Are you curious to learn if Franchises are more than just a revenue source for you and your family? Take a look at these three brands that have been working hard to raise funds for Hurricane Victims this Summer. 

Club Pilates: Participating Club Pilates studios hosted relief classes Saturday, September 9, and Sunday, September 10, in a partnership with TPG Growth. Classes were held with a suggested $10 donation per class. Club Pilates Corporate is matching the total funds raised by local studios and franchise owners across the network, and will donate the collective proceeds to the American Red Cross.

CycleBar: CycleBar studios across the country are hosting charity rides to raise funds for hurricane relief efforts. In addition, the company will be selling “We Ride with Texas” baseball hats and shirts, and a portion of each sale will be added to the studio’s donation funds. CycleBar has a goal of raising $100,000 between the rides and merchandise sales.

Dogtopia: Fundraising is taking place in all Dogtopia locations, and its corporate office will be matching each store’s contribution dollar-for-dollar up to $15,000. The proceeds raised will be split between the Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund and S.A.V.E. Rescue Coalition, a nonprofit consisting of 100 percent volunteer efforts that reunites dogs lost in the hurricane to their families.

These three are just a few of the dozens of franchises that are bringing aid to Harvey, Irma and Maria victims. I just happen to know people in these  franchises who are actively giving back through their businesses. 

It's not rocket science, and you CAN be a difference-maker while owning a franchise. These owners are make a world of difference to those they are touching. If you want to be a part of real solutions in times of crisis, consider using your business to impact your community in big ways. 

Contact me to talk about which business is right for you: 630-779-1573

make an appointment and I'll send you a free copy of Frantrepreneur: Basic Franchise info for the Mildly Curious. 

FranchiseInsider #27: B2B Consulting/Training

Franchise Insider   #27

Business-to-Business Consulting & Training

Just One More Franchise Opportunity
(that you probably didn't know you could own) 

You might think that all your business acumen will make owning a consulting business easy, and that your clients will just line up outside your door for you services. 

WRONG. While you may be fantastic as what you do, (and congratulations for building your career as far as you have, on your own!)you won't start out with the reputation, or the name recognition that will allow you to start really strong.

That does NOT mean you should not go into B2B Consulting and Training.  It means you need a vehicle through which you utilize your skills and get the marketing boost you need to truly thrive. Brand Name, recognizable training that has a global reputation, are the vehicles you want working for you. That way you can  put your energy and your skills to productive work immediately and start seeing fast success. 

Marketing, technology, curriculum, backed funding (for financial services) all support your business, allowing you to be the face of your business, the talent of your business, the true commodity.  

Owning a B2B Consulting/Training or funding business is not for the faint of heart. While you are supported, you still need to get your clients. Getting your clients is significantly easier when you are presenting your services backed by a recognized brand name and not just Joe-Schmo who used to work at yadda-yadda Inc. (right?)  

For some consulting franchises you'll be trained in their curriculum and training style. You'll train individuals, you'll train teams,  you'll train entire companies- it all depends on how big you want to go. 

Others, you'll be trained in how to run a round-table support groups. Small business owners meet monthly and you facilitate their discussion topics. You also do one-on-one consulting, and training with each round-table member.  

A Business Financing Business takes a lot of financial backing. Some franchises match your investment, others discount, some do factoring. 

Whatever franchise you invest your time with, you'll be the face, you'll get your clients, you'll reap the benefits. Not all B2B services are home-based, no-employee models, but many are. With some you'll build a team and mange them. It all depends on what YOU want, and how you see yourself in your new role as a B2B consultant.

It's not rocket science to own your own business. It's just different from the masses. A franchise isn't for everyone, but it might be for you...

contact me to learn more or to explore any other options

FranchiseInsider #21: B2B Cleaning Services

Franchise Insider  #21

B2B Cleaning Services

Just One More Franchise Opportunity
(that you probably didn't know you could own) 

B2B ( Business-to-Business) Cleaning Service Industry is one of the hidden gems that very few people think about, very few people notice, and even fewer consider to be something they'd follow through with. Why? Because cleaning toilets and replacing the soap in soap dispensers just isn't sexy....Or is it? 
This is one of THE BIGGEST moola-making franchise industries out there. If you are fortunate enough to land a territory (or two) in this industry, you can pat yourself on the back and watch your friends and family drool with envy. Not because you clean toilets-you don't- but because you have harnessed the glory of franchising so simply.  

