Learning made fun

Musical Minis – Work and Earn, With Time For Yourself

Musical Minis provides an opportunity to work and earn an income whilst still having time for yourself. The Musical Minis franchise allows franchisees to balance work and home life. Franchisees have a choice in the exclusive area they establish, they choose how many hours they want to dedicate to the franchise and what targets they want to set themselves. This flexibility together with the opportunity to work with children are some of the main reasons why I believe our franchise is one of the leading part time franchises for women in the UK.

As Franchisor Am I Right To Turn Away Prospective Franchisees I Don't Think Will Be Successful?

I feel as franchisor of Musical Minis I have a duty to be honest with prospective franchisees and make sure they are realistic about the business they are hoping to buy into.

Prospective Musical Minis franchisees need to be aware that it is not only the classes they need to learn how to run but they also need to run a business. Some people just can't cope with being self employed and are much better as employees. Others can be mentored and although running a business is difficult for them, with guidance they will be fine after a while.

After 15 years of franchising I do think I can ascertain fairly early on when meeting a prospective franchisee if I feel they can run a Musical Minis franchise successfully. I also take note of comments existing franchisees say when a prospective franchisee visits them - they are keen to expand the network but only with suitable people.

I was sad to learn today that a prospective franchise I had declined, who was then accepted by another pre school music franchise, now has her franchise up for sale. It is hard to know who to blame, the franchisor or the franchisee. I knew the franchisee would seek another franchise to join and I knew another franchisor would accept her money!

Before I accept a new franchisee I insist they visit an existing class to make sure Musical Minis is the right franchise for them. Alarm bells always ring if:

• the prospective franchisee isn't interested in the programme,
• thinks it's very simple and easy to run so isn't at all concerned,
• think they've understood everything so don't need to stay for the complete class.

After the application form has been completed I can get a better feel for the franchisees' suitability. References often will give a glowing report, they have been chosen by the applicant so will act on their behalf. It is important to read between the lines and raise any doubts I have with the referees and hear their replies.

I have telephone conversations with applicants and during these can raise any concerns I have. Often the prospective franchisee will agree with me and we can discuss how I can mentor them and help them with the parts of the business that could be problematic for them. If we work together and they're prepared to accept help and guidance the success of their franchise will increase. Sometimes it's very clear that the applicant feels everything is fine but really doesn't understand the business side at all.  I have had one applicant who signed a draft contract and returned it with a cheque. It would have been really easy to pay in the cheque but I knew the applicant had no business sense and had no understanding of what she had done. It would have felt unethical to take the money when I didn't think the business could succeed as the prospective franchisee was too naive. I thought other franchisors would sign her up - unfortunately this was the case.

I am really keen to ascertain that an applicant really does understand what they are committing to in respect of the business before the Contract is drawn up. I feel it's unfair to take someones money if the business side of the franchise is something they are not suited to.

If you feel a Musical Minis franchise may be suitable for you please click here and enter your details to download an information pack. I'm happy to talk the franchise over with enquirers and rest assured I will tell you honestly where I feel your strengths and weaknesses lie. If I don't feel the franchise is right for you I will let you know. If both I and you feel it is suitable there are just 5 easy steps to become a Musical Minis franchisee.

Merseyside Musical Minis Work Experience Training Day

Guest post by Cathie Flynn, the Merseyside franchisee

I was delighted when the idea of using the Musical Minis Programme as a work experience scheme was accepted by Liverpool Mutual Homes. The opportunity to build confidence, whilst having fun with activities based on child development through music was quickly grabbed by six local people. This is what happened on their training day.

I arrived at Stoneycroft Children’s Centre to find the successful participants gathered expectantly in the meeting room. After a cup of tea and a quick introductory chat it was down to business. I gave a history of Musical Minis and then spoke about how I had taken my twin girls when they were about two years old and really loved the sessions. In fact I had loved them so much that I decided to buy the franchise for the Merseyside area. With over 10 years under my belt I was able to talk knowledgably about my experiences running the sessions and explained how the course would run through twelve classes over the next term and that how everyone would have a go at running all parts of the programme. I also explained that we would be able to split the lesson into sections so that people could try leading a smaller part of the class before being expected to run the whole thing. I made clear that I would be happy for people to go at their own pace and try things when they felt comfortable. Some things come more easily with experience and there was plenty of time for them to gain that experience over the next few weeks.

Win Justin Fletcher's (Mr Tumble) New CD

We have been approached by Justin Fletchers' (Mr Tumble!) team to tell you that he has a new album coming out on the 5th March called Hands Up.

It’s packed with 20 children's songs, including some of our favourites such as Hokey Cokey, Head Shoulders Knees and Toes, Incy Wincy Spider along with some brand new tunes. 13 of the songs form part of the Musical Minis session – of course we use our own versions and not Justin Fletchers.

We are giving away three copies of the CD.

We have a copy of the album together with a Justin Fletcher signed photo, exclusively to give away as a competition prize. If you would like to be in with a chance of winning it just post a comment on this blog post saying you’d like to enter.

