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OPERATIONS

MANUAL
TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Introduction.....................................................................................................................2
2. Welcome to DV Consulting............................................................................................4
3. Franchising with DV Consulting.....................................................................................7
4. Services.........................................................................................................................14
5. The DV Consulting Network.........................................................................................19
6. Transfer of Ownership...................................................................................................21
7. Boundaries & Exceptions..............................................................................................22
8. Training & Development...............................................................................................24
9. Marketing......................................................................................................................26
10. Business Development..................................................................................................30

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DV Consulting Inc.
Benrosi V Building, Makati City
Telephone: (02) 7116 8691 | Website: www.dvivoaccounting.com
1. Introduction

1.1. Purpose of the Operations Manual


This Operations Manual contains the specifications, standards and procedures for:

 the operation of a DV Consulting Franchise Business; and

 the maintenance of the DV Consulting Business Model, Brand and Image.

The Operations Manual is designed to provide you with practical advice and support in the
operation of your Franchised Business, and to ensure consistency within the DV Consulting
Network.

1.2. Compliance with the Operations Manual


The Operations Manual is to be treated as part of the DV Consulting Franchise Agreement.
Your Franchised Business should be operated in accordance with the provisions of the
Operations Manual, and any breach of same may constitute a breach of the Franchise
Agreement.

In the event that the terms of the Operations Manual are inconsistent with the terms of the
Franchise Agreement, the terms of the Franchise Agreement will prevail.

1.3. Ownership of the Operations Manual


Ownership of the Operations Manual lies with DV Consulting Inc.

The Operations Manual and any copy thereof is provided to you, the Franchisee, by DV
Consulting for the purposes of assisting you in the day-to-day running of your Franchised
Business. It remains at all times the property of DV Consulting and must be returned to DV
Consulting upon termination of your Franchise Agreement.

The Operations Manual may not be distributed or reproduced for any purpose whatsoever
without the Franchisor’s written authority. Unauthorized distribution or reproduction of the
Operations Manual constitutes a breach of copyright as well as a breach of the confidentiality
provisions of the Franchise Agreement and may result in legal action.

1.4. Updates and Changes to the Operations Manual


As the DV Consulting Network continues to grow, it may become necessary for updates and
changes to be made to the Operations Manual from time to time.

Pursuant to the DV Consulting Franchise Agreement, the Franchisor may add to, delete or
otherwise modify or amend the information and procedures set out in the Operations Manual
without prior notice.

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DV Consulting Inc.
Benrosi V Building, Makati City
Telephone: (02) 7116 8691 | Website: www.dvivoaccounting.com
You will be notified of any updates or changes to the Operations Manual.

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DV Consulting Inc.
Benrosi V Building, Makati City
Telephone: (02) 7116 8691 | Website: www.dvivoaccounting.com
1.5. Franchisee Support and Feedback
While we have endeavored to provide you with a comprehensive Operations Manual, if you
have any queries or believe that we have overlooked something in this manual, please contact
the DV Consulting Office at __________________ .

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DV Consulting Inc.
Benrosi V Building, Makati City
Telephone: (02) 7116 8691 | Website: www.dvivoaccounting.com
2. Welcome to DV Consulting

2.1. About DV Consulting


DV Consulting is a franchise which focuses on creating a better business environment for
Filipino Entrepreneurs. An idea conceived from a desire to change the way that consulting is
practiced in the Philippines, our core values are:

 Affordability
 Accessibility
 Appreciation

Through the provision of a business system which meets the needs of both clients and
consultants, DV Consulting aims to change not only the way in which the consulting industry is
practiced, but also the way consultants are perceived by the wider community.

2.2. Vision and Mission Statement


The DV Consulting vision came about through an awareness that the rigid structure of traditional
consulting firms is no longer compatible with the commoditization of business registration,
accounting and tax services and client demands for lower costs and price certainty. The constant
struggle for firms to maintain a competitive advantage has resulted in more aggressive budgets
and longer work hours, and consultants are experiencing an increasing lack of job satisfaction and
personal fulfilment.

DV Consulting vision is to create a better public perception of the profession and a more
fulfilling professional and personal life for consultants. By promoting values such as lifestyle,
freedom and flexibility, and enabling you to work when and where you want with the support of a
network of like-minded people, DV Consulting empowers consultants to achieve a healthy work-
life balance and increased fulfilment, and to provide a better service for clients with more
certainty and access to local specialists at a fixed, transparent cost.

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DV Consulting Inc.
Benrosi V Building, Makati City
Telephone: (02) 7116 8691 | Website: www.dvivoaccounting.com
2.3. What We Offer
DV Consulting offers you a rare chance to be your own boss without the long hours, large
overheads, and never-ending administrative workload. By establishing a business within the DV
Consulting Network, you will have access to:

 A recognizable Brand Image;


 A Network of like-minded consultants (CPAs, Engineers, Lawyers, etc.) across all areas of
practice;
 Administrative Support Services;
 Free Consultation on Difficult Technical Issues with Clients
 Regular Seminar/Training (fee - maximum of PHP1,000.00 per session,
charge to franchisee to cover up professional fee of Trainer/Speaker)
 Brand Marketing;
 Local marketing workshops;

With our innovative system, you will have the flexibility to work when you want, where you
want, and in the specialty that you want. You will have exclusive access to clients within your
local community and area of practice, and the opportunity to forge close and lasting business
relationships.

DV Consulting operates on a fixed fee pricing model which does away with the unnecessary
stress of the billable hour and monthly budgets. It offers you a transparent platform upon which
to build positive, trusting relationships with your clients, and gives them the price certainty and
peace of mind that they need.

