What Type of Business Owner Would You Be? Peyton Manning or Cam Newton?

In the next few days, you are going to be seeing a lot of football-related articles.  This franchising blog will be no exception.

So, you want to be a business owner.  Are you more of a Peyton Manning or a Cam Newton?

PEYTON MANNING

Let’s look at Peyton Manning.  He actually is a franchise owner, owning several name-brand pizza delivery restaurants in the Denver area.  I’m sure you’ve seen the commercials.

Manning is nearing the end of his professional career.  He took his hard earned money and invested it.  He could have tried stocks, but he wanted a solid investment.  One that has been proven to be successful, one that is not prone to drastic dips caused by the volatility of stocks.

Franchising is an investment. 

CAM NEWTON

Young, energetic, athletically talented.  Just a few years out of college, taking the world by storm - not only as a record breaking football player, but as a motivational speaker and owner of his own clothing line.

But, what if you need that first break out of college.  Franchising can give you that boost right out of college … almost like being a draft pick.  But, if you are able to gain the initial capital to create your own career … you get to pick your team.  You get to choose your first draft pick.

And, no matter your age, you can create your own career.  Maybe you’re an executive looking for an escape from the corporate ladder, or maybe you find yourself looking for employment.  Franchising can be a way to create your own road to success.

UPCOMING FREE EVENTS
Let me tell you about two different events that are coming up – totally free of charge.  These informative sessions can give you more information about the world of franchising, in a no-pressure, no-obligation setting. 

• WEBINAR: Ask the Experts about Business Ownership
  This online session is designed just for you to answer all those initial questions on business and franchising basics.
  February 24, 2016 at 8PM
  MORE INFO | REGISTER NOW
• UNIVERSITY CENTER (SAGINAW), MI: Franchising as a Business Ownership Option
  Learn whether franchising could be achieving your goal, and if so, how to go about finding the RIGHT fit for you!
  March 11, 2016 at 10am
  MORE INFO | REGISTER NOW

 Have any questions or want to know about franchising?  You can contact me directly at 810-423-3956 or lbelford@frannet.com.  You can be the quarterback, and consider me your coach.

This Wednesday: Get Entrepreneurially Fit and Learn About a Semi-Absentee Franchise Fitness Opportunity

It’s the time of year where many start their new year’s resolution, heading to the gym to try and lose weight.  This Wednesday at 8 pm, it’s time to learn about how you can become “entrepreneurially fit” by investing in a semi-absentee franchise fitness opportunity.

This executive business model allows you to keep your full-time job and effectively hire someone to manage the business.  This proven business model was founded 8 years ago, and is the first and only concept in the industry offered as a franchise opportunity.  It is also a 100% ecommerce business where the clients pay online.

Simple operation and high margins mean that you can own a business without having to make the leap to full-time entrepreneur.

Want to find out more or register?  Visit frannet.com/lbelford for more information.

You can also contact me with more questions!  Contact me at lbelford@frannet.com or 810-423-3956.  It’s time to get entrepreneurially fit!  And it all starts by sitting in front of a computer. 

IT’S TIME FOR YOUR NEW YEARS RESOLUTION - TO GET ENTREPRENEURIALLY FIT

It’s time to get fit.  Entrepreneurially fit.  Hi, my name is Linda, and I’m your personal coach and trainer.  Starting a business is not an easy thing, but with hard work and determination, you can get there.  And, I’ll be here to spot you.

So, the first step is to figure out where you want to get fit.  You can go outside and work out on your own.  Start running, get that cardio up!  You’re going to have to do a lot on your own.  Push-ups, squats, and use your own muscle to give yourself resistance.  You can spend a lot of money to buy your own weights or other equipment.

Or, you can take a step into the franchise gym.  The weight machines can help you work out any muscle you choose.  You also have the exercise bikes, the treadmills, and even yoga classes in the studio.  There is a membership fee, but the gym gives you an organized and sanitary way to get into shape.

And, whether you are training for a marathon, a body-building class, or just looking to trim a few pounds a gym membership can let you focus on what you want to focus.  You have access to the tools, the facilities, you just need to show up.

If you haven’t picked up on the metaphor, starting a business and getting into shape are actually pretty similar in concept.  It does take a lot of hard work, effort, and even start-up capital.  Many people have started their own business, doing a lot of hard work from scratch.  Many others invested in a franchise business concept.

