If you BUILD it, they will come (again and again) …

Join me for LIGHT MANUFACTURING DISCOVERY DAY on Monday, May 6th from 12 pm to 2 pm in Troy, MI (lunch is provided). Learn about a light manufacturing business-to-business opportunity.  This concept leverages your marketing, sales and management skills on a traditional Monday-Friday schedule.

Our economy has for generations been fueled by manufacturing, both heavy and light.  Light manufacturing is an environment with no loud noises, no noxious odors, no dangerous chemicals, and no dangerous equipment.  Much of the light manufacturing over the years has gone overseas due to economics. Some manufacturing remains here due to different factors including; technology, unique raw materials, the need to be close to the customer, or the custom nature of small run production.

Some people have the desire to make a product from raw materials.  They like the process involved in manufacturing.  They like the tangible results of what they have made.  They like the single location nature of the industry, the regular hours it operates, the project scheduling, the potential to someday purchase their own building adding to their retirement investments and they understand the high resale value of a manufacturing business.

Picture yourself running a manufacturing business where your staff makes a product from raw materials.

It’s custom production. Every project is different; every day is different. You will see tangible, visible results of your efforts driving home.

It’s close to home, in a low overhead, business park location, operating Monday-Friday, 9-5 (no nights, no weekends and no holidays) with a small staff of career employees. Your business will offer recession-resistant products that every business needs, and about 80% of sales are traditionally generated from 30-50 corporate accounts.


To register, please visit frannet.com/bbetser today!  Feel free to contact me with any questions at 616-891-1374 or bbetser@frannet.com.

FEW SEATS REMAIN for "Franchising as an Investment, a Career, or Both"

RSVP now for "Franchising as an Investment, a Career, or Both."  If you have ever thought about owning your own business, I invite you to attend my workshop which takes a look at your goals in life and compares them to various business ownership strategies.  I'll talk more about Franchising and how you various franchise concepts can allow you to be an active and engaged owner, a passive and behind-the-scenes owner, or a combination of the two.

The workshop takes place on April 18 at 10:30am in Grand Rapids.  RSVP now my going to frannet.com/bbetser.  Feel free to contact me with any questions at 616-891-1374 or bbetser@frannet.com.  I look forward to meeting you and discovering your road to success!

Don’t Wait for the Economy to Create Your Job

The Motley Fool’s Morgan Housel just released this tweet, “Sorry to ruin your evening, but we are living through the worst employment disaster since the Great Depression.[1]”  He writes in his article that although the unemployment rate is dropping, this is due to the overall labor force participation rate dropping.[2]

This is the time to take control.  What if you could create your own job? 

I invite you to join me for “Franchising as an Investment, a Career, or Both” at April 18 at 10:30am in Grand Rapids, MI.  We will examine what a franchise is, and how you can leverage an already existing business concept into a career and an investment in yourself.

For more information and to RSVP, please visit frannet.com/bbetser.  You can also join my LinkedIn group, FranNet of West Michigan, at http://www.linkedin.com/groups?gid=4627171&trk=hb_side_g.

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[1] http://www.twitter.com/themotleyfool

[2] http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2013/04/05/marchs-jobs-report-in-4-charts.aspx

ExecuNet West Michigan - Local Chapter Meeting on 4/2 in Grand Rapids

Are you in a Director, Manager or C-suite role with your current organization?  Are you looking for tools to assist in networking and career advancement?  If so, ExecuNet may be for you. 

Take a moment to learn more about ExecuNet at www.execunet.com, and if you haven't already, please take a moment to register for our next ExecuNet meeting on April 2 in Grand Rapids:  http://www.execunet.com/e_network_detail.cfm?fmtid=11a78. 

For over 20 years, like-minded executives have been gathering at these local meetings around the country for the sharing of tips, contacts and resources. Those both employed and un-employed in manager, director or c-level roles have found success in ExecuNet to assist in their networking and career.  In fact, your next career move may be influenced by someone you meet next week! 

TUESDAY, April 2, 2013 from 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Northwood University - Grand Rapids Campus, 515 Michigan St. (northeast corner of Michigan & College off of the College and I-196), Grand Rapids, MI  49503 

SPECIAL NOTE: We invite Mary Williams of Orion Performance Group to speak about "Time and Self-Management".  

Start your networking now:  Pass this on to those you think may benefit from attending.

Also, bring a new friend to next week's event and you both get half off of admission ($10 members, $15 non-members).  

Take advantage of this opportunity for professional development and making new connections! 

Feel free to call or write with any questions. Hope to see you next week! 

Warmest regards, 

Brigitte Betser 
FranNet of Michigan 
616.891.1374

This Week! Meet the Franchisors Expanding in Michigan

If you ever have had that “entrepreneurial urge”, you should attend this week’s “Michigan Franchise Forum … Meet the Franchisors Expanding in Michigan.”  

This event will give you the opportunity to hear from a handful of franchise companies headquartered right here in Michigan! Poised for continued expansion in West Michigan, learn about what these companies are looking for in a franchise owner, their investment levels and territory opportunities. 

Categories include:  In-Home Senior Care, Healthy, Retail/Commercial Distribution & Recycling, Semi-absentee Hair Care Concept, Home/Commercial Improvement.

Learn more about due diligence, how to find the right fit and financing from FranNet and other small business resource experts 

Michigan Franchise Forum takes place on 3/21 at 2 pm in Grand Rapids, MI.  Space is filling up fast, so RSVP now at michiganfranchiseforum.com.  Feel free to contact me at 616-891-1374 or bbetser@frannet.com.

