Monday, July 23, 2012

Purchase a Smoothie Shop Business Plan


The smoothie shop business is a growing market to which many entrepreneurs are attracted. More and more consumers are becoming health conscious and are searching for healthy alternatives to burgers and fries, making the smoothie market a smart choice for opening your own company. One of the best things you can do to ensure the success of your future frozen dessert business is to have a strong business plan in place.

Why do I need a Detailed Plan?
A smoothie shop business plan will help you set realistic goals for your enterprise and help you plan for success at start-up and in the future. Through research and data analysis, this type of detailed map, if you will, creates new strategies specific to your company and helps you to understand the purpose and growth potential of your smoothie shop. 

Without a great plan in place, you will be attempting to operate your smoothie shop without a valuable asset that could make the difference between success and failure.  Research has shown that 95% of small companies fail with in the first 5 years but with a smoothie shop business plan in place, you have a much higher chance at success. 

Why should I purchase an industry specific plan?
When it comes to writing a detailed outline for your new venture, you have 4 options:
1   
      Write it yourself.
Creating a detailed map to guide your smoothie shop takes time and effort. You will need to do a lot of research and data collection and then be able to take that information and configure it into a legible and professional document.  At the very least, your smoothie shop will need to contain:
·         A detailed description of your smoothie shop  and the products you will sell, the legal establishment of your company, your history and start-up plan.
·         Smoothie market forecasts.
·         A financial analysis.
·         An executive summary that highlights your strategies.
·         A strategy of how your smoothie shop will reach its target audience.
·         A financial plan which will include profit and loss, cash flow, balance sheet, assumptions, and business ratios.

2   Use a generic template.
Many people make the mistake of taking this route but a generic template won’t give you the industry specific data that you need to give your smoothie shop its best chance of success. 

3   Hire a consultant.
You can hire an independent consultant to write you a well-researches and detailed smoothie shop plan if you are willing to spend the money.  Professional consultants charge as much as $100 an hour. This means you could spend as much as $10,000 for an industry specific outline with all the research done by a professional.

4   Purchase a smoothie shop business plan template.
You can purchase an industry specific smoothie shop template with all of the information necessary to help your smoothie shop reach the level of success you dreamed possible.  

This type of industry specific document, created by professional, industry experts, is a great option that gives you everything you need without having to hire a consultant or do the research yourself. You get all of the statistics, forecasts and market data that you need to run a successful smoothie shop all for a fraction of the cost of hiring a consultant.  You'll know the specific direction your new venture will be taking and that it is as solid as can be.  Plus, you'll have the satisfaction of knowing that it was affordable too!


Ideal Locations for Smoothie Shops


As with most businesses, whether or not your smoothie shop succeeds is highly dependent on the location of your shop. With today’s health conscious consumer eager for a healthy alternative to traditional fast food, your smoothie shop stands a great chance of becoming profitable and successful – if you have the ideal location.

How a Business Plan Can Help
A smoothie shop business plan will provide you with the data and market research you need to make an informed decision as to ideal locations for smoothie shops. Before you invest a single penny into your new frozen dessert business, be sure to create, or purchase, a detailed industry specific business plan. This will act as your road map to finding the best spot for your smoothie business as well as provide you with other tools to ensure the success of your new company.


Smoothie Shop Location Options
Wherever you decide to open your smoothie shop, it should be a place with a lot of foot traffic that is convenient for the type of clientele you hope to attract.

·    Shopping Centers
One of the best places to open a smoothie franchise is in a shopping center. Most businesses of this type are set up in shopping centers for a reason; people like to be able to grab a quick lunch or healthy snack while they are running their errands.
·     
    Shopping Malls
Indoor shopping malls can be ideal locations for smoothie shops. The get a lot of foot traffic and you can set up a small kiosk where people are most likely to pass by.
·   
     Fitness Centers
Fitness centers are filled with the type of people that will be attracted to your product! People love to be able to grab a healthy frozen treat after their workout and how convenient it is to be able to do so without having to make an extra stop on the way home.
·   
     Near Schools
High school and college students love smoothies. If you have a high school or university in the area you want to open a smoothie shop, near the campus would be a great spot to set up. Try to find a storefront that is within walking distance, as most young people this age may not have a car.
·    
     Near Recreational Areas
Places like parks, sports centers, and other outdoor recreational areas are great spots for setting up smoothie shops. People involved with outdoor activities tend to be the same type of people who enjoy healthy foods.

