Category: Food
Photohunt’s theme for today is SYMBOLIC. For the participants, you can go here to check on the other takes. The photo above are Philippine jeepneys which is one of the symbols of Filipino creativity. It was once tagged as the “Undisputed King of the Road”. They are also considered as ‘art-on-wheels’ but also the transportation mode for the masa (masses). Related articles Take a Photo, Capture an Idea in the Virtual World
Warmstone
I think being in a warm climate, basements are not normally seen as part of a house here in the Philippines. Basements are built in colder climates as cellars where food and drinks are stored. Some use them as laundry room, utility space or a space for the air conditioning system. When I was younger, I was fascinated with the idea of owning a house with a basement complete with basement flooring colored brown matching yellow lights in the evening and glare of sunlight coming from windows in the morning. As I grow older, the fascination was replaced with fear. Perhaps this was because of the scenes from suspense and thriller movies I had seen. It was usually in basements where victims fall prey or are kept as hostage. It created in me a concept that basements are dangerous places. Basements give me the creeps. The message they send are claustrophobia, limitations, and control. At present, I am dealing with my fear of many things. To have a basement would not be a good idea.
Warmstone
Sector Summary: Despite growing health concerns in the US, burgers continue to grow and gain popularity. The burger sector is highly competitive and consists primarily of fast food chains and fast casual concepts. With a …
Franchise Hound
There will be a longer Lenten vacation this year and it also speaks of summer here in the Philippines. It is the time of the year where we’re thinking of swimming and excursions. If only we have our own pool, we will be worrying only about pool supplies. The reason why I tend to think this way is the hit and miss scouting for the right but cheaper venue. The photo above shows a beautiful spot for swimming. It looks like it is perfect but it was only in pictures where the venue is appealing. It is more a pond than a swimming pool. The rocks are slippery and there were no warning signs that indicate the deeper part. We were here last year and we were only left with a choice to enjoy and deal with what was at hand. It was a fun day after all. One can’t blame me for wishing to have my own pool where we can dip anytime we want. On second thought, would that be high maintenance?
Warmstone
I am very sure that most of us have a lot of embarrassing moments to share. I had one today. A wrap-up meeting with one of the bosses was to be conducted. It is where audit findings are to be presented. The meeting was started and the first parts where stated. The boss was frequently looking at me and I dismissed it as one of those gestures of conveying his agreement or disagreement about a matter. Suddenly, he exclaimed lifting his hand almost like pointing to me, ” Your fly is open… your zipper is open!” I was shocked and pulled down the seams of my blouse hastily while everybody was smiling and laughing. The boss added, “You’re distracting me!” The laughter grew louder. I tried to laugh with the group and excused myself. My head felt like it’s swelling. I discovered that I was not able to lock the zipper that is why it went down easily when I sat down. The blouse I was wearing was pulled up when I put the folder board on my stomach. I returned and the meeting was still on-going, and as if nothing happened. After it was finished for more than hour, [...]
Warmstone
A relative of mine who was an avid fisherman used to tell me that the key to fishing was knowing where there was underwater structure. Fish like structure such as sunken logs and trees as it gives them a place to live and hide from predators. If you fish near underwater structures, the fishing will [...]
Shift Blog
Have you ever wondered about the meaning behind those seemingly endless listings of ‘Fictitious Business Name’ entries in the newspaper classifieds? Do you know if your business needs to file one? Read on to learn all about the DBA or Fictitious Business name.
Fictitious Business Name: An Overview
Sometimes called a Fictitious Business Name, Doing Business As (DBA), assumed business name, or trade name, these filings let the public know the true owner of a business. Note that I’ll be using DBA and Fictitious Business Name interchangeably throughout this article.
The DBA or Fictitious Business Name designation was created as a form of consumer protection, to prevent unscrupulous business owners from operating under a different name to avoid legal trouble. When a business files a DBA, it’s typically printed in the local newspaper, so the community can see who is behind the business.
Who needs to file a DBA?
There are two circumstances when your business needs to file a DBA registration:
1: If you are a sole proprietor or general partnership conducting business using a name that’s different from your own name. For example, if Jane Doe wants to open a bookstore called Books for Cooks, she would need to file a DBA. In some places, you’re able to use your name plus a description of your product/service without filing a DBA. For example, if Jane Doe wanted to open a bookstore called Jane Doe’s Cookbooks, she may not have to file a DBA. If your business name implies a group (i.e. The Doe Group) or you just use your first name (i.e. Jane’s Cookbooks), you’ll have to file a DBA.
2: If you have incorporated or formed a limited liability company (LLC) and are operating the business under a name that is different from the name of the company or LLC. For example, let’s say that Jane Doe Cookbooks, LLC also wants to operate under the name JanesCookbooks.com, the LLC would need to file for a DBA for JanesCookbooks.com. Likewise, if Jane Doe wanted to expand into cooking supplies, then Jane Doe Cookbooks, LLC would need to file a DBA to do business as Jane Doe Cooking Supplies.
The benefits of a DBA
The main benefit of filing a DBA registration is it will keep you in compliance with the law. For sole proprietors, a DBA lets them use a typical business name without creating a formal legal entity (i.e. corporation or LLC). This is typically the least expensive way to legally conduct business under a different business name.
Filing a DBA gives the sole proprietor the freedom to use a business name what helps market their products or services, as well as create a separate professional business identity. However, be advised that a DBA doesn’t protect your business name from being used by others. For that, you will need to seek trademark protection.
For sole proprietors, filing a DBA is required to open a bank account and receive payment in the name of your business. Most banks will not allow you to open an account without receiving a copy of your filed DBA (for this reason, it’s best to file your DBA from the start!).
