Giving Thanks For Other People’s Ideas: Starting a Business Doesn’t Necessarily Need Your Own Idea

There is no denying that a unique idea can make for a successful business venture.  Earlier in November, the company Banza won a half-million dollar grand prize in the Accelerate Michigan innovation content.

Not only does winning the Accelerate Michigan Innovation Competition gain a great cash prize, it gets good exposure.  So, the company Banza, and its innovative gluten-free pasta, will have a head start when the product goes to market.

 But, what if you don’t have a half-million dollar idea (or better)?

It’s time to give thanks for franchising!

Franchising is where you can buy your own business in an already established business concept.  It’s a head start into business – because someone else has kick started the brand. 

And, there are so many different concepts that exist, you can find a concept that fits your interests and your lifestyle.  Are you looking to start a business and work at it as a full-time job?  Are you looking for a part time or semi-absentee business investment?  No matter your interests and available time, there is a franchise concept for you.

It’s time to give thanks for someone else’s idea!  But, ideas are only ideas … it’s time to take the next step.  Let me help you examine the different franchise opportunities that are available.  I’ll introduce you to FranNet’s exclusive “Perfect Match” system to help align you with potential fits.  And, I even host events throughout the year (both online and in-person events) to help you on the pathway to success.

All of my consultations, services and events are 100% FREE.  Contact me at bbetser@frannet.com or 616-891-1374.

So, enjoy the turkey and stuffing this week and give thanks!  There are great ideas out there, and they are ready for you. 

Your Network...and a Needy Child...Await Your Pro-active Activity This Holiday Season

Join us this Tuesday, November 17th, in Ada from 5:00-8:00 pm at St. Robert of Newminster Catholic Church's Parish Life  (6477 Ada Dr SE).

Topic:
"Visible Networking: No Hiding out".

Your take-away:
New insights and an actionable plan for improving your networking effectiveness for the holidays...as well as a jump-start into 2016.

Presenters:
Brigitte Betser, former Franchise Development Specialist and now Franchise/Small Business Consultant and Ken Soper, Master Career Counselor, one of first 50 MCC's in the world.

RSVP now at this link: http://www.nw2nw.org/events

CHOOSING A FRANCHISE: Can I be a part-time owner?

If you choose to take advantage of the free services provided by a FranNet consultant like myself, you’ll find that as we start the research process, we’ll ask lots of questions!  That’s because it’s our goal to find you a great fit for your lifestyle, among other attributes.

It’s somewhat similar to the dating world, where you might meet a matchmaker looking to pair you up with your future husband or wife.  You want to be truthful and honest in your answers, because – well, in all honesty – you don’t want to be paired up in a bad relationship. 

One of the important aspects that we look at as we work with you to make matches is lifestyle.  And for you, running a franchise full time may not make sense in the near future. 

Franchising offers lots of variety, including a range in the amount of time necessary for the owner to invest in the business.  If you are looking at franchising as an investment or something to offer great flexibility, semi-absentee ownership may be the best fit for you. This is an option where the owner typically puts in between 10 and 20 hours a week on the business. On-site managers handle your day-to-day operations, making sure that your customers are leaving happy. 

Whether you’re looking for an investment (semi-absentee model) or a career, franchising may be a fit for you.   

Don’t try to figure it out on your own – resources are available to help you as there are many things to consider when looking at different franchise opportunities – that’s where FranNet’s “Proven Match” system comes into play.  We’ll take a look at your available time, your ability to provide the necessary financial capital, and most importantly – your goals and interests!

LUNCH & LEARN – Friday, November 13 (Online event)Learn more about semi-absentee and full-time executive models expanding in Michigan on Friday during our “Lunch & Learn’ web-based event. We’ll feature three brief presentations that you can enjoy over lunch from the comfort of your home or office while learning about some wealth-building options for the next phase of your career.
MORE INFO - REGISTER NOW

You can also contact me at 616-891-1374 or bbetser@frannet.com to learn more about taking the next step towards business ownership.  Remember, all of FranNet’s consultations, events, advice and more are 100% FREE.  No pressure, no obligations. 

