"HORN IN" On Franchise / Business Ownership - December '17 Edition

[OrangeLarry]

 

 

“HORN IN" On Franchise / Business Ownership

a monthly post with blurbs, links, and other words-of-wisdom

regarding self-employment; career transition;

and franchise / business ownership;

as well as information for business owners

who may be interested in franchising their business.

  

December  2017

 

Franchise Opportunity Knocks

Self-employment Beckons

Start answering the call right here.

News you can use to help you find

The right franchise / business opportunity for you.

 

What’s Your Wish?

 The White Envelope... It's just a small, white envelope stuck among the branches of our Christmas tree. No name, no identification, no inscription. It has peeked through the branches of our tree for the past 10 years or so.

 It all began because my husband hated Christmas---oh, not the true meaning of Christmas, but the “craziness” of Christmas – where he had a tendency to sit back and do WAY too much thinking, about his future, his family, what he wanted to be when he grew up, so to say. Knowing he felt this way, I decided one year to do something for him. The inspiration came in an unusual way – I was watching a magician on television doing a “trick” when it struck me…

 I asked him to write down for me, every New Year’s Day, what he wanted from his life. It didn’t matter what he put down – this was for him. And I didn’t want to see it. Then, every Thanksgiving weekend, when we put up the Christmas tree, I’d ask him to open it and see what it said. And then I’d ask him, “Are you closer to reaching it? If not, what can I do to help?”

 After a couple of years of this, my husband turned to me and said, “Yes, you can help. You see – I want to own my own business. I’ve always realized I could build equity for our family better this way – plus get away from the corporate nonsense I deal with every day. But if we do this, we’re going to have to tighten our belts in the short-term. Are you ready to help?” I nearly keeled over from shock. I had become accustomed to our nice little life – and knowing my husband was able to make a good salary and support our family well. I worked as well, but was also busy with the kids, so we depended largely on his salary.

 “What are you considering?” I asked, trying to sound supportive.

 “Well, I’m looking at buying a franchise,” he said. “I’ve been working with a franchise consultant, and he has helped me understand my skills and what franchise companies would be right for me. I’m in the process of investigating several right now – and one, in particular, is looking like a really good fit for us.”

 “Oh. Crap,” I mumbled, and then quickly began thinking of ways I could submarine this radical thinking that was going to destroy the security of our family. “Have you spoken with your Dad about this?”

 “Yes, I have,” my husband said, “and he asked me if I had the ‘stuff’ to make it work?”  “Well, do you?“ I asked.

 “I don’t know,” my husband replied, “but I DO know that if I don’t see this through, I’ll never be happy, because I will have never seen through what I thought I could do with myself in life.” “Well, obviously this is important to you.” I offered. “Let’s share it with family when they’re here for the holidays – and see what they have to say,” hoping in my heart they’d help me out on this issue.

 “We can do that,” he said, “but I don’t need another WIPE-OUT. You know, WELL-INTENTIONED PERSONS OFFERING UNINFORMED THOUGHTS? My Dad has been doing that to me my whole life. It took me years to understand that he didn’t mean me harm, but that he wished for my safety, and that suggesting I avoid risk was his way of doing it.”

 “I’ve already spoken with a lot of people,” he went on to say. “And I’ve learned that once you begin to talk about your desires to own your own business, you will get all sorts of comments back that don’t always reflect an understanding of who you really are, and certainly don’t reflect a knowledge of the business you are investigating.  Be it your father, or your “know-it-all” sister-in-law, or your neighbor, or your co-worker.  They all seem to have an opinion. I have learned I needed to understand two things. First, as I said, I’ve learned that my loved ones have my “safety” at heart – not my “success” – so they are hardly in the position to advise me to do something that would put me or my family at any risk at all. Secondly, many can make a comment that may appear to have my best interest at heart, but that person doesn’t have the details I have in investigating a business.