As the franchisee of a B2B Corporate cleaning service your role is as the C-level executive. You never don a toilet brush. no. You get contracts-huge contracts. Your hire managers, you manage the mangers and  build your empire of corporate business buildings.  Repeat business, recessions can't touch this industry, low overhead, low inventory, high margins...this is IT

It's not rocket science to own your own business. It's just different from the masses. A great business isn't for everyone, but it might be for you...

Contact me for more info or to explore any of the other options

FranchiseInsider #20: Retail Services

Franchise Insider  #20

Retail Services!

Just One More Franchise Opportunity
(that you probably didn't know you could own) 

We pass these franchises daily and don't give them a thought...until we need them. Need a battery? Did your phone-screen break? Need a new keyboard for you laptop? How about a screen-repair for your back door? Do you need to send a package? How about just need an envelope or a photo for your passport? When you need them, you expect them to be nearby and ready to serve. Everyone knows about them and uses them, but few know that these kinds of retail services are really franchises. 

As the franchisee of a retail service business, you'll be hiring, training, scheduling and creating marketing materials. These franchises require large Class A retail space that has good foot traffic and good visibility from the road. You'll be networking with Business-to-business contacts as well as your everyday consumer. With just a few employees you can run a postal serve, with a large  group of employees you can run a hardware business. All of these types of franchises are designed to be run semi-absentee, so once you have the doors open and have hired an excellent manager and staff, you are on your way!

It's not rocket science to own your own business. It's just different from the masses. A great business isn't for everyone, but it might be for you...

Contact me to learn more  or to explore any of the other options.

FrranchisInsider Candy Spill #15: Burgers!

CANDY SPILL   #15

Yup. Burgers. Fast-Food and Otherwise.

Just One More Franchise Opportunity
(that you probably didn't know you could own) 

Burger places have been a fast food staple for decades (and no, McDonald's was NOT the first)  Why? Because everyone loves picking up a simple burger and not having to cook or clean up. And everyone loves the grease, the juice, the flames, the fries, the drive thru-.... it's just an inner need that Americans have to get a meal fast and easy from someone else! 
sarcasm... ya have to love it. 
But in all seriousness, burgers and fast food ARE a staple of American good eats. Sure, McDonald's and Wendy's are here to stay even if they are struggling to get their menu more healthy. But the fun news is that the new burger places are already healthy and many of them are build-a-burger-friendly, meaning you can get a variety of healthy meats, toppings and sides so the health-factor soars with these kinds of brands and draws a bigger crowd. so while McD is dealing with playground issues (ewww), your place is dealing out healthy, fresh burgers in a great atmosphere and modern amenities.

If you like the combination of burgers and fast food (or even semi-fast food) you'll like the profit margins of these kinds of models. Build out is high because of the need for a hood in the kitchen, but  the public is willing to pay high dollar for a healthy burger. Worried about the big-name competition? Don't be. Not only is there always room for one more, but much of the public actually prefers and looks for the up-and-coming burger place. Remember when 5-Guys was brand new? That's what you would be investing in - a new way to do fast food. There's tons of opportunity for creativity. And, there's plenty of room for YOU! Most of these models have a semi-absentee aspect to them once they are built out, up and running. Hire a great day-to-day manager and expand with your second in a few months. Why not?

It's not rocket science to own your own business. It's just different from the masses. A great business isn't for everyone, but it might be for you...

contact me to learn more or to explore any of the other Candy Spills on this blog.

Franchise Candy Spill #8 Staffing!