A Few Spots Remain for Thursday's Meet the Franchisors (10/29) in Birmingham, MI

THERE'S STILL TIME TO JOIN US! A Special Opportunity to Learn About Successful Franchises Expanding in Michigan & Where YOU Might Fit In! This is your chance to learn about several premier franchise companies that are poised for rapid expansion in Michigan and to meet their franchise development executives! This forum is offered at NO CHARGE to the general public, but REGISTRATION is REQUIRED. Tips on franchise due diligence will also be presented, and a franchise financing expert will discuss your funding options.  Categories will include: B2B Consulting Fast Casual Dining Home and Office Decor Retail/Commercial Distribution & Recycling Automotive Aftermarket Full Service Day Spa Professional Staffing Residential/Commercial Building Services Lawn and Environmental Care Total investment range starts below $100K. The Michigan Franchise Forum, bringsaspiring entrepreneurs together with the local franchise experts of FranNet AND franchise development executives from an array of premier concepts eager to expand their presence in Michigan. The program includes: A brief introduction to the world of franchising, and a safer approach to franchise due diligence and selection Updates on the "State of Franchising" here in Michigan A brief presentation by each Franchisor, including an overview of their business model and what they look for in a successful franchise owner Tips on franchise funding An opportunity for Q & A, and optional one-on-one time with any or all of the Franchisors If you’re thinking about making a change and becoming your own boss, or looking for a better investment opportunity, this event is for YOU! SEATING IS LIMITED. Register now at www.MichiganFranchiseForum.com or by calling 616.891.1374. October 29, 2015 3:00 PM - 5:30 PM The Community House | 380 S. Bates Birmingham, MI 48009

Presented By:   For More Information Contact: Brigitte Betser | 616.891.1374 | bbetser@frannet.com

Entrepreneurial Football: Team “Franchise” or Team “You”

Have you been thinking about the best way to start your own business? You know you can be a STAR because you have the drive to take on a difficult challenge. It’s just like being a quarterback. Will your talent and drive take you to down the field for a big score? When it comes to starting a business, you have a couple of options. Are you going to with the veteran Team Franchise? Or, will you go with your very own expansion team?

Quarterback
Team Franchise:  You
Team You:  You

Running Back, Wide Receivers, Linemen
Team Franchise:  Your “scouts” (franchisors) know key characteristics to look for in supporting talent. In some cases, they may help you find a manager.
Team You:  Do you know the right people? Do you know what to look for?

Coach
Team Franchise:  Your franchisor is there to support you. They have proven systems that have worked.
Team You:  Your on your own, looking for advice … Separate what you think will work, what won’t work.

Offensive Coordinator
Team Franchise:  Fellow franchisees can support you and let you know what has worked, what hasn’t worked.
Team You:  Do you have trusted people to help you out? Do you have people that will give you advice that you might now want?

The Playbook
Team Franchise:  A proven operations manual, computer systems, and other processes that have driven others down the field. There are times when you can audible and call your own plays.
Team You:  You are calling the shots. The question remains, what if you are up against a defense that you have never seen before.

Fans
Team Franchise:  The brand may have local fans that know what to expect.
Team You:  Your starting out with friends and family. You have to get more people to root for you.

Both Team Franchise and Team You are both viable options. In fact, the franchisors at one time were on their own “Team You.” But, as you can see in the above comparison … “Team You” starts out truly as you alone. “Team Franchise” has a developed support system to help you get down the field.

Don’t get tackled on the pursuit to a dream! Contact FranNet today to learn about our free services and consulting that can help you on the road to business ownership. We have free events and free webinars, as well as offer free one-on-one consulting with a no pressure, no commitment approach.

Thursday, September 17 – “Is Buying a Franchise Right For Me?” 
12pm – 1pm: Caledonia, MI
I'll bust some common franchise myths, and enlighten you on the wide-range of categories and investment levels available today. She’ll 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!
More Info | Register Now

Tuesday, September 22 – “Wanted: More Women Franchise Owners” 
2pm – 3:30pm: Online Webinar
This free, webinar will help you understand the unique business opportunities available to women. FranNet works with women to help them understand special financial incentives, training available and business opportunities available only to women.
More Info | Register Now

Wednesday, September 23 – “Franchisor Spotlight: Home-based, Fast-Launching Marketing Services Concept” 
2pm – 3:30pm: Online Webinar 
Our Franchisor Spotlight features a powerful, business-to-business model that boasts an unlimited prospect base and promotes scalability with no additional franchise fees or royalties. Franchisees can acquire protected multi-territory and regional chains with large local markets and a circulation footprint that will likely expand.
More Info | Register Now

To find out more, contact me at 616-891-1374 or bbetser@frannet.com.