The Top 10 Reasons You Should MEET THE FRANCHISORS

FranNet of West Michigan, Buy Michigan Now, and SCORE present "Meet the Franchisors - West Michigan Franchise Forum."  This is your chance to learn more about Michigan-based Franchisors poised for expansion in West Michigan.  Here’s my top 10 reasons why should you attend this event.

10.  LEARN ABOUT FRANCHISING - Franchising is a highly viable method of entrepreneurship that leverages another business concept (for a fee), giving you a chance to make money off of another's successful idea, brand and practices.  There is always risk when starting a business, but wouldn’t it be great if you could have access to an opportunity that’s already had proven success?

9.  LEARN ABOUT OPPORTUNITIES THAT YOU MAY HAVE NEVER CONSIDERED - There may be a McDonald's and Starbucks on every corner, but maybe there is a need in your area for tax services, oil changes, or a hair salon?  There are many different types of franchises out there, and Meet the Franchisors (along with FranNet) can help you discover a franchise concept that fits your expertise, schedule, and initial investment.

8.  TASTY SNACKS – Cookies and Coffee provided!  Yes, that’s right! We’ll get you through that afternoon “lull” with caffeine and sugar at the event.   Don’t get too excited, its nothing fancy, by enough to get you through that afternoon lull and keep your stomach from growling!

7.  TALK TO FRANCHISE REPRESENTATIVES ONE-ON- ONE -  Each representative will discuss their business and answer questions about ownership in a group setting.  After that, you will be able to talk directly to those representatives.

6.  LEARN MORE ABOUT MICHIGAN - We won't talk about former senators or how the Mackinac Bridge was constructed, but you will learn more about which opportunities are available in specific areas in Michigan.  Franchising allows you to purchase exclusive rights to an area, so come to "Meet the Franchisors" to learn more about what opportunities are available in your backyard.

5.  LEARN ABOUT YOUR POTENTIAL - It may seem difficult to start a business, let alone come up with the initial investment to start the business.  People are starting franchises all of the time, and you can ask the questions about success stories and learn if you can truly start a business.

4.  LEARN ABOUT THE FINANCES - Franchise representatives, a franchise financing expert and FranNet counselors will be there to tell you more about financing a franchise and teach you how franchising can truly become a great investment.  

3.  LEARN ABOUT FRANCHISING AS A CAREER - This can be your job.  Being your own boss can have its rewards, and you can learn how successful franchise operators can find the right management and employees to take you along the road to success.  

2.  LEARN ABOUT AVAILABLE RESOURCES - Not only are the professionals from FranNet available to help you, so are fellow franchise business owners and area developers.  FranNet offers free consulting and services to help guide you into owning a business.  The franchise's fellow business owners and area developers also want to help!  Everyone under the franchise umbrella is truly a team - as your success helps them to be successful.  

1.  LEARN ABOUT YOU - After all of the discussion and questions, you'll learn about you.  Think you can do it?  You'll have access to a wealth of knowledge and options, help and resources.  The next step is all about you.  Does that little voice inside your head want to know more and find out if you truly can do it? ... then all you have to do is take that next step – attend the event to learn more about how FranNet can help!  

Are you ready for this great chance to learn more about the potential of franchising?  Meet the Franchisors – Michigan Franchise Forum takes place on 3/21 at 2:00pm in Grand Rapids, MI.  For more information, please visit michiganfranchiseforum.com or contact me at 616-891-1374 or bbetser@frannet.com.    

MICHIGAN NEEDS YOU!

How can you change lives, support the economy, fulfill needs of many and give yourself every possible advantage to make a great income? It doesn’t take a miracle or a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity … Franchising can allow you the chance to make a difference right here in the great State of Michigan! 

CHANGE LIVES
There are several franchising business models out there that require you to surround yourself with a great staff. Having a model like this gives you the opportunity to be part of the job creation movement. But it doesn’t stop just with employment – As a job creator, you support the families of your employees, and create a positive environment for ongoing development and success. From the teenager who is getting their first job as a retail clerk, or the hairstylist looking for a flexible schedule or the experienced operations manager, there is a lot of talent in our great State that you can access to help in your business.

FULFILL NEEDS
There are several components to running a successful business. One is finding a market with a need being unfulfilled, or fulfilling a need in a better, more efficient way. Do you know of a need in your hometown? Maybe it’s something as simple as a hair salon catering to men and boys? Or maybe it’s being able to find that unique battery not carried at the local hardware store? Or maybe it’s providing the much needed help to your elderly neighbor? Whatever it may be, Franchising can be an easy way to fulfill needs without having to have your own million-dollar idea.

GIVE YOURSELF THE ADVANTAGE
Franchising is a great way to become a business owner while reducing risk and giving you an advantage through the leveraging of an already-existing and successful business concept. Benefits are numerous: from a familiar brand name, ongoing training and support, a group of other owners to network with and more. The systems are in place and you don’t have to reinvent the wheel. Will you take advantage of the opportunity franchising provides?

WHY MICHIGAN
Michigan is ripe with franchisors looking to expand in Michigan. Buy Michigan Now, SCORE Grand Rapids and FranNet of West Michigan have teamed up to present “Meet the Franchisors – West Michigan Franchise Forum” on 3/21 in Grand Rapids. Listen to presentations from franchisors based in Michigan, poised for expansion in St. Joseph, Benton Harbor, Kalamazoo, Grand Rapids, the Lakeshore, Lansing and even Traverse City. Meet with representatives 1-on-1, gain access to funding options and other small business start-up resources.

MORE INFORMATION / REGISTER For more information, visit michiganfranchiseforum.com or contact me at 616-891-1374 or bbetser@frannet.com. This session is completely free, but you must RSVP at michiganfranchiseforum.com.