For an LLC or corporation, a DBA lets the company operate multiple businesses without having to create separate legal entities for each business. For example, if you plan on opening a series of websites, boutique shops, or restaurants, you might want to set up one corporation with a relatively generic name and then file a DBA for each website, shop, or restaurant. This will help you control costs and paperwork, while still expanding your business.
How to File a DBA
Specific requirements for filing a DBA vary from state to state, county to county. In some states, you register your DBA with the State Secretary of State or other state agency. In some states, registration is handled at the county level and each county may have different forms and fees for the process.
The Small Business Administration (SBA) offers a chart outlining the different requirements for fictitious name filings state by state. Some states also require that you publish a notice in your local newspaper and then submit proof that you have fulfilled the publication requirement. Of course, specific publication requirements vary. Turning to a professional legal document filing service can take the complexity out of the process and make sure that you’re following your county and state requirements to a T.
Deadline to File
DBAs should be filed before any business is conducted using the fictitious business name. Some jurisdictions will allow you to file within a short time period of first using the name. However, since a DBA is usually a prerequisite to opening a bank account for the business or using the name in contracts, it is best to get it done upfront. It’s an affordable process and will keep your business in good legal standing from the start.
Fictitious Concept Photo via Shutterstock
From Small Business Trends
Does Your Business Need a DBA?
Today’s Photohunt entry is LOUD. This is a capture of daughter’s entry to a national contest here in the Philippines. I think this is just right for the theme because of the striking (aka LOUD) color of brown, red and gold. You can post your entry here and here.
Warmstone
I was not sure if it was one of those Suzuki Harmonicas that he was playing. I was enthralled by the sound coming from the instrument that I could not recall that one person I saw for the first time making sounds out of this little music thing. This musical instrument has many types, I was told, and is also called a blues harp. The harmonica is truly a wonderful musical instrument but I wonder why I had totally erased from my memory the first person I saw using it. I have been trying to recall that guy, or maybe a boy, but to no avail. How come I forgot who that was? Has it happened to you? Why did I forget about who that person is? Perhaps it was the music that had me captivated and not the person ha ha ha :-D that is why I couldn’t trace him in my mind. Seriously, I am baffled. Is this a case of selective memory?
Warmstone
In most cases, you’ll have to be invited to what’s known in the franchise industry as a Discovery Day. And, if you are invited to a Discovery Day, get ready; things are about to get serious.
If you’ve done a good job with your franchise business selections, including making sure that the opportunities you’ve looked into are easily within your budget, and you’ve done a stellar job with your research, there’s only a couple of things left for you to do.
The first thing involves energy. You’re going to have to decide which opportunity you’re going to focus all of your energy on. Once you’ve done that, you’re a lot closer to becoming an owner. The next thing you do will probably involve travel, and with it, some out of pocket expenses. It’s the Discovery Day; it’s the day that you travel to franchise headquarters to meet the franchise team.
You Need to Get an Invite
Not just anybody can attend a Discovery Day. Only candidates that qualify financially, and have been through every stage of the franchise exploration process with their franchise development representatives can get an invite.
Most franchise development representatives don’t extend an invitation to their franchise candidates until they’ve gone through several specific steps in the process. The candidate’s credit history is checked, and there’s usually a background check done, too. In addition, the development representatives must feel confident that their candidates have a good understanding of the business itself, and what their roles would be in the operation of it.
It’s also the job of the representative to help their candidate’s get a feel for the (FDD) Franchise Disclosure Document, and to answer questions that they may have along the way. All franchise buyers must be presented with this document before they’re permitted to actually buy the franchise opportunity. The items listed, (23 of them) include thing like company financials, executive backgrounds, and the actual franchise contract.
If you’ve met the criteria identified above, and you do get invited up to headquarters, should you go?
The answer to that question depends on how serious you are about becoming an owner of the franchise in question.
For Serious Candidates Only
When my clients ask me if they should attend a Discover Day that they’ve been invited to, I tell them to only go if they’ve made the commitment to buy the franchise. That’s because by the time Discovery Day rolls around, the candidate should know just about all there is to know about the opportunity. No more research should be needed. The candidate should have a pretty good idea on how his or her franchise will be financed, and should have a franchise attorney standing by to look the franchise contract over, which may be sent home with the candidate at Discovery Day.
That’s right; a contract. That’s why only serious franchise candidates should pay a visit to franchise headquarters…..candidates that are just about ready to take the leap.
What to Expect
Your day at headquarters will allow you to see the entire operation in action. You’ll get a tour of the facility plus you’ll spend some time in all the different departments. You’ll meet the CEO. You may have an opportunity visit one or two franchise operations located in the vicinity of headquarters
When you attend the franchisors Discovery Day, you’re going to notice a difference in the way that your franchise development rep is communicating with you; eventually, things may start to feel a little more salesy than they have been during your past interactions. Your representative could be close to making a sale-and a commission.
But, two things need to happen before that sale can take place:
- The executive team needs to feel that you’d be a good franchisee, and if so, formally approve you. If they do so, your franchise representative will call you a day or two after your Discovery Day visit, and tell you that you’ve been approved as a franchisee and that they’d love to have you as one.
- The second decision will of course be yours; The Decision to become a franchisee.
Your Discovery Day will fly by. Absorb as much as you can. Get a feel for the company culture. Then go back home and sit on things for a couple of days. Bring the franchise contract to your (franchise) attorney. If everything looks good, you’ll have a decision to make. You’ll know what to do.
Discovery Photo via Shutterstock
From Small Business Trends
The Franchise Discovery Day