What You Need to Open a McDonald's Franchise

The ability to run a franchise from the McDonald's group can present the investor with a truly life-changing business opportunity. For those who are able to meet the financial and other requirements, a McDonald's franchise comes with so many advantages that it is certainly worth considering.

Great opportunities never come cheap and this is true of the McDonald's franchises too. The capital outlay can be quite limiting for many people. To be considered for the opportunity to open a restaurant, the investor is required to raise a minimum of $300,000. Moreover, this money must be from personal sources - not money borrowed from a financial institution. McDonald's actually prefers to deal with people who are able to make a down payment for several restaurants and who therefore are able to demonstrate the ability to raise funds with ease.

While the ability to raise funds is important, other factors that play an important role in determining whether or not you obtain a franchise include the business experience of the applicant. It therefore helps if the applicant can demonstrate reasonable business management experience. This could be shown by the applicant's record of success in other business ventures. In addition, it is of paramount importance that an applicant demonstrates good customer service skills. Other factors that could aid in the application include the ability to manage funds, the ability to create and stick to a business plan and a good credit history.

Once the initial requirements have been met, the proprietor will have little in the way of additional expenses to keep the business going. McDonald charges a monthly fee equivalent to 4% of sales and, in addition, charges a monthly rent.

The business opportunity presented by a McDonald's franchise is really special when you take into consideration the head start it gives the investor. The company has a global presence and its brand is so well-established that it saves the investor so much in advertising and marketing expenses. Moreover, a new investor is unlikely to start a brand new restaurant. McDonald's actually encourages those starting out not to open new restaurants but to actually buy an existing restaurant. This has several advantages including the fact that the new investor is saved from the agony of developing a clientele which can be a daunting task for any new business. An established restaurant already enjoys some form of goodwill and the new investor could start to enjoy reasonable returns immediately.

Perhaps what makes a McDonald's franchise truly enticing is the fact that a potential investor has a wide variety of locations to choose from. Since the company has restaurants in over 100 countries, this opportunity breaks down geographical and cultural barriers in a really admirable way and could open the door for the truly adventurous investor to not only engage in business with people from far-away lands but also to get to learn new cultures.

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Mother of the Groom Speech

Allow this page to give you the steps to complete a wedding speech to help you make your own mother of the groom speech an example. The list provided below consists of 5 simple steps which you can easily understand. Following those steps will complete the wedding speech you want to write.

The first step is to get help and assistance from professional wedding speech writers. You will be able to see a variety of wedding speeches like mother of the groom speech example. Most of these are in a package you need to get for free or with payment. It doesn't matter if you spend a dime or two because the information you'll acquire here is worth it. Seeking assistance from experts will guide you on how to prepare, write and deliver a good speech.

Secondly, you search for available templates where you have to choose the ones you like best. A list of possible choices can possibly help you determine in finding the right template. This will actually assist you on how to make a personal and unique speech. Finding templates will make it easier for you to finish your speech quickly.

Thirdly, you have to make the speech a lot more unique as possible. You can do this by adding some personal quotes, statements and real event stories about your son. The advice and matrimonial tips you're going to include within the speech must be also personal. Making the mother of the groom speech personal is only possible if you give your own words based on your thoughts and feelings.

The next step is to compose a few lines of precious memories and stories you've experienced with your son. Any real stories that happened during the childhood and teenage life of your son will be a great choice. You may add some touch narrating these stories with photos. Sharing past memories can add a delightful moment to the event.

Finally, you have to finish your speech with a toast. From speech samples, you can get wedding quotation that you can adopt when proposing a toast. Raising glasses of wine for a special toast is the perfect ending of your speech.

Following these steps strictly will enable you to write a unique and complete speech which might be included in the mother of the groom speech example list. When the time comes in to write a speech, be sure to follow those steps accordingly. Keeping this information in mind will enable you to provide a speech your son and his bride will appreciate.

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Decluttering Your Wardrobe

Many of us have clothes in our wardrobe that we never wear. We tend to wear the same few items over and over again. However, we still leave the clothes that we don't fit into any more and the ones that we don't wear anymore, in our wardrobes. One great habit to get into would be to clean out these areas at least once a year.

So here's how to start. Take out everything that doesn't fit you any more, and fold them into a box to give away to your local charity, or to sell on eBay. Now, let's see how many items here are and the wardrobe that you don't like anymore. Take those items out and add them into the box. Separate your winter and summer clothes from each other.

You are bound to find clothing items that you love but never wear, for some particular reason. It may be that you don't want to wear sleeveless garments anymore. But if you bought a lightweight short cardigan or short-sleeved jacket you may just where that item over and over again. So get out a piece of paper and pen and write down items of clothing that you need, which will make out the garments already in your wardrobe come alive again. Also write down what color this garment should be.