 I guess I’ve learned this is something I simply have to do on my own.  Wow, I thought. He’s got me pegged. “OK, then what can I do here?” “Join me in this investigation process,” he requested. “Work with me to learn about these businesses. And then we can decide together – if this one particular business isn’t right, it won’t change how I feel. I still want to do this.”

 Well, we did exactly what he asked me to…and 7 years ago, we purchased a franchise business together. It has met his personal fulfillment needs – and neither of us has ever regretted a minute. But why still the “white envelope,” you say?  Do I still have him fill it out every year?

 “No, I don’t. These days it is no more than an empty envelope. But it’s a constant reminder to me to that I almost “blew it.  That I was thinking about what I thought was right for me, not for my husband, or for our family. And that reminder is the best message I can receive every holiday”.

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 Every year, thousands of people dream of owning a business and are drawn to the independence, flexibility and freedom of being self-employed. The job market as we have known it continues to change, so people are retooling their vision of how they will make a living in the years to come. This is driving people of all ages and career types to pursue self-employment options, including small business ownership as the “new” career of choice. Today, creating your own job has become the new path to job security. 

A franchise / business opportunity may not be right for everyone and they are certainly not all created equal, but a good business model can lower the risk factor and accelerate one’s potential for long term success. The key is finding the right match between the franchise / business opportunity model and the owner-operator.

Oliver Wendell Holmes once said, “The great thing in this world is not so much where you stand, as in what direction you are moving.” Are you allowing your professional life to wander aimlessly, or stand still? Do you dislike your corporate job, but don’t know how to find your real niche in life?

 A window of opportunity won’t open itself…  

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You desire to be self-employed…

What is preventing you from moving towards that dream?

ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Is Living A Few Years Of Your

Life Like Most People Won’t,

So That You Can Spend The

Rest Of Your Life Like

Most People Can’t.

                  -Unknown

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Like a Neighborhood Bank

(This is NOT a “pay-day” lending business).

Their primary focus will be Acquisition/Conversions of existing check cashing stores with good cash flow. They have an opportunity now with the rapid expansion in the size of their market along with the consolidation going on in their industry, to pick up good stores with strong cash flow.

 The type of candidate that is suitable for these types of opportunities will have a strong net worth ($500K+) and good liquidity (minimum of $100K+ in cash or cash-convertibles).  The company’s business focus will be primarily along the East Coast, the Midwest, and the Southwest (Texas).

This franchise is the closest thing to owning a neighborhood branch bank. We have a bank look and feel, and we offer a full menu of financial services to the "un-banked" or "under-banked" customer, typically a middle-income working family. Our services include check cashing, money orders, wire transfer, electronic bill payment, tax-preparation services, short-term loans, and a low to middle income mortgage program. We are located in attractive suburban strip centers close to the customer's home or work. The underlying business model is exceptional, providing good income and high return on investment. Our only inventory is cash, and we open and close our teller stations daily just like a bank. The business can be run with one to two people, and the owner can bring on a manager to run the store once the business is ramped up. We are doing acquisitions (for candidates who prefer an existing cash flow), new stores, and a "store in a store" kiosk concept that can go inside of an existing business (convenience store, grocery store, tax prep office, etc.). We offer single units, multiple units, and area development on a selective basis. Our typical candidate is an upper level corporate executive making a good income and with reasonably strong net worth, or an entrepreneur that is selling their business and looking to get into something else, or diversify into another business. The current economic climate is actually conducive to our business, and this presents an opportunity for candidates to open and build a successful business. This business operates like a branch bank for the ever -growing market of individuals that live “pay check to pay check” and depend on their services.

Cash Investment: $100,000.  Total Investment: $200,000 - $500,000+ depends on the acquisition.  Average # of Employees: 2.   Passive Ownership Allowed: Yes

If you would like additional information, or to discuss in further detail, please call or send me an email with phone number and a good day(s) / time(s) for me to call you.