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DV Consulting Inc.
Benrosi V Building, Makati City
Telephone: (02) 7116 8691 | Website: www.dvivoaccounting.com
2.4. Positive Psychology
Positive psychology is the study of the conditions and processes which enable people to flourish
and achieve ‘optimal functioning’. It is grounded in the belief that you thrive and lead more
meaningful and fulfilling lives when you are:

 Doing what you love;


 Savoring success and finding fulfilment in creativity and productivity;
 Engaging with the task at hand and rising to life’s challenges; and
 Engaging with other people and finding meaning, satisfaction and fulfilment in looking
beyond yourself and helping others.

Why is DV Consulting keen on positive psychology?

DV Consulting has adopted the tenets of positive psychology because we want you to flourish
within our network. By adopting our business system which offers you the flexibility to work
around your lifestyle, you will be able to have the work-life balance that you choose, and all of
the support and connections that you need to grow your business.

Unlike some traditional consulting firms, we want to practice what we preach when it comes to
positive psychology. We believe working together so that you can achieve your goals is
paramount. We will therefore spend time with each Franchisee and help them establish their
own goals and then work with them to achieve and review these goals at regular intervals.

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DV Consulting Inc.
Benrosi V Building, Makati City
Telephone: (02) 7116 8691 | Website: www.dvivoaccounting.com
3. Franchising with DV Consulting

3.1. Relationship between the Franchisor & the Franchisee

At DV Consulting, we believe that franchising is about creating a long-term cooperative


relationship between two parties with common values and a common goal. To foster a positive,
rewarding and mutually beneficial relationship, and a profitable venture for our franchisees, we
endeavor to make your business experience with DV Consulting as simple and straightforward
as possible.

That is why, from day one, you are treated as an individual and independent business person
with your own ideas and significant control over the day-to-day running of your Franchised
Business.

While your franchise will form part of the wider DV Consulting Network and ownership of the
DV Consulting Marks and Business Model will remain with us, as the Franchisee you will have
license to use our Business Model and Marks in the operation of your business according to the
terms of your Franchise Agreement.

You will be provided with introductory and ongoing training in the use of the DV Consulting
system, marketing, and fixed fee pricing, as well as ongoing support from DV Consulting
Central Office, and all the tools necessary to assist you in growing your business.

Further, you will have 100 per cent ownership of your clientele as well as the benefit of referrals
from DV Consulting Central Office and other members of the DV Consulting Network.

Your Role as a DV Consulting Franchisee

As one of our valued franchisees, we do our best to ensure that you have everything that you
need to develop your business and get the full benefit of your franchise. That is why we have
developed a set of operational guidelines to ensure that all franchisees are able to take
advantage of the DV Consulting Brand and Network, and operate at their utmost potential.

While compliance with the DV Consulting operational guidelines as outlined in this Operations
Manual is mandatory for all franchisees to ensure the quality of service provided to clients, the
guidelines do not exist to stifle entrepreneurship, innovation or creativity. We believe that the
way forward is founded in a relationship of mutual trust and respect and as such, we fully
encourage the participation of our franchisees in the development of the DV Consulting Brand
and welcome all ideas and feedback.

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DV Consulting Inc.
Benrosi V Building, Makati City
Telephone: (02) 7116 8691 | Website: www.dvivoaccounting.com
3.2. The Franchisor
DV Consulting’s contact details are as follows:

Company Name: DV Consulting Inc.


Principal Place of Business: Benrosi V Building, Makati City

Telephone Number: (02) 7116 8691

Email Address: dvconsulting2022@gmail.com


Website: www.dvivoaccounting.com

3.3. The Franchisee


As a DV Consulting franchisee, you will have the opportunity to build a franchise within your
local community, and in the practice area of your choosing. We encourage franchisees to pursue
their passion in their preferred area of consulting by allowing them exclusivity of practice in
that specialty within their Territory.

You will be provided with all of the assistance you need to set up your business, either from
scratch or by migrating your existing practice, and to access all the services offered by DV
Consulting. Online and face-to-face training will be provided to help you familiarize yourself
with our business system and you will have access to all of the facilities and support which you
would normally only be able to enjoy in a large consulting firm.

(a) Values

As mentioned briefly in Chapter 2, DV Consulting’s core values are:

 Affordability
 Accessibility
 Appreciation

These core values are derived from a broader company philosophy which all franchisees
are expected to uphold in the day-to-day operation and management of their business.

Our philosophy incorporates customer care and relationship-building at its core. We believe
that by making the effort to fully understanding the needs of individual clients – such as
their desired outcome, limitations and boundaries, and need for price certainty – our
franchisees are better placed to build positive, lasting relationships with the clients in their
Territory. By providing clients with an exceptional service experience, franchisees not only
increase their chances of repeat custom, but also contribute to the DV Consulting Image
and generating more business across all territories.

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DV Consulting Inc.
Benrosi V Building, Makati City
Telephone: (02) 7116 8691 | Website: www.dvivoaccounting.com
Further, the DV Consulting system of referrals, mentoring and precedent-sharing across all
territories and practice areas allows for the development of each individual franchisee’s
professional relationships with their peers.

Above all, we value the integrity, professionalism and honesty of our franchisees. The DV
Consulting Network is an integrated community which thrives on the collaborative effort of
its members. In addition to the stringent professional standards imposed by the profession,
the public image and reputation of the DV Consulting brand is directly impacted by the
conduct of all franchisees. As such, it is expected that all franchisees maintain a
professional
attitude and approach to their work and clients at all times, both during and outside of work
hours.

(b) Compliance

Our aim at DV Consulting is to give you the freedom and flexibility to run your own
business on your own terms. As such, we endeavor to put you and your needs first as much
as possible.

