andreasw | The Pope and the CEO

The Benefits of a Business Franchise

I found this in a Living Goods presentation – it lists some of the reasons why looking at franchising might be a good way to go if one exists in your field of business: Franchisees 5-year survival rate is over 80%, compared to under 30% for independent start-ups. Lower risk/higher profit for entrepreneurs: Proven business models, heavy training marketing and logistical support Lower risk/higher profit for lenders: lower due diligence costs, lower default rates Lower risk/higher profit for franchisers: High leverage / low capital requirement Lower cost of inputs from network buying power All outlets benefit from common brand equity Franchising is highly scalable There are several websites that focus on franchising and Entrepreneur Magazine ranks the Top 500 every year. Check them out!
Africa’s Path To Growth – McKinsey Quarterly Article

There is an interesting article in this summer’s McKinsey Quarterly on Africa’s Path To Growth. It’s based on McKinsey South Africa’s research of the African Market of seven industry sectors. Here are some interesting facts it points out: As many as 200 million Africans will enter the consumer goods market by 2015 Infrastructure expenditures are rising significantly faster in Africa than in the world as a whole The continent has more than one-quarter of the world’s arable land Eleven of its countries rank among the top ten sources for at least one major mineral. Africa will produce 13 percent of global oil by 2015 To make the agricultural system work better, experts estimate, sub-Saharan Africa alone requires additional annual investments of as much as $50bn. From 2005 to 2008, consumer spending across Africa increased at a compound annual rate of 16% One of the key factors holding Africa back is a lack of well trained human resources China funded 77% of Africa’s new infrastructure spending in 2007 Although Africa is strongly endowed with mineral resources, mining has not been the consistent engine of economic development that people in many countries had hoped for. Telecom revenues have increased at a compound… Read more
The HAPINOY-Fisherman Breakthrough Innovation Grant

… I want to let you all know of our newest exciting competition – this blog is ready by many innovators and entrepreneurs, after all! The SEVEN Fund is pleased to announce the ‘Breakthrough Innovation Grant’ (BIG) competition in partnership with the Fisherman Foundation and MicroVentures Inc.’s Hapinoy Program in the Philippines. This business concept competition is open to all who aspire to create prosperity in the Philippines through new and viable business ideas that can be offered through the Hapinoy sari-sari store network. Proposals must be innovative, resourceful, scalable, and fit the particular needs of the Philippines. The competition will award four grants in Philippine Pesos: 1st Prize: PhP 100,000 (USD 2,200) 2nd Prize: PhP 75,000 (USD 1,650) 3rd Prize: PhP 50,000 (USD 1,200) Special Prize: PhP 25,000 (USD 550)
Introducing Bob Keith

I’m pleased to introduce our latest contributor to Faith & Prosperity: Bob Keith. I met Bob at the Acton University earlier this year and was immediately struck by his combination of business acumen and deep faith. He is a practitioner with lots of hands-on experience and thus the ideal contributor to this site. Bob is a broad-based executive with 25 years of experience and a demonstrated record of achievement in building and growing high-impact life science companies. Currently, he is advising and mentoring startup companies while also exploring new business models & alternative financing sources for “failed market” situations, including those related to global health and global poverty. In addition, he is serving as an Executive-In-Residence at the University of San Diego. 1. What does “prosperity” mean to you? Twenty years ago, I would have said material wealth, period. Today, my perspective is broader, deeper, and more holistic. I now believe prosperity should be measured more by human flourishing and happiness. Arthur Brooks once stated that happiness is a function of earned success. As an entrepreneur, I clearly see this logic. Everyone has gifts to offer the world. In my opinion, creating an environment that allows these gifts to be… Read more
Faith Inspired Company: Betenbough Homes

The father and son team at Betenboughs established a Christian-based, employee-owned company filled with people passionate about people, passionate about God and passionate about providing their customers with an unparalleled home buying experience. For the past 18 years, they have been recognized by Professional Builder as one of the top home builders in the nation, and according to their website, Betenbough Homes promises you superior homeowner care and more home for less money. I’d love to feature more faith inspired companies – please send me your suggestions!
5 Laws of Stratospheric Success according to Bob Burg and John David Mann

The Five Laws of Stratospheric Success, from The Go-Giver by Bob Burg and John David Mann, 1) The Law of Value: Your true worth is determined by how much more you give in value than you take in payment. 2) The Law of Compensation: Your income is determined by how many people you serve and how well you serve them. 3) The Law of Influence: Your influence is determined by how abundantly you place other people’s interests first. 4) The Law of Authenticity: The most valuable gift you have to offer is yourself. 5) The Law of Receptivity: The key to effective giving is to stay open to receiving. These are available in a flier here And Bob and John are running quite an interesting blog as well.