OCTOBER 2023 ISSUE

“Home is the nicest word there is.” — Laura Ingalls Wilder

While many high school seniors around the country are going on college tours and studying college material there are many people much older who are doing the same but with the intent of purchasing a franchise. What struck me as I thought about the experience I have been going through over the past several months of looking at colleges and universities is how similar it is to the major decision that many go through when thinking about how to secure their family’s financial future. Purchasing a franchise, like choosing a college, is a significant decision that can shape your future in profound ways. The choices you make can determine your long-term success and satisfaction. Just as you wouldn't invest in a franchise without thorough research, selecting a college also demands careful investigation. In this article, we'll explore how the college selection process is akin to buying a franchise and provide guidance on how to investigate your options wisely. Define Your Goals When purchasing a franchise, you must first identify your business goals and personal aspirations. Similarly, before choosing a college, you need to understand your academic and career objectives. Consider your desired field of study, career path, location preferences, and extracurricular interests. Clearly defined goals will help you narrow down your college choices effectively. Research the Options Buying a franchise involves researching various franchisors to find the right fit for your goals and values. Similarly, researching colleges is crucial. Explore different institutions by visiting their websites, attending virtual or in-person campus tours, and talking to current students and alumni. This research will help you create a shortlist of colleges that align with your aspirations. Assess Costs and Financial Viability Franchise buyers must carefully evaluate the financial aspects, such as initial investment, ongoing fees, and revenue potential. In the college selection process, consider the cost of tuition, room and board, and the availability of financial aid. Assess your family's financial situation and explore scholarship opportunities, grants, and loans to make an informed decision about affordability. Examine the Curriculum Just as a franchise offers a specific business model, colleges provide educational programs with varying curricula. Investigate the majors, minors, and academic resources available at each institution. Ensure that the college you choose offers the courses and academic support necessary to achieve your educational goals. Review the Reputation Franchise buyers often assess a brand's reputation within the market. Likewise, it's essential to evaluate a college's reputation. Look into factors like faculty expertise, research opportunities, accreditation status, and alumni success stories. A college's reputation can impact your career prospects and the quality of education you receive. Consider Location and Campus Culture Franchisees must evaluate the location and local market for their business. Similarly, the location of a college plays a vital role in your overall experience. Consider factors like climate, proximity to family, and the cultural and social environment of the campus. Visit campuses if possible to get a feel for the campus culture and community. Evaluate Support Services In the franchise world, franchisors often provide support services to their franchisees. Similarly, colleges offer various support services to students, such as career counseling, mental health resources, and academic advising. Investigate the availability and quality of these services, as they can significantly impact your college experience. Compare Financial Aid and Scholarships Franchisors may offer financing options to franchisees, and colleges provide financial aid packages. Compare the financial aid and scholarship opportunities at each college on your list. Understanding the aid available can influence your ability to afford a particular institution. Seek Input from Others Just as prospective franchisees often seek advice from current franchisees, consider seeking input from students, alumni, teachers, and counselors. Their perspectives can provide valuable insights into the colleges you are considering. While many of us who are college bound next year are agonizing about our decision, there are many others out there who are thinking about their families future and how owning a business can help their kids go to college. Purchasing a business, just like going to college, is one of the major decisions that are made in life. For everyone who is looking at schools,I wish you the best of luck and for those looking to purchase a franchise, I wish you the same!

