Being Semi-Absentee, Actually a Good Thing!

Semi-absentee has a bad sound to it, doesn’t it. Would you want to be semi-absentee in an investment? What about being semi-absentee in something you want to be successful?

Well, would it surprise you that being a semi-absentee business owner can be a GOOD thing? (Although, you probably got the hint from the title of this article.)

If you want to keep the security of your day job, but put in some extra effort to invest in something you believe in, you can become a semi-absentee franchise business concept owner. Combine your capital with about 15 to 20 hours of work per week, and you can own a business.

There are some successful franchise concepts out there that you can take advantage of – from hair salons to restaurants to handyman referrals (just to name a few). You don’t need to be an expert in the industry; you rely on managers and employees to get the job done. You focus on running the business side.

Still, the bottom line is, you are the main boss. You make the final calls. You just are not always on site or having to put 110% of your attention on the business, 24/7/365.

Want to find out more about owning a semi-absentee franchise? Let me invite you to an upcoming free webinar tomorrow (Wednesday, February 25) at 8pm EST. Learn more about a semi-absentee franchise in a multi-billion dollar industry and growing. The franchisor is a leader in its category, providing clients a comprehensive program that blends one-on-one support and education with cutting-edge technology.  At a glance:

• Semi-absentee opportunity
• Multiple revenue streams provide residual income from repeat clients and product sales
• Staff ratio:  Dedicated franchisor staff to franchisee ratio of one to one
• Quick ramp up with an average 6-month break-even point
• Ongoing franchisor support and marketing and PR assistance

Find out more about this webinar by clicking this link.

Don’t forget, you can always contact me at 810-423-3956 or lbelford@frannet.com. Don’t forget to click on the social media links below to follow me as well!

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How to Assess a Franchise Opportunity? Make Sure to Thoroughly Examine the Franchise Disclosure Documents

We all might be out of school, but business opportunities do require doing your homework.   You do not want to make this sort of decision without having done homework, your due diligence, in accessing the opportunity.

When you are 14 days from completing the purchase of a franchise business concept, the franchisor is required (by federal law) to provide you with disclosure documents about the franchise. 

WHAT IS IN THE DISCLOSURE DOCUMENTS

Some of the details that will be in these franchise disclosure documents will be:  franchisor revenue, number of units sold, number of units resold, and whether the franchisor is or has been involved in any significant lawsuits.

You will also receive names and phone numbers of all current and past franchisees. 

REVIEWING THE DOCUMENTS

These documents could be several hundred pages long, and should be overviewed by your accountant and lawyer, as well as those involved in buying the franchise.

Now, if possible, try and get a copy of the franchisor’s disclosure documents as soon as you can.  This will give you the chance to do some digging before you meet with the franchise sales team.  You might be able to spot some issues before you “fall in love” with the business.

WHAT TO DO WITH THE INFORMATION
You are looking for red flags in the disclosure documents.  A high number of resells, franchisor vs. franchisee lawsuits, or other items that just give you a bad gut feel.  Look over these documents with your lawyer and accountant as well. 

Last but not least, make sure to contact FranNet.  I am a highly successful former franchise owner and seasoned consultant with experience in helping people reach their dream of business ownership.  My goal is to get to know you, and help you know what you are getting into.  For example, if you are looking to get into a semi-absentee business ownership situation (where you are only working 15-20 hours a week on your business), I can steer you clear if the franchise your are considering will require much more than that.

IS FRANCHISING RIGHT FOR YOU?

I invite you to attend my upcoming FREE workshop, "Is Franchising Right For You?"  This event is being held THIS TUESDAY (February 24, 2015) in Clarkston, MI.  We'll be covering the following topics in this seminar:  General discussion of the reasons that compel individuals to start their own business in the first place.

• A comparison of the pros and cons of starting a business from scratch, buying an existing business or starting a franchise.
• How franchising can provide a desirable alternative to traditional employment by reducing the risk of ownership to an acceptable level through proven business systems, comprehensive training and ongoing support.
• Basic information on franchising, including the range of industry categories, entry and long-term strategies, investment levels and fees.
• The legal regulations governing franchising that protect the buyer.
• A strategic approach to defining your personal business model, quantifying your returns and safely researching and selecting the business opportunity that’s right for you.
• Growth trends and choices in franchising that offer stability and success in weak and strong economies.
• A brief overview of FranNet’s no-fee, no-obligation consulting service is also provided.

To register, or for more information, please visit michiganfranchiseforum.com/registration.php or contact me directly at 810-423-3956 or lbelford@frannet.com.

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Is Franchising Right For You? Free Workshop in Clarkston, MI on February 24

Tuesday, February 24, 2015 | 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM
Clarkston Independence Library | Community Room
6495 Clarkston Road | Directions

Have you been considering business ownership as a career change, a supplemental income source or an additional layer of retirement security? Have you stopped short of looking into franchising because you think it’s all fast food, or it’s too expensive?

Linda Belford, franchise placement specialist from FranNet, will bust some common franchise myths, and enlighten you on the wide-range of categories and investment levels available today. She 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.

You’ll learn whether franchising could be a path for achieving your goals, and if so, how to go about finding the RIGHT fit for you!

