Winning Business

With economic uncertainties seemingly a way of life these days, people are turning to entrepreneurship and self-employment in increasing numbers. The rate of self-employed workers had risen every year for the past three years, according to the International Franchising Association Educational Foundation report by Price Waterhouse Coopers published in 2001. It appears this is a trend that is here-to-stay.  Many venturing into small-business ownership for the first time are turning to business opportunities and franchises for the advantages they offer, including a structured business model, training and support that aren't available with an independent start-up. This also extends out to small businesses with an existing customer base who want to add product or service lines to  their business. The numbers are staggering when one considers the economic impact of business opportunities, licensing programs and franchising. Over 750,000 business opportunities and franchises generated over 600 billion in sales by 2001. The IFA study also found that one out every seven jobs in the U.S. is now related to business opportunities and franchises.  The key to success, when considering a business opportunity, is tied directly to the quality of the product or service offered, and the !0support and training!1 supplied by the central organization. One company stands out in this regard - Suddenly Slender. (www.bodysuddenlyslender.com) The company was founded by Victoria Morton in 1969 and, as its name indicates, is focused on the hottest industry in the U.S. today - physical appearance. Victoria had her own weight and water retention issues at the time and solved them. With two thirds of all Americans clinically overweight, and considering that the baby boomer generation is now reaching their 50's and 60's, Suddenly Slender is uniquely positioned to take full advantage of these trends. Victoria Morton, as a spokesperson for the Suddenly Slender program, is a true example of both personal and business success. Morton has written two books on the subject, and has appeared on over 1,000 radio and TV shows, and can get anyone excited about looking slimmer. While being interviewed by Sally Jesse Raphael, Morton said, !0We will change your mind, we will change your body, we will change your life!!1 The proof was in the pudding when, while on Raphael's show, she wrapped a woman who felt she looked slimmer and 10 years younger in only an hour. The cameras didn't lie. Morton's message of looking slimmer and more youthful has now extended out across the world. Over 1,100 licenses have been sold worldwide. Currently, The Body Wrap is delivered throughout the United States, Canada, the Caribbean, South America, Europe, the Middle East and Ireland. Morton just celebrated her 10 millionth Wrap worldwide. The Body Wrap is a method for helping to visually slenderize and contour one's body shape and visibly tighten skin in only 60 minutes. It involves wrapping the body in porous elastic bandages which are soaked in a special mineral solution. The Body Wrap is applied to the entire body with special attention to areas needing  improvement. What is quite revealing is the !0measurable!1 change that results once someone has completed a treatment. A tape measure is used to monitor the individual's overall success with the program. It is hard to argue with results and that is the key to Victoria's program. This is particularly true when talking to independent business owners who have entered into license agreements to provide the Suddenly Slender service in their area. !0The support and training provided by Victoria's organization has been a key part of our success,!1 says Glen and Michelle Miller. !0I also go to Victoria's semi-annual conventions and Advanced Training sessions in Florida which have proven to be invaluable.!1  As Georgi Flowers alluded to, Suddenly Slender's founder hosts a unique convention at her palatial estate located just outside of Clearwater, Florida. !0I love getting together with my people who are on the ground,!1 states Morton. !0It gives me a chance to find out what we are doing right and what is needed by our licensees for their future success.!1  With the combined revenues of the weight loss and anti-aging industries exceeding 100 billion dollars, one can understand why prospective licensees are lining up to get involved with Suddenly Slender.  In parting, Victoria gave this last piece of advice for anyone seeking to either expand their product lines or start a business through a license opportunity, !0Find out how the company is going to strengthen your success and write down that data. Then ask for a list of referrals.!1 Morton goes on to say, !0This is when your real work begins in finding out if they do what they say. And if it isn't personally rewarding, don't do it!!1 After 10,000,000 wraps and counting, we believe Morton knows what she is talking about. After all, just pull out the tape measure and check her clients.

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