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“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. November 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. Study: 71 Percent Of Employees Are Looking For New Positions By Gene Marks Washington Post The vast majority of 17,000 U.S. workers in 19 industries who participated in a survey conducted by the nonprofit group Mental Health America and the Faas Foundation said they are unhappy with their jobs. They are so unhappy that 71 percent also said that they are looking to change employers. So what gives? Two big reasons are cited, according to this report in The Ladders. Employers, the study found, are not giving the recognition that most employees want. Forty-five percent of respondents said they “rarely or never” get the money they deserve and 44 percent believe that they are “always or often” overlooked. Sixty-four percent say their supervisors don’t give them enough support and a majority of the participants are resentful of their co-workers. So much for teamwork. The study also shows that most employees are just plain stressed out. Almost two-thirds of those who responded believe that their job is having “a significant impact on their mental and behavioral health,” and 63 percent said that they have “always, often or sometimes” taken part “in unhealthy behaviors such as drinking or crying regularly.” All of these job stresses – brought on by unreasonable employer demands and excessive responsibilities – are cited as potential reasons approximately 120,000 workplace deaths occur annually, according to researchers at both Harvard and Stanford universities. Too much stress in the work environment may also be contributing to increased absenteeism as well as mental and behavioral problems. “We know that employees who are over stressed and under-supported can significantly impact the people around them and a company’s success,” Paul Gionfriddo, president and chief executive of Mental Health America, told The Ladders. Will changing jobs fix these problems for an employee, when so many already seem unhappy? That’s up for debate. ******************************************************************************************************************** Today, many people dread going to work. It is estimated that as many as 80% of the working population is dissatisfied with their jobs…and 71% are looking for another job. For these folks, going to work is a chore. Did you know the average person will spend over 90,000 hours at work over their lifetime? Wow, that’s a long time to be unhappy. If you are going to quit, for heaven’s sake, don’t go to work for another pathetic firm. Do something wild: Kiss your boss goodbye and become self-employed… start your own business; or buy a business, franchise or business opportunity. If you have had enough, become your own boss. The money you have made for others now shifts to yourself. Whether you are an engineer, a programmer, a salesman, a teacher, an accountant, a whatever, start today planning your escape from corporate prison. Do you really want another JOB…or, do you prefer an improved lifestyle? Can you continue to do what you are doing now, at the same intensity that you are doing it, for the next 10, 20, or 30 years? Do you really want to? Does Your Life In Corporate America Seem Like You Are Standing On The Ledge? Today, many people would answer “Yes” to that question. 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? Dislike your corporate job, but don’t know how to find your real niche in life? Presently have a demanding JOB, but prefer to have a LIFE? Desire is to own your business…with more flexibility, financial success and independence? Fed up with your job…ready to be your own boss? “Burned-out” from corporate America? Prepared to take “real” control of the future for you and your family? Eager to infuse excitement back into your work-life? Content with your present job, but don’t have a back-up plan if the unthinkable happens? Ready to change the future by controlling your destiny, rather than having it dictated by someone else? Blake Mallen, a very successful entrepreneur, once told me, “The moment you stop doing what you think you are supposed to do, and start doing what you were meant to do, is when the script ends and life begins”. Is it time for you to break from the script and go after a life that offers you greater flexibility, freedom and independence? Studies show that 82% of Americans say they would like to own their own business. But, only 5% will ever realize this dream. Perhaps that can be best explained by a quote from Brian Tracey. Mr. Tracey has said, “A thousand dreams die unborn every day because the dreamer lacks the courage to take the first step”. Please allow me to describe a common scenario…You are ready for a career change-you get the urge to tell your boss what she / he can do with the latest company policy. The reality of corporate life is becoming more painful …job security is an illusion…your work-life and income is being dictated by someone else…your employer isn’t investing in your future. Now, your brain is on a mental trampoline and you exclaim, “Well, why don’t I invest in myself?” Then, your mind begins to race back and forth between the known reality of the uncertain life in corporate America, and the unknown aspects of how you can get independence through business ownership. Do you have a dream to be self-employed…to own you own business? Does this dream inspire you, energize you, and stir your inner drive to do everything you can to achieve it? Perhaps the most important question is, “How will you achieve your dream”? The answer to this question is imperative because “it is the reason” most people never realize their dream. Too often franchise business owner "wannabes" simply lose their focus and drift away. These people who really want to own a business don’t ever get to enjoy this wonderful experience because they allow the "FUD (Fear, Uncertainty & Doubt) Factor" to grow, fester and steal their dream. They have no guidance or strategy in place, no knowledge of what is needed and must be sometimes sacrificed to have the dream come true. Most people have no idea how to achieve their dream of becoming a business owner. They don’t know what type of business is right for them, where or how to start the process. So, most people