Nevertheless, DV Consulting is ultimately a network which depends upon the combined


effort of its members. To ensure that each and every franchisee is getting the most out of
the franchise, we require each individual franchisee to operate their business in compliance
with the processes and procedures detailed in this Operations Manual and as discussed in
the training provided by DV Consulting, and to conduct their practice of the consulting
with integrity and honesty.

Failure to comply with the guidelines contained within this Operations Manual, and which
may be put forth by DV Consulting from time to time may result in an official review of
your franchise by the Board of Directors (“Board”), and may give rise to the termination
of your Franchise Agreement.

Should you become subject to an official review by the Board for non-compliance with the
Operations Manual or the terms of your Franchise Agreement, your access to the practice
management system may be suspended. Please refer to your Franchise Agreement for
further clarification of recourse in cases of non-compliance.

3.4. Your Business Name


As your Franchise Business will come under the umbrella of the larger DV Consulting Brand,
the business name for your Business will be in the following format:

DV Consulting - [Territory]

The Business Name will be secured through the appropriate business registration upon the
Franchisee entering into a Franchise Agreement with the Franchisor, at the Franchisee’s cost.
For as long as your Franchise Agreement with the Franchisor remains on foot, the Franchisor
shall allow for the Business Name to be used in the operation of the Franchisee Business.

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DV Consulting Inc.
Benrosi V Building, Makati City
Telephone: (02) 7116 8691 | Website: www.dvivoaccounting.com
3.5. Helping to Establish Your Business
(a) Setting up your business

To help you establish your business, DV Consulting Central Office provides several
administrative and support services to make sure that you have everything you need from
the get go.

(i) Administrative Support

 Company registration
We will procure the registration of your company with the Securities and
Exchange Commission (SEC), free of charge. All you pay are the
disbursements associated with the registration.

 Sourcing a Suitable Office


We will assist you in finding a suitable office in your local area.

 Starter Kit
We will provide you with all of the necessary tools to start running your own
practice. Your Starter Kit will include:

(a) the DV Consulting Operations Manual (current version);


(b) your DV Consulting email address and email signature;
(c) your electronic letterhead;
(d) DV Consulting Engagement Letter Templates which includes the
suggested professional fees for each service
(e) DV Consulting Contract Templates
(f) Other precedents as may be applicable from time to time.

(ii) We provide all DV Consulting graphic designs including business cards, notepads, and
letterheads. All designs must be used to maintain quality and consistency across all DV
Consulting businesses.

(iii) Professional Support

We offer professional support services to ensure that you are always operating your
consulting firm with your best foot forward. Services include regular trainings,
seminars and
reminders, and assistance.

Detailed training in relation to marketing, positive psychology, accounting,


bookkeeping, business registration, government accreditation, compliance and
taxation, will be covered in the introductory training which is provided to all
franchisees. If you have any further questions, please contact DV Consulting Central
Office.

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DV Consulting Inc.
Benrosi V Building, Makati City
Telephone: (02) 7116 8691 | Website: www.dvivoaccounting.com
(b) Business support

We work with you initially in developing a bespoke business plan tailored to your needs
and strengths. We believe that only those who have clear goals will actually reach them.

The business plan and the projections are a work in progress. We will review these with
you at regular intervals and help you stay on track. We believe that accountability is key in
succeeding and we will be your “accountability buddy” to help you navigate the waters of
entrepreneurship safely and comfortably.

We are committed to help you succeed and stay on track but to also assist you when times
get tough or when things sometimes don’t go to plan. The key is to identify any areas that
need addressing early and to act swiftly. Open and frank communication between us is
therefore of greatest importance and will check in with you at regular pre-agreed intervals
to ensure a positive experience.

(c) Ongoing Support

DV Consulting is committed to providing our franchisees with continuing support and


assistance in running their business.

If you require assistance in relation to matters not covered by the Operations Manual or
have any queries about DV Consulting as a whole, please contact one of our friendly staff
at the DV Consulting Central Office.

(d) Ordering manuals

The Operations Manual will be provided to you as part of your Starter Kit.

Should you require further hardcopies of the Operations Manual, these may be ordered by
contacting DV Consulting Central Office.

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DV Consulting Inc.
Benrosi V Building, Makati City
Telephone: (02) 7116 8691 | Website: www.dvivoaccounting.com
3.6. The Client
(a) Service Values

 Client Focus

Striving to achieve the highest standard of service delivery by:

 Knowing our clients and their needs,


 Focusing on achieving the result that our client wants and delivering results
that matter;
 Being empathetic to our clients’ situations when developing strategies
 Empowering clients to move forward; and
 Creating a relationship of trust.

 Professionalism

Providing professional advice, support and assistance with the utmost professionalism through:

 Engaging in practice in accordance with professional and legislative


requirements;
 Holding ourselves to the highest ethical standards;
 Using resources in a manner which is responsible, transparent and effective;
and
 Maintaining a policy of honesty and accountability at all times.

 Continuing Development

Commitment to ongoing personal and professional development through:

 Close and accountable management of work performance;


 Owning our actions and successes and learning from mistakes; and
 Taking responsibility for maintaining the necessary skills and competencies to
engage in consulting practice;

(b) Relationship between the Franchisee & the Client

The relationship between each franchisee and their clients will be a solicitor-client
relationship. As such, it will attract standard confidentiality and fiduciary obligations.

Franchisees are not to use their position to influence their clients and should not seek or
accept favors or gifts for services provided.

(c) Relationship between the Franchisor & the Client

DV Consulting Central Office will be responsible for all franchisees’ billing. As such,
franchisees are obligated to disclose details of their clientele to DV Consulting Central
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DV Consulting Inc.
Benrosi V Building, Makati City
Telephone: (02) 7116 8691 | Website: www.dvivoaccounting.com
Office. Clients will be contacted directly by DV Consulting Central Office for this
purpose.

