Franchise

In simple terms, a franchise opportunity is a relationship between a seller and a buyer that continues for the duration of the buyer’s involvement in the business. A franchise differs from a business opportunity in two important ways:

* A franchisor generally collects an “up front” fee from the buyer but also collects on-going royalties in exchange for a proven business model. In a business opportunity, the buyer pays for the system or training, but does not have a further obligation, unless his contract specifies he buy inventory from the seller.

* A franchisor, in order to protect the brand and ensure consistency of the product, requires strict adherence to specific guidelines. In a business opportunity, the buyer may learn a specific program but is not required to follow the system.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) regulates franchising at the federal level. In order for a business to be labeled a franchise, three elements must be in place:

1. Franchisor allows the buyer to use the franchisor’s trademarks
2. Franchisor collects a fee (at least $500) from the buyer within the first six months of operation
3. Franchisor exercises “significant control” over the buyer’s operation on an ongoing basis

If a business meets the above criteria, it is considered a franchise by the FTC and is required by law to follow federal guidelines. The most critical FTC guideline requires franchisors to provide buyers proper disclosure information prior to finalizing the sale.

Before a potential buyer can purchase a franchise, he must receive specific disclosure information about the franchisor, called a Uniform Franchise Offering Circular (UFOC). The UFOC is a valuable document that will assist a buyer in completing the due diligence (the process of investigation into the details of a potential investment and the verification of material facts) before purchasing the franchise. In many cases, individual states have additional guidelines a franchisor must meet to sell locations in that state.

In a franchise opportunity, the franchisor has a vested interest in the success of the buyer (franchisee) because it receives ongoing royalty payments. Therefore, the franchisor is usually committed to building the brand by adding locations, monitoring individual performance based on a proven system and assisting the franchisees to increase their revenues. This relationship lasts the duration of the franchise agreement.


Business Opportunity

In a business opportunity, the seller makes his money by delivering the business system, training, equipment, or service method to the buyer. In some cases, the seller may also make residual income for the ongoing sale of products or services, but for the most part, the relationship is over once the purchase is final.

While a business opportunity is not federally regulated, some states will encourage a general form of disclosure prior to purchase, but most do not require it. If a business opportunity does offer a disclosure document, it may provide only general information. The lack of regulation can speed up the purchase process, but it also leaves the buyer responsible for a thorough investigation of the business.

Since there is no ongoing royalty payment, there is no vested interest by the seller to ensure that the buyer succeeds in the business. Although many business opportunities provide system training, they may not require or monitor performance. Sellers generally don’t invest in local marketing or operational support, but buyers are given complete freedom to run the business.

Income expectations for a business opportunity may be lower than for a franchise opportunity, but they are also a lower investment than most franchises. A business opportunity may not require costly leasehold improvements or large working capital reserves, making it an option for many people whom may not have the capital available to purchase a franchise. For many buyers, a business opportunity provides the flexibility to start out as a supplemental income or home-based business, but has the potential to support their lifestyle and meet their financial goals.

Which opportunity is best for the buyer?
The answer, obviously, is that it depends on the buyer. An entrepreneurial individual may find the confines of a franchise opportunity limiting and thrive in a business opportunity where he makes all the decisions. Another buyer may find the brand recognition, ongoing assistance, and company-wide marketing programs associated with a franchise just the safety net he needs to feel confident when starting a new career.

A Franchise Opportunity Provides:

A Business Opportunity Provides:
• UFOC disclosure information
• Brand recognition
• Marketing expertise
• Intensive training program
• Site selection management
• On-going support
• Security of proven processes

• No ongoing royalties
• Usually lower investment
• Company supplied advertising
• Intensive training program
• Site selection assistance
• Freedom to make choices
• Proven system of operation

Labels: Franchise Opportunity

The FranChoice®Program

Our Mission is Helping People Realize Their Dreams.
We do this by helping you find a franchise opportunity that fits you.



"What's the best franchise for me?"
Prospective entrepreneurs ask that question all the time. The best answer is, "it depends". It depends on what you like to do. It depends on what you're good at. It depends on how much capital you have to invest. It depends on how you evaluate risk. It depends on understanding all the factors that go into making a good decision - from your perspective, not ours.

A Free Service For Entrepreneurs
The FranChoice consultation process is similar to working with a realtor when buying a home. An industry expert guides you through the search process, helps answer your questions and concerns, and understands your needs and goals in business ownership.

There is no obligation or cost to you for the services or for the information about franchise opportunities we offer at FranChoice. We are paid fees by franchisors who respect the processes we follow and who recognize the high quality and fit of prospective franchisees we refer to them. You pay exactly the same franchise fees with any franchise company whether you work with FranChoice or not. FranChoice is able to provide a win-win scenario for you as the candidate and for the franchisors.

FranChoice has been so successful in matching potential entrepreneurs with the perfect franchise business because it is a win-win situation. The candidate avoids the confusion of researching the overwhelming myriad of franchise opportunities and can concentrate on those that have been pre-screened as high quality businesses matching his (or her) requirements. Franchisors love working with us because they find that candidates referred by FranChoice are enthusiastic, motivated and well-informed about the business requirements. Entrepreneurs continue to find value with the FranChoice Program.

Your Model
At FranChoice, we work with people across the United States who want to find a franchise business that will meet their needs. In order to do that effectively, we first have to learn what those needs are. We work with you to determine your profile and create a model you can use to evaluate any franchise company you investigate. To do this properly we need your help. We will ask you many detailed questions to determine the business characteristics that define who you are and what you want to do. We will work with you to find the right opportunities consistent with your answers to questions like:

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What are your reasons for wanting a business of your own?
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Have you ever owned a business of your own?
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What hours do you like to work?
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Where do you want your business to be located?
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How do you feel about managing people?
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How much capital do you have to start a business with?
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Will you have partners?
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Do you want to build multiple units?
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How soon do you want your business to open?
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Will you be involved on a full-time or part-time basis?

These are just a few of the many vital issues we'll discuss with you. Then, we'll narrow down the choices of franchises to those that best match your wants and needs with the goal of finding a great match for you.

Pre-Screened Franchise Choices
There are over 1600 registered franchise companies in the marketplace. Sorting through this huge collection of opportunities can be a daunting task. You could spend months looking at franchises and you'd still find that most, if not all, just don't match with what you really want in a business. At FranChoice, we've done much of the homework for you. We have carefully pre-screened hundreds of franchise companies. Some are very large and some are newer, hot concepts. They include companies from all types of franchises including mall retail, shopping center retail, home based, food, automotive, personal service, gift and business to business.

A Great Fit
Our process is designed to listen carefully to what you want and to understand you goals and aspirations. There are many opportunities out there - some great, some good, some not so good - and it can be quite difficult to weigh their pros and cons alone. We offer a safe, professional environment in which you can learn about opportunities in a variety of industries that span a wide investment range. We'll help you build your business and personal model and define exactly where you want your business to take you and how you want to get there. Our goal is to find a "great fit" for you.

The Next Step
If you're ready to make a profound change for the better in your life...if you want to take control and live the American Dream for yourself...if you want to take the next step to achieving the goals you've set for yourself...all you have to do is get started.

Labels: Franchise Opportunity

Franchise Article Author: The Franchise Guide


Financial capacity is the important aspect that founders will have to address when business opportunities such as franchising are concerned. Franchising businesses do not come cheap and the costs involved are variable. The need to allocate the proper funds for budgeting purposes will be the immediate aspect that needs to be addressed so that every area surrounding the business will be covered for a smooth flow of operations.

Where to Look for Funds
There are various ways to which a franchise business can be accomplished. Here are some possible alternatives:

1. Financial Loans. The easiest way of being able to allocate the needed funds would be to apply for financial loans with banking and lending institutions. The process after application would call for the purpose of the loan, a background credit investigation check on the person/s applying for the loan, declared assets and the payback period for such. Interest rates will perhaps be the only point up for discussion, considering that depending on the lending institution, interest can be varied and dependent on the standard or organizational declared rate of interest on loans.

2. Investors/ Partners. Ideally, people who lack the funds and resources to engage in franchise business opportunities would look for potential partners to help them out in expenses and needed financial settlement issues. Shares or percentage of ownership for more than two persons will be up for negotiation. Normally this would depend on the amount of invested capital that a partner would have, unless otherwise specified.

3. Fixed Assets as Collateral. For franchises, land may be one good aspect to use as a means of lessening the need to include rent expense as one of the usual expenses to be incurred. But in some cases where cash or checks are more important rather than declared assets, a person can either sell the asset as a whole or use land as a form of collateral as leasing or having it rented out to get additional forms of money overall.