A franchise business concept gives you access to an already-successful business model, including the tools and training to run the business.  It does require an investment, including fees to the franchisor.  You will have access to training and even support from other franchisees.

And, the amount of success that you want to achieve truly depends on you.  You could take on business ownership as a full-time investment.  You could also take on business ownership as a part-time endeavor, devoting 15-20 hours per week as a semi-absentee business owner.

There are a lot of benefits to franchising, and I invite you to learn more during some of my upcoming FREE webinars and events (click the link for more information):

• 1/6/2016:  Webinar - Light Manufacturing Business Opportunity
• 1/6/2016:  Webinar - Booming Semi-absentee Business Opportunity
• 1/20/2016:  Webinar - An In-Depth Look Into Business Opportunity 
• 1/27/2016:  Webinar - Light Manufacturing Business Opportunity

You can also contact me directly at 810-423-3956 or lbelford@frannet.com to learn more about franchising.  I am a FranNet Advisor, which truly is like a coach.  Let me tell you more about franchising, including funding, legal and other topics.  FranNet even has a matchmaking system that can help pair you with a franchise that meets your interests, lifestyle goals and financial capabilities.

Working out takes a lot of work, but is always easier when you are working out with someone else.  Let me help you get entrepreneurially fit by giving me a call today. 

Holidays as a Business Owner

If you think about a business owner at this time of year, you probably will have one of two pictures of your mind.

1. Ebenezer Scrooge - toiling away at the company business.  All alone, except for Bob Cratchitt, who is forced to struggle at his desk at the same time.
2. Jimmy Buffett - On vacation at some tropical paradise, enjoying a margarita on the beach.  Maybe his employees are still working away during the holidays, maybe his employees are enjoying some well-deserved time off.  Either way, the only thing on his mind is the sand running between his toes.

For those who have the entrepreneurial bug, #2 seems like the perfect dream.  #1 is probably more expected.  Putting in the hard work and effort, even past the standard 9a-5p weekday schedule.

You might be surprised.  In fact, there are some business owners out there that have a standard 9a-5p day job doing something totally different.  They can spend an additional 10-20 hours per week owning their business, and still have family time (especially during the holidays).

The business ownership model that I'm referring to called "semi-absentee ownership."  The name of this model may sound bad, but far from it.  Think about it this way, "you don't have to be there all the time."  You employ managers to take care of the day-to-day operations.

There are several examples of semi-absentee ownership models in the world of franchising.  This can give you a tremendous advantage.  You don't have to have that "billion dollar idea."  Your managers can handle the day-to-day, and you don't have to toil away at creating the brand image.  It already exists and has been successful!

You get to lead from the 10,000 foot level.  Provide the tips and the strategy to keep your managers in the right direction.  Make sure that sales are coming in and make sure to spot-check that all of your systems and operations are in place.

Interested to learn more about becoming an owner of a franchised business concept?  There are many businesses out there that could be a perfect fit for you.  As a FranNet consultant, let me introduce you to their free "Perfect Match" system.  We ask questions to see what type of lifestyle you are looking for.  Are you looking for that full-time career?  Or, like we refer to in this article, are you looking for a more laid-back, "semi-absentee" structure?  We also ask about your hobbies, interests and passions.  That perfect match of a business opportunity could be waiting for you.

Contact me today at 810-423-3956 or lbelford@frannet.com and lets talk a little bit more about your hopes and dreams.  All of my meetings, consolations, events and webinars are free.

Especially at this time of year, its important to be around your family.  As a semi-absentee owner of a franchised business concept, you will still have that time to enjoy their presence (and their presents).

Reducing the Risk of Business Ownership

I’m going to be honest, it’s not easy to be a business owner.  If it was easy, everyone would own a business.  It takes guts, drive, determination, persistence, and a bit of start-up capital.

But, what if you could tilt the odds to be more in your favor?  One way is to investigate a franchised business concept.

