Ask April Porter Podcast

In this conversation, April Porter interviews Paul Tran, an entrepreneur and advisor in the franchise and restaurant space. They discuss the current trends and challenges in the restaurant industry, as well as the franchising model. They emphasize the importance of adaptability, relevancy, and value in attracting customers. They also highlight the need for personalized and engaging customer experi...

In this episode that originally aired in 2022, we dive into actionable and effective methods to quickly boost your income. Whether you're looking for side hustles, investment tips, or creative ways to leverage your skills, our expert guests provide practical advice to help you achieve financial relief fast. Tune in to discover strategies that can make a real difference in your financial situat...

Many small business owners are experiencing a dip in sales in 2024 due to changes in the economy. In 2020, small businesses benefited from the shutdowns and government stimulus, but now they are facing extreme inflation and high interest rates. Middle-class Americans are re-evaluating their expenditures, leading to a decrease in sales. It is important for business owners to focus on what they can...

Hop into this episode and explore the concept of responsible franchising and the need for a standard of care in the franchising industry. It delves into the challenges faced by franchisees and the imbalance of power in the franchisor-franchisee relationship. The focus is on the SWAG™ standard (Sanity, Wealth, and Gratitude™) and its potential impact on the franchising model. Subscribe to our YouTu...

Dive into the concept of responsible franchising! April is sharing her journey from highlighting the problems in the industry to focusing on solutions. She discusses the importance of shifting the narrative towards positive, forward-thinking strategies and the impact of collaborative efforts like those at the Titus Center for Franchising. April emphasizes the need for self-regulation within the fr...

Join us on this episode as we delve into the intriguing concept of the 'Franchise Gap'. From identifying common pitfalls to exploring innovative strategies, we uncover ways to bridge this divide and propel franchise success. Tune in to gain valuable insights on navigating the franchise gap and unlocking untapped opportunities. Subscribe to our YouTube channel ⁠ https://www.youtube.com/@ask...

Dive into the world of franchising! In this episode, we're unpacking insights from the recent American Association of Franchisees and Dealers (AAFD) conference, where the buzz was all about collaboration between franchisees and franchisors. But here's the twist: while big-time investors usually steal the spotlight in other conferences, this one shines a light on the unsung heroes—the small...

Today we cover the topic of responsible franchising and the need for a shift in focus from highlighting the problems to finding solutions. April shares her journey and realization that talking about responsible franchising and adopting the vernacular of responsible franchising is gaining more traction. She discusses the role of the Titus Center for Franchising in promoting responsible franchising...

Secretsos™ is a technology platform that provides professional development for small business owners. It fills the gap in available professional development for underserved small business owners. The platform offers practical education and strategic guidance in various areas of business, such as operations, mindset, team development, marketing strategy, sales strategy, legal considerations, and HR...

Brian Cook, a seasoned entrepreneur and franchisor of StretchMed , shares his insights on the franchise industry and the importance of doing it the right way. He discusses the need for transparency and setting clear expectations in franchising, as well as the impact of customer turnover and pricing strategies. Brian emphasizes the value of developing people and creating a great customer experience...

In this podcast episode, Lane Kawaoka, a successful real estate investor, shares his journey from engineer to owner of over 10,000 rental units. He discusses the shift from active to passive investing, highlighting the benefits of real estate and tax strategies in wealth building. Lane emphasizes the importance of understanding one's wealth-building stage and offers actionable tips for listene...

Join us for an exclusive interview with Wade Swikle, the visionary founder of Two College Brothers Moving Storage and Franchising. Wade shares his incredible journey from starting a moving company in college to building a multimillion-dollar business. Discover his unique approach to franchising, his million-dollar guarantee for franchisees, and his mission to create businesses that make a positive...

Dive into the world of captivating copywriting with Julie Cabezas, the mastermind behind Copy Crimes, a trailblazing copywriting agency. Tune in to learn the secrets behind crafting compelling content that drives small businesses to success! Discover the pivotal role copywriting plays in amplifying your business's reach and revenue. Julie sheds light on the common mindset barriers hindering en...