DV Consulting Central Office will collect client details and compile a database for general
franchise marketing and promotional activities. The client details will not be used for any
other purpose and it is the responsibility of the Franchisee to obtain the client’s consent to
the disclosure of their details to DV Consulting Central Office.

From time to time, DV Consulting Central Office will also contract clients to conduct client
satisfaction surveys. The outcome of the surveys will not be used as a measure of the
Franchisee’s performance but solely for purposes of band improvement or validation. If
however, in the course of conducting these surveys, it is brought to DV Consulting Central
Office’s attention that a client was dissatisfied with the service received, we will pass the
feedback on to the respective Franchisee so that action can be taken, as required, to rectify
any issues.

(d) Complaints

We take complaints from clients very seriously. Clients are able to lodge a complaint
directly with DV Consulting Central Office relating to the service they have received from
our franchisees via our online feedback form, phone or email.

Where a complaint has been made against you, you will be notified immediately and you
will have two (2) weeks within which to provide a response. Failure to provide a response
may necessitate a face-to-face or virtual meeting with a DV Consulting Central Office staff
member to review the complaint and discuss whether further action is necessary.

All complaints (except frivolous complaints) will be investigated by DV Consulting


Central Office.

Depending on the nature and severity of the complaint, different measures may be taken to
remedy the situation but we will always consult the franchisee and encourage the franchisee
to seek to address and resolve the complaint with the client in the first instance. DV
Consulting Central Office can act as a mediator in a client dispute in order to avoid the
complaint being escalated by the client to the higher authority. Termination of a Franchise
Agreement is considered to be a last resort and is reserved for only the most serious
circumstances.

3.7. Term & Renewal of Franchise Agreement


We refer you to the relevant sections of your Franchise Agreement.

3.8. Termination of Franchise Agreement


We refer you to the relevant sections of your Franchise Agreement.

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DV Consulting Inc.
Benrosi V Building, Makati City
Telephone: (02) 7116 8691 | Website: www.dvivoaccounting.com
4. Services

4.1. B2B Services available to Franchisees


In addition to the DV Consulting business system, we offer a range of services which are
available to all franchisees.

(a) Administrative & Support Services

 Administrative Support

As a DV Consulting franchisee, you will be provided with all of the administrative


support you need to start up and operate your business. DV Consulting Central Office
will provide you with business setup support including company registration, sourcing
your office, and registration of business name.

DV Consulting Central Office will also provide franchisees with continuous trainings
and seminars subject to very minimal fees.

Client invoicing and collection of fees

DV Consulting Central Office staff will take care of invoicing your clients and
following up on any fees that are overdue.

Invoicing

To have a client invoice drafted and sent to your client by us, on your behalf, the following
processes needs to be followed:

Overdue invoices
All invoices will state 7-day payment terms. DV Consulting Central Office staff will
monitor all invoice payments, for invoices that have not been paid within the 7-day
payment terms, the normal procedure will be:
1. An account render sent to the client via email stating that the invoice is overdue and
again requesting payment and the client is given another 7 days to pay the
outstanding amount. The respective franchisee will be cc’d into this email as
notification that the invoice remains outstanding.
2. If 7 days after the account render was sent, the invoice is still outstanding, DV
Consulting Central Office staff will contact the franchisee by phone, to discuss if
they would like to contact their client or if they would like the Central Office staff
to make contact, to discuss the outstanding amount and make alternative
arrangements for payment, i.e., a payment plan.

NOTE: DV Consulting Central Office will not agree to any payment arrangement
unless the express consent of the Franchisee is obtained.

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DV Consulting Inc.
Benrosi V Building, Makati City
Telephone: (02) 7116 8691 | Website: www.dvivoaccounting.com
3. Once the outstanding amount has been discussed with the client and alternative
arrangements for payment agreed, a letter will be drafted by DV Consulting
Central Office staff and sent to the client, cc’ing the Franchisee, acknowledging the
client’s outstanding debt and the arrangement agreed on.

4. If the client fails to pay as per the arrangement agreed on, the Franchisee is to give
instructions to DV Consulting Central Office as to whether a Letter of Demand is
to be issued.

5. DV Consulting Central Office cannot take any further recovery action against a
client. Should this become necessary, the Franchisee is to make their own
arrangements for the recovery action. DV Consulting Central Office can make
suggestions in this regard upon request.

Locum Services

DV Consulting Central Office facilitates the provision of a locum service which allows you
to take time off work whenever you want and still keep your business and files running.

Marketing

 Brand Marketing

Brand marketing is the responsibility of, and will be conducted by, DV Consulting
Central Office. Throughout the year, DV Consulting Central Office will undertake
various activities to promote the DV Consulting brand. We are committed to the
continuing growth of our franchise and the use of both traditional and innovative
marketing strategies to make that happen. As such, our marketing approach and policies
may change from year-to-year.

 Local Marketing

DV Consulting Central Office will assist you in developing a local marketing plan. You
will have access to our marketing professional to help you formulate and implement an
effective local marketing plan to boost your business.

Training

To ensure that all franchisees are able to operate at their best, initial and ongoing training is
provided by DV Consulting Central Office.

Initial training must be completed prior to commencing trading under the DV Consulting brand.
Operating your business without having completed the initial training is a breach of your
obligations under your Franchise Agreement and may result in the termination of that agreement.

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DV Consulting Inc.
Benrosi V Building, Makati City
Telephone: (02) 7116 8691 | Website: www.dvivoaccounting.com
Referrals

Being part of the DV Consulting Network means that you will have the benefit of receiving
referrals from both DV Consulting Central Office and other franchisees.

DV Consulting Central Office will often be the first point of contact for clients looking for
consultants. We refer clients to our franchisees based on their Territory.