In the world of business, something interesting is happening: millennials are making a splash in home service franchises. While some might picture millennials as all about tech and digital pursuits, they're proving that they've got a knack for good old-fashioned entrepreneurship too. In this article, we'll dive into why millennials are flocking to home service franchises, what's motivating them, and how they're changing the game in this industry. Embracing the Entrepreneurial Spirit First things first, millennials are all about entrepreneurship. Forget the stereotype that they're risk-averse or tech-obsessed. They're eager to take the reins of their careers and financial futures. Jumping into a home service franchise lets them dive into the world of entrepreneurship with a well-established business model and strong support systems. Capitalizing on Essential Services Millennials are practical consumers, especially in uncertain economic times. They get that essential services are always in demand, no matter what the economy is up to. Home service franchises, offering crucial services like plumbing, HVAC maintenance, electrical work, and landscaping, are right up their alley. They see the value in investing in businesses that provide these must-have services, ensuring steady income and a loyal customer base. Breaking Down Entry Barriers Home service franchises often come with lower barriers to entry compared to other business ventures. This is a big plus for millennials who may not have a ton of cash to spare. Franchisors typically provide training, marketing support, and access to established supply chains, reducing the need for heaps of previous experience or industry knowledge. Millennials are seizing this opportunity to become business owners without breaking the bank. Tech-Savvy Innovation While millennials are embracing traditional businesses, they're not letting go of technology. In fact, they're using tech and innovation to amp up home service franchises. Think streamlined scheduling, top-notch customer relationship management, and savvy marketing—all thanks to digital tools and platforms. This tech integration helps millennials modernize these traditional industries, making them more efficient and customer-friendly. A Green Focus Millennials have grown up in an era of eco-awareness and sustainability. Home service franchises that emphasize green practices, like energy-efficient HVAC systems or eco-friendly landscaping, hit the mark with their values. By investing in businesses that prioritize sustainability, millennials are not only meeting customer demands but also contributing to a greener future. Stability in Uncertain Times The recent pandemic has shaken up the job market, making stability a top priority for millennials. Home service franchises offer just that. The demand for home maintenance and repair services held strong during the pandemic, showing how recession-resistant this industry can be. Millennials see owning a home service franchise as a path to financial stability and job security, even when traditional job paths seem shaky. A Taste of Work-Life Balance Work-life balance is a big deal for millennials. They value flexibility and the freedom to manage their own schedules. Many home service franchises provide this flexibility, allowing owners to set their hours and strike a balance between work and personal life. Millennials view these franchises as a way out of the typical 9-to-5 grind, giving them more control over their time A Supportive Community Franchisors in the home service industry recognize the potential of millennial entrepreneurs. They've adapted their support systems accordingly, offering tailored training, ongoing guidance, and marketing help that fits the millennial mindset. This support eases the transition into entrepreneurship and builds a sense of belonging within the franchise community. Millennials are making their mark on the business world, and their growing presence in-home service franchises is proof of their adaptability and entrepreneurial spirit. By investing in businesses that provide essential services, they're securing their financial futures and reshaping traditional industries with technology, sustainability, and innovation. The rise of millennials in-home service franchises tells a story of a generation that craves stability, embraces entrepreneurship, and cherishes work-life balance. It shows their commitment to meeting the demands of a changing world while staying grounded in the fundamentals of essential services. As this trend keeps gaining momentum, the home service franchise industry is in for an exciting transformation, driven by the energy and innovation of the millennial generation. About the Author Steve Sparks is a Consultant at The Franchise Consulting Company, offering extensive entrepreneurial experience across diverse industries. Committed to helping others achieve their business ownership dreams, he excels in connecting individuals with the ideal franchise opportunities. Contact Steve at ssparks@thefranchiseconsultingcompany.com .

