Is it Time for an ENCORE?

The Oscars highlighted an array of musical acts last night, with many performers receiving standing ovations. Jennifer Hudson, Shirley Bassey and the cast of Les Miserables gave memorable performances that left the crowd wanting more.

Now, is it time for your encore?

A new trend is sweeping the business world, known as “encore entrepreneurship.” Picture this, doing what you love and giving back to the community – definitely worthy of a standing ovation.

According to a Kaufman Foundation study, the age group that saw the most entrepreneurial activity from 1996 to 2010 was those in the 55-64 year old bracket.  These entrepreneurs have been through the corporate world once before, and now are back for more!  This time, focusing on a true passion and even donating a little bit to charity, which helps to keep them pushing to make a difference.
FranNet is here to help you find what you are passionate about – providing free consulting services to make a great match.  Are you more comfortable around numbers and spreadsheets?  Do you thrive on delighting customers with exceptional service? Do like the idea of providing our senior community with a more comfortable and safe home environment? Are you a car nut and want to help keep everyone’s vehicle in running order?  We can help match you with franchisors that are expanding in Michigan, and are looking for your particular transferable skills and passions! 

Want to learn more about where you might fit?  On Wednesday, March 20 at 3pm, don’t miss your opportunity to "Meet the Franchisors Expanding in Michigan" at the Michigan Franchise Forum. This is your free chance to learn more about the franchise selection process and to hear from a variety of MICHIGAN-based franchisors that are still expanding in our great state.  Learn about their business concept, and ask them questions 1-on-1.  You might find something you truly could see yourself doing as your ENCORE!

For more information, please visit michiganfranchiseforum.com or contact me at 616-891-1374 or bbetser@frannet.com.

Your Million Dollar Idea Could Be Somebody Else’s

Everyone is searching for a million dollar idea.  It’s interwoven in the fabric of the American Dream, where the goal is to be as successful as you want to be.

Let’s be honest – there are only so many ideas that are going to hit “the big time.”  Many people have tried, and many people have failed. So, what if you could capitalize on an already successful business idea?

That’s the beauty of franchising!  You actually have the opportunity to achieve success from a proven, time-test business model that has predictable future results.  Franchising provides a very transparent due diligence process with the franchisor and existing franchisees.  The franchisor WANTS YOU TO SUCCEED – because they will succeed as well!

As part of the research, you’ll have the opportunity to ask a lot of questions about all aspects of franchise ownership within that particular system. You’ll be able to glean insight on both the successes, and failures of franchisees with similar backgrounds and market locations.  You’ll also be able to gain information on the support of the Franchisor, investment level, and your potential return on investment.

One of the biggest advantages to franchising is that you’re buying the tested operating model of the franchisor.  When you open your business on Day 1, you’ll be equipped with a system and process to apply to the operations of the business, including marketing and management.

Franchising, however, is not for everyone!   Because there are over 3000 different franchises to choose from, finding the right fit may be cumbersome.  In addition, some don’t find value in the payment of an initial franchise fee and on-going royalties.   Here at FranNet, we can assist you in recognizing the advantages and disadvantages of franchising, as well as finding the right fit.

If you want to learn more, feel free to contact us directly for discussion, or attend one of our upcoming events giving you the opportunity to hear from actual Franchisors. Join me in Grand Rapids on March 21st at 2pm for “Meet the Franchisors – West Michigan Franchise Forum,” a free, no-obligation seminar that puts you in the same room as Michigan Based Franchisors that have availability in West Michigan. Presented along with Buy Michigan Now!, you’ll get to learn more about specific franchise concepts, funding, operating systems and more that will get your entrepreneurial juices flowing!  For more information, please visit michiganfranchiseforum.com.  You can also contact me with any questions at 616-891-1374 or bbetser@frannet.com.

FRANNET hosts Business Ownership Seminar in Kalamazoo, MI on Thursday, February 14, 2013 1:00pm - 2:30pm

FranNet will be in Kalamazoo this Thursday, February 14, 2013 from 1pm - 2:30pm hosting a seminar on Business Ownership Options.

This seminar provides a great introduction to the three types of business ownership, the advantages and disadvantages of each, and how to reduce risk and find the right fit. 

We'll also take an in-depth look at franchising, including opportunities to keep your day job while running the business.  

In conclusion, an overview of how FranNet can simplify the search and assist in finding a business that is a great fit for you will be presented.

Attendance is key for those individuals that have been contemplating business ownership. 

Registration Required.

Location:  Signature & Associates Commercial Real Estate located at 950 Trade Centre Way, Ste. 140, Kalamazoo, MI  49002.

Contact Brigitte Betser at 616.891.1374 or bbetser@frannet.comfor more information.

An Introduction to Franchising

Quite simply, a franchise is a license to use the name, trademarks, and proprietary products of an existing company.  This means that you can start a business using someone’s proven system.  Sounds simple, right?

There are many facets to franchising, many potential franchises, and maybe a perfect franchise to fit your needs and lifestyle.  Whether you are looking for a career, an investment, or both – franchising is a potential way to kick start you on the road to success.  But, in all honesty, franchising is not right for everyone.

Step 1:  Watch “Introduction to Franchising,” a free online video sponsored by FranNet and the US Small Business Administration.  This will give you a great introduction to franchising, right in front of your computer screen.  Click here to watch “Introduction to Franchising.”

Step 2:  Attend “Franchising as a Career, an Investment, or Both,” a FREE session that I will be holding in Kalamazoo, MI on Thursday, February 14.  Here, we’ll talk a little bit more about your situation and talk more about if franchising is right for you.  Please note, there is no pressure as all of my services are 100% FREE to you.  Click here for more information and to register today.

Consider me as your personal franchising coach, as we’ll travel the road together to see if franchising is right for you.  Feel free to contact me with any questions at 616-558-2514 or bbetser@frannet.com.

UPCOMING SEMINARS AND WEBINARS
Light Manufacturing Business Opportunity
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
2:00 PM to 3:30 PMmore info and to register

Franchisor Spotlight: Semi-Absentee Food Concept - Largest in Its Category
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
8:00 PM to 9:30 PM

more info and to register

"Franchising as a Career, an Investment, or Both"
Thursday, February 14th, 2013
1:00 PM to 2:30 PM
more info and to register