 

CANDY SPILL   #8

 
Another franchise opportunity
(that you probably didn't know you could own): 

Staffing Industry

 

With the high turn-over rate of employees, and the uncertainty of job stability, staffing companies are on the rise. The great news is that the great ones that are already established are growing by leaps and bounds, so you don't have to re-invent the wheel to get immediate traction in this industry. This is another feel-good franchise that brings together those who are looking for employment and those who need to hire employees. As the middle-man, your franchise screens and places people in the right job. Some are temporary, some are permanent, some are executive placements.

As the executive owner your job would be to network, manage the manager of your office staff, and mange the over-arching business. You'll meet wit small to medium business owners, and yes, some big name businesses as well, to asses what kind of staff they need. People and businesses are constantly having employee turnover, so there's repeat business as well as new business. 

You'll need a brick and mortar office that is able to scale UP, UP, UP.  You'll start with a few full-time staff (3-5). 

If you've been in HR, if you've been an executive, if you have connections with your community businesses, this is a great niche for you to move into very smoothly. You have to like people with a strong emotional IQ, be a good problem solver, be a positive culture creator, and you must be comfortable networking. 

  

It's not rocket science to own your own business. It's just different from the masses. A great business isn't for everyone, but it might be for you...

contact me to learn more or to explore any of the other Candy Spills on this blog.

 

CANDY SPILL   #7

 
Another franchise opportunity
(that you probably didn't know you could own): 

Urgent Care Franchise

 

There aren't many of these that will be going up, and they are very pricey, but Urgent Care Franchises are becoming more prevalent as people are opting out of going to the hospital for minor injuries or services. Some physicians prefer to leave their individual practice and go this route, or add this to their portfolio. Some RN's are joining together and investing in these because they want their lives back, still want to be involved in health care, but want to make a much higher income while putting in more reasonable hours. Scrapes, cuts, burns, falls, breaks, flue, the sniffles and throw-ups, all the little things that don't require hospitalization and are not routine check-ups are for this niche market.  It's a high investment because of equipment, professional staffing and insurance.

As the executive owner your job would be to network, manage your doctor and nursing staff, and manage the business of profit and loss. Most of these franchise owners hire a General Manager to run things because there are a lot of moving parts. But if you love the industry and you want to contribute to your community in meaningful ways, this is a great model for you.

 

It's not rocket science to own your own business. It's just different from the masses. A great business isn't for everyone, but it might be for you...

contact me to learn more or to explore any of the other Candy Spills on this blog.

 

CANDY SPILL   # 6

 
Another franchise opportunity
(that you probably didn't know you could own): 

Emergency Clean-Up

 

Emergency clean up covers everything from natural disasters (hurricanes, fire, flood, earthquake) to office and home mishaps (did your sprinklers go off again? someone set of the smoke alarm? electrical fire?  did the sump pump fail you? and the ever-evil and invisible MOLD and MILDEW culprits )  The franchises that work in this industry are busy all-the-time, so don't think your business is only functioning during horrible weather. Any home that comes down with mold or mildew, basement flooding, roof leak- they all need your services. But when there is a natural disaster, and they do occur, then ALL the different franchises in this industry are slammed, so don't worry about competition. 

As the executive owner your job would be to network, meet with insurance companies, bankers - those people who sell the insurance coverage, individual home-owners and business owners, realtors, home improvement business owners, you'll be going to events that support your local community, managing and scheduling your team, and marketing your business. Investment includes equipment, vans (possibly wrapped), software, and Search engine marketing (usually provided by the franchisor)

If you like to be the rescue hero, are good with people who are in a bit of a panic, great with insurance agents and a strong team builder and leader, this could be the right fit for you.

 

It's not rocket science to own your own business. It's just different from the masses. A great business isn't for everyone, but it might be for you... 

 

Franchise Insider: Candy Spill #2: mobile support

CANDY SPILL # 2

Another franchise opportunity 

(that you probably didn't know existed): 

 

Providing ease-of-access for the handicapped, elderly and special needs. 

A great feel-good industry that isn't very crowded at all. 

