Sunday, December 27, 2015

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).

Tuesday, December 8, 2015

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 2015
    2:00 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.    


Wednesday, December 2, 2015

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…
FREE WEBINARS
You can also tune into a webinar the day before, coving all of the initial questions on business and franchising concepts.
You can also learn more about two different types of franchises in online presentations as well.
Want to learn more? Visit frannet.com/lbelford or contact me directly atlbelford@frannet.com or 810-423-3956.