More than Half of US Workers to be Independent by 2020?

In 2011, MBO Partners (a provider of management services to independent professionals) made a prediction that freelancers, consultants and other independent workers will reach a total of 65 to 70 million by 2020.  This will make up over half of the expected workfare at that time.

Just recently, the same organization, MBO Partners, mentioned that 2015 would be a Key Pivot Point for the future of work.  It was noted in the discussion that it would be this year that Americans accept and adapt to the rapidly growing self-employment trend, focusing on ways to make it an easier and safer work arrangement for all involved.

Are you prepared for self-employment?

Whether you are looking to remain in the industry you’ve been in for years, or are looking to make a change into a completely new environment, self-employment can be attainable by many. However, education on the options is key to finding the best fit for you.

Let us help you explore the options.  On February 24, 2015, I will be hosting an event entitled "Is Franchising Right For You?"  At this event, I will bust some common franchise myths and enlighten you on the wide-range of categories and investment levels available today.  I will also discuss the various entry strategies available in the world of franchising, ranging from single unit owner/operator to semi-absentee investor to regional developer.  For more information on this event and to RSVP, please visit frannet.com/lbelford.

You can also look to the right of the screen for any other local seminars or webinars that are coming soon.  These events will either focus on specific topics or provide a deeper dive into a specific franchise that could be expanding in our area.

About FranNet

As a FranNet franchise placement specialist, I provide free services and consultation to help aspiring business owners focused on franchising – including our exclusive matchmaking system that can help you pair with a franchise looking to expand in the area.  We’ll take your transferable skills, values and interests into mind – as well as other factors including your lifestyle and whether you would like to own a business as a career, an investment, or both.

Remember, all of my services, consultations and seminars are totally free.  You can contact me as well at lbelford@frannet.com or 810-423-3956.

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Franchisor Spotlight Webinar: Low Cost, Home-based, Mobile Service Franchise Opportunity (1/28/2015 at 2pm ET)

Starts:	01/28/2015 @ 2:00 p.m. Eastern
Ends:	01/29/2015 @ 3:30 p.m. Eastern
Description:	This Franchisor Spotlight will explore a low cost, B2B franchise situated in a $10 billion industry. The franchise provides immediate on-site repair and equipment service and sales through a dedicated network of highly trained and successful industry professionals. With the potential to be a home-based business, this is an opportunity that provides for a flexible lifestyle with regular business hours; Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Owners will be in charge of providing fast and affordable service to their customers. No employees are required to operate this business. Franchisees can expect ongoing support from the franchisor, beginning with six weeks of extensive training. Support will continue in the form of field support, annual meetings, advertising, central purchasing and more. Plus, the franchisor’s internal sales team makes outbound sales calls for new customers. Ideal franchisee candidates will have excellent networking and customer services skills, an outgoing personality and the ability to handle administrative tasks. Some handyman skills are needed. This recession-resistant business offers franchisees the ability to succeed as single-unit operators, as well as seek potential opportunities in multi-unit ownership. Franchisor at a Glance: 1. Home-based mobile service franchise, catering to the B2B sector 2. Low cost, high margin business opportunity 3. In-house support systems, including training, advertising, internal sales team and technical support 4. Recession-resistant business 5. Multi-unit growth opportunity If this sounds like a good fit for you, we invite you to join us for this informative Franchisor Spotlight. Get started on your way to financial and personal independence!
City & State:	Online National Webinar
Contact:	Questions please email webinar@frannet.com
Additional Information:
Registration:	Click here to sign up.

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Doing Your Homework Can Lead to Franchise Success

If you have ever watched Jim Cramer’s “Mad Money,” Cramer urges viewers to do their homework before investing.  Just watching his TV show is not a fast-track to success, but gives you a good starting point and good advice on what to look for in potential investments.

FranNet is the same way, we are here to coach and give you good advice on what to look for in potential franchise matches, but you have to do your homework.

A recent article by the Wall Street Journal gives great advice on some homework about any potential franchise you are thinking about investing in.
- Talk to Multiple Franchisees:  Make some calls and start talking to current franchisees.  If you can, talk to former franchisees as well.  Is there a particular trend that you are noticing?
- Lawsuits and Bankruptcy Filings:  Pacer.gov is an online database where you can look up court records about your potential concept.  Are there a lot of issues with your particular franchise?  Are there a lot of issues with the industry your franchise resides in?
- Find the Online Pulse:  Do different franchise locations receive positive / negative online reviews on sites like Facebook and Yelp?

And, one of the most important things you can do is Talk to FranNet.  We are here to help you through the process of finding a match in the franchise world.  We’ll teach you about aspects of franchising – including Franchise Disclosure Documents (FDD’s), financing, and more!  Best of all – all of our consultations, services and events are FREE!

Don’t miss our upcoming free webinar – Business Ownership Exploration!  This webinar is designed to answer all of those initial questions that entrepreneurs tend to think of when looking into business and franchising basics, including:
- The advantages to starting a business
- A look at franchise ownership
- Misconceptions about franchising
- Building equity as a strategy
- How to find the right franchise
This webinar takes place on Wednesday, January 21st at 8pm.  To find out more and to register, please visit michiganfranchiseforum.com.

You can also contact me directly at 810-423-3956 or lbelford@frannet.com.

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The First Franchise

Franchises have become a staple of the American economy. Just think of how many franchises you come across on a daily basis. Even if you don’t leave your house for a day, you will see advertisements for dozens of franchises on your television.

So, where did the first franchise begin? What was it? 

Have you heard of the Singer Sewing Machine? 

Isaac Singer didn’t invent the sewing machine. But he developed a simplistic sewing machine that could be adapted to home use – getting a patent for his invention in 1851. He even sold his machines using an installment payment basis that allowed more people to purchase his machines.

The Singer Sewing Machine sales skyrocketed over 500% during a four-year period. Isaac was able to start mass-producing his product with interchangeable parts. But, how could Singer’s company repair these machines across the United States?

The solution to this problem gave rise to the first franchise system. Singer started by licensing out servicing and repairs to local merchants around the country. Later, those merchants were allowed to become regional salespeople for the machines as well. These rights were all conveyed via contracts. 

Franchises are Proven Business Systems 

Singer’s franchising system was a success because his sewing machine was a quality, differentiated product AND he developed an efficient, effective system for selling and servicing it. This is the biggest benefit of franchising; you are using a business system that has a track record of producing successful results. There are no guarantees in business ownership and entrepreneurship, but with research, due diligence, and working a proven system, you can give yourself a distinct advantage. 

Another way to give yourself an advantage? FranNet. Our exclusive franchise matchmaking system and research plan helps to pair you with a business concept that best fits your transferable skills, personality, budget and lifestyle requirements. We offer choices in many different categories, to help you discover options you may not even be aware of, yet may provide a great fit for your unique profile!

Franchising Events and Webinars - ALL FREE! 

Want to learn more about franchising? I invite you to attend my upcoming free workshop, “Is Franchising Right For You?” This event will go over entrepreneurship, the pros and cons of different ways of starting a business (including starting from scratch, purchasing a business, and franchising), information about legal protections and financing. This event takes place on February 24, 2015 in Clarkston, MI. To find out more information or to RSVP, please visit michiganfranchiseforum.com. 

You can also join me for one of our upcoming webinars, all which are listed to the right. These presentations are educational and can help teach you more about the world of franchising. These are events are completely free.

And, as always, all of my services and consultations are FREE! Please contact me at 810-423-3956 or lbelford@frannet.com.

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