simply get overwhelmed with fear, uncertainty and doubt. And, when people are unsure as to what, how, and when, they STOP. The paragraph above could have described me in 2001. From an early age, I always wanted to be self-employed, but after spending 25 years in corporate Human Resources roles, I had no idea how to achieve my dream. I possessed a belief that there was a business that would provide a better lifestyle for me…out there somewhere. But, I didn’t know how to get from here (corporate employment) to there (The Dream). I was feeling over-whelmed and fearful. But, I didn’t stop. Instead, I obtained the services of a franchise consultant who guided me through the process. And, as is often said, “the rest is history…” Owning a business opportunity (“biz-op”) or a franchise may be the right solution for you too. It is the opportunity to be in business for yourself, but not by yourself. Franchises have a much greater success rate compared to independent new businesses. Contrary to non-franchised businesses, they offer a successful concept and an effective business model with a stable track record; you don’t have to “reinvent the wheel.” They provide complete business operating systems, access to the franchisor’s expertise, training, name recognition, tested sales, marketing systems, operation simplicity, and continual support. Additionally, the benefits of networking with other successful franchisees are invaluable. Franchises are everywhere today. Financial experts believe franchising is the “wave of the future.” Within 10 years, franchises could comprise over 50% of the retail and service sectors. This expectation is based on the underlying concept-Franchises offer aspiring business owners the greatest success potential, with the least amount of risk. Franchises present countless opportunities for successful ownership and financial independence. In U.S. and world economies, franchising is creating greater avenues for wealth accumulation among both franchisees and franchisors. As existing franchise systems become more successful, new franchises will be developed and introduced to the market. In today’s market, thousands of franchise opportunities are available - just about everything from advertising to maid services to weight control. The franchisor knows the business, so industry experience is not required. Franchisors seek franchisees possessing customer service, business and management skills. Franchises have proven to be an effective vehicle for successfully transitioning into a new industry and self-employment with an improved quality of life, while becoming the master of your own destiny. ******************************************************************************************************************** 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 ******************************************************************************************************************** San Antonio Express-News, 10-23-17. On a recent edition of TV game show “Divided” on cable’s GSN, contestants were asked what they believe more people in America today couldn’t possibly live without – Sex, Cell Phones, UT Sports, or Coffee. The Correct Answer was Coffee – a surprise to the quartet playing, who chose cellphones. [Actually, UT Sports was not on the game show’s list. I stuck it in there to keep you reading. I suspect there are several, if not most, on this site who believe Sex and UT Sports should be tied for the correct answer]. ********************************************************************************************************************* My favorite coffee concept... It is a business opportunity, so allows much more operational flexibility than a franchise… and does not impose restrictions on how the business should be run. 1) Far less expensive than all other coffee franchises 2) No royalties 3) No restrictions on how the business is run 4) Café owners set their hours of operation/days open 5) Ability to grow the business through co-branding Attractive leasing package available to qualified candidates for the furniture, fixtures & equipment package. This can cover up to 75% of the initial investment. Ideal business for candidates looking for semi-absentee and a lifestyle change or who want a simple (and cool) food business with a reasonable investment entry point. A designated meeting space is often built into our Cafés to allow our owners to market to civic groups, networking groups, etc. and become an integral part of the community We are coffee business specialists offering a complete, turnkey package to assist our owners in opening their own Cafe. We are not a franchise, do not charge royalties and do not impose restrictions how the business should be run. Hard Bean Cafe's offer a warm and inviting atmosphere and offer specialty coffees, teas, blended drinks and light fare for breakfast and lunch. The typical Cafe size is 1200 to 1600 square feet, with seating for approximately 40 customers. Our Cafe's include a meeting room available for church groups, networking groups, etc. and quickly become the local gathering place in their community. Features of business Semi-absentee or owner-operated No royalties Low start-up costs Repeat, loyal customers Set your own hours of operation On-going operational support from vendors Co-branding potential Recession resistant Buying Co-Op Cash Investment: $50,000 Total Investment: $139,500 + build-out and working capital Passive Ownership: 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. ********************************************************************************************************************* 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? Perhaps you are in career transition and have always dreamed about being self-employed? 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 ********************************************************************************* 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 ********************************************************************************* 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. ********************************************************************************* 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. Larry S. Powell Franchise Quest 210-479-2491 Outside San Antonio: 888-479-2491 franchisequest@sbcglobal.net Skype: franchisequest