Do the research ahead of time, create a smoothie shop business plan that details all aspects of your new venture, and use your good business sense and you will find the ideal location for your smoothie business. 

Pothole Repairs in Florida


Maintaining the safety of your commercial parking lot is important to facility managers and owners.  Just as you want to be sure parking lots are well lit at night, you also want to ensure the surface of your asphalt paving is smooth and free of potholes and other road hazards. Not only can drivers suffer damage to their vehicles, pedestrians can fall, twist ankles and otherwise injure themselves.  Lawsuits from property damage and/or injury are two things a commercial facility definitely wants to avoid.

Potholes refer to any place where part of the road surface is broken away or sunk in.  Most potholes form due to pavement fatigue.  As traffic continually passes over the same area, cracks form.  Water can enter these cracks and cause more damage to the subsurface.  If the cracks are not filled, they can result in the asphalt pavement breaking down - causing a pothole.  

Most drivers have experienced running through a pothole at some point in their lives.  It is a sort of bone shaking experience and makes you cringe to think what kind of damage you've done to your tires and shocks.  Some potholes are deep enough that will even cause your car to bottom out. Fortunately, most pothole encounters inflict fairly little damage to your car; however, in some instances the consequences can be great.

Sometimes, even at low speeds, running through a large pothole can damage a car's wheels or suspension - resulting in expensive repairs.  At high speeds, tires can blowout when hitting a pothole and can send the car out of control.  In this instance, there is a very real risk for property damage, serious injury or even death to the occupants of the vehicle, other vehicles and even pedestrians.

If your parking lot is beginning to show wear and pothole are starting to appear, the time to fix it is now.  If complaints are ignored and a pothole is allowed to grow and grow until it becomes a hazard to drivers, your facility may be held liable for damages resulting from the negligence.

Finding a reputable asphalt company to repair your pothole in the state of Florida is easy.  ABC Paving and Sealcoating has more than 20 years experience in asphalt repair, paving, thermoplastic, crack filing, sealcoating and more.  Their team of professionals can quickly isolate any problem areas - including asphalt cracks and potholes and make the necessary repairs to stabilize and extend the life of your asphalt pavement investment.  Their experienced crews can repair small potholes to large areas of commercial parking lots in a timely manner that causes little interference with your daily operations.

About ABC Paving and Sealcoating
With more than 20 years of experience, ABC Paving and Sealcoating is Florida's leading paving contractor.  ABC Paving and Sealcoating provides commercial organizations with the highest level of customer service, professional workmanship and services including:  asphalt paving, asphalt repairs and prevention, pothole repairs, sealcoating, line striping and marking, thermoplastic, crack filing, signs and safety devices, concrete sidewalks, concrete curbs and site preparation.  We use our experience and the latest equipment available to get the job done right the first time in a timely, cost effective manner.  For more information about ABC Paving and Sealcoating, visit our website at http://www.pavingandsealcoating.com or call 866-934-7623 for a free estimate.

Crack Filling Helps You Avoid Costly Repairs


Cracks left unsealed in asphalt pavement allow water to penetrate the surface. This, in turn, weakens the pavement structure and leads to failures in both the pavement and the base beneath it. 

Water is one of the worst things for asphalt cracks.  Once water gets under the asphalt surface, it can erode the foundation.  Left unfilled, the cracks will allow moisture to flow through the pavement and erode base materials resulting in potholes, and ultimately in premature failure.  When this happens, only extensive and costly repairs can fix the problem.  

Although in Florida, it is rare to have freezing temperatures for more than a few hours once or twice a year, in other parts of the country cracks left over the winter can grow quickly due to snow plowing and with freezing and thawing day after day.  However, with Florida's warm and sunny climate, oxidation and humidity have a similar effect.  Patching often doesn't last and can cost several times what timely crack sealing costs.  In the end, the useful life of the surface is shortened, forcing the premature and costly replacement of the surface.  