Now let's look in your underwear drawer. Throw out all the old bras and get rid of the ones that don't fit properly. Look at the bra and if you would be embarrassed being seen in that bra then it needs to go in the rubbish. Do the same for your panties and at the same time right yourself a list of what you will need for the future. Doing these few things will freshen up your wardrobe and help you wear most of the clothes in it.

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You Are God!

Have you ever wondered where all these crazy people came up with the concept of manifesting your own world? The very idea that you are in control, not some divine being that you have never seen before. Where did they come up with that? It is true you know... you are responsible for yourself and for the outcome of your own life. No one else has the responsibility for your success or your failure.

It was interesting because few years ago I watched this movie called "What the Bleep do we know" and in it one of the speakers said this. "I am saying that you are God" I was lying on my couch and I sat up very quickly and thought, HUH?? But then I realized that what was said was correct. If you are a Christian, then think about what the bible says. It says we are made in God's image. This means that we are made in the image of God, not partially, but fully made in the image of God! Here is something else that will knock your socks off!!! My mother who is my partner in crime for all of the Lamplight messages, events, business etc sent me an email a few days ago that said "READ THIS". Of course being the person I am, I did not read it for a few days. Anyhow, it has a link to the online bible and quotes a verse in the bible that states the following: "Jesus answered them, Is it not written in your Law, I have said you are gods" (John 10:34). WHOA! How come the modern day Christian Church missed this??? They did not think it was important to tell people this?? haha.... Now do not get me wrong, I know some of you are not Christian and that is okay, I am only speaking from my experience. Maybe someone could help me with other beliefs and what they say.

Wow, so we are god! Let's ponder this for a little bit. Does this mean we are in total control of our own life, free to make our own decisions in life, whether they are good or bad? Umm Yup!

Let's go on just a little more shall we??? The Universalists believe that we are in total control of our lives, that Jesus did not die for our sins but was a great Spiritual Master. Powerful stuff! Not only does this give us the power to make our own decisions in life without some huge powerful being hanging over us, and judging us, but more importantly we have the power to make our life happen!! We do not have to be afraid! We do not have to constantly judge ourselves, and think that we are inadequate! We are in control!

But wait, there is more!!! Dr. Candace Pert says in her book, "The Molecules of Emotion", that our minds, based on chemistry, are hard wired for feelings of bliss and pleasure. So why would we want to create so much fear in our lives that we cannot feel the bliss and pleasure that we were meant to feel? Here is the thing, the god, goddess, universe or spirit what ever you want to call the prime creator or wants you to enjoy life.

Say it with me, THE CREATOR WANTS YOU TO ENJOY LIFE!!! I have said for years that Fear and Guilt are the only Useless emotions. I want to change that just slightly. If Fear and Guilt take you out of balance then they are WRONG in your life. It is like anything else, WE NEED BALANCE PEOPLE! Yes, if we had no fear, then nothing would prevent us from going into a known bad neighborhood without some safety precautions. If we do something that hurts another individual then it is our guilt and conscience that pushes us to go make amends. However, if Guilt and Fear consume us and keep us from moving forward then it is wrong. Trust me, I have been there in life.

Anyhow, I just had to share such a powerful message, that we are God, we are a part of God and we are a part of the Universe. YOU are in control and you are the one that can make your life happen! You, and only you can make your life a priority. Only you can make yourself happy!

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Gilmour Foamaster II

The Gilmor Foamaster II is a foaming 'gun' that is designed to attach directly onto the end of a hosepipe, instead of a lance attachment that connects to a pressure washer.

The whole attachment is completely chemical resistant meaning that no parts will corrode and weaken which was a problem with the earlier model Gilmour Foamaster gun, therefore any kinds products at any strength can be used in the gun without having to worry about it getting damaged.

There is a quick select dial that helps to create custom ratios and make mixing very easy and the specialized fan shaped wand helps to disperse the foam so it leaves the gun at it most thickest before reaching your car.

A great feature of the Gilmour Foamaster II is that the handle can be quickly and easily detached, so after foaming you can thoroughly rinse off the vehicle with a powerful spray.

The foam gun seems to use allot of cleaning solution compared to other foaming attachments which means that you may eat through your chosen product fairly quickly. Even though it uses allot of product the Gilmour Foamaster II simply cannot deliver the thickness of foam that a designated pressure washer attachment can. This is due to the fact that the water supply is coming from a hosepipe and so is not as pressurized as water being pumped from a pressure washer. This means that you will not achieve the dwell time that is found in foams produced from a pressure washer lance attachment and subsequently you may have to reapply the foam a number of times - using even more product.

