about other small business models such as real estate, insurance, financial planning, and coaching that offers services across many disciplines? Are they not small, local businesses?

That all said, I do appreciate recent attention to restaurants under #DineSmall, but more is needed. Besides large chains, most restaurants are small businesses, often family-owned or franchise-operated.

The Small Business Saturday by American Express campaign, launched in 2010, aimed to support thriving communities by promoting small businesses. The U.S. Senate even endorsed it in 2011, and participation has grown nationwide. However, is this support inclusive of all small businesses?

Investopedia defines Small Business Saturday as an event promoting local, small business shopping. But I question the effectiveness of this promotion, especially for online small businesses, as it seems to lack genuine commitment.

Furthermore, the criteria established by American Express for businesses to be featured in the Shop Small map raises questions about its true motives: is it more about boosting AMEX card sales or genuinely supporting small businesses?

Despite my criticisms, I am a staunch supporter of Small Business Saturday and have always encouraged my franchise clients to participate. However, it’s disheartening to see franchises and other small business types excluded or limited in this initiative.

My goal is an inclusive Small Business Saturday that benefits ALL small business owners, not just a select few.

The links provided below offer more insight into my earlier efforts to include franchising in this important initiative. It may be 13 years since the inaugural Small Business Saturday event, but I firmly believe American Express remains blind to franchising as an integral part of small business, and an important component in local business communities across the country.

11/21/11 Franchising Excluded from AMEX Small Business Saturday Events!

11/25/11 Was Franchising Slapped in the Face by American Express by Accident?

11/26/11 Franchises Excluded from Small Business Saturday – AMEX Responds!

11/29/11 AMEX Reassessing Policies for Small Business Saturday

11/24/12 Franchising Not [Completely] Respected by American Express!

11/30/13 Franchising Supports Small Business Saturday

In any event, please support and promote both franchise AND independent businesses during Small Business Saturday, as well as during the days leading up to and following the event on November 25th. Encourage your network to actively participate by shopping at these businesses. Additionally, when making purchases at franchises, remind them to use #ShopSmall and #ShopFranchise on social media to inform American Express that franchises also constitute small businesses. And please don’t forget to #DineSmall and #DineLocal, too!

Let’s unite in this effort to bolster our local communities and the businesses that are integral to them. It’s a collective responsibility to nurture and strengthen the economic fabric of our neighborhoods.

Make it a great day. Make it happen. Make it count!