Are Energy Companies and Brand Marketing Strategy Like Oil and Water

Every so often, an oil company experiences an environmental catastrophe of disastrous proportions. As evidenced by the recent Gulf oil spill, the Exxon Valdez oil spill and countless other eco-disasters, these occurrences are a tragic occupational hazard of the energy industry. In theory, they should not be a surprise — anymore than an earthquake in California would be a shocker. Of course, a big enough tremor in Los Angeles will generate nationwide news coverage. The question from a brand marketing standpoint is simple: is there anything oil companies can do, given the probability of an oil spill?

In order to answer this question, it is helpful to back up and look at the consumers’ view of the industry. When it comes to the consumer, oil companies have a unique advantage over, say, a perfume company. This is that the oil companies offer a necessity. Everyone needs oil; perfume is a luxury.

From a branding and marketing standpoint, this advantage actually has negative connotations. The oil companies are really big and really profitable — even when the economy is in the proverbial toilet. In the deep recession year of 2009, when almost everyone was suffering financially, the oil companies made billions of dollars in profits. A 2006 FTC study of gas price manipulation found that the record increases in gasoline prices were “not substantially attributable to higher costs.” It seems the oil companies always take advantage of their financial opportunities with no regard to consumer goodwill. These companies are often viewed as monopolistic, money-grubbing, price-gouging, predatory goliaths. In a 2008 Harris poll of 20 major industries, only the tobacco industry had a lower rating than the oil companies on the topic of how good or bad a job they perform in serving the needs of consumers.

You could say, from a branding perspective, energy companies are already starting off on the wrong foot. After all, what is there to love about an oil company? Do you trust them? Do you have any affinity to any oil company? Do they do anything for you as a person? Do they make you feel good in any way? This makes it all the more difficult for an oil company to perform branding and marketing tactics that prepare for the worst. The energy industry has to rank among the worst PR and branding industries. We know all about the 1989 Exxon Valdez nightmare which was widely considered the worst corporate PR fiasco of all time. But what has the industry done to counter its image since then?

One could argue they actually have made some positive strides. Let’s take the current Gulf oil spill. BP has a real disaster on its hands, and they have clearly learned a lesson from Exxon’s PR disaster. The CEO of Exxon was nowhere to be found until six days after the Valdez disaster. When he finally did appear, it was only to hold a press conference to deny responsibility to disclose the plan to clean up the mess. He also blamed the media for turning the spill into a big deal. His refusal of media interviews and complete lack of remorse highlighted one of the worst PR gaffes in history. It conveyed an “ivory tower-esque” tone of arrogance. To his credit, the CEO of BP, Tony Hayward, has learned from Exxon’s PR mistakes and has been on air and is taking full financial responsibility for the spill cleanup.

How To Get A Canadian Business Loan For Franchise Funding Solid Franchising Lending Tips

They usually always start with only one question. Who is ‘ they ‘? Its clients with that age old question ‘ How hard or difficult is it to get a business loan for a franchise in Canada these days? They of course have made one of the biggest decisions in their lives/ careers, vis a vis becoming a franchisee in this booming industry – now the only problem is …’ What type of franchise lending and funding is available ?’

Well, we’ll share with you some tested and proven strategies around franchise financing in Canada, focusing on completing a successful transaction in a minimum amount of time, with a finance plan that works for you, not just the lender!

On its own franchising has somehow become an industry with a strong and viable reputation. It, like all industries was hammered hard during the 2008-2009 recession; bus has bounced back strongly, even moreso than many other industries.

So, it becomes a simply two part question then, can you get a franchise loan these days, and more importantly, how?

There are some key factors to consider, one of which is simply aligning you, hopefully with a strong franchisor. So once you have made the decision to partner with a franchisor (we use partner because we think they need you as much as you need them!) you only need one thing. Whats that one thing?

It’s a ‘ package ‘. By that we of course mean that you need a solid little package that convinces both the franchisor, and of course moreso the lender that you are equipped, from a financial and planning perspective to be a winner as a franchisee.