The Gilmour Foamaster II is a good quality product in itself though and if you do not have a pressure washer or require one but want to be able to effectively pre foam your car prior to washing then it may be the ideal solution. Although it may not produce as thick foam as other products it will still help to loosen and remove any dirt & contaminants before washing that may otherwise scratch the paintwork which is the important thing to consider here.

Not to be chosen over a designated pressure washer attachment but if a hosepipe is all you have or require then it offers an ideal solution for pre foaming your car.

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Summer Styles For Men

Italy is famous for housing the world's top fashion designers. The cool climate allows its people to dress up thus, making it the fashion capital not only for women's fashion but for men as well. The United States, on the other hand, has a different climate. During summer, the heat turns up that it makes you want to go out of the house and get naked for the rest of the season. Then again, the heat is not an excuse to look drab. There are a lot of things that you can do to beat the summer heat in your own cool and fashionable respect.

There are now sweat-friendly suits available in different shops all over America. One of the biggest contributing factors to sweat stains is the weight of the fabric that you wear. For instance, flannel and tweed are the worst choices that you can make for suits that you want to wear during summer. Both fabrics are really heavy and can literally make you sweat.

The best summer suit for summer is one that is produced using lighter wools. Flannel and tweed both come from the heavier side of the wool family. Tropical wool and light weave worsted wools are typically great ideas for suits that you can wear during the warm months. If you're not sure about these fabrics, you can always ask your tailor about them. They are popularly known as Super 100's in the fashion manufacturing industry, so just mention that and your tailor will definitely know what you want.

For non-wool options, you can always go for linen. Some style aficionados will definitely go for this fabric and tell you that it's way better than any old wool. Linen has a natural wrinkle to it which implies that you can wear this suit without it lying too flat on your skin. The wrinkle in itself also gives a laid-back yet very gentlemanly. Linen suits are just perfect for summer pundits.

Note though that the standard rules for wearing suits still apply. And I mean everything from matching ties, shirts and little touches like pocket square should still be given keen attention. You just have to switch to lighter shades like pastels or pale shades of your usual color preferences. These colors absorb less sunlight which means that less heat is also absorbed by your clothe. White and beige are really very summery. Wear them instead of your usual black and gray.

Men's fashion is commonly characterized by warm, casual style cotton. If you really dress up for summer, you definitely know why. Cotton allows your skin to breathe. More than that, it moves perfectly well with your body and any stain can be easily cleaned. If you have enough cotton in your closet, you can be sure that you're up with fashion until the leaves turn brown.

Style staples for men include khakis and chinos. They are appropriate replacements for the infamous denim as they are softer and less coarse. Obviously, they will feel better and lighter on the skin even when you're under the noonday sun. They are also more lightweight and their colors are perfect for summer.

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The "McDonald's-ization" of Education

McDonald's is astoundingly successful at purveying inexpensive fast food of consistently high quality.  They have achieved this primarily through standardization and quality control. If you purchase an "Egg McMuffin," or a "Big Mac" at an outlet in Seattle, or Milwaukee, Chicago or Miami, it will be almost exactly the same.

Standardization is increasingly making in-roads into education.  Once the realm of diversity (of opinion, thought, approach, teaching technique, classroom styles, etc.) and independence (academic freedom), the higher education classroom is being transformed into a "product" type delivery system.  The "products" in this case are the concepts, lesson plans, group exercises, assignments, etc. - indeed, the education itself.

The intent of this transformation is to provide a "standard" high quality student classroom experience  within disciplines, and across institutions.  With the student being the customer (consumer) of the educational delivery system, we want to make sure he or she is getting the highest possible quality product, and the key to this is "quality control" and standardization.

Instead of the after-the-fact quality control offered through instructor "evaluations," " classroom observations," and the like, the approach introduces a far more intrusive and directive model.  Lesson Plans, indeed, entire courses and curricula are loaded into pre-packaged modules, on thumb drives (USB) or onto computers, or servers. 

As in the fast food business, manufacturing, or other product producing sectors, the product creation and delivery process is developed to gain the efficiency and effectiveness obtained in industry.

JUST LIKE McDONALD's

Just like McDonald's where the customer can expect to enjoy a standard, high quality product, served in a clean, well-designed environment, the student consumer can expect convenient delivery of the educational product, for his consumption, and enjoyment - "satisfaction guaranteed."

THE PROCESS

First, a product team is assembled.  In this case it consists of academic experts, curriculum designers, course writers, technology experts, product representatives, trainers, content specialists, etc.  The product development process is based on outcome objectives, i.e., "what do we want the student to know?," "what should he learn during this course?" and "how do we measure that?"  This "beginning at the end" philosophy is crucial.  It keeps the spotlight on the product, promotes quality, and ultimately, "customer satisfaction."