Franchises for sale are available anywhere and the real issue remains on the amount needed to be raised to be granted one. Also, successfully acquiring franchise rights is not the end of the long line of other expenses to be incurred since other points for consideration such as utilities and rental expenses necessary for the proper administrative and operational aspect of the business is entirely separate.

With the right resources, franchise expenses can be kept at minimum levels but incurring such expenses in businesses is only normal for any business entity. The manner of financing a franchising business opportunity would depend the amount of investment that a person and/or his partners would pledge. That is why the choice for which franchise to consider will always be important because big name franchises usually promise a profitable rate of return.

Labels: Franchise Opportunity

Senior Services Franchises
Medical & Healthcare Franchises
Serving Baby Boomers (and Their Parents!)

Home care, living assistance and medical programs especially for seniors are in demand, and the need will continue to grow as the U.S. population continues to age. If you're searching for a franchise that makes good business sense and affords an opportunity to provide personal, caring service, look into the various senior services franchises and businesses related to health and wellness as described in the listings below.

Home Care Franchise Opportunities

Visiting Angels / Living Assistance offers services to a market of more than 30 million senior citizens. This market is exploding in growth, which has rendered it nearly immune to changing economies. Their business provides the satisfaction of helping senior citizens and convalescing clients continue to live where they want to be - in their own home.

Visiting Angels is well-established with 260 senior home care franchises (non- medical) in more than 40 states across the United States (and Canada). They advertise and market nationally for homecare client leads and distribute hundreds of home care client leads each week to their franchisees.

Visiting Angels has been ranked by Entrepreneur Magazine as one of the fastest growing franchises in America . Their Advantages Program gives the company an edge in recruiting homecare clients - f amilies receive discounts on products from Energizer, Serenity, Kimberly Clark , The Scooter Store and other top manufacturers. Also, Visiting Angels has established hundreds of relationships with national organizations such as the Alzheimer's Foundation of America (AFA).



Right At Home

Home Instead Senior Care

Home Care Assistance



Adult Day Services

SarahCare



Medical Handpiece Repair

Hayes Handpiece



Ergonomic and Therapeutic Products

Relax The Back



Medical Recruiting

Health Career Agents

@Work Medical Services



Cosmetic Medical Skin Care

Dermacare Laser and Skin Care Clinics

See all Senior Services and Medical & Healthcare franchise opportunities on Bison.com.

Labels: Franchise Opportunity

Franchise Article Author: The Franchise Guide


Choosing the best franchise is just half the equation. Without the right location for it, you may find it hard to recoup your investment. So how do you choose the right location for your franchise?

Perhaps the first thing you should consider is if there are enough people in your locality to ensure that sufficient volume will be consumed. If not, does your area have any plans for expansion? The more you cater to a small segment or niche in the market, the bigger the population must be. Moreover, the product volume consumed monthly must not only be sufficient to cover your monthly expenses but must also bring you a profit.

You should also think about where the people who can afford your product or services live. Your city may have the perfect solution for these people with the buying power but if your product or service is inaccessible to them, how will you profit? Rule of thumb in this case is to place your business along the routes or place your customers generally go to or through.

Of course, affluent people will not take a second look at your store if it is located in a seedy neighborhood. In fact, they might never see your store at all. So take the time to match the neighborhood or the place to your target market’s preferences.

You will also need to consider the businesses that may avail of your products and services in your area. Of course, you will want to locate your franchise as close to them as possible. If your target customers or clients are for example schools in your area, then you will have to locate your tutorial business near them. Bottom line is, your customers will generally dictate where your franchise will be located.

Of course, not only will you have to make your franchise location accessible to your customers but to your employees too. An inaccessible franchise place may be too far for quality employees therefore degrading the quality of your service.

You will also have to consider your competition in the area. On some cases, it will be to your advantage if you locate your franchise location near your competitions as people looking for this service will be made aware of your new office. If the competition is too strong however, it may be better to locate your office further out from your competition.

With these factors and more, you will be able to have a better idea on where to locate your franchise outlet.

Labels: Franchise Opportunity

Franchise Company Investigation Process

FranChoice

Before You Begin
You've carefully evaluated yourself and built an individual model that can be used to determine if a franchise opportunity has the attributes you want. You know what you need to find in a franchise business to match your preferences and desires. You have a picture of what the future will be like for you as a business owner. Now you just need a process to investigate individual franchise opportunities and determine if they fit perfectly into your plans.

Franchise Investigation Preview
The first thing you need to keep in mind in your investigation is that it is a process of mutual elimination for both you and the franchisor. You might find exactly the franchise you're looking for on the first try, but that is highly unlikely unless you have some expert help. Remember to ask any and all questions you can think of about a franchise business. This will allow you to remain focused and weigh all of your options to find the proper franchise opportunity.

You should also understand that it is unlikely that any one person contacting the franchisor will turn out to be a great match for them. Therefore both you and the franchisor are trying to determine if the fit seems right from the beginning of the investigation. If either party comes to the realization that this is not the right match, they simply inform the other party and move on.

Step 1 - General Information
The franchisor will begin by providing you with overview information on the company (typically a brochure and video package). They will then ask you to provide them with additional information on you (by filling out a questionnaire) to determine if you have the general characteristics that they are looking for, and the financial qualifications necessary for their franchise. Assuming that each party is still interested, based on this information exchange, you will proceed to the next step.

Step 2 - The Uniform Franchise Offering Circular
This document, commonly referred to as the UFOC, is the Federal Trade Commission mandated disclosure document that gives you a wealth of information about the franchisor. The form and composition of the document is standard with any franchisor and must include information on a variety of topics of interest to you. The major subject areas include:

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The history of the franchise and its officers and directors.

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A complete description of the business to be franchised.
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All costs and fees that you will be subject to under the agreement.
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The obligations of either party to the other during the term of the agreement and thereafter.
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Any relevant litigation history of the company or its officers.
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Any business failures, ownership transfers, franchise agreement terminations or other potentially adverse information relating to the success rate of the existing units in the system.
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Audited financial statements for the franchise company for the previous three years.
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A list of the existing franchisees.

A few franchisors also include an earnings claim in the UFOC document. Though they are not required to do so, this can be a real time saver for you if it is included. Even if it is included in the UFOC, it is still imperative that you discuss this subject with franchisees during your fact-finding calls and visits.

You will carefully review the UFOC document and note any questions or issues that the material raises for further discussion with the franchisor. You may also choose to involve outside advisors to review material you do not understand.

Step 3 - Franchisee Calls and Visits
The most valuable source of information on any franchise system is the existing franchisees. You need to plan on calling or visiting a number of the existing franchisees during your investigation. It sounds almost trite, but whatever you find the prevailing attitude of the existing franchisees on any issue to be, it will almost certainly be your attitude on the issue as well if you decide to become a franchisee. Visit with a sufficient number of the existing franchisees to ensure you have a sense of the prevailing attitudes of the group.

Though you want to find the overwhelming majority of franchisees to be happy and supportive of the franchisor, it is important to try to find an unhappy franchisee during your investigation. When you do, not only listen to the complaints but also try to determine what makes this franchisee different from the rest. If you find you identify with the positive ones and feel the negative franchisee is not at all like you, then you should be fine. If you find that you are more like the person who is unhappy however, this is probably not the right franchise for you.

The following list covers the principle areas you want to investigate during these calls:

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Training Programs - You need to determine how well the initial training programs and support prepared the franchisees for opening and running their business.
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Opening Support - How easy did the franchisor make the process of getting the first unit open and operating? Was there assistance in site selection, lease negotiation, construction and design, securing financing, permits or any other factors unique to getting this business up and operating?
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Ongoing Support - You want to know how effective the ongoing support services of the franchisor are in terms of helping franchisees deal with the problems that come up in the running of their business.
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Franchise Marketing Programs - Most franchisors collect marketing dollars from every franchisee into a pool that is spent to promote the brand. You need to know whether the franchisees are happy and supportive of the way this process is handled. Note: this is typically the area where you will find the most complaining in any franchise you examine.
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Purchasing Power - Does the franchisor use the collective buying power of the total system to get discounts on supplies and inventory beyond what an independent operator could achieve? This factor is one of the biggest advantages of joining a well-run franchise system and should offset much of the upfront fees associated with being a franchisee.
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Franchisor/Franchisee Relations - Determine how the franchisees feel about the franchisor in general. Is the franchisor supportive, caring, focused on their success, responsive, effective, organized, and trustworthy? Make sure you have a good feeling about the values of the organization and that they are consistent with your values.
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Franchise Investment - The UFOC will give you a wide dollar range for the investment required in the business. Use the franchisee discussions to narrow that down to a reasonable and conservative estimate of how much capital you will need to be successful in this franchise in your market or region.
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Earnings - It is critical that you have a strong sense of just where the average unit is in terms of earnings. You should know the answers to the following questions: How much money does the typical unit make given a specified length of time in business? How soon does a typical unit start making money after opening? What is the range of answers for these questions? If you are simply not able to determine these answers to your satisfaction in your research, do not settle! Tell the franchisor of the problem and that you cannot proceed unless you have these answers.