Michael Hutchins and Chad Harrison from Authority Brands delve into the pivotal role of talent within the franchising sphere. They shed light on the comprehensive training and unwavering support extended to franchisees, underlining the profound significance of the symbiotic relationship between franchisors and franchisees. The conversation touches upon the essential qualities that define an except...

Discover the transformative power of infusing fun into the workplace with Pete Kusiak, founder of the Fun First Strategy™ and seasoned franchisee. Pete shares invaluable insights on why prioritizing fun is essential for fostering a thriving work environment. Learn how intentional culture and a focus on enjoyment can lead to greater employee satisfaction and long-lasting legacies. With practical ti...

Join us in this episode as we navigate the intricate process of selecting optimal software solutions for small businesses and franchisees. Learn the art of crafting a bespoke software wishlist to meet specific business needs and uncover valuable recommendations within your professional network. Explore effective research strategies to discern key differentiators among software platforms, and maste...

Dive into the world of financial empowerment with Andrew Czerwanka on this eye-opening podcast episode! Discover the crucial role of building and leveraging business credit for franchisees and business owners. Andrew demystifies the distinction between personal and business credit, unveiling the game-changing consequences of personal guarantees and the incredible perks that come with a robust busi...

Join us as we explore the three crucial steps to accelerate your journey to SWAG™—Sanity, Wealth, and Gratitude™. Discover how aligning your actions with your vision can transform your business into a source of profound fulfillment. Ready to make your SWAG™ a reality? Hit play and let's dive into the keys to entrepreneurial success! Subscribe to our YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/@ask...

Jeremy Bollington, a franchise consultant, discusses the E2 visa program and its role in franchising. The E2 visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows individuals to come to the US by investing in a business. Jeremey explains the challenges and benefits of working with E2 candidates, including language barriers and motivation for success. He also highlights the win-win-win nature of the E2 visa pro...

Explore the essential strategies for building wealth in business, moving beyond delegation to focus on a well-crafted customer journey. In the episode, April shares a practical example of a business's misstep in implementing a reward system. Emphasizing the importance of a strategic customer retention roadmap, the discussion offers insights into the customer's post-purchase psychology. Joi...

Listen in on this juicy conversation with guest, Steve aka Mr. Pineapple, as he explains the transformative Pineapple Theory for business and life. Discover the symbolic richness of the pineapple, its historical ties to wealth and hospitality, and how it can reshape your approach to leadership and business. Steve shares key mindsets and principles from his upcoming book, offering a unique perspect...

Dani Pelleva from Franchise Fame discusses her experience as both a franchisor and a franchisee, and how it has shaped her understanding of the challenges in the franchising industry. She also talks about her book, 'Franchise Fame,' which introduces the five F's of franchising in regards to marketing. These five F's include fantastic reputation, finding the right fit, having a full...

Tanessa Shears, a kinesiologist and certified sleep science coach, joins April this week to  share her 12 Becoming Limitless Protocols which help entrepreneurs double their energy and focus so they can make more money in their business. They discuss the mindset and habits that hinder sleep, the fallacy of completing all tasks, and the self-made urgency and phantom finish line that often lead to bu...

Cheryl White joins April in this episode. Cheryl is a successful franchisor and franchise strategist. They discuss the importance of investing in oneself and one's business, the mindset of business owners, and the significance of exit planning.  Cheryl shares her insights on how to differentiate between expenses and investments, and emphasizes the value of personal development. They also touch...

Welcome to an episode where the worlds of direct sales mastery and franchising collide!  In this unique crossover, April and Jennie Bellinger join forces to unveil the hidden realities of direct sales and franchising. Together April and Jennie dive deep into the dynamics of finding committed team members, exploring the value of quality over quantity, and legal concerns not to be overlooked.  In es...