We have another copy of the album to give away on Facebook. To enter, go to the Musical Minis Facebook page and "like" it.

There is one extra copy of the album up for grabs for twitter users. To enter, follow Karen Sherr on twitter and tweet the following, filling in your name in the blank: "I'm a Musical Mini and ……… is my name!" #musicalminis Don't forget to use the hashtag.

The competitions close at 8pm on Friday 2nd March 2012 when winners will be chosen at random. The competition is open to UK entries only.

For those of you who are not lucky enough to win you can buy the album here. It is priced at £8.99.

Musical Minis Merseyside Work Experience Programme

Merseyside Work Experience Invitation

Coffee Morning Friday 10th Feb 2012 10 am to 12 pm at Stoneycroft Children’s Centre Scotia Road L13 6QJ. Learn more about Musical Minis Work Experience Programme

Musical Minis Merseyside in conjunction with Stoneycroft Children’s Centre and kindly sponsored by Liverpool Mutual Homes is delighted to offer training and work experience based on the popular music group for babies and toddlers. Participants will be invited to attend a day’s training followed by work experience at weekly one hour sessions lasting ten weeks. The final session will include a graduation where participants will receive a certificate of attainment.

The course will offer people the chance to gain valuable, transferrable skills such as interaction with children and families/presentation skills. It will also cover aspects of health and safety and inclusion. We hope that participants will gain confidence whilst also having fun with activities based on child development through music.

To find out more contact Cathie Flynn on 0151 486 4735 e-mail [email protected]

Flexible working - A Q and A with one of our franchisees

Moving on from the controversies surrounding working mums, and whether or not they can have it all, we've been catching up with one of our long-standing franchisees, and finding out that actually, here in the real world, it is possible to have a very fulfilling and challenging career and still have time for your wonderful family

Jo Weaving, our Musical Minis South Wales franchisee, who has been with us since 2003, explains how she has not just coped with running a business and having a young family, but thrived on it.

Volunteering At The London Olympics 2012

AT the beginning of the month I was invited to attend a selection event and interview as part of the application process for volunteering at the Olympics in 2012.

As a bit of background, people were invited to apply to volunteer at the Olympics and had to complete an application form by October 2010. 240,000 volunteers', or 'Games Makers' as they are called, applications were received. 100,000 people will be interviewed and 70,000 volunteers are needed.

I was excited to be selected for an interview but have been surprised by the response from others. I can understand that some people are against hosting the Olympics due to the cost, disruption etc. associated with them. However, I can also see the pro Olympic argument as to how it can boost the economy etc. Whether people are for or against the London Olympics I think everyone needs to accept they're happening.

The element of my Olympic application that has surprised me is the fact that a number of people, including close friends and family, think I'm mad to volunteer. I actually find it exciting to think that I could be part of the Olympics and see it as a once in a lifetime experience. I don't mind giving a few days of my Summer to help out in whatever area it is felt I would be most beneficial to. The role they are considering me for is Olympics and Paralympics Family Services - whilst I'm not sure exactly what this entails I'm sure it will be both hard work and fun.

As franchisor of Musical Minis I do have experience of both running a business and supporting a team. During the Summer Musical Minis is quieter for me as regular classes on the whole stop during the holidays. If my volunteer application is successful, any Musical Minis work I have to do can be fitted into the hours when I'm not working, be postponed for a few days or delegated to others.

I'm interested in your views. Do you think I'm barmy in hoping I'm successful and giving up some of my holiday to volunteer? I wouldn't be paid, although I understand a London Underground pass and meals are provided so I won't be out of pocket. The hours could be long and at unsociable times. None of this bothers me though. I'd be happy to do a small part to help make the London Olympics a huge success and something that the Country can feel proud of.

Enjoy a party -- and the Hokey Cokey -- with us

...So it doesn't end up like this.

MUSICAL Minis parties are great fun and make a change for mums and dads searching for something a bit different.

You can see all the details on our website in the Parties section.

There's a choice of a one-hour or two-hour parties with varying activities.

One thing all our parties have in common is the Hokey Cokey.

Don't forget we have teamed up with Timto too to provide a birthday present service.

Hertford flexible business opportunity: Musical Minis franchise for sale

By Linda Williams

Hi, I’m Linda, the Musical Minis franchisee for Hertford.

Are you struggling to find a job that works around your family commitments?  Do your child care costs outweigh the part time salaries available? How do you manage your family during school holidays, school inset days and even school strike days?

Well here’s a great opportunity that can overcome all of these difficulties and give you a much improved income and great job satisfaction.

What's your view of the term 'mumpreneur'?

By Linda Jones

When blogger Jen, from Mum in the Madhouse, recently wrote about how much she hates this label, commenters agreed they weren't a fan either.

How about you?

It's not a description I've ever been in favour of where I am concerned. But for some women in business, I know how much sense it makes.

Sometimes women call themselves mumpreneurs because they find it empowering, it helps them find like-minded people and access excellent support available, advice and inspiration, and in some cases funding for their businesses, even. It can also help with publicity in some circles.