It is always a good idea to bring up the subject of earnings as the last point in your franchisee visits. Most people are reluctant to discuss their income with strangers and you will find the franchisees are more willing to cover this subject after you have spent some time visiting with them. At that point they know you're not a competitor trying to get information but rather a serious prospective franchisee who will need the information to proceed. They were all in your position at some point in the past, so if they develop a comfort level with you it may enhance the financial information you can gather.

Step 4 - Review the System Documentation
A strong franchise company will have documented their systems, operations and marketing programs in a concise and easy to use format for the reference of franchisees. Make sure that such documentation exists. The franchisor will probably not give you a copy of their actual manuals, but they can certainly provide you with the table of contents or index of every support manual they have. This will enable you to confirm that the documentation exists and will show the scope of the coverage of all their major business factors.

Step 5 - Meet the Franchisor
At some point in the process of investigation, you will want to have personal meetings with key personnel of the franchise company. This might be possible in your local market or you may need to travel to the headquarters of the franchisor. Many franchisors facilitate this need by holding what are referred to as "Discovery Days". These are structured events where you can go to a specified location and know that all of the key people from the franchisor will be available.

Be sure to get to know those people you will be working most closely with as you build your business. We would expect the President of the company to be an impressive person, but that's not who will be answering your call when you have a problem. Find out who will be providing the operational support and training directly to you and form an opinion about their competence. Make sure that any remaining questions or issues you may have are addressed at this meeting.

Step 6 - Make a Decision
If you have been diligent, the entire process outlined above should have taken about two to four weeks to complete. You have now finished your investigation and have all the information you need to determine if this franchise is right for you. It either is or it isn't, and you'll know which it is. In either case, it is time to make a decision and move on. Use the model you developed for yourself to evaluate what you wanted in a business.

Don't settle. If this company has everything you wanted, do it. If it doesn't, eliminate it and go to the next one.


FranChoice offers a free consulting service to help you find your perfect franchise match. Learn more about this great time-saving service!

Labels: Franchise Opportunity

You’ve got the questions – we have the answers!

Lori Kiser-Block, President, FranChoice

Can you answer a resounding “YES” to these questions?

* Am I willing to dedicate long hours every day for at least two years to get my business up and running?
* Do I have or am I willing to learn (or hire someone) to network with other small business owners in my local community?
* Am I able and willing to take direction from a franchisor partner?
* If some of my potential customers turn me away, will I remain upbeat and steadfast in an effort to get new business?

If you can answer in the affirmative to all four questions, a business to business franchise may be the ideal opportunity for you. As a B2B franchisee, you will provide needed services to other small businesses, saving them time and money and making you part of their success while making a success of your own business. There are also advantages to being part of the B2B industry over retail businesses, and the varieties of franchises in this area are vast.

Business Services
Services to small businesses include everything from ship and mail centers to business consulting, temporary personnel placement and IT support. Other B2B franchises provide such services as commercial cleaning businesses, tax preparation and marketing. It is generally less expensive for a small business to outsource these services than it would be to have a dedicated employee on staff, so these types of franchises are in demand.

Outsourcing is becoming more and more popular as a way to trim operating costs. Additionally, it allows businesses – large and small – to focus resources on their core competencies while relying on the expertise of the service provider.

Business to Business Products
Some of the franchises providing products to local businesses include copier toner and ink jet suppliers and refillers, office supply companies, logo apparel businesses and sign companies.

Numerous Advantages
There are many advantages to the franchisee who owns a B2B company. One obvious advantage is that you operate the same hours as your clients are open – Monday to Friday during normal business hours. Knowing that you have a traditional schedule and that your hours are limited can be a great advantage, particularly to the franchisee who is balancing work and family.

Compare these hours to those worked by the owner of a retail business (nine to nine, seven days a week) or a fast food franchise, which could be open from 6am to 2am, every day, and you’ll be even more impressed by a business offering a livable work schedule.

For those people transitioning from corporate America to business ownership, a B2B franchise will use many of your previously learned skills. You will not be working with the general public but calling on business professionals and offering them products and services they need. If you have a background in sales and marketing in any industry, you’ll find you can use those same skills in your B2B franchise business.

Another advantage is that as a franchisee, you will most likely have national buying power through your franchisor and be able to get better pricing on the products you sell or on the supplies for your services, and you will pass savings on to your customers.

A B2B franchise is often less expensive to get into than other types of franchise businesses and may also have smaller operating expenses. Because you will probably not be required to locate your business in prime retail space, your overhead will be less than that of a business catering to the general public.

Many B2B businesses, particularly in service categories, can run their companies from home offices, which can greatly reduce operating expenses. For example, service B2B franchise owners can manage a staff of technicians who travel to the site of the business. By eliminating the high overhead associated with a storefront, B2B owners can focus their resources on advertising, marketing and management.

Business to business franchise companies provide a much needed service to small business and they are one of the fastest growing sectors in the franchise industry. Whether you have a home-based or brick and mortar location or if you choose a service or product providing business, a B2B franchise can provide you with a low-cost, high-demand business opportunity with both a home-town feel and the support of a national franchise company.

Lori Block is the President of FranChoice, Inc., a national network of franchise consultants providing free guidance to qualified individuals in the United States searching for franchise opportunities that match their personal goals, interests and financial qualifications.

To learn more about FranChoice or to reach Lori, click here.

Labels: Franchise Opportunity

What Is Franchising? How Does It Work?

Steve Hockett, President
FranChoice

Simply put, franchising is a way for a business to expand beyond its original owners. The most common form of franchising is a business format franchise where the franchisor contributions certain elements of the business and the franchisee contributes certain elements. The power of franchising is realized through the combination of the contributions from the two participants. Franchisees pay initial franchise fees and then ongoing royalties for access to the format the franchisor has developed and for ongoing enhancements to the system.

The franchisor contribution will include the brand / trademark of the concept; it will include the proven business system (commonly called the operating system); and the franchisor will provide the initial and ongoing support as the franchisee builds their business.

The franchisee contribution involves the management skills to run the business day to day using the franchisor provided brand and system; and the franchisee also contributes the capital to fund the opening and continued operations of the business. Finally, the franchisee brings a level of desire and interest in having the business succeed that is essential to franchising – and the focused desire is something the franchisor can’t replicate on their own.

There is a contract – called the Franchise Agreement – signed by both parties that governs the relationship between the franchisor and franchisee and explains in detail the responsibilities of both sides. The franchisor is required to provide a generic copy of the Franchise Agreement early in the investigation process, and this contract will provide a roadmap for the duration of time the agreement is effective.

Labels: Franchise Opportunity

How to Buy a Franchise – Step 1

What to do before you begin searching for a franchise

By Kim Ellis

You’ve thought about it for years and you’re finally ready to make the leap into business ownership. It’s time to be your own boss, to be the one in charge of your financial future – your destiny. Because you are a smart woman, you want to avoid making mistakes along the way. You have so many questions: Will you be happy as a franchisee? Can you make the money you need to provide for yourself and your future? What kind of franchise would be best? Where do you start, with thousands of franchise opportunities available?

The simple answer is that you start with YOU.

Before you even begin looking at franchises, you need to do a thorough self-evaluation of your own business style, strengths and challenges. So find a quiet place, get out paper and pen, and as objectively as possible answer the following questions. (And don’t worry; unlike the quiz in Cosmo, “Are you a good friend?” there are no wrong answers!)

What's Your Personal Business Style?

* What part of your current and past jobs have you liked doing the most?
* Do you like working with the public or would you rather be involved in a B2B company, helping other businesses to grow?V
* Are you an outgoing, people person or do you prefer to be behind the scene, managing the business?
* Are you willing to ask for help when you need it? One of the benefits of franchising is the ongoing support you will receive but it will do you no good unless you use it.
* Describe the work environment that most appeals to you.
* Are you status conscious? Does it matter to you what the product or service of the franchise is or does the business potential matter more?

What Are Your Skills and Strengths?

* List your skills and evaluate how well you perform each.
* How do you feel about sales and marketing? These skills are most often on a franchisor’s list of desired attributes in a potential franchisee.
* Are you good a networking? In many cases, a franchise owner’s role will be to make community connections by joining civic organizations and networking with various groups.

What Do You See As Your Challenges?

* What part of your current and past jobs have you liked doing the least?
* List your weaknesses, those things you would not want to do or would want to hire someone else to do in a business.

What Experience Do You Have In Employee Management?