Cracks can also accumulate debris, dirt, and can start to grow weeds. Fixing cracks before they become potholes is the smartest thing to do.  It also saves you money by extending the life of your asphalt

There are a number of things that can contribute to the cracking of asphalt pavement.  The most common include:

 Surface/Shrinkage Cracks are caused by lack of traffic, extreme temperature changes, excess water and/or ultraviolet degradation.

 Structural/Reflective Cracks are caused by vertical or horizontal movements of pavement beneath, due to expansion and contraction with temperature and moisture changes.

 Joint or seam cracks are caused by weak seam or improper pinch roll.

An asphalt company in Florida can repair the cracks in your asphalt by doing the following:
1)  First the cracks must be cleaned.  Using a steel brush, a screw driver or a crack cleaning machine, the asphalt company can remove all the dirt and vegetation.  It's very important to be sure to clean the crack at least 1/2" deep.

2)  For small cracks that are less than a half inch, there are products your asphalt company can use to fill the cracks.  However, this type of solution should not be used for large cracks, as it can sink into the wider cracks and not properly fill the area.

3)  For large cracks, the crack filler needs to be melted into a liquid state and then applied.
Asphalt cracks are unsightly and can get expensive to repair if left for too long. That's why it's best to repair cracks as soon as they form. Crack sealing is the most cost effective way to stop this erosion of your asphalt investment before it's too late. When properly applied crack sealing materials will greatly extend the life of your asphalt pavement and prevent untimely damage.

About ABC Paving and Sealcoating
With more than 20 years of experience, ABC Paving and Sealcoating is Florida's leading paving contractor.  ABC Paving and Sealcoating provides commercial organizations with the highest level of customer service, professional workmanship and services including:  asphalt paving, asphalt repairs and prevention, pothole repairs, sealcoating, line striping and marking, thermoplastic, crack filing, signs and safety devices, concrete sidewalks, concrete curbs and site preparation.  We use our experience and the latest equipment available to get the job done right the first time in a timely, cost effective manner.  For more information about ABC Paving and Sealcoating, visit our website at http://www.pavingandsealcoating.com or call 866-934-7623 for a free estimate.

Bulk Debris Removal in Florida


Your commercial facility probably has a regular garbage collection; however, sometimes you find bulk trash items accumulate when tenants move out , during renovations, or when someone just decides to just drop off an old couch next to your dumpster.  Now what?

There are ways to make the task of bulk trash removal a lot easier while ensuring that you are disposing of this stuff in the best way possible.  In Florida, hiring a bulk debris removal contractor is the best solution to this unsightly problem.  However, if you can find a full-service facility maintenance company for your commercial property, that can make your job a lot easier.  This type of company provides custom designed facility maintenance services for commercial property managers and owners throughout Florida.  Their custom maintenance solutions are based on your facilities needs.  Whether you need just bulk debris removal, or janitorial services, commercial painting, asphalt repair, parking lot sweeping or you need a "one call does it all" type business -- a facility maintenance company can be your best solution.

Do You Have Bulk Trash Items That Need to be Removed?
  • Air conditioners
  • Hot water heaters
  • Furniture
  • Large toys (kiddie pools, playhouses, swing sets, etc.)
  • Major appliances (refrigerators, washers and dryers, etc.)
  • Mattresses and bed frames
  • Carpeting
Detracting from the curb appeal and perhaps even causing safety and liability issues, removing bulk debris from your commercial facility is the smart thing to do. Whether your clean up calls for professionally operated Bobcats, heavy duty dump trucks, industrial grade sweepers or high performance pressure washers, AFS is ready and able to handle your bulk debris removal. 

Facility managers and owners are responsible for keeping their commercial property free of bulk debris.  Finding a facility maintenance service that will safely and cost effectively remove old furniture, appliances, large quantities of yard waste, remodeling waste and other miscellaneous debris from your commercial property can save you time, money and keep your properties curb appeal up to snuff.