THE ENTERTAINMET COMPONENT  

Gen Y students have different expectations from their predecessors, and are less likely to indulge obsolete or dated instructional methods and techniques.  They demand to be engaged.  

Instructors are partially selected on their ability to "entertain" as well as "inform."  They are expected to be animated, humorous, engaging, and entertaining.  They are expected to convey knowledge in convenient, enjoyable, and satisfying, bites.

STEAMLINING THE EDUCATIONAL PROCESS  

The more standardized the process becomes, the less latitude for the educator, the more prescribed the content, exercises and learning activities are, the more the business managers of the career and "for profit" colleges like it. This concept may, however, benefit the student as it concentrates on a quality, standardized, classroom experience.  

IT'S EASIER  

Once the instructor has mastered the technology, the whole instructional process is easier under this model.  Everything is pre-packaged.  No messy development of lesson plans - they're already done - and done well.  No thinking about creative learning activities and approaches -  they're already there.  You could almost do it in your sleep!  (if it wasn't for the requirement to be animated and entertaining.)  

STUDENT NEEDS  

Students in this new education model will be immersed in technology throughout their degree program.  This is the world of today, and the future.  They will participate and interact with SMARTboards, laptops, WiFi, simulations, business games, remote "clickers," interactive learning, real-world relevant projects, presentations, etc.  It's designed to match their learning styles and attention spans  It is preeminently designed to prepare them for their careers. Although many students are "comfortable" with technology, fewer are proficient, and fewer yet have an in-depth understanding. The curriculum should help them become more proficient and better prepared for the technology demands of the future business environment. The intensely technological nature of the classroom experience also addresses the various learning styles.  The auditory learner will have voice, music, and noise.  The visual learner will enjoy the videos, powerpoints, and other visuals.  The kinesthetic learner will appreciate the hands on components, especially the SMARTboard.  

Student satisfaction is, of course, a primary objective.  Education, especially for-profit education, exists to serve the student, while running a business.  And, through serving and satisfying the student, ultimately the student will stay in school, graduate, and learn valuable knowledge and skills in the process.  These graduates will benefit the business community, and society at large.  An advanced society like ours is critically dependent on an educated and productive populous.  

EMPLOYER NEEDS  

What do employers want and need?  The link to employer requirements is a vital one.  Businesses need educated workers.  They require technologically adroit employees who can meet the demands of a rapidly changing technological environment and a highly competitive situation.

Ours is a productive society.  Businesses spend billions of dollars training and re-training their employees.  "Business Ready" graduates will be more productive from day one and employers will appreciate this.

HAS EDUCATION COME TO THIS?  

Purists would argue that the more traditional approaches are preferable, and that academic freedom is being infringed upon.  They would say that instructors should be hired based on their knowledge, quality of education, expertise, research history and contributions to their field.  They would undoubtedly prefer to see pure "academicians" and "scholars" in the classroom.  However, there is room for an interesting debate here.  Is it about the instructor or the student?  Obviously, we understand that it's about both, but whose needs take precedence?  The answer has to be - THE STUDENT!  After all, the whole educational system is in place to meet the needs of the student, and ultimately, society.  

Instructors with real-world, practical experience and without techno-phobia will be more adaptable to this new format, and perhaps better equipped to relate to the student.

THE BOTTOM LINE

In education there is always room for a broad range of opinions and approaches. Let's try this new one.  It works in business - why not education?  This is probably why Career Colleges are embracing the approach much more readily than their mainstream counterparts. The "for-profit" Career Colleges are definitely  the forefront of this initiative, and "early adopters." 

We all know that "quality " is an issue in education.  Graduates with virtually identical credentials can have vastly different skills, knowledge, and abilities.  This is, and always has been a concern. This standardized, quality-assured model addresses that issue.

Sure, this educational model is controversial, as it should be!  But the end result may very well be that students have a reasonably similar experience, learn comparable skills, and become better "fits" within the business world.  Employers can be better assured and confident that graduates have the knowledge and skill base they require to be successful contributors.  They will probably, at some point, wish to be full participants in the curriculum development process.  In the globally competitive market, this might just be what is needed.

When we're teaching Business we must be business-minded.  Let's transfer those "best practices" from the business world to academia, keep our students involved, and better prepare them for their future careers.  And, the lessons to be learned from places like McDonald's may be more applicable to education than we might have ever imagined. 

Copyright ©, 2009, Dr. Ben A. Carlsen, MBA. All Rights Reserved Worldwide for all Media. You may reprint this article in your ezine, newsletter, newspaper, magazine, website, etc. as long as you leave all of the links active, do not edit the article in any way, leave my name and bio box intact, and you follow all of the EzineArticles Terms of Service for Publishers.

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