Why Wait Until January 1st to Get a Fresh Start?

It’s that time of year!  With Christmas fast approaching, then the New Year, it will be 2014 before you know it.  It also means it is time for articles about getting on track in the New Year!  They come earlier every year, don’t they.

So, why wait until an arbitrary date to change your life?

If you’ve ever thought about starting your own business, I want to invite you to my FREE webinar “Business Ownership Options.”  There are many reasons to start a business.  Franchising is one of the ways to achieve your goals, whatever those goals could be:

• Following a passion.
• Getting out of unemployment, underemployment, or the wrong employment.
• Gaining financial independence.
• Supplementing income to help achieve your children’s college education, retirement, or other financial goals.
• Being your own boss.
• Starting your “encore career” as a way to keep busy during retirement.
• Owning a business as a layer of security and financial protection, while keeping the safety of your current job.

The webinar is on December 18th at 2pm.  All you have to do is turn on your computer and surf over to frannet.com/bbetser.

Have any questions about franchising?  You can always contact me at 616-891-1374 or bbetser@frannet.com.  Remember, all of my consultations, webinars and events are FREE to you!

Giving Thanks for Work-Life Balance

Have you heard horror stories about corporate workers bringing their work home with them, not having a family life? What about owners putting in 100 hour weeks to get their business up and running?

With more and more retail shops opening up on Thanksgiving, some hourly workers are even losing a bit of their work-life balance?

So, how can franchising restore a work life balance?

• The systems are already in place: The beautiful thing about a franchised concept is that the systems are already in place. Other franchise owners of the same concept have been successful using the same systems, and you can literally take pages out of their playbook to use in your market. You may also benefit from an overall corporate marketing strategy that will drive business to your front door. Don’t lose your valuable time working and fretting about trying to re-invent the wheel.
• Different ownership models: Owning a business doesn’t have to mean working it “Full-time”. The semi-absentee ownership models allowed by some franchise concepts allows the owner to work approximately 20 hours per week. Knowing this in advance can help you control your schedule and work life balance, rather than feeling out of control. 

FranNet is here to teach you more about franchising, and how you can maintain the work-life balance you want. If you’re feeling like you’re sacrificing your family life for your work, it might be time to learn more.

If you’re ready to explore opportunities that will provide work-life balance, visit frannet.com/bbetser. The site will tell you about all of my FREE services, including webinars and events. You can also contact me at 616-891-1374 or bbetser@frannet.com.

Giving Thanks for a Support System

Being an entrepreneur can be tough. But those that took the jump into business ownership through franchising have thanks to give for the support systems that make it a little easier to deal with those ups and downs business owners experience.

With franchising, franchise owners have access to two key components of a support system:

1. A Franchise Family – The minute you launch your new franchise, you have access to a franchise family – a group of individuals that have been in your shoes before, and know what its like to start up a franchise in your specific brand. Not only that, but they all share a vested interest in helping THE BRAND succeed. 


2. Franchise Support Team – Remember, as you do well, your company does well. That’s why you’ll find dedicated members of the corporate franchise team assisting with your ongoing support needs. And, since most franchise models require a royalty fee go back to the main company, this seems pretty obvious – it’s one of those services you get as a franchisee in return for your royalty payments. 

And don’t forget about FranNet! Because we’re a local based franchise consulting firm, you’ll have the support of our network as you launch your new business too! Whether you’re looking for real estate, need a cleaning company or handyman, or even are looking for office furniture, FranNet can help.

If the aforementioned sound like a great ways to be in business but you aren’t sure how to find a franchise that is best for you, consider contacting FranNet. We are here to help match you up with franchised concepts to research that fit your lifestyle and goals. And keep in mind; all of our consultations, seminars and events are FREE to you!

Don't miss my free seminar, "Franchising as a Career, an Investment, or Both," TOMORROW in Grand Rapids!  To learn more and to RSVP, please visit frannet.com/bbetser.  You can also contact me at bbetser@frannet.com or 616-891-1374.

Starting Up a Business? GIVE THANKS for Someone Else's Idea!

One of the hardest parts of starting your own business is coming up with that million-dollar idea. Has someone else already tried your idea? What if you miscalculated this, or underestimated that? What if your idea fails?

That's one of the reasons for entrepreneurs to give thanks for franchises. Now, keep in mind, you are paying to use someone's idea... But you are also reducing your risk. Whether it's a restaurant, accounting firm, dry cleaners or anything you can think of - the franchised brand shows a track record of success.