In Florida, American Facility Services (AFS) provides a complete range of commercial building services so clients have the convenience of working with a single provider for all their commercial property maintenance needs.  AFS takes pride in being one of the most professional, safe, and environmentally responsible bulk debris removal companies in Florida. AFS has built a solid reputation based on safety, quality and customer service. Their well trained staff of professionals strive to develop long lasting partnerships with their clients.

AFS' clients have the convenience of working with a single provider for all their commercial property maintenance needs, from bulk debris removal, to sweeping, janitorial, painting, porter services and even asphalt repair, sealcoating and line stripping -- AFS does it all.

About American Facility Services
Providing both interior and exterior commercial building services throughout the state of Florida since 1993, American Facility Services (AFS) has built a solid reputation based on safety, quality and customer service. With offices in Orlando, Jacksonville and Tampa, AFS offers a wide range of including:  pressure washing, facility maintenance, commercial painting, sealcoating, asphalt repair, janitorial services, porter services, bulk debris removal and more. AFS provides a complete range of services, so our clients have the convenience of working with a single provider for all their commercial property maintenance needs.  Contact AFS today at 866-793-3735 or visit our website at http://www.afsflorida.com for an online proposal.

Day Porter Cleaning to Fit Your Needs


Maintaining a professional appearance and upholding sanitation issues are daily challenges for commercial facilities. Throughout the state of Florida, American Facility Services (AFS) provides day porter services to maintain the appearance of your entire facility including your lobby and offices. 

Whether your business is in Orlando, Jacksonville, Tampa or elsewhere in the state of Florida, AFS can provide facility maintenance services, including day porter cleaning to properties of all types and sizes. AFS is committed to the daily or monthly upkeep of your business, they guarantee to leave your business in a pristine manner. All of the companies day porter's maintain a high level of professionalism and are devoted to a friendly, courteous and reliable customer service approach.

Professional and well–trained day porters address cleaning issues as they arise during their shifts, which ensures that proper care will be administered to your property.  Day porters offer many services that can be custom tailored to meet your needs, however large or small.

Some Day Porter Responsibilities Include:
  • Restroom Maintenance
  • Window Washing
  • Windowsill Dusting
  • Light Fixture Dusting
  • Dumpster Enclosure Cleaning
  • Cleaning Up Light Spills
  • Removing Garbage
  • Change and Re-line Trash Receptacles
  • Trash Receptacle Wipe Down & Maintenance
  • Litter Removal from Parking Lots
  • Cleaning, Hand Picking & Disinfection
  • Customer & Tenant Interaction
  • Outdoor Cobweb Cleaning
  • Newspaper Stand Cleaning
  • Public Phone Cleaning
  • Storm/Hurricane Clean Up
  • Oversized Debris Removal
  • Report
American Facility Services day porters perform a multitude of tasks to keep your facility spotless, leaving you free to focus on your business and clients. Day porters perform invaluable, time-saving services and are an excellent way to control property maintenance costs. 

The companies high touch commercial day porter services compliment their high tech sweeping services. AFS porters walk parking lots during the daytime hours to police areas for trash, scrape gum, remove cigarette butts from flower beds and wipe down trash cans.

AFS porters utilize a comprehensive porter service checklist which addresses the most common cleaning concerns. This checklist, of course, can be modified to meet the needs of the facility. AFS offers daily porter services on a flat hourly rate, daily, weekly or on a monthly basis. 

Additionally, AFS' Facility Cleaning Techs (FCT) are trained to do more than just clean. They report various types of maintenance issues immediately, so that you can make an informed decision. 

About American Facility Services
Providing both interior and exterior commercial building services throughout the state of Florida since 1993, American Facility Services (AFS) has built a solid reputation based on safety, quality and customer service. With offices in Orlando, Jacksonville and Tampa, AFS offers a wide range of including:  pressure washing, facility maintenance, commercial painting, sealcoating, asphalt repair, janitorial services, porter services, bulk debris removal and more. AFS provides a complete range of services, so our clients have the convenience of working with a single provider for all their commercial property maintenance needs.  Contact AFS today at 866-793-3735 or visit our website at http://www.afsflorida.com for an online proposal.