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:  Independent Contractor, Entrepreneur, or Franchise Owner.  Begin by attending one of our free educational events on Business Ownership Options where we’ll discuss the reasons individuals explore business ownership, as well as three business ownership options.  There will be a deep dive into the franchise industry during this program, including regulations, investment levels, debunking myths and finding a great fit.

Our next featured event will be web-based on February 18, 2015.  Learn more and register here: frannet.com/bback.

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 bback@frannet.com or 630-862-0396.

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Franchisor Spotlight: Low Cost, Home-Based, Mobile Service Franchise Opportunity

Starts:	01/28/2015 @ 2:00 p.m. Eastern
Ends:	01/28/2015 @ 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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Location, Location, Location!

Let’s say that you’re well on your way to becoming a successful entrepreneur by this point. You have made the decision to go into franchising because you like the idea of being your own boss, contributing to your own bottom line and experiencing a limitless future. You’ve done your due diligence and selected a carefully crafted opportunity that matches up with your needs. You have a business plan and it’s been blessed by a financial advisor and an attorney. The stars are aligned for your success and it comes down to a question of where your business will be located.

Two things are going to happen based on this decision. Either your business will succeed because you chose to reside in a prime location, with maximum visibility and well-heeled co-tenants or…your business could fail because you located your company in the wrong area. That’s why FranNet has such strong views on the supreme importance of your franchise location.

Taken at face value, many franchisors will have a good idea of the territory they want new franchisees to choose based on the location of other franchisees of the same brand. Typically, there are clauses written into franchise contracts which prohibits direct competition among these like-minded opportunities—and that’s a good thing. Territories are important because they allow you to operate exclusively in a stated set of boundaries. And if your franchise locating your franchise outlet in your community, you should have more than a passing knowledge of your own city or township’s neighborhoods and shopping districts.

That being said, here are three critical points to consider when selecting a location for your franchise:

• Look for Class A Retail Space. These spaces typically include a high concentration of population and higher household income levels. Ask for it by name!
• Population figures. Any real estate expert should be able to cite you statistics on daytime population within a three and/or five-mile radius of your location. It’s usually one of their prime selling points. If this isn’t discussed, it’s probably not a positive statistic!
• Co-tenancy. This is important! If the location is a shopping mall or retail strip, ask who the “Anchor” tenant is. Usually, it’s a well known grocer or national consumer branded store. Make sure all of the other businesses in the location don’t directly compete with your business or service. Also, consider whether or not you’d feel comfortable doing business around the businesses already located there.

Last, before you sign anything related to real estate, get out and investigate the opportunity on your own. Show up on a weekend afternoon and survey the car and foot traffic in and out of the location area. Check to see if public transportation supports your location. Then go on a Tuesday night. Make notes and compare. Talk to some of the other shop owners and proprietors. Many of them will be all too happy to share their experiences with you—both good and bad.

At the end of the day, FranNet wants our new franchisees to succeed well after signing a contract to represent a franchise brand. Blowing the whole opportunity with a bad location selection would be nothing less than a tragedy. Don’t let it happen to you.

Do you feel that you’re ready to get started? If this article has inspired you to investigate a franchise opportunity, perhaps it’s time to check out one of my events or webinars listed to the right side of the screen.  Our next webinar is January 28th at 1pm Central Time, which takes an in-depth look at a low cost, B2B franchise in a $10 billion industry.  The franchise provides immediate on-site repair and equipment service sales through a dedicated network of highly trained and successful industry professionals.

To get more information about our upcoming webinars and to register, please visit frannet.com/bback.  Or, contact me directly at 630-862-0396 or bback@frannet.com.  All of my consultations, events and services are FREE.  Let’s get further down your path to success!

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 Consulting, Events and Webinars - ALL FREE! 

Want to learn more about franchising? 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. You can also contact me directly at 630-862-0396 or bback@frannet.com. All of my consultations, events and webinars are totally free.

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