At LIME Painting, we believe that every homeowner deserves to live in a beautiful space that reflects their unique style and taste. That's why we approach luxury home painting services with a customer-centric mindset, working closely with our clients to ensure that every detail is perfect, and every stroke of the brush meets their vision. We take pride in the fact that we have established ourselves as a leading franchise in the luxury painting industry, with a presence in 21 states and 85 territories across the United States. However, we are not content to rest on our laurels and are always looking to expand our reach. Our goal is to bring the LIME Painting experience to all corners of the country, delivering high-quality, luxury painting services to homeowners everywhere. We are committed to opening new locations and partnering with franchisees who share our core values of Love, Integrity, Mission, and Excellence. When it comes to selecting potential franchisees, we look for individuals who possess a unique blend of traits and experiences. While prior experience in the home services industry is a plus, it is not a requirement. Instead, we prioritize candidates who are genuinely interested in the work that we do and are committed to delivering exceptional customer service. We also seek out franchisees who are driven, hard-working, and willing to learn and adapt to new challenges. Building a successful business takes time, effort, and dedication, and we believe that our franchisees should share our commitment to excellence in everything they do. LIME Painting understands that our franchisees are integral to the success of our business. In light of this, we have devoted ourselves to offering ongoing support and training to our franchisees. Through careful selection and choosing only franchisees who align with our values and passion for excellence, we aim to create a network of successful entrepreneurs who are dedicated to delivering top-quality home services to their local communities. Being a franchisor for LIME Painting is a rewarding experience as we have witnessed firsthand the incredible growth and development of our partners. Seeing each franchisee's business transform before our very eyes is a truly awe-inspiring sight. We take pride in offering valuable support, resources, and guidance to our franchisees throughout every stage of their business journey. We understand the difficulties of starting and managing a business, which is why we strive to provide assistance and prioritize our communication. Our team endeavors to create a personal connection with every franchisee to gain a better understanding of their goals and aspirations. We equip them with the tools, resources, and strategies they need to empower them to take charge of their future and drive the success of their business. It brings us immense satisfaction to watch as our franchisees establish successful and profitable businesses not just for themselves, but for their communities too. Working in the home improvement industry is an incredibly fulfilling experience. There is a sense of accomplishment that comes with knowing you are helping homeowners improve the look and feel of their living spaces. But beyond that, the best part of working in this industry is the ability to transform people's homes into a reflection of their unique personalities and styles. LIME Painting offers luxury home painting services to our clients that help them achieve the look and feel they desire. We believe that every homeowner should be proud and confident about their living space, which is why our team of experts works hard to bring their vision to life. Seeing the smiles on our client's faces when they enter their freshly painted homes is truly priceless, and it serves as a constant reminder of the significance of what we do. About the Author At the age of 19, Nick Lopez founded his first painting LLC, and for every summer thereafter he painted homes to help pay for tuition, books, and cost of living. In his third year as the owner of a painting company, the “light bulb” went off and he realized that the past three years of painting didn’t have to be his last and that a future in the industry made sense.

Reaching your audience with the right message at the right time is key. For businesses and franchise owners in the home service industry, building a network with your marketing strategy is essential. In the digital world, it can be a challenge for marketing efforts to cut through the digital noise. The power of direct mail continues to stand out, providing personal connections with recipients in need of your services. No matter what sector of property services you work in, this article is your personal guide to getting noticed and creating lasting connections with the very people who will help your business grow. LOCALIZED DIRECT MAIL STRATEGIES AND MESSAGING For a property service franchise, tailoring direct mail campaigns to specific locations allows you to reach potential customers in an immediate vicinity where you can showcase your products and services. Try Sending ● Limited time offers to specific zip codes to create a sense of urgency ● Mailers that highlight partnerships and collaborations with local businesses ● Campaigns that emphasize the change in seasons based on a certain geographical region Knowing the surrounding area that your business resides in, you can cater your campaigns to speak directly to the issues that your recipients are experiencing, giving you the opportunity to connect on a deeper level. SEASONAL MARKETING CAMPAIGNS When you run seasonal campaigns you stay relevant to your customers’ needs. Some homeowners might not know what they need going into a new season – informing them will increase your response rates and maintain customer loyalty. Try sending: ● A limited time offer ● Spring cleaning or winterization checklists ● Holiday home maintenance reminders ● Mailers that address seasonal