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: www.frannet.com/bbetser

You can also look to the right of the screen for any other local seminars or webinars that are coming soon. 

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 bbetser@frannet.com or 616-891-1374.

Follow @frannetofwestmi

https://gigaom.com/2011/12/08/mbo-partners-network-2011/

http://www.marketwired.com/press-release/2015-the-year-an-easier-and-safer-self-employed-workforce-comes-into-focus-1978862.htm

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

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.

Follow @frannetofwestmi

A New Career as a Franchise Owner? Two Free Events on 1/21 to Tell You More

Just think about it… 

“I’ve got a new job – I’m the boss.”

It’s as simple as that.  As a franchise owner, you are the boss.  No corporate ladder, no busting your rear end for the benefit of someone else.  It’s all about you.

It may sound too good to be true, but franchise ownership could be much more attainable than you may think.  Let me tell you more….

"Careers in Franchise Ownership" - Grand Rapids Workshop

As the West Michigan based FranNet Franchise Placement Specialist, my role is to educate those interested in business ownership on the opportunities that franchising provides and I am hosting a FREE, no-fee, no-obligation workshop on January 21^st in Grand Rapids, MI at the Michigan Works office on Straight Ave.

During this event, we’ll cover the basics on business ownership through franchising.

Here is a brief outline of the topics covered in the “Careers in Franchise Ownership” workshop:

• 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, 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 best fits your unique personality, skills, needs and goals.
• 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.

Join us on 1/21 Michigan Works on Straight Ave at 11:30am for this informative program.  Whether you have been thinking about becoming an entrepreneur for a while, or this article somehow caught your eye and peaked your interest – you can learn more and determine if franchsing is right for you.

To register, please visit frannet.com/bbetser.  Seating is limited.  You can also contact me directly at 616-891-1374 or bbetser@frannet.com.

"Business Ownership Exploration" - Online Webinar
At 8pm on January 21, join me for this free, detailed webinar from the business experts at FranNet. Designed just for you to answer all those initial questions on business and franchising basics, we’ll cover:

• 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

Stop climbing the corporate ladder, and create one! If you’re considering business ownership, it’s essential to use the best available resources so you can get it right the first time. At FranNet, we use an established, proprietary process to match a person’s talents and goals with the right franchise choice. In a recent study we conducted on clients we’ve placed into business, we found that:

• Over 91% of clients we place are still in business after two years
• More than 85% of our clients are still open after five years
• Nearly 15% of our clients are top performers in their franchise
• These are all “Best in Class” numbers for our industry

There are other franchise brokerage-type services out there, but what makes FranNet unique is how we look at your career options first, and then jointly decide if business ownership is the right option for you.   All of our consultants are locally based and bring face-to-face attention to your needs so that we’re personally there for you every step of the way. And perhaps the best part is that our services are completely free to you throughout.

This webinar should last about 60 minutes depending on group participation. Let FranNet help you become what you’ve always wanted to be.

To register, please visit frannet.com/bbetser.  You can also contact me directly at 616-891-1374 or bbetser@frannet.com.

Follow @frannetofwestmi

Is 2015 Your Year to Start a Business?

The US Bureau of Economic Analysis reports that the Grand Rapids region is the closest area to a full gross domestic product (GDP) recovery in Michigan. Our area is only 0.4% below its peak in 2005. In comparison, the Flint region is 16.9% below its 2003 GDP peak.

Does this mean it’s the time to start a business in West Michigan?

In addition to the GDP recovery in the area, Global Trade Magazine identifies Grand Rapids as among the top 10 “Emerging Cities” in the US in its report about “America’s Best Cities for Global Trade.” Our area had $6.8 billion in exports from 2009 to 2012 with an annualized growth rate of 13.4%

In April of 2014, Forbes named Grand Rapids the second best city in the nation to raise a family. Two years prior, Grand Rapids was number one. For companies that are looking to relocate, what a better place to have their employees live.

Now’s your chance to think about getting into your own business and be a part of the growth in West Michigan … If you have ever had the entrepreneurial bug, you can learn more about different business ownership options at one of my upcoming FREE workshops or webinars listed to the right.

If you’re unsure, you won’t want to miss one of these events. There are a lot of myths that will be debunked during the programs on franchising, and I’m certain you’ll learn that there really is a franchise out there that will give you the chance to meet your lifestyle and financial goals.

You can also give me a call if you are interested in learning more from FranNet. We offer no-cost, no-obligation consultation that will help you learn if franchising is right for you, and match you with concepts that could be a good fit. I can be reached at 616-891-1374 or bbetser@frannet.com.

Follow @frannetofwestmi



SOURCES
http://bridgemi.com/2014/11/michigans-economic-comeback-promising-but-incomplete/ http://www.grbj.com/articles/80999-grand-rapids-ranks-among-top-10-emerging-cities-in-us-for-global-trade