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Would this scenario be of interest and value to you… a process where you receive assistance to help you better identify your goals, financial requirements, lifestyle needs and what you would like for your work-life to look like; then provided information on self-employment options and guidance on exploring these opportunities within the confines of a safe and no-obligation environment. 

 

Remember, a window of opportunity won’t open itself!

If you are ready, let’s discuss a methodical approach (not a one-time event) and an informative journey through the exploration / discovery process. 

 

Are you in career transition, or contemplating making a change?  Would you like a "sounding-board"?  As a former Human Resources executive and now a Franchise Coach / Consultant, I have over three (3) decades of assisting folks with career transition.  Plus, I have personally walked down that path a couple times myself.  If you would like to visit about career transition in general, entering self-employment via a franchise or business opportunity and / or UT sports, please call me at your convenience… 210-479-2491, or if outside San Antonio, 888-479-2491.  Or shoot me an email with your phone number and a good day(s) / time(s) to call you.  I will gladly provide complimentary advice and counsel. And, remember, I'm a coach, not a sales person.

Have a job you don’t like?  Seek other employment:  I call that “Changing Your Curtains”.  Perhaps, you prefer a bolder approach which may provide a new and invigorating work-life:  I refer to that as “Changing Your View”.  In 2001, I decided to “Change My View”.  If you are ready… Let’s Talk.  I can help you “Change Your View” too…

Don't Just Change Your Curtains... Change Your View. I Did. My Story 

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Looking for Texas Hill Country Property

Cabin, storage building, workshop, ponds, water well, and septic on 166 acres.

30 miles northwest of San Antonio / 9 miles southeast of Bandera. 

http://listings.texas-landman.com/texas-landman/pipe-creek-ranch  

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If you are seeking top-quality financial / investment advice, I highly recommend

Teamwork Financial Group and Doug Moe...Texas Ex.

Doug is the CEO of Teamwork Financial Group in San Antonio.  He is an attorney and CPA.  He has provided valuable insight to me and my wife regarding investment / financial advice, including guidance on having a Will vs. Revocable Living Trust, re-balancing our investment portfolio, as well as assisting us move a portion of our IRA investments into Fixed Asset Annuities.  Over the past several months, I have had a number of very enjoyable meetings with Doug, since we have a tendency to spend time talking sports, as well as financial / investment stuff. Doug played basketball at UT in the 80s and is the son of Doug Moe, the former coach of the San Antonio Spurs. And, a great guy.

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Do You Need Furniture Repaired...

If so and in the San Antonio area, CALL Pat Bonney...Texas Ex... Owner of a Guardsman Furniture Pro. franchise...The Most Trusted Name in Furniture Repair. Pat was on the UT baseball team in the early 70s.  I have used Pat's service multiple times for a variety of furniture repairs in my business and home.  Great guy and fantastic service.    210-849-9663   Email: gfpsa@sbcglobal.net

  

2017 newsletters; as well as copies of 2016 and 2015 newsletters can be viewed by going to the Franchise Quest Website.  

Click on the Website link below, or go to:

www.franchise-quest.com 

Resource Center > Newsletter

  

Small / medium size business owners:

Would you like to grow your business by franchising.

 

$1,000 Referral Bonus $1,000

 

Additional Information Is Available at Franchise Quest

 

If you would like to visit, please don’t be shy about reaching out:

I’m a coach, not a sales person.

 

Hook 'em. 

[Dude65]

Hey Larry, any info you can share on up and comer Burgerim? I had a meeting with the Texas franchise director and it went well and really love their concept. I am at a crossroads now trying to determine if this is gonna be a good choice. 

I have a good franchise atty on retainer to review the FDD so I will be getting some feedback soon on that. 

Would like to get your opinion if you have one on this. TIA, Dude

[OrangeLarry]

Dude, glad to know you are exploring franchise / business ownership.  Also, using a "franchise" attorney is imperative.

Please call me at your convenience.  888-479-2491.

Thanks.

Hook 'em