* Do you have experience managing employees? Did you enjoy it?
* Are you comfortable recruiting employees?
* Do you have the experience and skill needed to create a work environment that will allow you to retain employees?

What Is Your Financial Profile?

* How much capital do you have to invest?
* Can you afford to do without a regular income during the start up phase of your new business?
* What are your financial goals?
* How do you see your lifestyle changing as a result of meeting your financial goals?
* How do you feel about taking the risk of becoming self-employed?

Are You A Team Player?

Franchising is all about following someone else’s system. Can you picture yourself in this role, executing a system you didn’t create?

Once you have answered these questions, you’ll begin to see a clearer picture of what talents you can bring to a franchise business and what you expect to receive in return. Do you see yourself managing a string of dry cleaning franchises and vacationing in Tahiti ? Or, would your perfect opportunity be to own a mall-based tax preparation service where you could mingle with your customers and have lots of free time to spend with your family?

The next step is to start looking at opportunities and evaluating them based on your answers. It may take some effort to find the right franchise so don’t feel that you need to compromise. Just like jeans, franchise opportunities com e in many shapes and sizes and you never need to settle for one that is just not a great fit. Choosing the franchise opportunity that best matches your needs, interests and style is your greatest assurance of happiness and success as a business owner.

Kim Ellis is president of Bison Advertising, Inc., a leading online resource for franchises and business opportunities. Drawing from a diverse background in franchising, marketing and operations, Kim specializes in Internet marketing, lead generation and branding.

Prior to Bison, Kim served as vice president of FranChoice, where she helped establish one of the industry’s most successful franchise referral networks. Her responsibilities included franchisor relations, brand management and lead generation. Prior to FranChoice, she served in executive positions for Regis Hair Salons, Premier Hair Salons International, and for a business-to-business marketing agency in Minneapolis. Her franchise experience started with a family-owned Schwinn Bike franchise and extended to her first position after college with Great Clips for hair. Currently, Kim serves as chairperson for the International Franchise Association (IFA) Women’s Franchise Committee and as a member of the IFA Supplier Forum.

Labels: Franchise Opportunity

Identity theft, corporate fraud and traditional crime against people and property are, unfortunately, standard fare on the evening news. Home and business owners are taking an active role in protecting themselves and their possessions by investing in preventive security measures such as increased outdoor lighting, video surveillance and other similar products.

The franchises and businesses featured here require no background or training in law enforcement or a technical field, and individuals from the insurance industry may find these businesses particularly rewarding, on a professional and financial level.

Many of these opportunities can be run from a small home-based office, and require a relatively low initial investment.

If you'd like to own and run a successful small business that also contributes to the safety, security and well-being of your community, please investigate these franchise opportunities further and request additional information.



EYESthere

Wouldn't you like to own a company where every business could use your services, and 90% of the potential market is yet untouched?

EYESthere custom designs solutions that protect and empower businesses with live and recorded video. Our franchises provide solutions that help protect our customers' premises, property, people and transactions and empower the owners, employees and customers with EYESthere unique Digital Video solutions.

"The EYESthere opportunity has hallmarks of a franchise poised for explosive growth." - Mark Siebert, President of iFranchise Group

Build a business with national brand recognition and helps your community



L & W Investigations

The traditional "mom and pop" shop approach to private investigations is not adequate to fight fraud today on behalf of insurance companies who are mostly national/international.

L & W Investigations, Inc is the first franchise opportunity in the United States in private investigations, specializing in all types of insurance fraud. In just four years, L & W:

* Opened 35+ offices in 23 states and Toronto and Puerto Rico
* Has large multi-million population territories
* Has low operating costs and less than $15,000 in start up costs!
* Worked for top Insurance, TPA and Private & Public Companies

Learn more about this one-of-a-kind franchise opportunity in surveillance and investigation



NiteLites Outdoor Lighting

Outdoor lighting sales are being driven by the increasing number of homeowners seeking safety, security and aesthetics, as well as enhancement of their home's market value.

This, coupled with the growing trend for people to spend more time in and around their homes, presents a great opportunity for our franchise owners to sell and service our lighting systems.

At NiteLites, we're expanding our franchise throughout the United States, offering a tremendous opportunity for those who qualify.

We're searching for individuals with drive, determination and a desire to own their own home-based business. We want goal-oriented people who are driven by beauty.

Learn more about this bright, home-based franchise business!



Proshred

PROSHRED® specializes in on-site shredding for the secure destruction and recycling of confidential documents and proprietary materials for thousands of organizations and individuals across the United States.

In addition to serving major government, financial, medical, legal, high-tech and manufacturing industries, PROSHRED® actively services the growing home office and residential shredding markets.

According to the National Association for Information Destruction (NAID), document destruction in the United States is a multi-billion dollar industry, positioned to continue rapid growth due to recently enacted privacy legislation and heightened concerns about safeguarding confidential business and consumer information.

Within this rapidly expanding market, PROSHRED®'s vision is to be the premier franchise system in the shredding market, recognized as the system of choice for the secure destruction and recycling of confidential documents and proprietary materials worldwide.

"If you are serious about building a profitable, rock solid business, a PROSHRED® mobile shredding business is certainly worth a second look." - Mark MacMillan; Tampa, Florida



MonitorClosely.com

MonitorClosely.com is a home-based business with tremendous earnings potential. With the advancements in digital technology, the quality of surveillance systems has significantly improved while the cost of equipment has continuously decreased. With the availability of hi-speed ISPs and personal computers both at the home and office, it is now possible to monitor surveillance cameras from anywhere at anytime. The customer base is unlimited and includes; day care centers, schools, assisted living facilities, any retail business, apartment complexes, multi-unit fast food restaurants, hotels, private residences and much more.

You can learn more about the MonitorClosely.com franchise by participating in one of our regularly scheduled corporate visits in Cincinnati, where you will learn first-hand why this business is for you and the great opportunities it provides.

Learn more about this exciting and unique franchise opportunity



Police Reports Now

Police Reports Now is the simplest and most accessible database of law enforcement reports in the world. Police Reports Now was designed with a single purpose in mind: provide a secure, efficient means for all interested parties to exchange information in an easy and profitable manner. This means that law enforcement agencies, insurance companies, attorneys, medical professionals, and victims of crimes can all exchange critical information in a timely manner while saving money.

Police Reports Now even takes this concept a step further for law enforcement agencies by introducing several models through which they can profit. For example, an agency may elect for Police Reports Now to set them up for FREE and receive a percentage for every single report that an involved party pays for.

Police Reports Now is not a Franchisor. We're only looking for a select and qualified few, and once all states are taken- that's it. In fact, we are only offering a total of 20 opportunities, as each partner will receive two states. The remaining states will be owned by Corporate.

We hope you share our excitement as we near the full launch of Police Reports Now. A member from our senior executive staff will be in communication with you within 24-48 hours to discuss how you can be a part of the Police Reports Now team. We will also provide you with much more information during our next contact.

Labels: Franchise Opportunity

Successfully buying businesses with IRA money requires the securing of account facilitators who know exactly what they’re doing

David Nilssen, CEO, Guidant Financial Group

A growing number of people are discovering the joys of utilizing IRA money to purchase businesses and franchises. Consequently, more companies are springing up to meet the account-structuring needs of those seeking to take advantage of this “self-directed IRA” funding option. These companies can run the gamut from the sublime to the ridiculous, so it’s crucial that consumers know what to look for when choosing a retirement account facilitator.

When structured correctly, money in your IRA account can be accessed before retirement to buy a franchise/business without incurring early distribution penalties. Setting up a structure for these types of transactions is a complex process involving rollovers, creations of corporations and/or new accounts within IRS and Department of Labor guidelines, and appropriately submitting numerous documents to various agencies.

Ensuring that the structure is created correctly and that all compliance measures are adhered to is critical. If it’s done wrong – or if it’s created for a transaction that doesn’t meet government guidelines – it could result in the incurring of significant penalties or the dissolving of the tax-free status of your retirement account. Not only could you lose the opportunity to purchase the business or franchise of your dreams, but you could be penalized as much as 100 percent of your retirement funds.

Although you can find numerous companies on the Internet offering to facilitate the structuring of these unique accounts, beware: all facilitators are not created equal. Some of these companies cut corners that leave clients open to later IRS repercussions. Others are tiny one- or two-person operations lacking the infrastructure to provide professional service or, based on the handful of accounts they have set up, they lack adequate experience to provide reliable guidance. So who can you trust? Thankfully, there are some professional and respected companies you can rely on with confidence. But even among these, costs for services can vary widely.

To help keep you and your hard-earned retirement money safe, here are some of the characteristics you should look for in selecting an account facilitator:

Professional Expertise. Look for companies staffed with a wide variety of professionals who can look at your unique situation from all angles. Check to see whether the company is affiliated with other respected organizations, is well-known in the industry, and completes hundreds or, better yet, thousands of these plans each year.

