The Fourth of July is rapidly approaching. On this patriotic day, we reflect on the importance of freedom in the lives of Americans. As Americans, we have the right to live as we wish, to do what makes us happy. We have the opportunity to express ourselves freely through our religion, speech, and associations. We have the ability to provide for ourselves and our families by having whatever job or owning whatever business we choose. We have a chance to band together for mutual benefit in support groups, business associations, and political groups. What do the Fourth of July and the freedoms it represents have to do with business? Many people embrace the freedoms we enjoy to open their own business. Unfortunately, many look towards franchises that offer an established brand, only to realize their freedom in business is limited.

You know what is better than trying to please your whole family with one gallon of chocolate ice cream? Going out for ice cream! Going out to a Kaleidoscoops ice cream shop for a special treat, feels like a reward, and a celebration for the whole family. Sitting together inside a colorful ice cream shop indulging in your favorite sweets is a great way to bond with your family and enjoy special time together.  It gets everyone out of the house and away from video games, computers, work, and smartphones. Go back to a simpler time when families sat at the soda fountain and talked about their day to each other. Ice cream shops can bring families closer together, so incorporate this into your other family traditions and make it a must for catching up on each others’ activities, or celebrating a good grade or other special event.

One of life’s biggest thrills is opening your own business. It is also one of the scariest. Before you invest your time, efforts and money in your new business, consider all the ownership options. You can open an independent business, join a cooperative, or open a franchise.  Each option has it’s own unique benefits and it’s own requirements. Of course, with independent ownership, you make all the decisions but you start with no basic plan.  A franchise offers a recognizable brand, but there are lots of requirements.  A cooperative, however, allows you to be independent, but provides access to proven techniques and unlimited support.  Carefully consider each option before making your decision.

If your passion has led you to consider business ownership, we applaud your courage.  Although there are many exciting benefits to owning your own business, there are also many pitfalls. To avoid some of the pitfalls of business ownership, experts recommend you consider these tips:  focus your efforts, develop a commercial pitch, surround yourself with good advisors, trim the fat and balance work and life.

Many coop shop owners probably do not consider becoming involved in a professional organization. As you juggle a wide range of responsibilities both at home and work, how can you possibly make time for more meetings and activities? However, the benefits for coop show owners of joining professional organizations are invaluable. Whether you join a professional organization with a specific focus, the local chapter of a national trade organization, or an industry-specific group, you’ll get access to a wealth of valuable contacts and information.

Collaboration is often the fastest, most successful means of meeting the goals of a fundraising campaign. While community groups have to figure out how to maintain a high level of fundraising from donors with different demographics and backgrounds, businesses are attempting to attract those same community members. Luckily, businesses and community groups are able to band together and achieve greater results from a group-oriented campaign.

On a hot Friday afternoon, a Kaleidoscoops Ice Cream Shop owner came in with ice cream for everyone in the office. Some of his flavors were the old standbys – vanilla and chocolate – but he also brought in his own concoction of  pickle ice cream.  Yes, pickle ice cream just for Sara, who is pregnant. Since his shop was part of a co-op and not a franchise, he has the flexibility of creating his own flavors, for those special people and special occasions.

When you find yourself standing on the brink of a new ice cream business, it means you are about to make some major decisions. One of the most important choices you will ponder is how to structure your business. Will you operate as a stand-alone franchise and take on commercial challenges by yourself — or will you give yourself an extra boost and join a coop? A helping hand in business is critical to its success and a business coop can give you that advantage. Here is why choosing a coop — such as Kaleidoscoops — is exactly what your business needs to prosper.

New year brings new opportunities, especially for new businesses. So, if you are in the ice cream business, or looking to get into it, listen up! Now is the perfect time to shore up your marketing campaign and make sure it works to your business’ advantage. An excellent way to do just that is to join Kaleidoscoops, the leading ice cream business co-op.