As the DV Consulting Network is an integrated and interactive community, franchisees are


also expected to refer clients to each other if a client’s needs fall out of their own territory.
By becoming part of the DV Consulting community, each franchisee is undertaking to act
in good faith and ‘share the wealth’ by making referrals to other franchisees as and when
appropriate.

 If the franchisee needs to refer a client to another franchisee, the franchisee must refer
within the Territory.

 If a suitably qualified consultant is not available within the Territory, the referral should
go to a franchisee in one of the neighboring territories and if more than one consultant
is available in more than one territory, the client should be given the option to choose
the consultant. This method ensures that favoritism is kept at a minimum and
encourages communication and collaboration between franchisees across all territories.

 If a franchisee does not have the details of the relevant franchisee in the client’s local
area, they must refer the client to DV Consulting Central Office for further assistance.

When a franchisee receives a referral (from either the DV Consulting Central Office or
another franchisee), the client must be contacted within 24 hours of notification of the
referral unless the client otherwise specifies. If the franchisee is unable to contact the client
within 24 hours, the franchisee must notify the referrer so that the lead can be referred back
into the network.

4.2. B2C Services available to Clients


DV Consulting’s franchise objective is to offer our clients accessible consulting services across
all practice areas and localities through our franchisees. Specifically, our focus is to deliver
services that are of high standard, accessible, informal and results driven at an affordable, fixed
cost.

Through our referral network, we aim to be a ‘one-stop-shop’ for our clients by enabling them to
access experts across all practice areas, locally. Some of our practice areas include:

 Business Registration
 Business Accreditation
 Accounting
 Bookkeeping
 Payroll Management
 Compliance
 Taxation
 Audit

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DV Consulting Inc.
Benrosi V Building, Makati City
Telephone: (02) 7116 8691 | Website: www.dvivoaccounting.com
4.3. Pricing of Client Services, Costs Agreements and Scope of
Retainers
Agreement which details their rights and obligations under the agreement and their ability to
seek review of the costs. This Agreement must contain a fixed fee quote for the matter.

(a) Fixed Fee Quotes

Fixed fee quotes cover only the professional fee of the Consultant (Franchisee) and are
exclusive of government and other miscellaneous disbursements and related taxes unless
otherwise specified.

A ‘Fixed Fee Costing Guide’ has been provided via Starter Kit (Engagement Letter with
suggested professional fee per service)

A “Fixed Fee Pricing – How To” training session will be provided in the initial training
and if you have any questions or require further assistance with fixed fee pricing, please
contact DV Consulting Central Office.

(b) Cost Agreements and Fee Disclosure Statements

As part of the ‘Fixed Fee Costing Guide’, you have been provided with a template for the
DV Consulting Fee.

The templates may be updated from time to time, and while you will be notified by DV
Consulting Central Office of any change, it remains your responsibility to ensure that you
are using the most up-to-date document.

If your matter or practice requires a special cost agreement, please refer to DV Consulting
Central Office for further discussion.

(c) Scope of Retainers

Insofar as possible, consultants should endeavor to outline the scope of their retainer in a
manner which particularizes which services are included in their fixed fee quote, and which
will attract additional costs. This practice will not only ensure your compliance with your
disclosure obligations, but will also provide the client with a clear scope of work, and allow
you to negotiate variations to your fees where unforeseen circumstances or additional
issues arise in the course of conducting the matter.

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DV Consulting Inc.
Benrosi V Building, Makati City
Telephone: (02) 7116 8691 | Website: www.dvivoaccounting.com
(d) Value Adding

When defining the scope of your retainer and giving a fixed fee quote, consultants are
encouraged to promote other related services to add value for their clients.

Where clients choose to engage the consultant for several related matters, subject to the
consultant’s discretion, it may be appropriate to bundle those services together and to offer
the client a discount.

Additionally, in the context of value adding, consultants should also consider and allow for
additional amounts for the following:

i. The complexity of the matter;


ii. The estimated number of transactions of the client;
iii. The estimated monthly gross revenues/sales;
iv. The level of attention and service;
v. The urgency of the matter;
vi. Requirement of physical reporting;
vii. Location;
viii. The overall value added to the client or the level of saving achieve
through a particular resolution or transaction;
ix. Any requirements for cross-disciplinary consultations;
x. Any other matters which may determine the value of the service
received by the client.

(e) Negotiating the cost agreement and the scope with the client

Consultants should always discuss the cost agreement and the scope of the retainer with
their clients. Clients should be given an opportunity to negotiate the cost and agree on a
payment schedule which suits their budget in order to avoid disappointments or disputes at a
later stage. For example, an incentive in the form of a small discount can be provided to the
client if the client agrees to pay upfront by several months in advance. Alternatively, matters
can be undertaken in smaller monthly steps and invoiced monthly to help the client with
their cash-flow. The idea generally is to provide the client with an opportunity to be
involved in the pricing process, for the client to feel that they have been able to determine
the price and how it is charged. By empowering clients and giving them the option to
determine their own strategy for payment of fees, the consultant ensures that not only costs
disputes are prevented but also that their consultant-client relationship is built on principles
of positive communication and leadership.

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DV Consulting Inc.
Benrosi V Building, Makati City
Telephone: (02) 7116 8691 | Website: www.dvivoaccounting.com
5.The DV Consulting Network

5.1. Referrals and Mentoring


While DV Consulting Central Office will refer clients to franchisees according to clients’ needs
and locality, other franchisees within the DV Consulting Network are also a great source of
referrals and mentoring.