Reputation. Even though this is a relatively new industry, you do want to see that the facilitator has been in business for at least a few years and has built a reputation for itself. Nothing can replace the value of real-life experience. You want to be confident that all the early trial-and-error took place long ago and that the current service is reliable and error free. You don’t want to be the guinea pig for a brand new company. It would be wise to invest some time in checking out what companies are in the news and what type of recognition they have been receiving.

Communications. Does the company make you blindly submit your information to them without providing the ability to talk with them directly? While online submissions are fine, be wary of sites that don’t even give you a phone number where you can contact them. Also, are their representatives always available to answer your questions? A good rule of thumb is: the easier it is to communicate with the facilitator, the more secure you can feel about what is happening behind closed doors.

Success. Is the company growing or is it struggling to keep its head above water? Will it still be in business next year? The best companies to deal with are those that have a large and growing clientele. Don’t be afraid to ask how many similar accounts the company has structured or how many clients they’ve served. Bolder is better when it comes to questioning those who will be facilitating your financial future.

Conservative Approach. Hearing “yes” is not always in your best interest. There are companies out there that will, out of ignorance or greed, set up structures that enable you to purchase businesses that are not permitted or advised under the IRS or Department of Labor laws. Choosing a facilitator that will keep you away from any business deals that are even remotely questionable is a safer route to take. Look for facilitators who encourage you to run your potential transactions past counsel. Better yet, look for a company that includes this step as part of their facilitation package.

Customer Service. So what constitutes topnotch customer service? Look for characteristics such as: Proactive Communication (the company reps keep you regularly informed of where you are in the process, and they speak a down-to-earth language you understand, not some trade lingo that makes little sense in the real world); and Ongoing Support (you can rely on the company to answer your questions and “hold your hand” if necessary after they’re set up your account).

Turnaround. A company should be able to set up the account within 20-25 days. Yet some companies promise five days or less . . . which makes you question what corners they’re cutting, since some states require as much as eight days to process documents. You need to be clear about your time constraints, and you should expect a clear and honest time estimate in return. And then you should be able to rely on that estimate.

Competitive Prices. Is the company clear about the costs up front? And do you know exactly what services you are purchasing? Some companies will charge separately for each step of the process, while others will charge for the “package.” Package deals can provide the better bargain, as they includes features that other programs will expect you to pay for separately and which can add substantially to your costs (such as an IRS authorization letter or time with outside counsel).

One of the best steps you can take is doing a thorough study of the companies wanting your business. Shop around! Most account facilitators have websites you can peruse and most offer free consultations. This may sound simplistic, but write your questions down beforehand and keep them in front of you. It’s far too easy to lose your train of thought in the midst of a detailed – and sometimes confusing – sales presentation.

Finally, never lose sight of the fact that you’re dealing with your money, your business/franchise purchase and your success or failure. Go with a company that ensures that your money never leaves your authority, and that you remain the one who defines your future.



David Nilssen is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Guidant Financial Group, Inc., the nation's leading retirement account facilitator. Using customized and conforming structures, Guidant helps investors use their retirement funds (i.e. - IRA or 401k) to purchase non-traditional investments such as a business. With the help and expertise Guidant offers, investors nationwide are able, not only to control their individual investments by redirecting those funds into higher yielding assets, but also keep their investments safe from penalties and tax consequences.

Labels: Franchise Opportunity

Tony Capobianco of Tampa, Florida, just spent the last three days dressed as a pirate. And he has seven more days to go of eye-patch wearing and numerous growls of “Aaargh, shiver me timbers, me matie!”

Capobianco, 43, is enjoying running his first-ever pirate-themed art camp for children eager to draw, sculpt, mold, paint, throw glitter around and laugh a lot. Although glitter and clay weren’t tools of the trade at his previous IBM and AT&T jobs, he has taken to his new position as an Abrakadoodle franchise owner and education director like a pirate takes to gold doubloons.

A former manager of customer service and implementation, Capobianco, found himself laid off in May 2005 after 18 years in corporate America. Yet, he’s not shedding any tears about it; in fact, quite the opposite. “I get up every morning now with a smile – and sometimes glue – on my face,” he says. “I’ve gone from wingtips to sneakers, and I’m loving every minute of it.”

Capobianco is one of a growing number of laid-off (or simply rat-race-weary) workers who have left the corporate world to embrace new lives as self-employed entrepreneurs. “I never thought that it would be feasible until circumstances made it a feasibility.”

After finding himself booted from his managerial position, Capobianco began building the groundwork for an employment future that was not only more secure than his previous jobs but that included elements missing from all his corporate positions. “I guess I’ve always been an independent and creative thinker,” he says. “Those character traits weren’t exactly encouraged in my last jobs.” So the idea of creating a position for himself that met those needs was very appealing.

After exploring various self-employment options, Capobianco began working with a franchise consultant at FranChoice (www.franchoice.com) who introduced him to a variety of ownership opportunities. But when he saw Abrakadoodle, an art education company for children ages 20 months to 12 years, it was love at first sight. “It stood out because I love kids, it was a creative enterprise, and I’d be able to share it with my wife Patti who’s a preschool teacher,” he says.

While choosing a franchise was easy, finding the means to buy it was another matter. As a father of three, Capobianco wasn’t eager to plunder the family bank account or take out a massive loan. Fortunately, his franchise consultant recommended he check out an alternative funding method: using his 401(k) money to purchase the business without taking a distribution or paying additional taxes or penalties.

“I was referred to Guidant Financial Group [www.guidantfinancial.com], a retirement account facilitator,” he says. “They showed me how they could restructure my retirement account to allow for purchasing a business as an investment for the 401(k) without having to pay any taxes.”

Like the majority of tax-paying Americans, Capobianco had never heard of such a thing, and he immediately began digging. To his surprise, he discovered that thousands of entrepreneurs had already used such means to finance their own businesses. When structured correctly, not only were such transactions allowable but they were an excellent means for growing retirement funds while launching a business enterprise.

“More people need to know about this option,” he says. “The whole process was simple, clean and effortless, and Guidant saved me from paying early distribution penalties or paying off debts from a loan.” Within five weeks, he had access to his funds to purchase his franchise.

Capobianco purchased Abrakadoodle in August 2006, and he opened for business only two months later in October. He points out that one of the reasons he could be up and running so quickly is that Abrakadoodle is a mobile business. “We sell to schools and preschools and go into the classroom to present our lessons as part of the curriculum or after-school enrichment programs,” he says. “I’ve just tapped into the home-school market, and I’m already teaching classes for a group of 40 home-schooled kids.”

And these aren’t just any art classes. These are classes that help children draw outside the lines, think outside the box and follow wherever their imaginations lead – not a particularly surprising approach for a company tied to the tag line, We inspire the creativity in every child.

“What we teach is the process of art,” Capobianco explains. “In other words, the importance is placed on how they get there, not necessarily what they produce. We encourage visualization first, then execution.” Along with building creativity and individuality, the Abrakadoodle lessons are designed to introduce children to such art basics as color, form and design and to encourage developmental basics, such as fine motor, language and cognitive skills.

Capobianco gives an example of a recent Abrakadoodle lesson. When the presentation touched on the artwork of Michelangelo, the students were instructed to lie underneath their desks to paint up on the “ceiling” (the underside of the desk covered in construction paper) to experience what it might have been like to paint the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. “They had a ball. Then when we talked about the famous painting of God’s hand creating Adam, we had pairs of kids trace their own hands in a similar likeness,” he says. “You know, reaching out and touching finger-to-finger.”

Creatively connecting and communicating is not just an important lesson Abrakadoodle teaches its students; it’s a philosophy that, according to Capobianco, is woven throughout the franchise itself. “In this world, the CEOs are not untouchable,” he says. “We talk all the time with them. And they actually listen.”

When he isn’t teaching the color wheel or hand-to-eye coordination, Capobianco is busy building up his franchise business, which covers East Pasco and Hillsborough County in the Tampa Bay area. He employs five instructors, and he’s looking for more. To that end, he molds cute lizard-like critters out of clay, sticks his business card in their mouths with the words, “Now hiring,” and leaves them around town at Starbucks and other gathering places. “Business wise, I’m about 40 percent of the way to my goal,” he says. “I’m not a top producer yet, but I will be.”

Capobianco reports that, while his franchise isn’t yet as financially rewarding as his past jobs were, emotionally “it’s phenomenal.” He no longer thinks of his life as high-pressure and hectic, he’s more closely involved with his family and community (“My kids and the neighbors are my focus group; I try out the new lessons on them”), and he swears he feels like an 8-year-old kid again. “I don’t believe I’ve complained in eight months. I don’t even whine any more.”