issues that your businesses specializes in preparing for Taking advantage of the change in seasons will put your business at a competitive advantage. NEIGHBOR REFERRAL PROGRAMS One of the best forms of marketing is through word of mouth. If you're sending campaigns in a neighborhood, you can incentify your audience to encourage others to use your products and services. Try Sending: Refer a neighbor and… ● Get a discounted product or service ● Receive a no charge system upgrade for your home security system ● Get a gift card or cash reward when you get a neighbor to sign up With well designed referral direct mail pieces, you can connect with not only one possible lead, but two! Giving you that valuable ROI and customer loyalty. SUSTAINABLE AND ECO FRIENDLY MESSAGING Incorporating environmental messaging and practices into your direct mail campaigns can have a positive effect on how people view your business. By offering opportunities for people to make their homes more sustainable, you create valuable, feel good relationships with your customers. Try Sending ● Content that encourages recipients to upgrade to more sustainable home materials such as windows, lights and paint. ● Tips on how homeowners can reduce their carbon footprint around their property resulting in energy savings. ● Mailers that highlight the types of energy saving materials and actions you take to reduce your company's carbon footprint like recycling or using organic materials. This kind of messaging will resonate well with homeowners who are environmentally responsible rewarding you with that positive brand awareness. HOME CHECKLISTS Being a helpful resource in your industry gives you great credibility and creates positive social proof for your business. Make your direct mail piece a valuable asset that people will hold onto by providing things like home inspection checklists, or tips and tricks to try. This type of content highlights your expertise and gets people relying on you and your business. Depending on your business, try sending: ● Security installation checklists: What do homeowners need to do before getting their security system installed? ● Moving checklists: How can people prepare their home for a move? ● Energy Audit list: Where can people look to know if they have energy wasting problems? ● Include a list of things in a home that should be checked once, or multiple times a year When you provide people with valuable information, they are more likely to depend on your expertise when it comes to their home. EXPLORE THE PROS AND CONS OF DIY vs PROFESSIONAL SERVICES How do people know when it’s best to do something yourself or hire a professional? Send a mailer that shows examples of certain tasks that can be taken care of safely, or should really be done by a trained professional. At the end of the day, your business probably knows best. Try sending: ● A campaign that highlights the convenience of hiring your company to complete a project. Be sure to include a clear call to action as people may have a sense of urgency to reach out depending on the type of project. ● People may try to complete certain tasks on their own, so why not include some do’s and don’ts to inform them about the importance of safety. They may end up giving you a call either way. ● Include a list of projects that require work permits and certifications to complete so people are informed about what they can and can’t execute on their own. While DIY projects can be very rewarding, it’s important to let potential customers know that your business is ready to help them with their next home project. VIRTUAL PROPERTY TOURS A direct mail campaign doesn’t have to work all on its own. Adding a digital approach is a great way for engagement and tracking. Including a QR code to a landing page, or interactive sight creates a whole new experience for your recipients. Try sending: ● A mailer with a qr code that links to a virtual tour of a house with signs that certain things are in need of repair. ● A postcard with a link to a video on how to effectively complete a task/project using one of your products. ● A link to an interactive tour of a property that highlights how your service effectively improves the property. ● Before and after views of a property after they used your services. Depending on the home services sector you specialize in, digital add ons and virtual walkthroughs of how your services work can be extremely effective and resonate with your desired audience. With direct mail, your ultimate goal is to become the trusted partner homeowners rely on for their property service needs. With each piece of mail you send, you have the opportunity to make a lasting impression and maintain important customer relationships. No matter your industry, The Mailworks can help you create campaigns that reach the right people at the right time, giving you that buzz (and sales) for your biz. Reach out to us today at themailworks.com

As you step into the bustling corporate headquarters of PatchMaster in scenic Chester, New Jersey, you'll immediately notice something that sets this franchisor apart from the rest. It's not just the polished conference rooms or the state-of-the-art training center; it's the palpable sense of camaraderie that fills the air. Meet Patch, the mascot dog who playfully relocates throughout the office and training center, engaging everyone in a friendly game of "Where's Patch?" Witness the good-natured banter and inside jokes between the leadership team members, operating like a tight-knit family. But make no mistake—behind the laughter and camaraderie lies a team that means business, specifically franchise business. Welcome to the heart of PatchMaster, a trailblazing franchise with a "Franchise-First" ethos and a leadership team deeply committed to fostering a culture of growth, success, and camaraderie among its franchisees. A Growth Story Like No Other PatchMaster's franchise model, established in 2017, is