Ramps, stair lifts, auto lifts, patient lifts, etc, in homes and businesses for those who we hold most dear: our Veterans, our elderly, our physically challenged. 
You make it easy for them to socialize or function at home. 
You make it happen with your team of installers and builders. 

Business hours, no nights, no emergencies. 
You need to be a take-charge kind of person with strong people, sales and business acumen. 
Leadership skills and networking skills make this model an easy fit. 
 

It's not rocket science to own your own business. It's just different from the masses. A great business isn't for everyone, but it might be for you... 

 

 

 

Contact me to learn more about this model, or to explore what is the right fit for you.

Franchise Insider: Candy Spill #1

CANDY SPILL #1

There's a franchise  for just about anyone who wants to own their own business and who has the drive to be successful. 

But knowing where to look and how to get the information you need in order to get moving is tricky. 

For instance: 

Did you know that franchises cannot solicit to you? 

Did you know that you will not get the information you need from a franchise if they don't think you are a viable candidate?  

Did you know that working with me, a TES coach gives you a leg up of over nine times (9x) the normal inquirer to franchises?  

Those are things you didn't and couldn't find out on your own, but now know. The thing I know for certain is that most people will not approach me with questions because they fear taking the risk of engaging with someone they do not know. 

So, 

Here is my first  CANDY SPILL for you to look over, learn a bit about a viable franchise that has been vetted on my side and is actively looking for serious business owner wannabes. 

The industry is in disaster recovery: Water extraction, structural drying, mold remediation, carpet cleaning, etc. Full-time owner-operator. Clients are funneled to you through a larger company, so there's very little marketing that needs to be done. Your day-in-the-life is one of connecting with insurance companies and working with your developed recovery team in homes and offices to clean up whatever mess nature, or technology has done to the innards of a building. It's not rocket science, but it's a solid business with a brand name behind it. They train you and support you as a franchisee, so don't worry about not having experience. 

Set up a call with me to talk about this opportunity. We'll talk about your goals, your needs, your expectations and explore models that fit who you are and what you are looking for. And, if this one is the right one, you'll move quickly to business ownership!

 

*all franchises require that you have an excellent credit score, at least 50k to invest and an ability to follow a system and play well with others. No franchise is a way to buy yourself a job. As your coach I charge a small fee for my services, 60% of which goes to charities (FMSC or KIVA) at the time of the signing of your franchise agreement.

#1 Franchisee Award Goes To...

 

The Entrepreneur's Source's #1 Franchisee Award Goes To...

You'd think that with hundreds of franchises in The Entrepreneur's data base and hundreds, if not thousands of franchisees to choose from- you'd think the #1 franchisee would be involved in something really flashy, outstanding in the wow-factor, really sexy and on the cutting edge....

Well, 

nope. 

The humble little home-based marketing franchisee took the award. 

Every year The Entrepreneur's Source awards a franchise to its most remarkable franchisee that has been placed through our process. This year it went to a franchisee that opened it's doors just this year. The Franchisee is middle-aged, was tired of Corporate America, wanted more time with his family and wanted to make an impact in his community. He hired 6-8 employees, opened his doors and went to town. By the time our conference came around, 9 months later, our little franchisee was on a family holiday to Hawaii and was running for office in his community with time and money to spare, getting written about all over the country. He was in a home-based, business-to-business, marketing franchise that cost much, much less than an SBA express gov't loan alots you for a franchise start-up (meaning cash to ramp-up your business without sweating one bullet).

Most people, when they hear the word "franchise" respond with "McDonald's" or "Dunkin' Donuts.""Expensive." "For the rich." " Not for me." Why? Because these two franchises I just mentioned are highly visible, they've been around for a long time, they are high dollar earners and they are in the fast food industry. But the fact is that most franchises are not at all like these two behemoths, in the least. Most are manageable, low employee, high return businesses that you probably never encounter, or if you do, they are so ordinary and everyday that they don't register as franchises.
A Home-based franchise does NOT mean arts and crafts, cookies or babysitting. And it sure isn't multi-level-marketing. It actually means low overhead, no inventory, flexible hours and lots and lots of room to scale....BIG. Some are services to the general public, some to a certain age-group (elderly, children, dogs-owners, etc) and some are Business-to-Business Services: consulting, accounting, marketing, staffing. 