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The Kids are Back to School, What Should I Do With All of This Free Time?

It’s the most wonderful time of the year!  The kids are heading back to school.  Whether you have older kids heading to college or younger kids heading to elementary, the house might be a bit quieter than it has been for the past three months.

What might you accomplish with all of this time on your hands?  Could you imagine starting a business?

Depending on your financial situation, starting a business may be a viable opportunity for you.  With a proven franchise concept, you could reduce the risk of owning a successful business.

Semi-absentee Ownership Still Will Give You Time With Your Kids
The semi-absentee ownership model puts the operating responsibilities on a manager that you hire.  After getting the business off the ground, you focus on supervising from the 10,000 foot level.

Business Ownership Could Be An Investment Towards Your Children’s College Education
College is expensive.  Bank savings accounts and CDs don’t offer that much interest.  What if you can invest in yourself right now, and in essence, be investing in your children’s future?  Running a successful business can help you towards the goal of paying for your children’s college, or adding retirement security

Owning a Business Can Provide a Job For Your Soon-To-Be College Graduate
Have a child that’s about to enter the “real world?”  What if you can groom your child to be the next manager of your business?  With job markets being tougher and tougher, you can give your child a head start on landing a job and getting great experience.

FranNet Provides FREE Consulting and Events to Help You Learn More About Franchising
Contact me at bbetser@frannet.com or 616-891-1374 and lets talk about your goals, your interests, and the lifestyle you want to maintain.  We can talk about FranNet's exclusive matchmaking system that can pair you up with different franchise options that could be just for you.

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Make It Your Business to Help Others

If you have a passion for helping people, and have also been bit by the entrepreneurial bug … there is a perfect franchised business concept waiting for you.

• Rehabilitation Therapy – Help the healing and restoration of normal life activities with those that may have suffered illness or injury.  Your team will work directly with patients, educating them on what they can do to restore function and return to routine daily activities. 
• Senior Care – As they age, sometimes those we love need a little extra help.  That is where your business can come in.  Providing special care to our seniors is truly a noble act.
• Vitamins / Nutritional Products – Being healthy is being cool. Through providing vitamins, supplements and other important products – you are helping educate and improve the lifestyles of your customers searching to reach peak human performance.
• Massage – Americans suffer from back pain, other muscle pain and routine stress, which are the primary reasons people seek their first massage. Bring the benefits of high-quality, superior massage services to your community
• Health Care Supplies – Wheelchairs, C-PAP machines, oxygen tanks and more.  Help provide needed supplies to those needing specific supplies that can’t be commonly obtained through pharmacies and supermarkets.
• Weight Loss – Help people lose weight via long-term behavioral modification and coaching. You and your staff can help your clients live a lifetime of healthy habits and wellness.  

There are many different concepts in the world of Health and Wellness that you could be a part of.  Remember, franchises are more than just fries.  In the case of health/wellness, it’s the direct OPPOSITE of French fries.

Learn more about various different franchises at my upcoming workshop, “Is Buying a Franchise Right For Me?”  The workshop takes place on August 13th in Caledonia, MI.  For more information and to RSVP, please visit frannet.com/bbetser.  You can also contact me at bbetser@frannet.com or 616-891-1374.

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Your Computer Screen May Hold Your Future

FranNet is presenting over a week of webinars that can help you decide to take the next step towards being your own boss.

Wednesday, July 15 – 2pm

Franchisor Spotlight – B2B Profitable Franchise Opportunity

Leverage your high energy and expert management skills to succeed in this $122 Billion Dollar Industry.  This concept excels in large, protected territories and eliminates the need for multiple units with its high earnings potential.

MORE INFO – REGISTER NOW

Wednesday, July 15 – 2pm

Light Manufacturing Business Opportunity
Traditional business hours, few employees with high skill levels and high repeat business (80% of sales are generated by 30 to 50 corporate accounts) are the highlights of this opportunity.

