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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

Franchise Jobs in October 2014 – What’s the Trend?

According to data from the ADP National Franchise Report (October 2014), franchises created 16,970 jobs in October 2014. This increase almost matches the 16,930 jobs created the month before.

Here are the facts: Industry categories that saw increases in jobs (with the percentage contribution to the overall monthly growth in parenthesis):

• Restaurants (78%)
• Other (10%)
• Accommodations (10%)
• Professional Services (9%)
• Auto Parts and Dealers (4%)
• Food Retailers (1%)
• Manufacturing (1%)
• Building Material and Garden Equipment (1%)
• Personal Care Retailers (<1%)

LEARN MORE ABOUT FRANCHISING and How YOU Can Play a Role in Job Creation:
Want to know more about franchising and how you can play a role in job creation? Attend one of our upcoming events to learn about franchising, industry categories, and how FranNet can match you with a franchise concept suited for you. The upcoming events and webinars are featured directly to the right of this page. All events, webinars, consultation and services are totally FREE.

Feel free to contact me as well at 616-891-1374 or bbetser@frannet.com. Let’s talk more about your dreams and how I can help you on your journey down the Road to Success.

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Reasons Why You Should NOT Buy a Franchise - From a Franchise Coach

You read the headline right, I’m going to tell you why under what circumstances you should not buy into a franchised business concept. Why am I telling you this? For some people, owning a business (franchise or otherwise) is probably not the right life choice. For those born to be entrepreneurs, owning a franchise business is probably not the right choice. But for some, franchising can be the perfect choice for a new career, a different investment, or both. Here are some good reasons NOT to buy a franchise (or maybe any business):

• YOU NEED AN IMMEDIATE PAYCHECK
  Rarely does a new business start cash flowing on Day One. You need to be realistic in terms of projecting when you’ll be able to draw a paycheck, and make sure you have adequate reserves, or another source of household income to sustain you and your family for at least 6-12 months. 
• YOU’LL BE RISKING EVERY PENNY YOU HAVE TO LAUNCH THE BUSINESS 
  The pressure and sleepless nights will not only be detrimental to your health, but can also lead to poor judgement and decision-making which will detract from your likelihood of being successful. 
• YOU THRIVE ON 100% CONTROL 
  The key to success in franchising is consistency and adherence to a proven system. Your customers know what they are getting before they walk into the door, whether it’s a product or service. It doesn’t matter who owns the McDonald’s, you know what the Big Mac tastes looks and tastes like. You are buying a name brand and an operating model. You cannot change that brand. “Oh, the Big Mac isn’t selling well, but let me call it the Mega Mac – that will change things!” There may be certain vendors, supplies and programs that you have to stick with as part of the franchising agreement. If you think you have invented a superior product and/or business system, then perhaps you should consider starting a business from scratch, as opposed to joining a franchise system. 
• YOU ARE LOOKING FOR A LIQUID INVESTMENT 
  You are making a commitment and a significant investment when buying into a franchised business concept. This cannot be liquidated on the spot, should the need arise. Remember, just like most businesses, it may take you time to make back your initial investment or cash out if you decide to sell. 
• YOU DON’T HAVE A COMPELLING REASON FOR BEING IN BUSINESS FOR YOURSELF 
  It’s not enough that you’d think it’d be fun to “Be the Boss” or you have a passion for a particular product or service. Business ownership is a huge commitment, and should only by attempted by those that have the transferable skills necessary to be successful, and have sound reasoning for taking the risk, such as a resolve to never working for someone else again, or not wanting to have your money subject to the roller coaster stock market. 

At FranNet, we believe that business ownership, whether through franchising or otherwise, only makes sense for the select few. That being said, we’ve seen lots of folks that have what it takes, including a compelling reason for being in business, achieve freedom, independence and fulfillment by selecting and managing a franchise that FITS their goals, transferable skills, preferences and lifestyle requirements.

If you’re wondering if you could be one of the “select few”, take a look at our upcoming FREE events and webinars listed on the right. You can also contact me at 616-891-1374 or bbetser@frannet.com to discuss your unique situation. We’re here to help you decide whether franchising and/or business ownership might be for you, and if so, how to go about finding the RIGHT fit. Don’t forget to also visit frannet.com/bbetser.

The First Franchise

Franchises have become a staple of the American economy. Just think of how many franchises you come across on a daily basis. Even if you don’t leave your house for a day, you will see advertisements for dozens of franchises on your television.

So, where did the first franchise begin? What was it?

Have you heard of the Singer Sewing Machine?

Isaac Singer didn’t invent the sewing machine. But he developed a simplistic sewing machine that could be adapted to home use – getting a patent for his invention in 1851. He even sold his machines using an installment payment basis that allowed more people to purchase his machines.

The Singer Sewing Machine sales skyrocketed over 500% during a four-year period. Isaac was able to start mass-producing his product with interchangeable parts. But, how could Singer’s company repair these machines across the United States?

The solution to this problem gave rise to the first franchise system. Singer started by licensing out servicing and repairs to local merchants around the country. Later, those merchants were allowed to become regional salespeople for the machines as well. These rights were all conveyed via contracts.

Franchises are Proven Business Systems

Singer’s franchising system was a success because his sewing machine was a quality, differentiated product AND he developed an efficient, effective system for selling and servicing it. This is the biggest benefit of franchising; you are using a business system that has a track record of producing successful results. There are no guarantees in business ownership and entrepreneurship, but with research, due diligence, and working a proven system, you can give yourself a distinct advantage.

Another way to give yourself an advantage? FranNet. Our exclusive franchise matchmaking system and research plan helps to pair you with a business concept that best fits your transferable skills, personality, budget and lifestyle requirements. We offer choices in many different categories, to help you discover options you may not even be aware of, yet may provide a great fit for your unique profile!

Franchising as a Career, an Investment, or Both

Join me for my upcoming FREE seminar, "Business Ownership Options." This event takes place on Wednesday, November 19 in Grand Rapids, MI. Learn franchising basics, including the array of categories and investment levels available (starting at around $50k), and how to go about defining your own personal vision, matching that up with viable choices, and conducting proper due diligence to make sure you are selecting the RIGHT fit for YOU!

For more information and to RSVP, please visit frannet.com/bbetser.

And, as always, all of my services and consultations are FREE! Please contact me at 616-891-1374 or bbetser@frannet.com.