5.2. Having someone to call for a second opinion or for advice on how to
approach a certain matter is invaluable to continuing professional
development and within the DV Consulting Network, you will have
access to a Networking Events
The DV Consulting Network seeks to promote the importance of community and a culture of
collaboration; we don’t want our franchisees to be isolated in their local practices. That’s why
we encourage regular franchisee interaction and networking both within local areas and across
our wider network.

i. Networking within your locality

Networking within local territories relies on the initiative of the local franchisees. It is a
great way to meet the other consultants in your area and to develop sources of referrals,
particularly across areas of practice.

Franchisees are encouraged to meet regularly every quarter for a casual catch up. Any
franchisees who are interested in organizing a larger networking or social event within their
area should contact DV Consulting Central Office.

ii. Networking within the wider DV Consulting Network

Networking events within the wider DV Consulting Network are organized and regulated
by DV Consulting Central Office. Events take place at regular intervals throughout the year
and are a great opportunity for you to get to know the wider DV Consulting family and
meet franchisees from other localities. These events are also a great source of mentoring
opportunities, whether you are looking to get guidance or give guidance to another
consultant.

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DV Consulting Inc.
Benrosi V Building, Makati City
Telephone: (02) 7116 8691 | Website: www.dvivoaccounting.com
iii. DV Consulting Annual Awards Night

Every year, DV Consulting holds an awards night to recognize the achievements of


outstanding franchisees. As part of the DV Consulting community, you will have the
opportunity to nominate someone or be nominated for awards under each category.

Notice of nomination dates, as well as details of all DV Consulting networking events are
posted on the DV Consulting website and social media, as well as sent out via email.
community of experienced consultant across all practice areas.

5.3. Website and Social Media Accounts


Another way in which you can keep up to date with the DV Consulting community is by
regularly visiting our website and social media accounts.

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DV Consulting Inc.
Benrosi V Building, Makati City
Telephone: (02) 7116 8691 | Website: www.dvivoaccounting.com
6.Transfer of Ownership

6.1. Selling Your Franchise


A franchisee who has built up their Territory and wishes to sell their entire business, including
the Territory, clientele, and goodwill, may do so where they have obtained approval from the
Franchisor.

For more details on how to sell your business, please refer to your Franchise Agreement.

6.2. Discontinuing Your Franchise


Where a franchisee decides that they no longer wish to continue with their Franchise Business,
they may discontinue their franchise by terminating their Franchise Agreement in accordance
with the termination clause contained therein.

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DV Consulting Inc.
Benrosi V Building, Makati City
Telephone: (02) 7116 8691 | Website: www.dvivoaccounting.com
7.Boundaries & Exceptions

7.1. Location & Territory

(a) Single Territory Franchisees

Franchisees will have the opportunity to purchase a franchise Territory which is described in
their Franchise agreement. DV Consulting guarantees exclusivity of practice within a purchased
franchise Territory, meaning that franchisees will have exclusive access to their local
community for the provision of consulting services within their nominated primary practice area
under the DV Consulting brand, without fear of interference or ‘poaching’ from
other territories.

An exception to the general restriction against practicing beyond the boundaries of your
Territory will arise where an inquiry is received from a locality which does not have an
established DV Consulting franchise in the relevant practice area. In this circumstance, the
client will be referred by DV Consulting Central Office to the nearest established DV
Consulting franchise.

Local marketing restrictions also apply to franchisees. Franchisees are only permitted to
perform local marketing within their purchased Territory and only promote services in their
primary area of practice and must not actively seek new clients from outside their territory.

(b) Multiple Franchises

Franchisees who have previously purchased a single franchise also have the opportunity to
purchase additional franchises in other territories. Eligibility to purchase multiple franchises
will be determined based on the performance of the first franchise.

DV Consulting Central Office will look at the following criteria when determining a franchisee’s
eligibility:

 Proximity of second Territory to primary franchise;


 Rationale for acquiring an additional franchise; and
 Business performance of primary franchise, including achievement of self-determined
goals and turnover for most recently concluded financial year/ quarter.

Further, as it is a condition for purchasing multiple franchises that the franchisee personally
practices in all territories owned by them, Central Office will also consider:

 The franchisee’s ability to properly conduct their consulting practice across multiple territories

.
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DV Consulting Inc.
Benrosi V Building, Makati City
Telephone: (02) 7116 8691 | Website: www.dvivoaccounting.com
Put and Call Options

Put and call options may be granted to franchisees allowing them to buy one Territory and have
an option over another Territory. For the lifetime of the option, the franchisee is only obligated
to practice in their purchased Territory; however, if a new potential franchisee expresses interest
in buying the optioned Territory, the franchisee holding the option over that Territory will be
notified. At this time, the franchisee must either exercise their option to purchase the optioned
Territory, or cede the Territory to the new prospective franchisee.
In the circumstance that the purchase of the Territory by the new prospective franchisee falls
through after the option to purchase has been forfeited, the option may be reinstated at DV
Consulting’s discretion.

Put and call options are granted at the absolute discretion of the franchisor. Factors which may
be considered include:
 Proximity of second Territory to primary franchise;
 Rationale for acquiring an additional franchise;
 Business performance of primary franchise, including turnover for most recently
concluded financial year/ quarter; and

The Franchisor may charge an option fee for the grant of an option.

7.2. Ownership of Clientele

In keeping with DV Consulting’s vision of helping sole consultants grow and run their own
business, clients will belong to the franchisee.

(a) Discontinuation/ Termination

In a situation where a franchisee wishes to discontinue their DV Consulting franchise, and


Notice of Termination has been provided to DV Consulting Central Office in accordance with
the relevant notice period stipulated in their franchise agreement, clients obtained under the DV
Consulting franchise will be retained by the outgoing franchisee.

