Page 73 - From Zero To Hero

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The simplicity and fun method to eat corn with
a spoon has also captured the interests of tourists
fromabroadwho tastedandenjoyed the concept so
much that it resulted in an international business
expansion. Soon the global market beckoned –
today Nelson’s franchise operates more than 800
outlets in16 countries and continues to expand its
operations to further reaches of the world.
At the start, therewas a strong desire to branch
out of the Klang Valley area and also enhance the
idea of corn consumption among its customers.
That was when the idea of corn in cup as an
ideal method originated. This innovative idea has
certainly proven to be fruitful as the extracted
individual kernels are easier to freeze for freshness
compared to the traditional corn on cob.
The company is proud to have pioneered this
idea. Ithas resulted ina longer shelf-lifewithquality
assurance andNelson’s sawthis as a breakthrough
to franchise the business to other people.
Today, Nelson’s can be found almost anywhere.
Nelson’sproducts include their famous corn incup,
snacks such as waffles, dorayaki, corny fish sticks,
Malaysia’s famous fruit ice-cream, the ice-cream
‘potong’, cornsoupandvarious beverages like corn
juice, fruit juices, pearl bubble tea, ice blended corn
smoothies and ice blended cappuccino.
Overcoming Industry Challenges
The retail industry can be quite a challenging
place to be in and one must prepare for any initial
setbacks andknowhowtoovercome them. ForNel-
son’s, themajor issues faced in retail and franchise
would be capital and people. After operating for a
number of years, the company found that capital
was a vital issue in ensuring success. Through a
slow and steady climb, the company managed to
work with existing resources and seek expansion
throughdetermination, ample research,marketing
and understanding the business.
The “5 Ps” of business mantra – product, place,
price, people andpromotion– are the guiding light
of the ever expanding Nelson’s business empire.
The people factor also proved to be a big chal-
lenge as there always seem to be a shortage of
manpower, causing a bump and halt in outlet
operations or openings.The systemof franchising,
in a way, has helped pave the way for sharing of a
business concept. It became a business model to
gather capital resources as well as a strong work-
force through a network of enthusiastic people
whoare always keenon thebusiness and franchise.
Within this group of people, the company found
that they could reach out for assistance, gaining
knowledge and advice along the way.
Achieving Great Heights
As the business continued to grow progressively,
Nelson’s became anaward-winningbrand, and still
is today. Among the records and feats achieved
include the Bronze Award for Industry Excel-
lence – Franchisors 2008, Global Growth Award
2008 – Gold Award, The BrandLaureate – SMEs
Outlet in Xiamen, China Outlet at the National Zoo,
Kuala Lumpur