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?

STARTING YOUR OWN BUSINESS

Starting your own business gives you the flexibility to choose what you want to do.  If you are an avid photography, you can get into photography.  Are you a car guy/girl?  From auto repair to rental, there are many ways to get into the car business. 

Did you know that you can actually leverage some already-successful businesses by starting a franchise (in a business category that you love)?  This allows you to take advantage of key practices, brand awareness, and successful business systems that give you a head start compared to starting a business from scratch.

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
• Personal services
• Personal care retailers
• Professional, scientific and technical services
• Other

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

LEARN MORE ABOUT FRANCHISING

I invite you to learn more about franchising at one of my upcoming FREE events/webinars.  

My next featured webinar takes place on February 18, 2015 at 7pm CT.  Learn more about a 15-year proven franchisor that is looking to move into Chicagoland, Rockford, Elgin, Northwest Indiana and other key Illinois territories.  This business opportunity is in a mature industry, showing excellent growth and returns.  For more information and to register, please visit https://cc.readytalk.com/cc/s/registrations/new?cid=sfpmipkezrcu.  

Keep an eye to the left of the screen for my other events and webinars that are 100% FREE!

If you have any questions about franchising or my upcoming events and webinars, please contact me at bback@frannet.com or 630-862-0396.

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

Follow @frannetchicago

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

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.

Follow @frannetchicago

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.

Follow @frannetchicago

Building Blocks to Franchise Success

“Do I have what it takes to succeed in business?”  If you have never owned a business before, it surely is a question that is on your mind.  Working with hundreds of prospective business owners, here are the three fundamental elements of success that FranNet has defined.  The way to maximize your chances of success is to be as close to a ten as possible in each element.

Element #1 - Drive Determination
How strong is your desire to own a franchise?

Element #2 - Business System
How good is the franchise system offered by the franchisor?

Element #3 - Fit

Will the business maximize my strengths, passions and experiences?

After examining a franchise, multiply the three scores together and come up with a total.  If you can score a 10 in all three elements, you are batting 1000!  On the other hand, a low score in any element may yield much lower results.  Try plugging a 2 in any of the boxes and do the math.

Desire for Greater Independence

While it might sound obvious to say it, the desire to own a business is perhaps the most important element.  Other words that come to mind that describe this element are drive, the desire for greater flexibility, control of one’s future, financial success, independence, etc.  Business ownership can be very rewarding, but it will not be easy.  Someone who is satisfied working for someone else will usually find the challenges of business ownership too great to ever attempt.

On the other hand, there are many stories of people who succeed against all odds because they have a strong desire to have their own business.  So ask yourself this question: On a scale of one to ten, with ten being high, how do I rate my desire for greater independence?  The higher your number, the better your odds of success.

Business System

A business system is the total package for running the business: location, marketing, products, sales process, management and training.  It is even more important than having a great product!

Franchises are all about a business system.  Franchises tend to take common products (hamburgers, oil changes, etc.) and business an effective business system around them.  With the very best systems being a ton, you want to see that the franchises you select have a great business system.

Identifying a great system is important, but a word of caution is in order.  Prospective franchise owners may be tempted to put all their emphasis on the quality of the system without considering the third and equally important element called “fit.”

Fit

No matter how good the business system is, the business must be one that “fits” you.  If must be a business that builds on your strengths and talents.  Every franchise system has successful operators and less than successful operators.  The difference is the individual.  A business system does not run itself.  Identifying a business that fits your profile, what we call your business model, is just as important as the quality of the system.

As you probably guessed, the goal is to find the business that is as close to a ten in how it fits you.

October 1, 2014 – Meet the Franchisors (Oak Brook, IL)

FREE EVENTS!  Different franchisors looking to expand in Illinois will be here and are ready to talk to you!  After a brief introduction to the world of franchising, each franchisor will overview their business model and what they look for in a successful owner, tips of franchising funding, and Q & A.  There will be time for one-on-one time with any or all of the franchisors present!

MORE INFO 10 AM               REGISTER 10 AM
MORE INFO 2 PM                 REGISTER 2 PM

You can always contact either two members of the FranNet Chicago team with any questions:

- Brad Back     bback@frannet.com    630-862-0396

- John McLellan     jmclellan@frannet.com   312-261-0760

We look forward to helping you take these building blocks and start assembling the way to success!  Remember, all of our services and events are FREE!

On October 1, It’s Time To Take Control

Meet the Franchisors and Start Your Own Business

OCTOBER 1 at 10AM and 2PM

OAK BROOK, ILLINOIS

Do you feel like you are stuck in a corporate rut?  Are you working to keep your boss living the high life, while you are stuck working 60 hour weeks?  Are you investing in a stock market that is bound to make a drastic correction in the short term?

If you said yes to one of the previous questions, I want to make you aware of a special event coming up on October 1 in Oak Brook.  I have invited 8 successful franchisors for the most successful categories around that are looking to expand in the Chicagoland market to talk to you!  

Learn more about these successful franchise businesses and find the right match for you!  These categories represented include:

• Senior Services and Assisted Living
• Retail
• Imaging and Graphics
• Professional Office Services
• Flooring and Home Services
• Residential Cleaning
• Automotive
• Staffing and Employment

This free, “must-attend” event is for anyone who wants to:

• Leave Corporate Life Behind
• Enjoy Career Independence
• Launch a Recession-Resistant Business
• Hear About Financing Options
• Be Their Own Boss
• Build Long-Term Equity

Following the presentation, you will have the opportunity to meet face-to-face with the franchisors and financial lending experts to help determine if franchising is right for you!

There are two times that you can sign up for – make sure to register quick, as these events sold out last time!

10am – 12pm

http://www.frannet.com/index.php/microsites/bback?page=event_details&urltitle=meet_the_franchisor_expo_live_in_chicago_on_10_1_14_a_special_no_cost_oppor&entryid=13494

2pm – 4pm

http://www.frannet.com/index.php/microsites/bback?page=event_details&urltitle=meet_the_franchisor_expo_live_in_chicago_on_10_1_14_a_special_no_cost_&entryid=13495

You can also contact me directly with any questions you might have!  Give me a call at 630-882-0396 or send me an email at bback@frannet.com.

October 1 is the time to take control.  I look forward to seeing you in Oak Brook!