So what are the key elements of a successful winning plan? It’s really pretty basic stuff, and in our experience many good franchisors have already done a good job of helping you prepare for this. Those key elements are as follows – an overview of your own background and experience, an overview of the franchisors business ( its your new business too, by the way!) and a solid financial plan that demonstrates two things: how you will make money , and of interest to the lender, what type of cash flow you will have to repay the loan!

It’s a bit of mis information when franchisees come to us having assumed the franchisor helps them get the financing. Some do assist in a mild sort of way, but we can assure you that you’re on your own when it comes to achieving final success.

So the question then becomes how do you get prepared and qualified? Answers as follows! Get working on that business and financial plan we talked about. Identify the amount that you can contribute to the business, essentially your ‘ owner equity ‘, with the rest coming from your loan or loans. Typically a minimum of 10% and up to 30-40% is required.

It’s always helpful to know how the last guy succeeded, don’t you think. In reality the largest per cent of franchise financing in Canada is done via a government sponsored loan that’s formally called the BIL/CSBF program. Why that loan , and why you should investigate it ?Some great reasons are 5-7 year payback terms, great market interest rates, no pre payment penalties , and you don’t even have to personally guarantee the full loan . Is there a better deal in town? Maybe, it just that we haven’t found it.

We also hasten to add that for any type of business loan, and certainly in franchise lending, the funding and approval of your loan assumes you have a reasonable personal credit history.

So, want to get with the program? Speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor who can assist you to meet your franchise funding and lending needs, today!

Buy Branded Children’s Clothing At Below Wholesale Prices

You don’t always have to pay full retain price when buying branded children’s clothing like Oilily baby clothing, Oilily children’s clothes, Cakewalk oilily, room seven oilily, Cupcakes and Pastries baby clothing, Ferd Kids clothing etc. In fact, you can buy at some online stores for below wholesale prices. You’re no longer limited to what your local retailers have to offer. With online stores, you can shop around and find the lowest prices on your favorite brands like Ferd Kids clothing or Cupcakes and Pastries baby clothing without leaving your computer desk. Here are some tips to ensure getting the best children’s clothing for the best price.

Compare Pricing

You can only find the best deals on brand name children’s clothing, e.g. The Oilily children’s clothes that includes Oilily baby clothing, Cakewalk oilily and Room Seven oilily, if you do a comparison. Compare styles, brands, price and shipping costs. You’ll need to factor in shipping because most stores will not ship for free (except in rare cases when you’re buying in huge quantities). Also, don’t forget to calculate sales tax. Buying online doesn’t eliminate the usual “extras” that are tacked on to the price of retail products!

If you find an online retailer offering below wholesale prices for branded childrens clothing like Ferd Kids clothing or Cupcakes and Pastries baby clothing, verify that this is true. Many claim to do so, but might only offer a few items below wholesale and then jack up the price on other items to make up for it. It’s important to find a clothing store that offers great deals on every item and every brand name.

Always Go For High Quality Brands

If you’re going to look for savings, you might as well shop for the best. Children run and play and can be tough on clothes. Getting good brand name clothing for your kids might help you save time and money in the long run. The clothes will endure more rough play and won’t fall apart in the wash! This is especially true for children’s shoes. You might be tempted to buy the cheaper brand shoe, but then find yourself disappointed when the shoes only last a few weeks. The same goes with boys clothing. Boys are notorious for wearing holes in their pants knees or wearing the soles right off of their shoes. Simply put, brand name children’s clothing tends to last longer, whether its girls clothing or boys clothing.

Here are some brand names to look for when shopping for high quality kids clothes: Oilily baby clothing, Oilily children’s clothes, Cakewalk oilily, room seven oilily, Cupcakes and Pastries baby clothing, Ferd Kids clothing etc. These and other brands boast quality material and good workmanship to make children’s clothes that last.

So the next time you’re in the shopping mood, check out online retailers first to discover the savings being offered for brand name children’s clothing. You can potentially save hundreds of dollars while getting durable, fashionable clothes.