(b) Selling

Where a franchisee opts to sell their franchise, ownership of the established clientele will
remain with the outgoing franchisee only where express provision for retention has been made
in the Contract of Sale for the business. Otherwise, the established clientele will form part of the
business assets included in the purchase price and vest in the purchaser of the franchise. Sale of
a DV Consulting franchise is subject to the approval of the Franchisor.

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DV Consulting Inc.
Benrosi V Building, Makati City
Telephone: (02) 7116 8691 | Website: www.dvivoaccounting.com
8.Training & Development

8.1. Introductory Training


Prior to commencing practice under the DV Consulting brand, all franchisees are required to
complete an introductory training course to familiarize themselves with the DV Consulting
franchise and business system.

Training will cover every section of this Operations Manual, with some sections to be
completed face-to-face and other sections able to be completed remotely.

Please note that you are not permitted to commence practicing until all training units have been
successfully completed and approved by DV Consulting Central Office.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact DV Consulting Central Office as soon as
practicable.

8.2. Training Topics


(a) Face-to-Face Training topics

 Business model- vision, values and goals

 DV Consulting Operations Manual

 Positive Psychology
“Leading with Mental Fitness”- an evidence-based approach to individual, team,
organizations and client development.

 Costs, disclosure and fixed professional fees


o Fixed Fee costing
o Fixed Fee Disclosure Statement
o Fixed Fee Cost Agreement

 Business system, processes and operations


o Business system, vision and goals
o Billing, invoicing and fee collection
o Support services

 Marketing

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DV Consulting Inc.
Benrosi V Building, Makati City
Telephone: (02) 7116 8691 | Website: www.dvivoaccounting.com
8.3. Ongoing & Refresher Training
Certain topics will have ongoing training and refresher courses due to their frequently changing
nature, or their relevance to the core values of the DV Consulting franchise.

These topics include:

 Marketing – Both local and brand marketing;


 Tax Update Support;
 Fixed fee pricing;
 Compliance; and
 Positive Psychology

Additional training topics requiring further or ongoing training may be determined by the
franchisor from time-to-time as necessary. Franchisees will be notified of ongoing and refresher
training sessions by email.

Where there are updates or changes to the Franchise Business system, they may be explained
through instructional videos. Franchisees will need to successfully complete the relevant
training to continue practicing under the franchise system.

Franchisees may also make suggestions for relevant training topics and any such further training
will be at additional cost to the Franchisees. DV Consulting Central Office will assist in
sourcing cost-effective providers and training venues and in enrolling in the training session as
many Franchisees as possible in order to make it as affordable as possible.

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DV Consulting Inc.
Benrosi V Building, Makati City
Telephone: (02) 7116 8691 | Website: www.dvivoaccounting.com
9.Marketing

9.1. Brand Marketing


(a) Our Brand

DV Consulting is a relationship-focused franchise which prioritizes client satisfaction and


the wellbeing of our franchisee before all else. Customer care and relationship-building
being at the core of our philosophy and values, our goal is to change the face and practice
of consulting as well as the way the community perceives the consulting industry.

Our selling points for end-users include our affordability and accessibility as compared to
large consulting firms. By being able to provide specialized and personalized service at a
fixed and transparent cost, we are able to service a very specific niche in the consulting
needs of the community while providing our consultants with a healthy work-life balance.

(b) Promoting the DV Consulting Brand

We aim to provide our franchisees with the best possible business product which allows
them to tap into the business needs of their local community. We are committed to the
continued growth of each individual Franchise Business, as well as to the growth of the
franchise as a whole. As such, we place a significant emphasis on the development of
effective, innovative and current marketing strategies to maximize exposure to the
community of the services that we offer.

DV Consulting take a formal review of our marketing plan annually. However, we also
partake in regular informal reviews; we are always looking for more ways to promote the
DV Consulting brand. As our valued franchisee, your opinion is important to us. If you
wish to offer feedback on our current marketing plan or ideas for future plans, please
contact DV Consulting Central Office.

Please note that the marketing strategy and action plans are subject to change. Any change
to the marketing strategy and plans are at the franchisors’ sole discretion.

(c) Brand marketing by Franchisees

In addition to official brand marketing by DV Consulting Central Office, franchisees play a


large role in determining how our brand is perceived within the community.

Franchisees actively get involved in brand advocacy because they understand the benefit of
raising brand awareness. This involves compliance with our guidelines for using the DV
Consulting logo and intellectual property, stationary, letterhead, and style guide. By
complying with our guidelines, you will be representing the franchise and reinforcing the
DV Consulting brand at a local level.

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DV Consulting Inc.
Benrosi V Building, Makati City
Telephone: (02) 7116 8691 | Website: www.dvivoaccounting.com
However, marketing by franchisees is not just restricted to active marketing; the
professionalism of our franchisees, including maintenance of a professional manner,
professional presentation and quick client response times, also affect our brand image. If
you would like more information about the DV Consulting brand image or have any
concerns or even if you would like to take a more active role in brand advocacy, please
contact DV Consulting Central Office.

9.2. Local Marketing


In contrast to the broader brand marketing strategy developed by DV Consulting Central Office,
local marketing strategies require an in-depth understanding of the needs of each individual
local community and is best suited to be conducted by franchisees. As such, while DV
Consulting Central Office will provide support and assistance in developing marketing
strategies tailored to each local area, the responsibility of conducting local marketing remains
with the franchisee.

DV Consulting will provide you with all of the tools you will need to aggressively market your

Guidelines for Local Marketing

Local marketing is optional for all franchisees to engage in as they believe it necessary. Where a
franchisee elects to conduct local marketing, they must market and promote only within their
Territory and primary area of practice and strictly in accordance with the standards are
procedures set out in this Manual or otherwise prescribed by DV Consulting.

All DV Consulting trademarks and other intellectual property remain the property of DV
Consulting Inc. and must not be modified, and may not be used or reproduced without the
written consent of the Franchisor.

