I read an interesting blog post on the LexBlog Network from Tom Crane of the San Antonio Employment Law Blog called What We Can Learn from the Government Shutdown. The lesson Crane preaches that bullying tactics usually do not work very well in negotiation and tend to invite an equal response from the other
Franchise Law
Insight on Business – The News Hour with Michael Libbie
You can catch me tonight on the Insight on Business – The News Hour with Michael Libbie this evening at 5 pm on AM 1350-KRNT.
Michael and I will be talking franchise law and more.
It’s a great program you should check out. The show runs Monday-Friday each week at 5 PM.
Franchise Negotiation Tip: Be Willing to Walk Away
Prospective franchisees are often under the mistaken belief that franchise agreements are not negotiable. That’s often true even after a franchisor says initially that it will not negotiate a franchise agreement.
So what’s one key in obtaining concessions in your franchise agreement?
Be willing to walk away.
It’s true of any negotiation. If you are…
Proven Franchise Business System Just a Myth?
If you’re a prospective franchise I highly recommend a series of articles written by Robert Purvin, Chairman and CEO of the American Association of Franchisees and Dealers, on franchising myths. One of his best articles touches on the myth that Franchising Provides a "Proven Franchise Business System".
I hear this one all the time.
The Franchise King Reveals 20 Must-Do Things Before Buying a Franchise
Joel Libava (a/k/a "The Franchise King") has a list of 20 Must-Do Things Before You Buy a Franchise. It’s a great list so I thought I’d share the article with you.
The last item on his list is to "Lawyer Up". Joel explains that the franchisor has a lawyer so franchisees should too.
Unique Look at Multi-Unit Franchisees: Empire Builders
I recommend prospective franchisees take a look at Empire Builders which is a series of videos highlighting successful multi-unit franchisees.
Most of the prospective franchisees that come to see me are seeking to purchase a single franchise. Many of them dream of becoming a multi-unit owners but usually lack the capital (at least initially) to…
Is a Franchise a Safe Investment?
Potential franchisees should read this article from Robert Purvin on Franchising Myth One: Franchises are Safe Investments. In the article, Purvin discusses how franchises and independent businesses fail at roughly the same rate (something discussed at length in several of my blog posts).
It’s critical that prospective franchisees understand that buying a franchise will…
How to Deal with Partner Disputes
I saw an interesting article on the LexBlog Network regarding how to deal with partner disputes. The post written by Texas restaurant lawyer, Matthew Sanderson, dealt specifically with restaurants, but the information contained in the post is applicable to any business. Sanderson recommends the following when a dispute occurs:
- Avoid the conflict by identifying
…
Plains Angels Investing in Iowa Companies
The Des Moines Register reported that investor group Plains Angels has invested $750,000 over the last eight months. This is great news for Iowa startup companies. Venture capital in Iowa has lagged and groups like Plains Angels are definitely trying to change that.
There is a $300 application fee to present before the Plains Angels’…
Iowa Business Court Judges Selected
In January I wrote about the new Iowa Business Specialty Court Pilot Project. This week the Iowa Supreme Court announced that three judges have been selected to hear cases for the business court. The judges include:
- Judge Michael Huppert of the 5th Judicial District, which includes Dallas, Polk and Warren counties;
- Judge Annette Scieszinski
…