MORE INFO – REGISTER NOW

Thursday, July 16 – 2pm
Finding the Right Business for Baby Boomers

If you are an entrepreneurial older American seeking a new adventure, this webinar is right for you.  We’ll examine the advantages to starting a business, look at franchise ownership, build your personal business model and more.

MORE INFO – REGISTER NOW

Wednesday, July 22 – 8pm

Is Business Ownership Right For You?

Stop climbing the corporate ladder and create one!  Learn more about franchise ownership, our proprietary process of matching a person’s talent and goals with the right franchise choice, and more.

MORE INFO – REGISTER NOW

If you can’t make a webinar, or maybe want to ask questions directly, you can always contact me to talk more about franchising.  Contact me at 616-891-1374 or bbetser@frannet.com.

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B2B? B2C? What about HB2B?

There are many different types of business structures out there. All of them fall into two broad categories as to the targeted market, those being Business-to-Business (B2B) and Business-to-Consumer (B2C).

Maybe you are looking for something different.  You want to be your own boss, but you need a bit of flexibility.  What about HB2B?

What’s that?  Home-based-to-business.

You don’t even have to start something from scratch.  There are plenty of franchise business concepts to meet your entrepreneurial needs.  Let’s take a look at the potential:

• Consulting:  Your home is your base, and you go out to meet with your different business clients.  Create value for your clients, making money as they make money.  A total win-win.
• Sales:  Your clients might think you work out of a big office building.  Combine your sales and marketing skills, charming personality, and a franchised business concept – and you have a winning combination.
• Services:  IT, digital marketing, facility maintenance and repair and many other options can easily hit the road.  Bring your talents to the people, and reap the rewards.

One of the great things about working as a HB2B franchised business concept, you have a franchisor that will provide you with the training and the tools.  You even have a network of other franchisees as a sounding board.

Want to know about more about franchising?  You can learn more by watching one of our upcoming free webinars listed to the right.  On July 15th, learn more about a B2B opportunity.  On July 16, we'll look at finding the right business for baby boomers.  On July 22nd, we'll examine if business ownership is right for you.  Either click on the links to the right, or visit frannet.com/bbetser for more information.

You can also contact me directly if you would like to set up a one-on-one free consultation.  All of  FranNet's consultations, events and webinars are FREE!  No fee, no obligation.  You can contact me at bbetser@frannet.com or 616-891-1374.

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Be Different. Franchises are More Than Just Fries.

Two Webinars to Highlight Two Different Franchise Opportunities

When you hear the term franchise, there are two things that usually pop into mind.

• Restaurants
• Pro Sports Teams

Experian reported in 2014 that the top choice for entrepreneurial startups was restaurants.  10.6% of new businesses were restaurants.  Personal services accounted for 6.9%, miscellaneous retail for 6.6%, business services for 6.3%, and general contractors 5.5%.

According to the National Restaurant Association, there are already 1 million restaurant locations in the United States.  (70% of those are single-unit operations).

Here’s your chance to be different.  There are two FREE webinars coming up on Wednesday, June 24.

LIGHT MANUFACTURING

2:00pm – 3:30pm

Take a dive into a light manufacturing opportunity in a professional, business-to-business format.  Some of the highlights include:  traditional business hours, few employees with high skill levels, and high repeat business.

This webinar will feature the founder and president of the company, as well as several business unit owners in varying stages of growth.

More Info – Register Now

HEALTH AND WELLNESS
8:00pm – 9:00pm
This concept offers two options, an owner-operator model or a semi-absentee model.  This high value franchise concept features a low start-up cost, a simple turnkey model and flexible schedules.  This concept also emphasizes a large charitable component within its community and offers not only the opportunity to make a difference, but also to make a living.

More Info – Register Now

WE ARE HERE TO HELP

If you have ever considered starting your own business, please reach out to FranNet.  We offer NO FEE and NO OBLIGATION consulting to those committed to starting their own business.  Our exclusive matchmaking process can help identify potential business concepts that fit your needs and goals, and our experience will help coach you through the research and decision process.

Any questions about our webinars or starting a business?  Please reach out at 616-891-1374 or bbetser@frannet.com. 

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