First, I would like to thank all of you that participated in the Communication Survey and/or the franchisee focus group held at the Jackson Spalding offices. We believe the results are very actionable - some of the actions will be short-term, but others are long-term solutions that require project plans and the appropriate resourcing.

Here are some of the high-level takeaways and the associated action items we believe we can take.

First - Franchisees want to see CKFI management in the field. The pulse of the business is out in the field and in order to understand what's going on in the business, you have to be where it is conducted.

Action - We agree and you will see the CKFI management team in the field immediately starting with several upcoming state meetings, training sessions, and in your individual offices. We will work with the NAC and Business Coaches to plan attendance and be able to share the information that is important to you.

Second - You like the Friday Flash as a communication vehicle, but it could be a more valuable tool if:

1. It was more interactive.
2. It could better accommodate multi-media.
3. Franchisees had the flexibility to forward certain sections to staff and not the entire document.
4. It was written with a little more pizzazz.

Action - We will begin researching other platforms that provide the flexibility that franchisees want to make this a more valuable tool. Once the initial research is completed, we will activate an ad hoc franchisee committee to help CKFI with the review process and select a communication platform that provides the flexibility we need.

Third - Comforting Times has little communication value.

Action - Start over. We should consider whether Comforting Times serves a strategic communication value and if it does not - eliminate it. OR - identify a communication vehicle that is missing.

Fourth - The Members website is too difficult to use and serves as neither an effective communication channel nor an easy-to-use repository of information and assets.

Action - Building a new Members site has tremendous strategic value as a two-way communication channel and a means to house important documentation and intellectual property. This is a long-term project and one we are ready to invest in, but it is a significant financial investment and will have to be scoped and resourced in partnership with franchisees. It is on the plan as a 2014 initiative.

Watch for the details of the upcoming election in future Friday Flashes.

The first weekly winner of a $100.00 gift card in the "Search for the Greatest" has been determined! Congratulations to Bob and Raquel Mullaney of Plymouth, Hyannis, and Milford, MA for turning in last week's best call. Though there were many good calls, this call best showcased how to:

1. Create a connection with the caller
2. Gather information
3. Get a home visit

Keep your submissions coming - we cannot wait to hear your greatest inquiry call! You can submit your call through email at CKFITraining@ComfortKeepers.com.

Don't forget the Grand Prize is a trip to the 2014 Leadership Conference in Denver, CO.

"Investing For Profitable Growth," November 5th thru 7th at the US Grant Hotel in San Diego.

Make your reservations now! We have negotiated a great hotel rate at the historic US Grant San Diego hotel, situated in the city's lively and historic downtown Gaslamp Quarter, with easy access from the San Diego airport. Hotel reservations must be booked by October 4th. Please click here to book your room!

Please talk with your PMG facilitators or Keith Jardine, (937) 260-7021 or email KeithJardine@ComfortKeepers.com, if you have questions.

Congratulations to Steve Schoepp and the entire Sioux Falls, SD office on winning the $100 Visa gift card this quarter. The Sioux Falls office exceeded their goal at 140%, collecting 1,117 pounds of food, and donations are still coming in from over 25 donation locations including Walgreens, local grocery stores and businesses as well as assisted living facilities. They partnered with the Salvation Army of South Dakota, Sioux Falls Chapter to distribute the food to seniors in need.  

Click here to register.

Challenge yourself and take your franchise to a whole new level during the Leadership Challenge and Time Management Road Show. At this event you will learn how to manage the key skill of time management and learn how to develop your leadership skills.

This event held at the Holiday Inn Long Beach Airport, costs $100 per attendee. Each participant will be given a 360 from The Leadership Challenge program. Over the two days we will cover:

• The Leadership Challenge from Kouzes and Pozner
• Results of the 360s
• The Five Practices of Exemplary Leadership
• Time Management Best Practices

We will also provide a Learning & Development Update.

Roadshow Information:
Please RSVP by Sunday, October 6 via the web. Click here - Join the Leadership and Time Management Road Show - to RSVP (please register each attendee separately). We look forward to hosting you in California!

The Learning and Development Department has established the 2014 Road Show Schedule. Click here to find out when a road show will be in your area - mark your calendars now!

Want to practice your sales skills? Do you need a refresher on sales management? Do you know all there is to know about readmit reductions? Perhaps you should join us for the two-day Salesapalooza Road Show. We are hosting this event in Chicago at the Courtyard Chicago Oakbrook Terrace. The event is for franchisees and their sales team. If you've been to a session before, please join us again. All scenarios have been updated, so it will be an all-new experience with updated learning possibilities.

Title	Date and Time	Description
Salesapalooza 1*	Tuesday, October 29th 9 a.m to 4 p.m.	no prerequisite, all new scenarios
Sales Management	Tuesday, October 29th 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.	Readmit Reduction, ACO's and Transitions
Salesapalooza 2*	Wednesday, October 30th 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.	prerequisite: 1 year of sales experience at Comfort Keepers® or previous sales experience

*Preworked required
                                                                                                    
Road Show Information:
Location: Courtyard Chicago Oakbrook Terrace
Address: 6 Transam Plaza Drive Oakbrook Terrace, IL  60181-4254
Phone:  (630) 691-1500
Hosted by: CKFI Learning and Development Department

Please RSVP by Sunday, October 20th. (Register each attendee separately). Hotel Cut Off Date is Tuesday, October 8. Book Your Room Now! We look forward to hosting you in Chicago!

With more and more hospitals looking for ways to minimize costs and risks, the October Mastermind will examine how you can help those organizations do just that.
 
Presenters:
Mary Ellen Rohrbaugh, Business Coach
Helen Rades, Owner Franchises 405/601/655
 
Webinar Information:
Thursday, October  3, 2013 11:00 a.m. EST (10:00 am CST, 9:00 a.m. MTN, 8:00 a.m. PST).
Click here to join the MasterMind webinar. For Audio, dial (800) 591-2259, participant code: 886411

There have been several changes in the Department of Labor (DOL) laws that may affect your franchise. CKFI is dedicated to keeping you updated on the ever-changing legislation that may affect your operations. Here are a few of the areas covered by the DOL:

• Companionship Services
• Minimum Wage and Overtime Protections
• Fellowship and Protection

Click here to see this month's issue of Hot Topics detailing DOL changes.

Did you miss a previous edition of the Friday Flash?
September 20
September 13
September 6
August 30