refreshingly straightforward: deliver fast, affordable, and top-quality drywall repair services for the often-overlooked minor drywall repair jobs traditional contractors and large restoration outfits shy away from. After proving out PatchMaster's innovative franchise model with a select pilot group of franchisees, the company rapidly expanded - achieving an impressive milestone of 50 units in less than a year. Fast forward to today, and PatchMaster boasts over 120 thriving locations across the United States and Eastern Canada. More than half of their 60+ franchise owners manage multiple territories, a testament to the franchise's low investment, high-margin, and scalable model. In 2022, PatchMaster proudly clinched the top spot in its category on Entrepreneur's Franchise 500 list and earned recognition as a Top Home-Based Franchise, Fastest Growing Franchise, and a Top Low-Cost Franchise from Franchise Business Review. Leadership: The Heartbeat of Success Since its inception, Paul Ferrara, PatchMaster's CEO, has driven the brand's remarkable growth. Ferrara's unwavering commitment to innovation, operational excellence, and exceptional franchisee support has been pivotal in ensuring that every franchisee receives the resources and support they need to thrive. His vision has firmly established PatchMaster as North America's premier drywall repair company. Ferrara perfectly sums it up: "Our franchise-first culture attracts highly talented and motivated individuals to our company. Our unwavering commitment to training and support has helped our franchisees succeed and grow their businesses quickly. With a proven business model and an unwavering commitment to excellence, PatchMaster is the ideal choice for anyone seeking success in the small-drywall repair franchise industry." Joining Ferrara in this unwavering commitment are key leaders Samantha Dreger and Joe Eible, who have been instrumental in driving the company’s growth and success. Dreger, the brand’s Chief Marketing Officer and an award-winning digital marketer, spearheads the brand's digital presence and franchise marketing. Eible, Vice President of Operations, oversees every facet of the company's operations, franchise support, training, and development, ensuring seamless execution. Additionally, the leadership team includes Executive Business Coaches Christian Clavadetscher and Kevin Gray, who bring a wealth of experience in business development, sales management, and strategic partnerships to the organization. With decades worth of combined franchise experience, they actively champion PatchMaster's "Franchise-First" philosophy. As Dreger puts it, "We have the privilege of supporting our diverse family of franchisees in achieving their entrepreneurial and personal goals. That Franchise-First approach drives every decision the leadership team makes as the brand leader in our industry. It doesn't get better than that." Meeting a High-Demand, High-Margin Niche PatchMaster's highly skilled technicians excel at the types of drywall repairs that many other contractors avoid, filling a critical gap in the market. From minor dings to more extensive damage like water leaks or fires, PatchMaster provides a convenient, affordable, and indispensable drywall repair service for homeowners, renters, landlords, and businesses. Beyond its seamless drywall repair work, PatchMaster stands out for its exceptional customer service. A 24/7 call center assists customers with inquiries and initial intake, while a proprietary pricing calculator ensures quick and accurate quotes. PatchMaster technicians provide near-dustless repairs and spot-on paint-matching technology to provide high-quality services to customers and businesses consistently. A Bright Future Ahead PatchMaster's strategic partnership with MPK Equity Partners in 2022 positioned the brand for significant growth within the fragmented $64 billion drywall industry and the vast $394 billion home improvement market. With national name recognition and scale, PatchMaster is ready to capture more market share. “As investors in young and growing franchisors, we are honored to partner with Paul and his team at PatchMaster. Their franchise model is unique as it efficiently addresses a “need to have” service for the end customer in today’s residential services sector. PatchMaster’s customer service reviews and opportunities for growth are impressive and are the reasons we are excited about our partnership with Paul.” Franchise-First Support System PatchMaster's appeal as a franchise opportunity extends beyond its impressive market positioning. The recession-resilient nature of the drywall repair industry, coupled with PatchMaster's low investment and operational costs, makes it an enticing proposition. The franchise offers best-in-class training for drywall and plaster repair services, along with access to proprietary technology and ongoing support. This holistic approach has attracted franchisees from diverse backgrounds, including logistics, insurance, sales, hospitality, and aerospace manufacturing. Over a dozen military Veterans have also found a new path with PatchMaster's empowering "Franchise-First" approach, enjoying financial and personal independence as they transition back into civilian life. A sliding royalty fee for all franchisees, discounts for Veterans and first responders, and a RightTrack package that includes substantial savings on tools and materials add to the many attractive incentives of joining PatchMaster. With a typical ramp-up period of just 60-90 days, PatchMaster sets its franchisees on the fast track to success. With PatchMaster, you're not just joining a franchise; you're becoming a part of a family where leadership, innovation, and support converge to create a recipe for enduring success. Discover your path to success with PatchMaster, North America's premier drywall repair company. Visit patchmasteropportunity.com or call (973) 944-1192 to learn more.