Following is a brief outline of the topics covered in FranNet’s seminar:

• General discussion of the reasons that compel individuals to start their own business in the first place.
• A comparison of the pros and cons of starting a business from scratch, buying an existing business or starting a franchise.
• How franchising can provide a desirable alternative to traditional employment by reducing the risk of ownership to an acceptable level through proven business systems, comprehensive training and ongoing support.
• Basic information on franchising, including the range of industry categories, entry and long-term strategies, investment levels and fees.
• The legal regulations governing franchising that protect the buyer.
• A strategic approach to defining your personal business model, quantifying your returns and safely researching and selecting the business opportunity that’s right for you.
• Growth trends and choices in franchising that offer stability and success in weak and strong economies.
• A brief overview of FranNet’s no-fee, no-obligation consulting service is also provided.

Register now by clicking this link - http://michiganfranchiseforum.com/registration.php.  You can also contact Linda at 810-423-3956 or lbelford@frannet.com.

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It’s a Week About Love … Do You Love Your Job?

Valentine’s Day is a week filled with hearts, chocolate, cupid and roses.   Love is in the air.  But, is love in the air at your workplace?  I’m not talking about an inter-office romance; I’m asking do you love your job?

According to a Society for Human Resource Management survey (SHRM), 81% of US employees reported overall job satisfaction with their current job (2013).  This is unchanged from 2012.

Now, this may be a bit surprising.  You might have been expecting a lower satisfaction number.  But, do all of those people truly LOVE their jobs?

WHAT ARE THE KEY COMPONENTS TO JOB SATISFACTION?
The SHRM study reported the top aspects of Job Satisfaction rated as “very important” by employees.  In order, they are:

• Compensation/Pay
• Job Security
• Opportunities to use skills/abilities
• Relationship with immediate supervisor
• Benefits
• Organization’s financial stability
• The work itself

Just the fact that you clicked on the article means that maybe one of the areas listed above could be lacking in the job your currently have.

STARTING YOUR OWN BUSINESS PUTS THOSE FACTORS IN YOUR OWN HANDS
It may take years to reach where you want to be for your current employer.  Like most people, you probably feel under-paid or are seeing their benefits cut.The organization’s financial stability, let alone your job security, are probably being decided by some corporate big-wigs sitting in another building.  Are you in a rut, not being utilized to your full potential, dealing with a boss you just can’t stand?

Starting your own business puts these factors in your own hands.  If you want to be the boss, there is no better relationship with your immediate supervisor – you are the Big Kahuna!  You determine the compensation, benefits, and your job security.  It is hard work, but many people turn owning a business into more of an investment than a job.  Some even own their own business on top of working a ‘9 to 5’ job.

As I alluded to in the previous paragraph, the biggest component to owning your own business is YOU.  You are going to have to want to be in charge, and have to love the field you are in.  This is where your skills, abilities and the work itself come into play.

DO YOU NEED A NEW IDEA TO START YOUR OWN BUSINESS?
Now, you don’t need a revolutionary idea to start your own business.  Did you know that you can actually use another’s already-proven business concept – allowing you to start a business in one of many different industries?  Let me introduce you to franchising.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE DIFFERENT BUSINESS INDUSTRY CATEGORIES?
ADP is the company that provides HR, payroll time, tax and benefits administration services to businesses across the world.  ADP releases an employment report monthly that covers a number of jobs in the country.  For franchise jobs, here are the different industries they list:

• Auto & parts dealers
• Building materials and garden equipment and supplies dealers
• Food retailers
• Real estate
• Rental
• Restaurants
• Gas stations and auto repair
• Business services
• Education
• Accommodation
• Leisure
• Manufacture
• Other
• Personal services
• Personal care retailers
• Professional, scientific and technical services

Odds are, if you can think of it, there is a franchise that exists.

DON’T BE AFRAID TO THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX
Doing what you love is very important, but don’t afraid to explore other business industries.  Sometimes, you might be surprised to find a new love in something you never considered.

And, that’s where I can help!  As a FranNet Consultant, I can introduce you to FranNet’s exclusive matchmaking process.  We take in to account your skills, abilities, financial goals and lifestyle ambitions to connect you to different franchise concepts.  We’ll get to know what you are passionate about – and find the right franchise for you.

LEARN MORE ABOUT FRANCHISING
I also host workshops and webinars to help further introduce you to the world of franchising.  I invite you to learn more about franchising at one of my upcoming FREE events/webinars.

Join me on February 24th in Clarkston, MI for a workshop entitled “Is Franchising Right For You?”  I’ll 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.  You will learn whether franchising could be a path for achieving your goals, and if so, how to go about finding the right path for you.

For more information on this (and my other upcoming events), please visit michiganfranchiseforum.com.  You can also contact me at 810-423-3956 or lbelford@frannet.com.

CONTACT ME
Are you interested in owning your own business?  Let’s get started on the road to success.  Contact me at the phone number or email address listed in the previous paragraph.

Remember, if you don’t love your job – you should be doing what you love!

http://www.shrm.org/Research/SurveyFindings/Documents/14-0028%20JobSatEngage_Report_FULL_FNL.pdf

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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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