Further, written approval must be obtained from DV Consulting Central Office for all
promotional material and sponsorship arrangements, prior to finalization or production.
Approval from DV Consulting Central Office must not be unreasonably withheld if the
proposed material or activity complies with the local marketing guidelines.

Advertising Specifications

In order to maintain uniformity in advertisements and promotional material across all


franchises, it is imperative that all franchisees use all materials as provided and directed by DV
Consulting Central Office.

As with other methods of advertisement, to ensure consistency, the instructions provided by DV


Consulting Central Office must be followed and only images of sufficiently high resolution may
be used.

It is vital for consumer recognition that all marketing material, whether online or printed,
reflects a consistent style.

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DV Consulting Inc.
Benrosi V Building, Makati City
Telephone: (02) 7116 8691 | Website: www.dvivoaccounting.com
Suggestions for Local Marketing

 Distribution of flyers, postcards and brochures;


 Participating in local events;
 Posters on community boards;
 Involvement with local activities and groups; and
 Social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.)

Misleading and Deceptive Conduct

Franchisees must ensure that all marketing and promotional material and activities comply with
the local marketing guidelines prescribed by DV Consulting, and are not in any way misleading
or deceptive.
In particular, you must ensure that all advertisements produced for local marketing purposes has
your association with DV Consulting clearly specified, and you may not pursue any avenues of
personal advertisement while operating a DV Consulting franchise.

9.2. Production of Printed Materials, Stationary & Business Cards


To ensure the consistent quality of all advertising and promotional material bearing the DV
Consulting brand, these must be ordered and produced through DV Consulting Central Office.

9.3. Brand Identity and Style Guide


(a) What is a brand?

A brand is a collection of tangible and intangible attributes associated with a company or


product, which resonates with the consumer whenever the brand is experienced. A brand can
trigger both emotional and rational responses (i.e. how the brand makes the consumer feel, or
the perception of a tangible reward to be attained from the brand), and a successful brand lives
in the mind of its target audience.

For a brand to be successful it must be defined, nurtured and championed.

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DV Consulting Inc.
Benrosi V Building, Makati City
Telephone: (02) 7116 8691 | Website: www.dvivoaccounting.com
(b) What is OUR brand?

DV Consulting was founded on the premise of bringing the consulting back to the community
and addressing a significant area of unmet business needs in the Philippines, while supporting
consultants to achieve a more profitable career and satisfying lifestyle.

Our mission is to empower consultants to provide quality services in a manner which is


affordable and accessible to individuals, families and micro small-medium enterprises in their
communities, and to create long-lasting relationships of mutual appreciation with their clients.

Our tagline, “Building a Better Business”, underpins every facet of our franchise. Our focus is
on fostering positive relationships founded in mutual trust and respect, and meeting the needs of
the individual consultants and clients who form two sides of the same coin.

(c) The DV Consulting Corporate Style

To develop and maintain a strong brand image, the use of DV Consulting trademarks must be
consistent across the board. DV Consulting trademarks may only be used for permitted
purposes and only authorized versions of the trademarks may be used.

Permitted purposes for which trademarks may be used is strictly limited to local marketing
purposes.

Franchisees must only use registered trademarks and must clearly indicate that the trademarks
are used under license from DV Consulting Pty Ltd. Please note that the DV Consulting logo
must be used on all signs, advertising and promotional material. Further, no other company or
business names, logos, or images are permitted to appear on any communications, advertising or
promotional material, whether electronic or printed unless expressly agreed by the Franchisor.

Image files for DV Consulting trademarks may be requested and will be provided by DV
Consulting Central Office at its absolute discretion. If you require specific templates (that are
not provided in your Starter Kit) to be created on your behalf, we can provide you with a quote
from the graphic designer DV Consulting Central Office uses for this same purpose.

All local marketing material must be approved by the Franchisor prior to production and
distribution.

Use of Logo

As a general rule, the DV Consulting main logo should where possible be used in conjunction
with the DV Consulting tagline.

As all advertising material must be approved by and ordered through DV Consulting Central
Office, the incidence of incorrect usage of the DV Consulting logo should be minimal

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DV Consulting Inc.
Benrosi V Building, Makati City
Telephone: (02) 7116 8691 | Website: www.dvivoaccounting.com
10.Business Development

Business Development is the creation of long-term value for an organization from customers,
markets and relationships.3 In order for your franchise to prosper, you will need to determine
how best to combine the interaction of clients, your local market and your key “selling points”.

To ensure long terms success of your business, you need to consider creating relationships that
are going to last the distance; it’s not about getting rich quickly because the value in these
relationships tends to disappear when the relationship or transaction comes to an end.
Relationships based on trust, respect and mutual appreciation are those that “go the distance”.

Prior to commencing practice as a Franchisee, you will need to consider some of the following:

 What makes you unique as a DV Consulting franchisee;


 Who are you competitors;
 Who is your target market;
 How are you going to best communicate with your target market when
highlighting your points of difference;
 How you are going to form relationships with your target market; and
 How you are going to maintain those relationships.

The DV Consulting Central Office will help you develop a strategy which dissects the above
points in further detail; our aim is to provide you with all the tools and support to help you
achieve your goals and growth in your business. Your strategy will, for a large part, depend on
your budget. During your initial training, you will be given the opportunity to develop a
business plan (including cash projections) which will help make your marketing and business
development strategy clearer.

You and DV Consulting Central Office will review your strategy every 6 months.

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DV Consulting Inc.
Benrosi V Building, Makati City
Telephone: (02) 7116 8691 | Website: www.dvivoaccounting.com
DV Consulting | Central Office
Benrosi V Building, Kamagong Street
Telephone: ♦ Mobile: ♦ Website:

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