Sometimes change is exhilarating. Sometimes change is petrifying. Whether you love and seek out regular change, or you are put-off by it, it’s important to understand why it has the effect that it does on us. In this article, we take a look at the psychology of change, and how it might be impacting you. Good Change Versus Bad Change No matter how we feel about change, there’s objectively both good and bad types. For example, embracing change in our professional and personal lives can lead to innovation, learning new skills, creating new opportunities, preventing stagnation, and other tangible benefits. In fact, obtaining an edge, or improving our lives, necessitates change – it’s essential. Alternatively, we stay where we are now. However, some changes, like a global crisis such as a pandemic, or the loss of a loved one, have a negative impact on our lives. Human beings tend to enjoy and pursue the types of change we consciously control. Think about a decision like renovating a room in your home. Sure, it brings stress and expense; but since you’re the agent of change in this decision, it tends to be the kind of change-making we gravitate towards. When we aren’t the agents of change, we tend to react less favorably. If that home renovation becomes necessary due to an unexpected flood, for example, you might not be so happy about it. Even if the result is the same. Whether or not we can control a change in our lives, change is going to happen. It’s inevitable. Determining how we can control more of it helps establish the direction we seek. Resistance to Change We’ve all heard that people resist change. It’s often stated as a simple fact of life in a sort of callous or dismissive manner. However, it’s false. Otherwise, we would never have children. Billions and billions of people, over centuries of time, have chosen to take on the drastic change in their lives by bringing children into the equation. Could there be a bigger change in life? Yet, we do it willingly. So, the conclusion must be that people don’t resist or fear change itself. We like comfort and want to be in control of the change. More control, more comfort, easier to change. Not an easy equation to grab by the ears, and yet it is fairly straight forward. In their book, ‘Switch’, Chip and Dan Heath allude to the logical and emotional side of change. They call it the ‘elephant’, our emotions that control most things, and the ‘rider’, our rational self trying to control the elephant. They state that to institute change, three elements must be addressed. It must make sense to the logical side, but maybe more importantly, it must move the elephant, the emotional sides well. In addition, a path for success or achievement must be shaped so that the change can indeed be instituted. Whether you are trying to manage a change for yourself, or you are trying to manage change for someone else, you must ponder how to address, or fulfill, each of these three elements. The Heath brothers call it ‘Direct the Rider, Motivate the Elephant, and Shape the Path’. In a parable about mice and cheddar, Spencer Johnson’s book ‘Who Moved My Cheese’, illustrates that the mice who figured out that the cheese was somewhere else and not the normal spot, motivated themselves to pursue the new location, and made a plan to get there, filled their bellies. Common Resistors As we’ve established, people like to be in control of their change. But what about people hesitating to make a change they can control? There are a number of reasons why people resist choosing change: The status quo is more comfortable. Underdeveloped coping skills. Fixation on a part of the change that’s not in control. The discomfort brought on by change is often perceived as unfair, rather than as a catalyst for growth. The justification feeling of ‘no need to change’. A perceived lack of security. Peer pressure – the ‘naysayers’ rule. Fear of failure. If you look at each of these resistors closely you will see that either the logical or emotional side has not been satisfied related to the change being contemplated, or there is no clear path established. In a book called ‘The Power of Habit’, Charles Duhigg discusses in great depth, the things that we become comfortable with that become habits and do not require us to engage our ‘resource restricted’ decision making process. It’s when we are presented with changes, or choices, that those resources are used up, and sometimes we just run out of gas. Our decision-making resources are depleted and change is stymied. The bigger the change, the more resources are required, the easier it is to run out of gas. Understanding that concept and its effect on you – and recognizing