So, the first lesson to take home from this award is that franchising actually IS for the little guy. 

The second lesson to take home from this is that if you plan to be a business owner, plan to be the top earner. It's not impossible. You aren't up against a Goliath like McDonald's. You actually CAN make a difference and be an award winner!  

contact me to talk about whether a home-based franchise might be right for your goals and needs. 

What to do if you have "The Entrepreneur's BUG"

 What to do if you have "The Entrepreneur's BUG!"

If you've ever wondered what it would take to be in business for yourself, but were pretty sure that being in business for yourself was a foolish thing to do- I'm here to affirm that caution- to a point. I've started this blog to share insights with you, the curious, possibly eventual, Franchisee. yeah, that's you.
Start-ups are for the hard-core entrepreneur and are not for the faint of heart. Why? Because start-ups are designed to be either sold, absorbed, redesigned or flat-out fail, as a stepping stone to bigger and better things.
But you probably still have that entrepreneurial bug in you saying: "I could do a better job than my boss. Let's face it-most bosses are promoted beyond their capabilities and are socially, and emotionally- stunted. If only I were calling the shots... I hate the way people are treated here. I'm better than this."
yeah, you probably are correct on all fronts (unless you're a delusional narcissist, then this article is not for you..just sayin'..)
The problem is you don't know where to start looking for that magic change. Another job? Another industry? If you think a different job is the answer, then start re-writing your resumes- and I mean resumes- because you need an individual resume for every job you apply for. It's ludicrous.

If you really want to learn if you are right for business ownership and either:

1.  Get the idea  of business ownership completely out of your head once-and-for-all!
2.  Find the right path for you to take in business ownership and start forging out your destiny

Then you need someone to bounce ideas off of. You need to talk to an expert who has your best interests in mind.
A Career coach? no. too expensive and too touchy feely. (believe me, I know) You don't need a therapist, you need concrete real information; "is business ownership for me- just gimme the facts, already"
I hear you and I'm here for you.
We'll talk about your goals and financial and lifestyle needs. We'll talk about how a franchise works, why it addresses so many goals of so many owners, why it has the flexibility you are looking for.
Is it the golden ticket? probably not....but maybe.

• If you aren't afraid of learning something new. 
• If you aren't afraid of a tad bit of risk ( but let's face it..what's riskier than trusting your boss and your corporate contract?) 
• If you aren't afraid of working hard ( some people are- and they aren't right for franchising) 

Then you really ought to talk to me.

As a Christian writer I've discovered that along with spiritual needs, people need to have their human needs met, and, in fact, those physical, and raisen d'etre needs absolutely need to be met first!  They need to know that they make a difference to their families, to their communities, they need to be able to pay their bills, and they'd like to help others pay their bills as well. They also need to know that in what they are doing, they are not alone- and franchising often fits the bill for them. Franchising works for these kinds of people. Of course not all franchisors are Christian, that wold be silly to think or expect, but  Franchisors are some of the most moral people I've met. Honestly. They care about their teams, their people, they care about the needy, about communities, about individuals and about American values of freedom, and the rite to thrive and pursue happiness. They are family- people  who understand not only the stresses, but the drive of a semi-entrepreneur (which, studies show, turns out to be 75% of us!)
So, on this blog, I'm offering information- real information and insight- into franchising and how it works.
Download my ebook and learn more about frantrepraneurship. (I made that word up because it makes sense) Learn about the entrepreneur who doesn't' want to go it alone and doesn't want to wear all the hats in his/her business.

Then:

Schedule a chat with me and we'll talk for 20 minutes or so about what you are looking for, what you need, what your goals are. I'll be straight with you. I might even be able to find you some funding so you can start your new career as a franchisee and pay your way through the first few thin months.

More to come.

gfranchisecoach@gmail.com
630-779-1573
The Entrepreneur's Source Advocate, Educator and Placement Coach