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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. April 2019 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. Is a Big Brand Name Important When Buying A Franchise? By Dan Brunell I am often asked if joining a franchise system with a well-known brand name is better than pursuing an up and coming concept. The answer is of course, maybe and maybe not. A well-developed brand can help bring customers to your new business and shorten your journey to the cash flow breakeven point. However, they can also be hard to come by for first time franchisees. Most “tier one” brand names i.e., McDonalds, are no longer attainable for the average aspiring business owner. Most franchise opportunities are based on having a protected territory for each individual operating unit. This means that there are a finite number of units to be awarded to franchisees. So, as there is less of a commodity, its value increases. As a franchise grows and builds on its success, often the bar is raised regarding financial and experience qualifications. This is why the majority of the units of the most recognizable food franchises are owned by large restaurant groups. They have the experience, human resources and financial wherewithal to launch and manage these mega concepts. Additionally, the very reason that people become aware of a particular brand in a market is because someone has purchased the franchise rights in that geography and has developed the brand identity locally. Unless you are watching the Super Bowl or some other big national event, most TV and radio advertising is local in nature, so people in a given market will only see or hear commercials for a specific franchise brand if there are already franchisees in that market. This can mean that the most desirable territory is no longer available by the time a concept has strong brand identity in a market area. McDonald’s was once a local shop in San Bernardino, California, as was Taco Bell. These giants, like all companies, started off with an unknown brand. The key to the success of a franchise lies not only in having a good product or service, but in having a proven system for doing business that can be replicated. A big part of that system for doing business is having solid sales and marketing programs to build a brand name in your market. Typically as a franchisee, you will be contractually obligated to spend between 2% and 4% of your revenue on brand building whether the company you choose is a household name or a new comer, so don’t plan on saving money on advertising if you go with an established brand. Despite the common misconception that the value of a franchise is linked to its existing brand recognition, the real value in a franchise is in the business model. A business model is simply a way to make money. That is what you are buying when investing in a franchise. For example, the value of paying someone $40k to teach you how to make $100k every year is enormous. Every business goes through a trial and error phase to determine how to operate most efficiently. This is why most businesses fail - they simply run out of money while perfecting their business model. While there is nothing wrong with buying into a household brand name, it is by far not the most important element. Most of the franchise brands that thrive in your local market were thriving somewhere else before anyone in your town ever heard of them. If a franchise has perfected their model, with a good operator it will work anywhere that has the appropriate demographics to support it. So it does not matter if you have never heard of a franchise before. What matters is whether or not it has been proven to work in other markets similar to your own. Often a newer concept will be the best choice for a prospective franchisee. Investing in a franchise is often like investing in a stock, in that it is better to get in on the way up. You may be able to build substantial equity in your business by getting in early on a future mega brand. Also, you can find a company that has a great stake in your success and will bend over backward to help you. This is what franchising is all about. When both the franchisor and the franchisee are in direct alignment on their goals, the best results follow. Unfortunately, this symbiosis sometimes erodes when one party is a multinational corporation and the other is a little guy starting a new business. Instead of selecting a business that is simply familiar, look for one that you will really enjoy. Owning your own business should allow you to earn a living on your own terms. If possible, why shouldn’t you have your cake and eat it too? By identifying what kind of hours you would like to work, what environment you’d like to be in and who you wish to have as customers, you can go out and find a business to support those goals. There are many more up and coming brands than there are mature ones, so you will have a much wider array of options and a better chance at finding something you love. Get help from a competent franchise consultant who knows the marketplace. It will be cost free and painless and they can show you interesting options that are not plastered across every franchise search portal. Since territory availability is so critical, with a younger concept you will have a much better chance at getting the territory you want. Some people genuinely do not mind commuting, but it is great to have your business close to where you live. If you have little or no commute time to deal with every day, you can spend more time earning money or enjoying the fruits of your efforts. Think about how many hours you spend commuting each week and place a value on that time. Could those hours be better spent? The answer for most people is yes. With a new concept you may be able to meet an underserved need in the marketplace. This is always a good thing for a business, but don’t be afraid of competition. Yes, there is a point when a market is saturated with a particular product or service, but this determination needs to be made carefully. Most franchise companies will look at a market area and determine that if all of their competitors are there, then they should be too. To most businesses, competition is proof that there is a market for a product or service in that area. Often, newer concepts have learned from the mistakes of the first movers and have a much better service model. They are typically more agile and can respond to market needs more readily too. When looking at an up and coming franchise, it is important to look for franchising experience among the members of the management team. They may be a young company, but if the leadership is very experienced in franchising you can feel a little more comfortable being in the beta phase of development. If possible, try to find a company that has at least twenty units and 3 to 5 years of operating success. These minimum criteria can help you determine if a concept is going to have legs in your area too. Whether a big brand name or an up and comer