that it is what is happening – can be enlightening. It can also be motivating to get the job done. Getting the job done means making the decision, yeah or nay, with clarity and conviction, and ultimately driving change for the betterment of our lives. Understanding that these mental resources are being used up, and more rapidly for bigger changes, can provide the ability to realize that just because you can’t get to that point to make the decision to change, doesn’t mean that you can’t plan the decision-making process with precise smaller steps to ultimately get to that very decision point. Improving Response to Change If you’re in the majority of people who are, or have been, at some point, resistant to change, don’t feel bad. The uncomfortable feeling that accompanies change is a fairly common psychological response built into all of us. In fact, it’s normal for us to perceive change as a ‘psychological threat’ – or an environmental challenge to our safety or integrity. Our natural instinct is to protect ourselves. So, what can we do to help us implement changes that will benefit us? In the event of that visceral reaction to change, a rational appraisal of the situation and of yourself, is the best tool you can use to overcome your discomfort, and then determine whether or not reacting with only emotions or feelings might prevent a great opportunity. On the other hand, the rational side can analyze you into the ground so you can’t move (analysis-paralysis). We need the emotional side too, including the vision for the future, the pursuit of dreams, the fulfillment of success, the picture we can create for ourselves. We need that energy. Sometimes, if we can see a series of smaller steps along the way to achieving the change, it will help to get where us where we need to go. That’s shaping the path. When logic and emotion work together, change can be achieved more easily. Put another way, when the elephant and the rider work together down a clear path, that’s where achievement lies. Exhausting Our Resources There is another significant issue that comes into play when contemplating considerable change. Our ability to choose, is an exhaustible resource, as mentioned above. When given too many choices, we tend not to choose at all. There is study after study backing up this supposition. In one study by physician, Donald Redelmeier and psychologist, Eldar Shafir, they found that when doctors were given a choice between recommending surgery or one medication, 47% chose the less invasive medication. When they had the choice between the same surgery, or two different medications, only 28% chose either medication. That’s an astounding result. It’s called decision paralysis and it happens because we only have the capacity for so much choosing. In this case, even three choices were overwhelming as compared to two options. The lesson here is to eliminate options as quickly as possible so you can really assess your very best alternatives. The likelihood of moving forward with life-improving changes is much higher when you have two choices versus more. That seems counter-intuitive, but science proves it to be true time-and-time again. Adapting to Change There’s no avoiding change in your professional life. After all, today’s business world frequently encounters changing market trends, changing career options, changing bosses, new technological advancements, corporate burnout, and other global challenges. However, too many professionals still resist change or try to slow it down. Adapting to change and making necessary changes is important to displaying leadership, developing skills, achieving dreams, and advancing career. Professionals who embrace change, rather than resist it, have the following advantages: Adaptivity in the face of the future. More opportunities. More chances to build resilience. Paths to personal and professional fulfillment. Maybe there’s an opportunity in your life to make a significant change. Whatever it is, the lesson is to assess the opportunity rationally (Direct the Rider) engage the energy (Motivate the Elephant) and envision the future, and plot the direction to the opportunity (Shape the Path). Just maybe it’s your new baby, or it’s your cheese, or it’s just your best chance to direct your life towards your own goals, dreams, and desires. About the Authors Dennis Schooley is the founder of Schooley Mitchell. Cal Wilson is Schooley Mitchell's Lead Content Writer and Communications Specialist.

New product offering, technology innovations, and growing unit level performance from Garage Kings helps drive sales of 21 territories to both new and existing franchisees and signals strong demand for Garage Kings.