So how does it feel to have gone from layoff to laughing every day? “I can honestly say that I never smiled in my 18 years in the corporate world like I smile every day now,” he says. “It’s absolutely hysterical!”

For more information on Self-Directed IRAs or Business Financing, please visit www.guidantfinancial.com

Labels: Franchise Opportunity

The home repair and restoration market includes a limitless supply of exciting franchise and business opportunities! Home repair can mean everything from a small handyman or furniture repair business, to a nationally-known home restoration concept. When the economy is booming, homeowners have more money to spend on substantial restorations to their residences and vacation properties, or to buy and build new homes. When the economy is lean, people tend to stay put and make necessary repairs to maintain their most valuable possessions - their homes, property and vehicles.

All reputable repair-oriented franchises will assist the new franchisor with marketing and advertising to help you get established. Many offer ongoing company wide programs that capitalize on their brand name. Your success is highly dependent upon the reputation you're able to create for your new business, and the number of referrals you're able to generate. Home repair and restoration franchises appeal to the hands-on practitioner, as well as the experienced manager who prefers to supervise a team of professionals with skills in repair and restoration.

The companies featured here include relative newcomers and established, national brands, and all offer exciting entrepreneurial possibilities to the prospective business owner!

EntryPoint - EntryPoint offers customers a dramatic way to increase their home's curb appeal by installing decorative glass into an existing door - in about an hour! Construction figures show 75% of today's home are built with steel or fiberglass doors. These home owners are the number one customer base for EntryPoint®. These same construction figures show that over 73 million doors have been delivered over the past 10 years with either no glass or clear glass inserts. You can see the potential opportunities for Franchised EntryPoint® Dealers!

All Franchised EntryPoint® Dealerships will have an exclusive territory, and you will receive an extensive five day training course at their corporate headquarters plus four days of field training prior to showroom opening. EntryPoint® is looking to fill their territories with qualified business people as soon as possible.

Maintenance Made Simple - Armed with an innovative business model and cutting-edge systems not found anywhere else, Maintenance Made Simple franchisees are taking advantage of a 150 billion dollar industry without ever having to swing a hammer or turn a screw.

From the moment you start your business, their trained customer service professionals accept incoming calls from your customers, answer customer questions, schedule appointments and make outbound sales calls on your behalf. In addition, many franchisees participate in a National Leads Program, which can be effective the very day you start your business, and can provide a significant supplemental marketing channel as you build your local name recognition.

One more benefit of the Maintenance Made Simple franchise opportunity is their Jumpstart program, a comprehensive pre-training correspondence course that covers every detail of your new business’s start-up. By doing as much as possible before training, once you’ve completed our initial training, you’ll ready to run your business and generate revenue.

Re-Bath Bathroom Remodeling - Owning a Re-Bath Franchise will provide you with a proven business opportunity. Over 84 million homes in the United States are more than 15 years old, and each of these homes has at least one bathroom. That is a huge number of bathtubs, showers and walls in the residential market alone. Now add apartments, dormitories, military housing units, H.U.D. projects, hotels and motels to the equation.

To meet this nationwide demand for Re-Bath products, Re-Bath LLC, established what is now the largest franchise network in the industry. Our comprehensive approach, excellent products, years of experience, sound management and positive reputation all combine to give you a unique opportunity in the booming remodeling industry.

As a Re-Bath Franchisee you get Prime Exclusive Territory, The Industry's Leading Products, Ongoing Operational and Marketing Support, Complete Nice Day Training Program, Proprietary Product, Patented Installation Technology. Re-Bath is looking for exceptional people to join our organization. Find out if you have what it takes to become part of this booming industry.

Surface Specialists - As a child you may have dreamed of becoming a doctor, a lawyer, or even a fireman, however, you probably didn't dream of buying a franchise or becoming a bathtub repairman! However, if your current dreams include running your own profitable business, Surface Specialists will show you why spending all day in the bathroom can be a good thing!

Though Surface Specialists franchises have been business since 1981, there are still a lot of people unaware of the great franchise opportunities available to them as alternatives to typical kitchen and bath remodeling. The company is looking for qualified, motivated and committed individuals who will build the value of the Surface Specialists name, follow their proven operating system and use their ongoing support to dominate local markets and get the word out that there are better and lower cost alternatives to complete remodeling!

As a Surface Specialists franchisee, you will not have to rely on one service to support your business. They currently offer ten distinct profit centers, more than any other home improvement franchise. You will not find another franchise at this price with as much to offer.

UBuild It - UBuildIt is the first and only franchise company to offer a national service to the owner-builder segment. Recognizing a need by consumers for help and guidance on their self-managed building projects, UBuildIt was formed in 1988 to offer solutions. Since that time they have helped thousands of owner-builders realize their housing dreams by consulting on the construction of their new home or significant remodel project. Entrepreneur Magazine ranked UBuildIt as a top Franchise 500 in 2004.

UBuildIt offers Franchise Partners the opportunity to take advantage of their business skills in sales, marketing and consulting without the headaches, liability and risks of being a builder. Construction Consulting is less involved than being a custom builder or even a project manager. It's a great time to join them in a new market segment.

UBuildIt is seeking quality candidates in markets all across the United States. We want offices that will reach clients where there is building activity, and we want remodel offices in areas with an aging housing stock. They want to hear from successful entrepreneurs or business managers looking for a business to grow and operate, and successful builders looking to utilize their experience and knowledge to transition out of hands-on daily involvement in the construction process.

UBuildIt has a strong, proven business model that just happens to be construction consulting. The franchise owner does NOT need a construction background. They do require that the UBuildIt Construction Consultant have residential construction management experience, and current relationships with local, quality subcontractors.

AeroColours - Aero-Colours®, Inc. is recognized as the market leader in the paint repair industry based on our superior paint repair processes, industry-leading products, and highly trained and motivated franchisees. In addition to the dealer market, opportunities also exist with wholesalers, commercial fleets and individual car owners. Experience in paint repair is not necessary as many of their successful franchisees come to them with unrelated business experience and careers. They will teach you to be successful in this business if you have a genuine interest and are willing to make the commitment for success.

Your assigned territory is exclusive to you. You have the power to maximize your market potential. You can start out hands-on as a manager/technician and grow the business as large as the market will allow. Many franchise owners operate businesses that include multiple vans on the road with managers to oversee the day-to-day operation. This type of operation then frees the franchise owner to further expand the business by securing additional territories.

In addition, Aero-Colours® provides, without cost, an 800-telephone number that routes all service inquiries originating within your territory to your office telephone or to your location via cell phone. This benefit allows the franchise owner to respond to all current and perspective customer needs quickly and professionally.

Aero-Colours® offers over one hundred and sixty hours of classroom and hands-on training that prepares the new Aero-Colours® franchise owner for success in their territory. Plus, follow-up training in the field is available to any new franchise owner that may need additional fine-tuning of their skills.

DUCTZ - Ductz is rapidly becoming the recognized industry leader in helping home owners and businesses improve indoor air quality. As a Ductz franchise owner, you’ll build a business that will meet the rapidly growing demand for the benefits of better air quality by providing Residential Homes and New Construction Duct Cleaning; Dryer Vent Cleaning; Commercial Duct Services; and Restoration.

Your success as a Ductz franchise owner is in properly managing your business -- not cleaning ducts. Your business is building relationships in the business community and dispatching your trained technicians to do the work. They will teach you how to effectively recruit, train, and motivate good employees. The technicians do the work, you manage the business! They’ll also teach you the business to business marketing skills that will help you build a profitable base of referral partners.

If you qualify and are invited to their Discovery Day, you will get a glimpse of the support they provide to help you build a well-managed business. Their winning combination of people, technology, and proven business systems will help you maximize and reach your professional potential.

DUCTZ has just completed phase II of its franchise expansion plan. In this phase, we selected five concept development locations throughout the United States, and focused on refining our business model in both residential and commercial markets. We are now entering phase III, which allows for additional expansion throughout the United States. This is your opportunity to get in on the ground floor of this emerging industry!

Furniture Medic - Furniture Medic, the world's largest furniture repair and restoration franchisor, has established a reputation for excellence unmatched in the industry. Our system's success is firmly rooted in our dedication to providing our customers with unparalleled craftsmanship and quality service. Utilizing exclusive, technologically advanced equipment, products and processes, the expert technicians of Furniture Medic revitalize valuable furniture and wood pieces, restoring and enhancing their natural beauty and strength. In addition to delivering dramatic results, a Furniture Medic franchise offers convenience by performing many repairs on-site in homes and offices. Our franchisees provide home and business owners an affordable alternative to replacing fine wood furnishings and fixtures.