is right for you depends on your unique situation, but either way, finding a solid business model should be your primary objective. Go confidently in the direction of your dream. Live the life you have imagined. -Henry David Thoreau- Entrepreneur Defined… If this describes you or who you want to become, then take the next step. An entrepreneur is a person who will see the embryonic seeds of an opportunity well in advance of others. Others will eventually only see a lost opportunity. An entrepreneur will see risk as an opportunity. Others will see opportunity as a risk. An entrepreneur will look forward to the challenges and hard work that an opportunity will bring. Others will only see an uphill struggle. An entrepreneur will continue to work at that opportunity irrespective of set-backs, make mistakes, pick themselves up and learn from their mistakes. Others will give up the fight when the going gets tough. An entrepreneur will work outside of the normal business framework in order to feel free and unrestricted whilst others will have a need to build an even stronger framework in order just to feel safe. When the opportunity is finally realized, an entrepreneur will not say 'I told you so'. An entrepreneur will say to themselves not others, 'I knew I could do it'. Others will say, 'I wish I had done that'. 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 ********************************************************************************************* Home Modifications…Senior (Aging-in-Place) Executive model construction business specializing in residential/commercial handyman projects and home modifications for the senior, (aging in place), and disabled market. We can finish a homeowners to do list and/or help with handicap accessibility by installing a grab bar, widen a doorway, add a wheelchair ramp or remodel a bathroom. The model drives profitability by using a combination of specialized employees and contractors with a dedicated scheduling center that also eliminates the need for an office manager/dispatcher. Our Home Modification Program taps into the booming “Aging- in - Place” market. Program focus is on home modification and specialized equipment for seniors and disabled. Features of the Business • Recognized in 2014, 2015 Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500. • 2015 INC Magazine recognized as top 500 Business. • Online customized business management software. Software allows entire business management from CRM to Key Performing Indicators. • Company personnel have extensive experience launching, supporting, and growing construction businesses. • Strong earnings claim – Item 19 is in the FDD. • Focus on home modifications and specialized equipment for senior and disabled market through established local and national referral sources. This is HUGE! • Executive model, no handyman / construction experience necessary. • Scheduling Center fields calls and books appointments on behalf of franchisee. This also alleviates the cost of office manager or dispatcher. • Business model utilizes combination of specialized employees and skilled contractors. Provides wider spectrum of services to clients. No job too big or small. • Proven technician recruitment and retention program. • Low cost of entry – Under $100,000. • Franchise Marketing Assistance. • Accounting support. • National initiative in place to help secure retail and property management accounts for franchisees. Already doing business with Starbucks, McDonalds and several other national retailers on the local level. Desired Background of Prospects and Ideal Candidate • Good Networkers. Willing to get out in the community and develop referral sources. • Leaders. Good management experience desired. Outgoing and personable. • Coachable, team player. • Good with employees, recruiting, retaining, motivating. • Willing to follow a proven business system. • P&L experience a plus. Computer skills a must. Investment: $70,640-$128,643 If you are interested in discussing and learning more about this opportunity, 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. ********************************************************************************************* 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… 219-479-2491, 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. I am a coach / consultant for those who desire to explore and LEARN about franchise and business opportunities…I do not sell or broker franchise / business opportunities. 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 supportive, educational and no-obligation environment? 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… ******************************************************************************************** I highly recommend: If you are seeking top-quality financial / investment advice... 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 ******************************************************************************************** Don't Just Change Your Curtains... Change Your View. I Did. My Story 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. Larry S. Powell Registered Franchise Consultant Certified Franchise Consultant CLICK HERE For Complete Contact Details And To View My Video Business Card. Franchise Quest...Turning Your Dream Into Reality San Antonio, TX 78248 210-479-2491 Direct Line-San Antonio 888-479-2491 Direct Line-Outside San Antonio Email: franchisequest@sbcglobal.net Hook 'em

“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. March 2017 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- Do You Think About What Your Work-life and Personal-life Could be Like? If There Is A Business That Will Give You What You Want… ...Is It Worth Looking For? Most people will answer "yes" to that question. So, why do so many who say they want to be self-employed and own their own business give up on achieving their dream? There are a number of reasons. One primary one...often business owner "wannabes" simply lose their focus and drift away. They may blame it on the economy, their friends, or other external reasons. Simply stated, they hit a speed bump called “uncertainty and anxiety†(Fear) and then let their dream slip away. “Fear†= False evidence appearing to be real… Buying a business is a serious decision. No one makes a major decision without getting a little nervous, or having some anxiety. It happened to me! The process of buying a business can be extremely exhilarating and simultaneously can be a time of high anxiety…this is normal. How do I know? Because I have already made the “quest†and experienced the “anxiety†that is a normal part of the process of buying a business. Prior to buying my home repair / remodeling franchise in 2001, my anxiety and fear had me ready to quit the quest and give up on my dream about 3-4 times. During those times when I was ready to give in to my anxiety, I would see an article or quote in the newspaper, magazine, or on a bill board referencing risk…opportunity…achieving your dream, etc. Fortunately each time it would provide me the impetus to continue my quest, move beyond my fear and refocus on my dream. As they say….