Let’s look at where franchising can help reduce the risk of being a business owner:

• The business concept:  When you own a franchise, you are purchasing an already-existing business concept.  No need to reinvent the wheel and wonder if you’re creating a viable system and/or product.  The business has worked in the past, meaning the odds of it working again are exponentially better.
• The brand:  Logos, colors, name recognition.  The brand already exists!  The marketing is one key component of the franchise, and you don’t have to start from scratch.  You just can take the ball and run with it.
• Infrastructure:  Many franchises have building layouts and computer systems that have been designed specifically for their operations.  This is mostly common with retail and restaurant operations.  Which means you can focus on keeping your business running, not getting it off the ground.
• Support:  From franchise opening and training teams to fellow franchisees, you have a support system that you can reach out to for help.  Even if its just pitching ideas, your part of an ownership family.  It’s not just you on an island.

Is there another way you can reduce risk, even before you sign any dotted line?  FranNet.  I am here to help coach you along the way, from investigating different franchises to explaining different models of ownership.  I host free educational events, and then provide free consulting to those who are ready to take a serious look at franchise ownership. 

Don’t miss:

• Webinar:  Business Ownership Exploration Webinar
  Wednesday, December 9 20152:00 PM to 3:30 PM NO COSTmore info | register now
• Live Seminar:  “Franchising as a Career, an Investment, or Both” – TROYThursday, December 10, 201510:00 AM to 12:00 PM  NO COSTOffices of Derderian, Kann, Seyferth & Salucci, CPAs3001 W. Big Beaver, Suite 700, TroyRSVP Required more info | register now

So, let’s talk a bit more about how I might be able to help you.  Contact me at 810-423-3956 or lbelford@frannet.com and you can learn more about how you can add the word “owner” after your name on that business card.    

This Season, Consider the OTHER Side of Retail

Want to get a Piece of Holiday Spending?

Black Friday, 12 Days of Christmas, Small Business Saturday.   SALE SALE SALE! November and December are the most important time of year to the retail sector – ending the year on a high note. 

Can you picture yourself at the helm of a retail operation? Be forewarned, it is a highly competitive sector with lots of moving parts. One the many franchised retail concepts can better prepare you to enter this brave new world. Whether it’s helping a customer find a perfect gift for a loved one, or enjoying the sounds of register drawers opening and closing, there are franchise concepts out there within reach.

Ready to help athletes and sports fans? Storefronts that sell shoes, custom shirts, officially licensed apparel, nutritional supplements or sports supplies could be in your future.

Want to unleash your fashion skills?  You can own a nationally recognized upscale women's boutique.

Want to help spruce up someone’s home? Your retail operation could focus on floor covering, window treatments, tools, floral bouquets, custom framing or furniture.

Time to release the techie?  Think about selling mobile phones and accessories, batteries, computers and peripherals.

Help those who need more help?  Health products, durable medical equipment and caregiver referral assistance are always in demand.

Love cars and automobiles?  The auto supply, car repair and oil change industries continue to grow. 

And don't forget our four-legged friends.  Offer pet supplies for Fido and Fluffy!

There are lots of different retail franchises out there, and many more non-retail franchise concepts that are looking for someone like you. It may seem overwhelming, but that is why FranNet is here! All of our consultations, services and events are 100% FREE! No pressure, no obligation.

When you’re ready to explore options and find the right fit, we can meet one-on-one to talk more about you, your lifestyle and your goals. This is where I can tell you more about FranNet’s exclusive matchmaking system, and make some recommendations on possible fits for investigation. I’ll continue to coach you through the research process, helping you to discern and evaluate the facts, putting you in the best position to make a sound investment decision.

FREE SEMINARA great place start the wheels turning would be at my next seminar, “Franchising as a Career, an Investment, or Both”, where you can learn more about franchising and determine whether it makes sense for you to begin the search process…

• Thursday, 12/10 in Troy, MI
  MORE INFO | REGISTER NOW

FREE WEBINARS
You can also tune into a webinar the day before, coving all of the initial questions on business and franchising concepts.

• Wednesday, 12/9 – “Business Ownership Exploration Webinar” 
  MORE INFO | REGISTER NOW

You can also learn more about two different types of franchises in online presentations as well.

• Wednesday, 12/9 – “Light Manufacturing Business Opportunity”
  MORE INFO | REGISTER NOW
• Wednesday, 12/16 – “Master Franchise Opportunity for Empire Builders”
  MORE INFO | REGISTER NOW

Want to learn more? Visit frannet.com/lbelford or contact me directly atlbelford@frannet.com or 810-423-3956.