As a Furniture Medic franchise owner, you will have the opportunity to build your business on our system's solid reputation and established methods.

Hear what their franchisees have to say...

"We like the fact that Furniture Medic has been developing new programs and new lines of products and services for us because we’re able to generate additional revenue with the existing customer base that we have. The types of products that have been developed, the types of training systems, the methodology of training is really putting out a higher level of franchisees than when I started back in 1995."

"It really does all belong to you…I can walk in the office door and say, ‘This is ours – we did this!"

"We’ve definitely been blessed with the Furniture Medic franchise system. We’ve definitely put a lot of hard work into it. We’ve learned a lot as we’ve gone, but we’re really happy we made that decision – it really made a big impact in our lives."

Global Safe Technologies - Slippage accidents are one of the leading causes of disabling injuries and the second leading cause of death and disabling injuries after automobile accidents. Worker’s Compensation and Insurance Liability claims are astronomical.

The Company’s products have been field tested and proven for more than
13 years in hospitals, hotels, restaurants, offices, nursing homes, health clubs, industrial areas and tiled decks / pools and spas. All products are bio-degradable and / or water soluble and environmentally safe.

The response from the Insurance Industry and the Food and Service Industry at national trade shows clearly indicates that Global Safe Technologies Inc. products and programs have found a niche in a huge market.

Global Safe Technologies Inc. is on the verge of expanding very quickly across North America and internationally, particularly in Australia and South East Asia. The recent, rapidly growing recognition and endorsements by the Insurance Industry and many of the world’s largest food and service corporations is creating a huge and very profitable opportunity for Master Distributors and Authorized Dealers / Installers worldwide.

House Doctors Handyman Service - This complete, ready-to-operate franchise is what the industry calls a "turnkey operation." It takes most of the guesswork out of starting a new business. House Doctors will help you establish and maintain "the House Doctors Concept."

House Doctors' unique approach goes far beyond that of the average home repair business. Like most good franchises, you will receive comprehensive training on how to organize and run your business. But that's not enough. You have to know how to get the business! These marketing skills and techniques are the hallmark of House Doctors.

House Doctors' best advertising is "word-of-mouth" through personal recommendations by home owners, real estate agents, friends and neighbors. To supplement word-of-mouth, House Doctors have an unmatched year-round marketing program which includes pre-approved artwork for direct mail, newspaper ads, magazine ad slicks, color brochures, rebate certificates, coupons, site signs, Realtor presentations, trade show exhibit, publicity releases and radio spots. This complete program is started even before you do your first job.

This is the opportunity for you to get in on the ground floor and reserve and exclusive territory with the greatest potential.

Miracle Method Bath & Kitchen Refinishing - With proven products and systems, Miracle Method can dramatically improve your chances for success. They know the surface restoration business inside and out. As a franchisee you have Miracle Method's reputation and track record to rely upon. You are in business for yourself…not by yourself. Why "recreate the wheel", when Miracle Method has over 25 years of experience and knowledge to offer you?

Miracle Method provides A to Z support to its franchisees. The products and services provided can be summarized as help with technical, marketing and administrative aspects of running a business. Miracle Method can help you become the dominant refinisher in your market. They have the systems and knowledge to help you be successful and profitably grow your business.

There may be other ways to learn how to refinish a bathtub. But if you want to be the best at what you do and want to make money in the surface restoration business, then Miracle Method can help you achieve those goals.

Mr. Handyman - If you are seeking a business with tremendous customer opportunities, stop right now. Mr. Handyman believes their franchise opportunitiy is your answer. You will own a high-demand handyman service that caters to 100 million U.S. homeowners and commercial customers needing handyman service, home repairs, and property maintenance.

You don't need to be handy to own a Mr. Handyman franchise. Their franchisees don't do the repair work. They will teach you how to effectively recruit, train, and motivate good handyman employees. The handyman technicians do the work, you manage the business! If you qualify and are invited to their Discovery Day, you will get a glimpse of the support we provide to help you build a well-managed handyman business. Their winning combination of people, technology, and proven business systems will help you maximize and reach your handyman professional potential.

With your minimum investment, they offer a winning combination of people, technology, and their proven system to help you reach your growth potential. Mr. Handyman may just be the perfect business. A ton of potential -- without working nights and weekends. A small initial investment. Exploding handyman customer demand. And the backing of a handyman company that has everything you need to help get your business off the ground. Plus, continuing support to succeed in the long run. The American Dream is alive and well... Let them prove it to you!

Squeegee Squad - Founded by brothers Jack and Joe Ruegsegger, Squeegee Squad was originally known as Jack & Joe’s Window Cleaning, Inc. The founders have seen overwhelming success with the Squeegee Squad™ concept in the metro areas of Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota. They have taken their concept from a small two-man operation to a booming business, which employees over thirty people during the busy seasons.

By deciding to franchise the Squeegee Squad™ brand, their proven system of top quality window cleaning service will soon be available throughout the country. The initial focusing will be on developing the Midwest (MN, ND, SD, IA, WI, IL, IN, OH), and then continue to grow the brand in the rest of the United States. Squeegee Squad™ has won many awards for great customer service including The Angie’s List Super Service Award in 2002, 2003 and 2004.

Squeegee Squad is also very committed to giving back to the community. In 2005, they began donating free window cleaning to all of the homes built by the Twin Cities chapter of Habitat for Humanity, as well as other local organizations. Jack believes that “all successful businesses have an obligation to give back to the community.”

Each franchisee will have access to the following: customized Squeegee Squad™ software, a detailed operations manual, initial and ongoing support and future advertising co-ops. Each franchisee will complete training at corporate headquarters on the “wall of windows” as well as classroom and onsite training, be assured a protected territory, special arrangements with suppliers, and a franchisee website. In addition, a representative will visit the franchisee’s territory for initial sales and set-up training.

Labels: Franchise Opportunity

Congratulations on your interest in buying a franchise! The number of companies that have chosen to grow their businesses through franchising and the number of people who have decided to own their own business through franchising is a testament to the power franchising has to make dreams come true. But there are numerous questions you will want to have answered before you commit to anything and asking MONEY questions may be the most important.

Here are what we feel are the top money questions to ask – and get answered – when deciding on the purchase of a franchise business:

How much money can I make with this franchise?
We put this question first because it is probably the first question you will have when considering a franchise concept. The answer will depend on many factors but a typical franchisee doesn’t start making money until the second or third year. You may find a range of incomes in the franchisor’s UFOC (Uniform Franchise Offering Circular) which the franchisor will provide, but this information is not mandatory and the range may be too large to be useful. A better way to find this information is to talk to a number of existing franchisees who have been in business for several years or more and find out when they started seeing a profit and how much they currently make. Remember that other factors will influence the profitability of your franchise, such as your location, the marketing you choose to do and how engaged you are in the running of the business.

What is the total investment required for this franchise?
Knowing what your upfront costs will be for buying and running the business until it makes a profit is a key piece of information. You will be able to learn about these costs in a general manner from reading the estimated investment section of the UFOC. But for more specific and accurate information, you will need to talk to as many current franchisees as possible. Even then, your figures will only be an estimate of your actual costs so be sure to plan for having sufficient working capital.

How long will it take before I reach the break even point with my new franchise?
The reality is that your business will probably not make money during the start-up phase. You have to build up your customers or clientele and for most businesses that can take a period of time. The franchisor will be able to give you a range of time in which most of their franchisees reach the break even point but, to be safe, plan on the longest amount of time in that range rather than the shortest time.

What will I need in working capital as my business begins?
Working capital, also called operating capital, is the money you will have to put into your new business after it opens until your business starts making as much money as you are spending – the break even point. This includes both operating expenses (such as your lease, cost of employees, cost of equipment and utilities, etc.) and your personal living expenses. Since the break even point could take longer than expected and your expenses could be greater than expected, an extra cushion of capital is a smart idea.

What are my options for financing my franchise?
There are several options for financing the purchase of a business. The most common is to obtain a bank loan, which will usually need to be secured by your personal collateral (such as the equity in your home) or through an SBA (Small Business Association) guarantee program, or both. Some franchisors will offer advice that will help you obtain this financing while others require you to do this part on your own. Some of the equipment you need can be leased, which is helpful because then you will not be tying up all your cash, and leases can be secured by the assets that are being leased. Both franchisors and banks will require you to have a portion of the amount needed in cash, often referred to as “having skin in the game.” This means that you are risking your own money as well as the bank’s money, giving you a stronger reason to make the venture successful.

Other ways to finance your franchise can be loans from family and friends or by taking on a business partner who has the money required. There are also companies who will assist you in borrowing money from your own IRA or 401(k) accounts, without early withdrawal penalties, to finance a franchise business.