â€The rest is historyâ€. Even when you get nervous, you can still make a good decision. You have done it many times in your life already. Doing solid, serious research and utilizing good advisors will lead you to a sound decision. Look at all the successful franchisees around your city / town. They made good decisions, and were probably nervous at some point, perhaps at several points during the process. But they didn't let their anxiety rob them of their dreams! If you gather the right information, and are honest about your abilities, you will make a smart, informed decision for yourself...despite the stomach butterflies. Personally, I love “motivational†quotes. I collect them and have about fifteen framed and hanging in my office. Below are a few that I have recently seen and really like: Expect to get nervous. Don’t let anxiety steal your dream. Optimism-The faith that leads to achievement. Take Risks-Don’t be afraid to go on a limb. That’s where the fruit is. Opportunity-You’ll always miss 100% of the shots you don’t take. What you get from an endeavor will be directly proportional to what you give to the endeavor. No risk = No reward. Today I will do what others won’t, so tomorrow I can accomplish what others can’t. Success is not for the timid. It is for those who seek guidance, make decisions, and take decisive action. A year from now, you may wish you had started today. Sometimes in the winds of change we find our true direction. Take Action-You cannot discover new oceans, unless you have the courage to lose sight of the shore. There is a book written by John Ortberg, If you want to walk on water, you’ve got to get out of the boat. The “boat†is what you hang on to, or whatever represents safety and security to you and that which pulls you away from the high adventure you actually seek. For many, moving towards the dream of being a business owner is simply letting go of the boat we call “corporate Americaâ€. What it really entails is going after what you were made to do, leaving the illusory lifeboat behind and setting sail for uncharted waters. It is always easier and less frightening to keep sitting on the sideline and watching opportunity pass you by, rather than taking careful, but positive steps towards the dream…the independence, freedom, and improved work-life which is enjoyed by many business owners. So, expect to get nervous. Deal with it. Don't let your nerves and fear prevent you from achieving the lifestyle you deserve. When I started the company I was 52 years old. I had diabetes, lost my gall bladder and most of my thyroid gland. But I was convinced that the best was ahead of me. -Ray Kroc, founder of McDonalds- 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? So, 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. Don't Settle. Get What You Want. If You Don't Pursue Your Dream, You Will End Up Working For Someone Who Did! This is what I do… My role is to challenge your thinking which may enable you to chart a new path to greater freedom, independence and personal fulfillment. So, if you are ready to leave your comfort zone and explore business ownership options, let’s talk. I provide professional consulting and coaching to those who wish to invest in a franchise / business opportunity, and would like a fresh perspective. My services are at no cost to you and will provide you information to help you better understand your franchising / business opportunity options. My free, no-obligation services can assist you: To determine if self-employment / business ownership is the right career / personal option for you, Find quality opportunities that are not widely advertised….the right franchise / business opportunity for you, may be one that you have never heard of and wouldn’t even guess, Gain access to an extensive inventory of franchise, business opportunities [biz ops], and low-cost-of entry home-based businesses, Avoid costly and / or time consuming mistakes, Identify options that best fit your goals, lifestyle and business objectives, Understand how you can use you 401K or IRA funds tax deferred and penalty / interest free to fund a business start-up. Never Let The Fear Of Striking Out Get In Your Way. -Babe Ruth ********************************************************************************************************************* 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. 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 supportive, educational and no-obligation environment? Have a job you don’t like? Seek other employment…I call that “Changing Your Curtainsâ€. Perhaps, you prefer a bolder approach which may provide a new and invigorating work-life…I refer to that as “Changing Your Viewâ€. In 2001, I decided to “Change My Viewâ€. If you are ready…Let’s Talk. I can help you “Change Your View†too… ********************************************************************************************* Looking for Texas Hill Country Property… House, storage building, workshop, ponds, water well, and septic on 165 acres. 30 miles northwest of San Antonio / 9 miles southeast of Bandera. ******************************************************************************************** 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 â€Will†vs. “Revocable Living Trustâ€, 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 ********************************************************************************************* Home Repair and Remodeling Franchise... One of the hottest new home service franchise opportunities in the U.S. Provides the opportunity to customize your business from basic home repair to full-scale remodeling. Primary focus is on area development franchise options for the San Antonio, Austin, Dallas, Ft. Worth and Houston, Texas markets. Single unit franchise territories are also available for the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. Home-based with minimal investment, fewer operating restrictions and on-going costs. Investment: $58,000 - $120,000…single unit. ********************************************************************************************* Small / medium size business owners: Would you like to grow your business by franchising. Don't Just Change Your Curtains... Change Your View. I Did. My Story 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. To receive free and no-obligation monthly newsletter, which contains articles with general information self-employment, career transition, business ownership… more specific information on franchise and business opportunity (“Biz-opsâ€) options; as well as interesting concepts, or special deals, complete and submit Subscription Form February Newsletter is available for viewing by clicking on the link below: FranchiseQuestLibraryFebruary2017.pdf From the NFL Locker Room to the Boardroom Note: This month's newsletter; 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: http://www.franchise-quest.com Resource Center > Newsletter $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