John at Duct Tape Marketing has a very thought provoking post on how a wildly successful Deli expanded their business and profits in an unusual way: a “community business model”. The company is Zingerman’s Community of Businesses
Instead of producing “Cookie cutter” imitations of their deli in every city - the traditional franchising model, they decided to expand another way.
They essentially become a combination patron/angel investors/incubator for new business ideas, often capitalizing (literally) on ideas from existing employees.
This lets the owners focus on their passion while harnessing the passion of other owner-managers and sharing the profits.
Are there mentors whom you could be working with? I can’t wait to visit Ann Arbor to see their operation for myself.
Joshua - Work From Home Packages on September 3rd, 2008 at 9:22 am
That is an interesting idea to have a community business model, I hope to learn more too.