Whatever means of financing you use, keep in mind two things: 1) it’s never too early in the franchise research process to begin looking at your financing options and 2) having good credit and cash in the bank are always good ways to prove financial stability.

How strong is the franchisor financially?
This may not be the first question that comes to mind when researching a franchise opportunity but it is a question you need to ask. A franchise company that is in a strong financial position will be able to support the franchisees and will be prepared to survive over the long term, building the brand and making changes to the product / service / operating system as needed. The franchisor’s UFOC will provide you with their financial statements but if you aren’t sure what the figures mean, ask for help from your financial advisor.

Getting answers to these money questions is a critical step in your process of franchise research. Take time with each and every question and talk to as many people as necessary so that you are sure the answers you get are accurate. Then, if the answers are acceptable to you, you can be confident that you are making the right choice in a franchise purchase.


FranChoice is a national network of franchise consultants that provide free guidance and advice to qualified individuals in the United States searching for franchise opportunities that match their personal interests and financial qualifications. Learn more about FranChoice.

To see all articles about researching a franchise opportunity, click here.

Labels: Franchise Opportunity

September 2007 Franchising World

There is a resurgence of trade shows and other events underway.
By Jim Squire, CFE

Twenty years ago, when franchise lead generation was much simpler, trade shows were the lifeline of franchise development teams. As the primary, and often only, source of prospects, franchise companies flocked to franchise trade shows and expos across the country in droves—daring not skip a single one, or they might miss out on their only opportunity to meet prospects and make that critical franchise sale.

When the Internet entered the picture and became mainstream in the 1990s, trade shows and expos experienced a steady decline. Leads from the Internet poured in from all directions, and franchise systems opted to invest resources in both building their own Web sites and optimizing their Web site’s performance, as well as paying for stand-alone presence on franchising portals, rather than traditional expos and trade shows. They felt their development teams’ time and funds were better spent on the telephone following up with all the Internet leads. Likewise, prospects spent most of their time surfing the Internet for franchise concepts, rather than spending time and money to travel to expos around the country.

Over the past several years, trade shows and expos have experienced a gradual comeback. Numbers show that attendance continues to climb, on both sides of the fence. Prospects are realizing the value of attending expos to “shop” around for potential franchises and actually talk in person to the human beings behind the Web sites, and therefore more franchise systems, particularly the emerging franchises, are re-allocating funds to exhibit.

Why the resurgence? It seems that everyone simultaneously came to the realization that, while the Internet is an efficient method for initial shopping, there’s tremendous value in good, old-fashioned, face-to-face interaction. Franchising is, after all, about establishing and building relationships. By attending an expo, prospects could “put a face” on their Internet investigations, while franchise organization could use trade shows to help “seal the deal” for prospects who came to them from the Internet. In other words, the Internet provided the initial exposure and introduction to the concept, but the expos became the logical next step in the process.

In addition to prospecting and sealing deals, franchise companies also realized that trade shows and expos can be powerful tools to create brand awareness and network with other franchise systems in the industry. Often, business and personal relationships are created with peers at these shows. As franchise exhibitors come to terms with the idea that they’re basically all in the same boat, they frequently leave the shows with two sets of business cards: one with prospect leads, the other with peers in the industry that later develop into valuable professional and personal relationships.

Getting the full benefit from your budget
Franchise system budgets are tight, and development teams know they need to prove the value and return on investment for every trade show and expo they attend. If they don’t, they know that the following year, the show simply won’t go on. The fact of the matter is that the tremendous value of trade shows and expos can be proven time and again—if the right steps are taken and a plan is carefully followed.

First, it’s critical to carefully choose the most beneficial shows to attend, as investing in the wrong venues can be a non-productive use of time, not to mention precious marketing dollars. How do franchisors pick and choose which shows to visit and which shows to exhibit?

Major factors to consider include credibility of the hosting organization, the target audience and the greatest opportunities for meeting quality leads and networking with other franchise systems. Like anything else, due diligence is important. Ask peers for recommendations on which shows have been most successful for them in terms of education, networking and lead generation. Also, look for shows hosted by a reputable organization, for example, the International Franchise Association or National Restaurant Association.

Outside of expos and regional trade shows, franchise companies can consider attending a variety of specialty events, such as the Multi-Unit Franchise Conference, the Elliot Leadership Conference and the Multi-Unit Foodservice Operators Conference. Other conventions to consider include those that make the most sense for an ideal franchise prospect’s demographic or psychographic profile, such as the AARP if your system seeks to reach the baby boom generation, or the National Urban League, if the company is seeking to recruit more minorities into its system. While such events aren’t necessarily business specific or franchise-sales related, they create good opportunities for prospects and networking.

Consider location. Shows such as the West Coast Franchise Expo are ideal for franchise organizations seeking prospects to expand in California, Arizona or other states in the region. HoneyBaked Ham recently supplemented its Texas expansion efforts by exhibiting at a Dallas franchise show. Before attending, it sought leads in the area and targeted them with direct mail, advertising and public relations. The increased impressions create more qualified leads once prospects see the booth.

Once the most appropriate shows to attend are selected, franchise companies should consider several additional factors to ensure the potential return on investment, including setting goals and objectives beforehand, as well as emphasizing post-show follow up efforts.

Set goals. Franchise systems should consider what it is they want to accomplish at the show and to set realistic goals. For example, perhaps the goal is simply to test out the environment to see if it’s worth investing again the following year, to check out the competition, or to meet a certain number of realistic potential prospects to start the conversation process. Another goal could be to simply put the name out there to increase brand awareness or get the word out about a new image or prototype store. Goals can also be as simple as positioning oneself as an ambassador of the brand, developing dialogue among industry peers and potential candidates, and attending seminars where the experience gained will help attendees become a better, well-rounded franchisor.

Keep it positive. While at the show, it is important to remember that every conversation at a trade show should be positive. Whether exhibiting or not, conversations with prospects or peers should be about how excited they are to be affiliated with the brand they’re representing and how encouraging it is to see the growth of the industry. Complaints about the cost of booth space, location or even how much their feet hurt should be kept in check.

Best impressions. The goals of exhibiting at a booth are generally to attract new franchisees, build brand visibility and to get a buzz going about the company. Exhibitors especially have to feel comfortable in talking with those they have never met. Find out why they stopped at the booth, and resist the temptation to hand out as many marketing cards as possible. Literature often acts as a barrier to conversation, and chances are, it will be discarded at the first opportunity.

Control the crowds. Experienced exhibitors caution against booth overcrowding. Be careful not to outnumber visitors, or monopolize other company staff, or do anything else which would restrict visitor interaction. When not working the booth, exhibitors should make some effort to walk the show and network with representatives from similar concepts. Frequent trips to your hotel room or going off-site to relax will deter the maximum return on investment.

Contact system. Always try to make as many contacts as possible at a show and adopt a system of remembering and identifying people or their interests on their business cards or, if possible, in a BlackBerry or laptop when they walk away. It can be helpful to take a break away from the crowd and jot down notes while they are still fresh in your mind, such as a unique fact or anecdote that will later help put a name to a face. Adopt a code—use an “A” for hot, promising contacts, a “B” for medium potential, and so on.

Follow-up. When it comes to trade shows and conventions and turning leads into deals, it’s all in the follow up. Despite the fresh pile of work from being out of the office, it is imperative to promptly follow up with contacts from the show. Let them know how great it was to meet them, and send any follow-up information that was promised. It shows diligence and makes the prospect feel like their matter is a significant engagement for the company.

Maximizing Learning and Networking Potential
Conventions and trade shows are not just about cutting deals, but learning about the franchising industry and networking. One of the key objectives at a trade show is to make connections. These shows are designed to bring franchise companies in various roles in the franchising industry together in a comfortable setting where they can share of ideas, resources and experiences.

It’s easy for franchise professionals to get so caught up in the day-to-day activities of their home office that they miss critical opportunities to connect in the industry. But it’s often been said that the common threads of every great organization include a culture that promotes idea sharing and programs that cultivate mentorship relationships. Research directly correlates these elements to profitability.

Trade shows create a network where professionals in franchising can build relationships, mentor each other, address challenges, share strategies and ideas and present best practice examples to help one another be successful. Even social networking events planned during trade shows help foster relationships in franchising. With each event comes new contacts, new lessons learned, and sometimes, new friendships. Trade shows and conventions are ideal settings to cultivate relationships.

Trade shows are like anything else: it’s what one makes of them. Franchise companies get back what they put into them. Careful planning, goal setting and choice of the right shows are important first steps. Once there, following the previous advice of positive first impressions and careful attention to follow up are key factors that contribute to maximizing return on the investment.

Jim Squire, CFE, is the director of franchise development for the HoneyBaked Ham Co. and Café. He can be reached at jsquire@hbham.com.

Labels: Franchise Opportunity