Success isn't a guarantee though, there’s still a lot of work to do! But why not take advantage of all the franchise has to offer to help position you for that success?

For more information about franchising, I am putting on a free workshop on November 19th in Grand Rapids, MI entitled "Franchising as a Career, an Investment, or Both," we will examine the pros and cons of various different business ownership options while taking a deep dive into franchising. For more information and to register, please visit frannet.com/bbetser or call 616-891-1374. You can also email me at bbetser@frannet.com.

Just a reminder, ALL of my services, workshops, webinars and seminars are free to you!

Is it Time to Start Your Encore Career? (Video Included)

I recently was interviewed by WOTV and WZZM about "Encore Careers," those careers that you start in the second-half of life.  Take a click on the video above to learn more about Encore Careers, including comments from Dan Hendon.  Dan worked in the automotive industry, saw one of my posts on LinkedIn, came to one of my seminars, and has started Zounds West Michigan who helps to provides hearing aids (with noise cancellation and feedback control) at one-third to one-half the cost of the competition.

Does Dan's story sound like something you could do?  I invite you to attend "Michigan Franchise Forum: Meet the Franchisors Expanding in West Michigan."  The event is 100% free, and will be held from 3:00pm to 5:30pm at Northwood University in Grand Rapids.  Seating is limited, so you must register at frannet.com/bbetser.

Attendees will have the opportunity to meet with franchise development executives from categories such as light manufacturing, hair-care, business-to-business marketing services, residential and commercial services, retail, small office, and home-based. Tips on franchise due diligence will also be presented and a franchise financing expert will discuss funding options. Open networking with the presenters will be available after presentations on the opportunities conclude (approximately 5pm).

Have questions about franchising?  Follow me on Facebook, and ask away!  You can also check out my latest blog posts, events, and more right from Facebook.

"Plan A, Plan B, Plan Z and Plan F-Squared …"

When it comes to careers, most Americans have pursued Plan A. Plan A is that “steady” job with reliable income and benefits. Working “40” hours a week, coming home and eating dinner with your spouse and children (unless you’re a Road Warrior). Plan B is the fallback career. With the recession changing the economic face of the country over the past few years, maybe you were forced into a Plan B. Maybe Plan B is a lower-paying job a few steps back. Maybe Plan B is doing some on-the-side consulting until the next Plan A job comes around.

Just a few weeks ago, Deroit Free Press Business Columnist, Josh Linkner, introduced us to Plan Z. It may stand for Zoom, Zap, or Zig Zag. In essence, it’s the dream plan. What would you do if you could do whatever you wanted? How could you make the biggest impact on the world? What would you want to be remembered for? According to Linkner, this could be “the plan that you had in mind before you learned all the things that could go wrong. The plan that you’d pursue if you knew you couldn’t fail. Plan Z is your Road Map for things going INCREDIBLY RIGHT instead of horribly wrong.” 

Sounds perfect, doesn’t it?

So, how do you get there? This is where Plan F–Squared comes in … the first F stands for FranNet. Let me show you how to get from point A or point B to point Z. There are franchise concepts in a vast array of fields, and for almost every type of personality imaginable.

The second F in Plan F-Squared stands for free. All of my services, consultation, seminars, webinars and experience are yours for free. No catch.

A great place to start the “journey to Z” is at Michigan Franchise Forum, Meet the Franchisors Expanding in West Michigan.  These franchisors will speak on their different business models and how they can work for you. Tips on franchise due diligence will also be presented, and a franchise financing expert will discuss your funding options.

This showcase is on October 8 in Grand Rapids, MI. Visit www.michiganfrachiseforum.com for more information and to RSVP. Contact me at bbetser@frannet.com or 616-891-1374 for more information.

TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR FUTURE! Learn about the Top Franchises Expanding in West Michigan

For one afternoon only, successful Franchisors who are interested in expanding in the West Michigan area are coming together to meet with you!

This free, "must attend" event is for anyone who wants to:

• Leave Corporate Life Behind
• Enjoy Career Independence
• Launch a Recession-Resistant Business
• Diversify Your Investment Portfolio
• Be Your Own Boss
• Build Long-Term Equity
• Hear About Financing Options
• Create Additional Income Opportunity

Following the presentation, you will have the opportunity to meet face-to-face with franchisors, funding specialists, and other resources to help determine if franchising is right for you.

Opportunities exist in Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, The Lakeshore, Lansing and surrounding areas.

To register, visit www.michiganfranchiseforum.com.

For more information, contact Brigitte Betser (FranNet of Michigan) at 616-891-1374 or bbetser@frannet.com.

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