Northern Lights Consultants Corp.
7111 Syntex Drive, Third Floor L5N 8C3 Mississauga, ON, Canada

I have always loved stories! I have always found them to be a powerful medium for learning. What my economics friends would say is a "transfer of knowledge". I will make a point of cross-posting these articles on both my personal LinkedIn profile as well as my Northern Lights Facebook page.

I have always loved this painting by Anne Hopkins entitled "Shooting the Rapids". It reminds me of the entrepreneur's journey - especially in franchising. The metaphor for me is clear: The "canoe de maitre" symbolizes the business. The franchise system or brand. The voyageurs paddling furiously represent the owner-managers or franchisees operating each retail location; each pulling hard to propel the canoe the Brand or System - forward. ... The pilot steering the canoe from the back is the Head Office or franchisor. He has the weight of everyone's livelihoods on his shoulders to dodge the rocks and steer the canoe through dangerous waters. The couple sitting precariously in the middle represent the customers of the business. They are relying on and trust the Pilot and the voyageurs to shoot the rapids and deliver them safely to their destination. Of course, the rapids themselves represent the dynamic and competitive marketplace. Full of rocks, dead-heads and other dangers ever present to trip up the unwary. And so, the painting Shooting the Rapids in many ways symbolizes the best that franchising has to offer: Back-to-back, shoulder-to-shoulder franchisors and franchisees work together towards a common goal of providing the best products and services possible to our customers at the best possible value. Indeed, the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.

We are very excited to be joining Michael Melvin of McInnes Cooper in a sweep of major cities in the Maritime and Atlantic provinces this February. This is a great opportunity for businesses and entrepreneurs that to explore franchising as a means to grow their businesses. Many thanks to Michael and the team at McInnes Cooper for facilitating these conferences. If you are I the neighbourhood, come and join us!

building better businesses

NLC Logo, July 2017